With so much to do before Christmas, I love when we have a snow day to slow things down a little bit! Although our "snow delay" was last week, it was so fun to have a slower paced morning and be back at school by afternoon. The kids are a constant reminder to me to enjoy more of what is going on around and not be so task oriented at this time of year. Speaking of task oriented, I made 26+ of the graham-cracker houses pictured above for Megan's Jan Brett winter party. As I was mentally beating myself up for being so insane and agreeing to do this, I thought of all the things that I take upon myself at Christmas just because I think I have to and/or because I did it for the older kids . . .
For example, Nate and I thought letting the kids pick out an ornament for the tree each year was a wonderful tradition to start. Now times that by four and trying to get to the mall (on a school night)frazzled and $50 later, we were questioning that idea. Once we were home, the kids were showered and were so happy to put their special ornament on the tree which they proudly display when people come over, I realized that is why we do it. Today, when I attended Megan's party and watched the kids have so much fun decorating houses, big frosting-and-candy smiles on their faces and getting their picture taken with their works of art, I remembered why I lost a few hours of sleep to get the party ready. I think of all the silly things I try to do to make more work for myself at Christmastime and I am reminded that our love grows for those whom we serve. I love you, family! Thanks for letting me serve you!
Amanda stayed home with grandma and grandpa due to an obligation to her social life (two parties to attend) and I left Bradley for the first time overnight! He did great with grandma and grandpa and didn't seem to miss us at all! It was nice--I may have to do it again some time. 
