December is always quite a busy month for everyone with Christmas preparations, but it is always joyous. This year, it was particularly meaningful because the LDS Church published a service oriented advent Christmas calendar called, "Light the World," to help individuals remember Christ each day. Each day there were simple service acts, such as donate clothing, or food or be kind to someone. As a family we followed the advent calendar and decided to focus on serving one member of the family each week secretly. Doing this service brought such a sweet spirit into our home. Also during the December month, we attended Christmas school programs and Mike's parents and brothers came to visit for a few days. It snowed on Christmas Eve--what could be better than that? The kids sledded and frolicked to their hearts content, opened their pajamas from Grandma and Grandpa Kessel, acted out the Nativity Story, slept all together in the family room and woke up too early Christmas morning. Mike left for work after the gifts were opened, the kids went off to play with all their new treasures and I went back to bed! It was grand! I attached some pictures below from the last month. Hope you enjoy them:
I've instituted a rotating after dinner kitchen cleanup assignment sheet and it is working beautifully. The kids don't whine (as much) because they know what is expected after we finish eating. Here the boys are working together to wash the dishes. We have some of the most enjoyable times together doing chores--we also have some of the worst times together doing it, it just depends on everyone's mood!
Emily drew Mike's name the first week to do secret service to. She drew a picture depicting him and her together and placed it on his nightstand. Gotta love the little spikey hairs on top of Mike's head.
The week Caleb drew Jake's name, he made Jake's bed and left kind notes.
Emily tormenting Chewbacca. He is so endlessly patient.
He also loves his ball.
One school morning, the young men in our church group and their church leaders had planned an early morning temple trip. They were to leave at 4:30 A.M. Yes, that's right, 4:30! This way they could get back in plenty of time to go school. Caleb carefully laid out all that he needed, placed his shoes, tie and temple cards (in the sack) by the front door the previous night. Unfortunately, he slept right through his wristwatch alarm and woke up too late to go. He was devastated. He learned a powerful lesson about listening to promptings. He told me that as he crawled into bed the night before he had the thought, "Set your alarm clock, you might sleep through your watch alarm." But he dismissed the thought and went to sleep. Even though he didn't make it to the temple, and I know the disappointment still lingers with him, I am so proud of this young man and the righteous choices he continues to make in his life.
I keep attending the dog socialization class. Chewy is doing awesome! He acted pretty comfortably around all the other dogs. He doesn't interact with them, and continues to try to get all humans to pet him, but he hasn't growled at any of the four-legged creatures.
Jake, Michaela and Emily had a Christmas school program. Unfortunately, Jake and Michaela were too sick to go. I brought Emily and got to watch her perform "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer."
We also attended Caleb's Orchestra Christmas concert. He continues to work hard and improve. He was asked to move from Beginning Orchestra to Intermediate Orchestra next semester.
Caleb and his longtime friend, Boyd. Boyd plays the cello.
Jake got well enough to be a part of his class Christmas play. He did wonderful--had all his lines memorized.
Christmas Eve Nativity Story: Emily and Jake were Mary and Joseph. Mike put a ball underneath Em's nightgown, too funny!
"Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy!"
Michaela was the beautiful angel.
Caleb, the wise man, acting out his joy upon hearing the news of Christ's birth.
Grandma Kessel bought these jammies at the beginning of 2016 because she got such a good deal. We predicted Caleb's size, but he grew right out of that size. He was bummed that he couldn't wear them for our annual Christmas Eve photo.
Christmas morning. Michaela's most wanted gift was a violin. Caleb was eager to help teach her.
I have asked for snowshoes for 14 years. Last year with all our health problems, I wondered if I would ever be able to go. This year, Mike surprised me and gave me a pair. Mike's health is good, my hip is all healed. I can't wait to go!
At cousin Suzanne's 11th birthday part at the arcade. Emily and Mike duke it out on "Street Fighter."
For Caleb's English class, he was required to plan and carry out a service project. He chose to take the family up Israel Canyon at the top of our subdivision and pick up trash. At first, there was a bit of complaining, but eventually everyone got to work and we had a great time.
Emily frequently climbs on Mike. During our last family night, this is how she chose to play "Clue."
Jake got braces! Today, we went for a palate expander check and came away with six braces. Jake has one top front tooth that grew behind his bottom teeth. The braces will pull it forward. After this he will get new x-rays to see if the top impacted molars have moved into the correct position.
Michaela called to be brought home early from school since she doesn't feel well. Right before turning onto our street, this is what we saw! What a special treat.
While waiting at the orthodontist, I received this from Slim, a.k.a."Caleb." Mom payday!
No comments:
Post a Comment