Our Elf "Chippy" was pretty naughty...he did lots of things but here is one of the girls favorite...turned the milk red and then helped himself to a glass with a gingerbread cookie!

Mmmmm.....preparing homemade bourbon balls!

Our precious little people outside church Christmas Eve!

We continue to enjoy time together during this wonderful Christmas sesason. Scott has taken two weeks off and we are just loving family time!! Its so nice to all be home together with no real schedule to follow :)

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Our little tree for our Jesse Advent Tree Ornaments (the kiddos loved this...if you haven't started this tradition I really reccomend it) There is a scripture and bible story for each day of advent and a coordinating ornament to hang symbolizing the story.

Our stockings make me smile :)

Chippy (our family Elf on a Shelf) he makes me really smile...our family has so much fun with him!!!!

My favorite scripture for this season of the year...even better I found this at our church bookstore and the proceeds go to missions.

 

My favorite craft project from this Christmas season...I had fun making this and the picture makes my heart so happy. Such joy!

                         

  Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they   rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

Really the first picture sums it up....we are so blessed. Truly blessed. Humbled by his love and grace. Thank you Jesus for my husband and children and that we are together and healthy this wonderful Christmas season. I have truly enjoyed spending the time off from school with the kiddos. We have had so much fun celebrating Advent. I love that the girls are at an age that they are really starting to understand the reason for the season. We delighted in participating in Operation Christmas Child, Project Warmth, and Helping Hands (in Turner which is my old school district I taught in ) It is very important to Scott and I that our kids grow up giving to those in need... All year long but especially during the Christmas season. We pray that you are enjoying your family and giving as you can. We love you.

Merry Christmas!!!

Scott, Sarah Mallory, Whitney and Bentley

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

 

We hosted a gingerbread house making playdate at our house on Monday! It was SO much fun! Years ago in Texas we started making Gingerbread houses with our dear friends the Bley's and we have continued every year since. It was so fun and super chaotic. The kids had a total blast and I think the moms enjoyed it to!!! We are blessed with some wonderful friends!!

The Lord has done great things for us! We are glad! Psalm 126:3

We are big Gorilla fans around here...if you know us you were already aware of that ;) Pitt State won the National title!!!!! Wooooo Hooooo! We are always proud to be Gorillas but this was awesome!! We went to a local watch party with friends...it was lots of fun! The girls came along and wore their Gorilla gear ( I love how Whit's shirt is hot pink with zebra print letters...you can totally tell she picked it) B was in his football shirt as well but he stayed home and played with Mimi and Grandma. My dad came and hung out for a bit and took Whit home at half time...she was done and ready to go home and play. Mal hung in the whole game!! And it was a good one!!! P S U!!!!!

I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord! Psalm 122:1



The girls both had their classroom Christmas parties last week! Whitney's class the mom's don't come but she has a great time! Whit and I went to Mal's party and we had a blast!! Mal has such a great class...love the teacher, love the kids, love the moms! :)



Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

A few more pics from Whitney's Christmas performance. They had cookies and punch afterwards with Santa (Mal visited him again...) I had to put up the above picture of Leo because it was SO funny....Adam has been teaching him to say "BOOM" and Stacey had suckers and at first Amy and Adam said Leo couldn't have one but he was sad and the girls had one so they said okay...Stacey went to hand it to him and he reached out to take it and said "BOOM" it was SO funny!!! Amy isn't quite as amused as I am....she much prefers the "Thank you" she had taught him. ahahahahah :) I am sure she will have that back in no time....

 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

Ready to go to her big show!

Very excited!!!

She was so sweet singing...we have it all on video ;)



Leo enjoyed the show with his B and Mal...this is all of them after :)

Whitney's preschool had a Christmas show....it was SO Cute! Her class sang three songs. They all had hand motions and one had sign language. She was so serious and did it all so nicely :) I LOVED watching her. It was funny because at home she is putting on shows nonstop dancing and singing all wild and then she got up there and was so serious :)  She said she was a little nervous.

Oh how I love this little girl!!!

           

       In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18  



Our little first grader had fun with Spirit day...it included crazy hair and backwards shirt..this little sweetie LOVES school, her teacher, her friends and especially READING! She warms my heart and makes my days so much fun!!! :)

 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1

The boys LOVE the Little People ramps that Grandma Terri got. They have been having lots of fun playing with them when they get together. I love how they are both looking at me like "ummm we are a little busy here" hahahah!!! I love these little men so much!!

 

 

 I will praise the name of God with song, And shall magnify Him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30



We have been busy doing quite a lot of crafting around here!! :) I love crafting with the kiddos and even more so when it is cold outside!! :) Even Leo came by and got in on some messy painting! I love getting messy with my kiddos!

The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him. Psalm 28:7

LOOK WHO IS ON THE MOVE??? (and with a cheez it) hahah :)

Whit paying for her presents (this reminded me of Kevin in Home Alone )

Mal at the wrapping station.

Whit at the wrapping station.

Mal and her Bff Charlie :)


A few weeks ago Mal's school had their annual Holiday Gift Mart. So super cute!! It's funny becaue I remember them having the same thing when I was in school. The kids get to go in and shop for their family by themselves. They have low priced gifts and they get little shopping baskets and then they have a few gift wrap station. There was a Santa :) Then in the other room while your kids are shopping they had vednors for the adults :) There were baked goods, jewelry, candles etc. Its a cute event and we had a great time! The girls are SO excited to give their gifts on Christmas morning!

Kansas LOVE!

Whit decorating her cookie :)



Leo enjoying his decorated cookie :)



My favorite little family!!!



My precious little people :)


A few weeks ago Bentley, Whitney and I headed out to meet Amy, Adam, and Leo for the Mission Christmas night. Scott was out of town and Mallory was at a Girl Scout Pajama Party. We had so much fun. It wasn't quite as cold as in years past. They had free popcorn and free sugar cookie decorating. They also had Santa ride in on a sleigh and then free photos with him (as you can see we didn't take advantage of that...hahahah) We had fun!! :)

KANSAS LOVE!!!



Dear Santa,

Mallory loves you and has seen 3 of your helpers this year. Bentley...well not so much. We had to sneak him onto your lap and he was not loving me for that move. And for the 3rd year in a row there is not even a picture of Whitney with you. We still love you and hope to find some surprises waiting for us on Christmas morning.

We promise to leave cookies ;)

Love,

Scott, Sarah, Mal, Whit, and B




Hard at work making her play dough!

 



Ready to get busy with her red peppermint scented dough (while mommy makes the green)

 



Add caption

 



She was very proud of her creation :)

 


Moved on to sugar cookie cut outs :)



Whitney and I love to work on projects together during the day :) She likes to help me think about what we are going to do and gather supplies. She is such a good helper :) The other day we made red play dough and made it peppermint scented then we made green play dough. In the afternoon we followed it up with sugar cookie cut outs :) We of course decorated them with lots of icing and sprinkles :) We hope you are enjoying December as much as we are! :)

Kansas LOVE!