Count your blessings!

As we prepare to celebrate another Christmas holiday with family and friends, I'm reminded to count our blessings in spite of the many challenges that we face personally or the sorrowful story of the little children in Newtown, Connecticut.  I pray, in these places, that the glory of God in Christ Jesus is revealed! He is good! Now let's celebrate the birth of the Son of God, who came into this world, not to condemn it but to save it!

Our advent calendar was a new exciting way to count the days till Christmas. Yes, it's a shoe organizer stuffed with chocolates or candy cane along with an activity for the day; either a Christmas craft, family outing, or an act of kindness.    

Another countdown activity for the boys was a Star Wars Lego advent.  They opened up each day to find a very small creation to build.

Past down from the Robinson family(my side), I gave the boys a 100 piece puzzle to work on over Christmas break.  Thinking it would take days to work on it here or there, Jonas decided to not leave the table until it was completed.  After 2 hours, he told me that it was too easy.  I guess I need to get a 1000 piece puzzle next time.

We have Elf on the Shelf, Willy, who leaves overnight to the North Pole and comes back by morning for the boys to find.  Our Elf isn't here just to report who is naughty or nice or threatening the kids to be good to receive presents.  He is here to remind us a few basic principles during this Christmas season: Love each other, speak nicely to each other, help each other in need, and remember that God loves us so much.

Christmas crafts and sweet treats have been a joy to do around the house, of course all of the ideas are from Pinterest.

Tin foil Christmas trees

 

Marshmallow Cheerio Christmas trees

Cheerio Candy Canes

Homemade Gingerbread Playdoh

Christmas cookie decorating party at Ginger's this year.  The boys loved to lick their fingers any time frosting got on them.

Christmas celebration with the Helton family at Grandmom's.

Our new cousin, Violet Evangeline.

Christmas carols in our living room with the 4 of us.

Day 4 on the bunny hill.  

Willy, the Elf being silly.

A herd of deer decided to greet us a few days ago.  

FINALLY it snowed! The boys have been wishing for snow and it finally came!

Denver Zoo lights with Jonas' best friend from school, Owen. It was 18 degrees so we bundled up and kept moving thru the display. It was magical for the boys this year!  We were in awe of how beautiful it was!

In early December, Matt and I were able to spend a weekend in Vail together. So romantic and relaxing!

It's beginning to look like a lot like Christmas...

Without snow, we are trying to make it look like Christmas at least. December 1st was the beginning of a few family Christmas traditions.  

Golden's Candlelight Walk downtown has been a highlight in our family for years now.  We meet up with friends and walk down the main street downtown of Golden singing carols.  At the end is hot cocoa and cookies(Jonas' favorite memory) and petting reindeer.

 Driving to Buffalo Creek to cut our Christmas tree has been such a fun tradition every year.  We always have to stop by the tent where Smokey the Bear greets us and take a photo.

 Then we are off on our hike in the forest for the perfect scraggly Christmas tree. This year, some friends came with us, the Speaks.  The boys and their friend, Loudon had quite an adventure.  They smashed dead trees, found shooters to hunt monsters, and found a manmade cave. What wild boys!

 We found our Charlie Brown tree. Timber!

Next stop was to Buffalo Creek's fire department where they served chili, hot cocoa, and homemade pies.  Of course, touring the fire trucks is always a big hit.

 Time to sit on Santa's lap.  Jonas' kept telling Silas,"This is not the real Santa, Silas." 

 I had to show you the first visit to Santa when Jonas was just 10 months old. Not a happy baby:)

 Family shot

 The kids were more excited about free candy canes than Santa.

 Back at the homestead, we immediately hung the outside lights before the sun went down. Jonas is always there to help dad.

 Even when he was 10 months old.  Daddy's little helper!  

Silas is always there to make everyone laugh.

 Jonas has always enjoyed the Christmas decorating.  

 The next day was outdoor chores before the snow comes. What?!! There's no snow in the forecast!  Yesterday was 68 degrees and warm.  The boys keep asking why it hasn't snowed yet. 

Silas can always enjoy a good time in the sand.

 Jonas finding the last few leaves on the trees.  I think he believes when every leave has fallen, winter will come.

 Mowing, fertilizing, watering the grass in December???

Matt grilling a....

 snowman pizza!  If it's not going to snow, I guess we have to come up with other activities that feel like winter.

 Candy Cane Blossoms for dessert! Yummy!

Pray for snow!!!