Christmas Crafts!

Last week, because it was a cold and snowy week, I tried to fill our days with some Christmas cheer! The boys and I did a variety of crafts together from coloring and decorating some paper trees and stockings, to a gingerbread house, and a few others in between! It was the first time I've every really tried crafts with the boys and it was a lot of fun! Sam was definitely more into it, but Joel at least liked eating the edible ones! :) Hope you enjoy the pics of our activities!

You can see what I mean in this picture about Joel not

really being into it.

Our finished house! Yes, it was a kit...I am

no Martha Stewart!

Sam intently working on his marshmallow snowman.

Joel's finished snowman (minus the arms).

Our Christmas cookies....thanks to Pillsbury's pre-cut

Christmas tree cookies! I rolled out the extra dough and

cut circles to make ornament cookies. The boys really

loved it but thought they could eat EVERY one they decorated.

Our First Snow Day!

Well, today is our official "first snow day" in MD!! The boys think it is great! We went out to play in it a bit this morning and hope to again when Daddy gets home! Thanks to the generosity of family and friends and sales from last season, the boys were much more prepared than I for the snow...warm, waterproof coats, hats, gloves, and boots (thanks Granny...they love them!). Getting their gloves on was an adventure in and of itself! I finally just shoved them on Joel and said forget it with trying to get his thumb where it is supposed to go....he didn't seem to mind. Sam however, after several frustrating attempts on both our parts, was able to put his thumbs in and have some sort of ability to still use his hands. He REALLY wanted to make snowballs to throw! I wasn't much help with my cheap little sweater gloves. All in all, we had fun but hand to head back in doors sooner than later because it was really cold and the boys pants were getting wet. It hasn't really stopped snowing all day and it looks like about 2 inches have fallen so far! So beautiful! Hope you enjoy my snapshots of the boys! Love you all!

Trying to make snowballs without gloves...not a good idea!

Running in the snow with their boots on! Aren't they cute?!

Not sure what Joel is doing here, but he is just too cute

in all his snow gear! :)

Here you can see the gloves. He wasn't quite sure

how to go about making a snowball at first...it wasn't sticking

together very well.

The view from our back porch just a few minutes ago.

Oh, and I can't believe the date is wrong on my camera...never fails, I always

seem to mess it up when I'm in a hurry. Sorry.

A Piece of Home Came to Visit!

Last week I was blessed by a visit from my dear friend Holly and her sweet little boy, Judah! With two two-year-olds and a six month old in our midst, we didn't get to do a whole lot, but it was such a joy to have her here! It really felt like a piece of home came to visit...especially since she and her husband are living in and taking care of our house while we are away! She was such an encouragement to me and it was just great being together! I have missed her and all my friends back in Texas dearly! I wish you ALL could come visit!

Friday night, Holly's last night here, she and I were able to get out together and go to a local restraurant for dessert and just some good 'ole girl time! Rob was SO kind to watch all three boys and allow us this treat! Thanks Honey! :)

And Holly, thank you, for taking the time out to make the trip alone with Baby Judah! I'm sorry your stay wasn't more "exciting", but please know that you refreshed my spirit by being here! It was such fun seeing you be Judah's Mommy....he is so blessed to have you! I love you dear friend and thank the Lord for putting you in my life!

Beautiful Holly and her precious Baby Judah!

She and I before we braved the cold to go out for our "girl's night".
And I promise I am not as fat as that picture and sweater make me appear!...ugh!