A Holiday Centerpiece

Last Saturday, Anna made a really cute holiday decoration while she was over at Miss Kristen and Miss Cindy's house.  She did such a great job with it that I decided to make it our dining table centerpiece.  Anna and Micaiah really enjoyed spending time with Miss Kristen and Miss Cindy and their 4 dogs.  Afterwards, they took such good naps that they didn't wake up until dinner time!!!

Thank you Miss Kristen and Miss Cindy!!!!

Together

Here we are at the Louisburg Cider Mill back in October.

We really enjoyed the day...especially the apple cider and cider donuts!!!

I know the timing of sharing this picture is about 2 months off, but I wanted to post it

because our annual trip to the cider mill is a family tradition.

A lot has changed since this picture.

Anna and I both have gotten our hair cut shorter.

Between homeschooling and working, these last 5 months have
been very challenging for me...and in many ways its been a great thing.

I could probably go into more detail, but I'd rather not go into all that right now.

So for now, here are a few of the kids' latest milestones:

Anna is counting to 50, identifying and drawing shapes, numbers, letters, colors, writing and sounding out words, learning bible verses, playing soccer with neighborhood friends, and taking Tae Kwon Do classes.  Also, we finished reading the first "Little House on the Prairie" book, so we're looking to start the second one soon.  She has really enjoyed reading the first book and would often talk about and ask questions from the stories throughout the day.  Anna will attempt to wear a skirt and/or a dress in winter!  I have learned that long-sleeve sweater dresses and leggings are a great solution to her fashion diva ideas.  Anna is excited for Christmas, but she is even more excited that her 5th birthday is coming in February. 

Micaiah is saying new words everyday, saying 2 and 3 word sentences, likes to color and fingerpaint,  plays with trucks and trains, and likes to watch football!!!!  When we are out shopping, if he sees a football game on a tv or sees someone dressed in a football uniform, he will yell, "FOOTBALL, FOOTBALL!!!!"  (so funny!!!)

I guess I don't have to tell you what our family likes to watch on Sunday afternoons!?!!

Check out this giveaway!

One of the blogs that I enjoy reading is: Storing Up Treasures.
The author is Courtney.

Courtney is featuring a fantastic giveaway!!!

It is a year membership to SmartyAnts (a supplemental reading program for preK-1st), 

an interactive pup, AND $100 Visa gift card sponsored by BlogHer.
The giveaway ends Dec 17th.

To read about and participate in this giveaway, click HERE.

Holiday Treats

One of our family holiday traditions is making gingerbread houses!!!
Last week we got together with our friends Ed, Molly, Dylan, and Megan to make these yummy treats.

This one was built by Anna and Mama.

This one was built by Micaiah and Papa.

I set them on the table to dry overnight...and...

...the next morning Micaiah was caught eating the roof off of one of the houses!!!

Another family holiday tradition that we are looking forward to doing this month is

driving around to look at Christmas lights and displays.

My favorite seasonal tradition is lounging around and watching movies with

the glow and warmth of a fire burning in the fireplace!!!

What is your favorite holiday tradition?