Christmas Morning

Merry Christmas 2013!! 

Christmas morning opening gifts and time with my family.  Molly's big gift this year was a doll house and Daniel's was a large train track.  Molly also got her first bike with tricycles! Our Christmas pictures didn't come out too clearly, but here are a few.

More than ever, I was reminded that the best Christmas gifts are those that can't be purchased. May you all be greatly blessed in the upcoming year and may we all be great blessings to others!

 

Milk and cookies for Santa

 All ready for bed.  

Time to lay out milk, chocolate chip cookies (they are Santa's favorite you know) and an apple for Rudolph.

 We read the Christmas Story and other Christmas children's books and sang some carols.  Then, we discussed that while Santa was bringing actual gifts tonight, the true gift of Christmas was God's sacrificial gift to us.  The life of His only Son, Jesus Christ.  There could be no greater gift than to lay down the life of your own child.  Thank you God for Christmas and for the gift of your Son.    

Family shot Christmas Eve 2013

Reindeer, playing in mud puddles, whats the difference!?

Every Christmas Eve, Bryon loads the kids up in the car and heads to Hammerton Zoo just before it closes, to catch one last glimpse at the reindeer before they embark with Santa on their Christmas Eve journey to deliver gifts to boys and girls around the world.  

This year, Grandpa Hoke was able to join Bryon and the kids at the zoo, which was a special treat.  For the first time since being in the UK, we spent Christmas with family!  What a blessing for us!!

Unfortunately, they got there just after it closed for the day, so they weren't able to see the reindeer. As you can see, that didn't stop Daniel from taking full advantage of the flooding in the parking lot.  No doubt they loved this more than viewing the reindeer.  

Merry Christmas Eve!!

Christmas Cookie Making

Mushrush Family Christmas Cookie Making!

Every year, we join in with families all around the world in making Christmas cookies!  We always begin with Grandma Mushrush's sugar cookies and then we have a selection of cookies that Bryon and I pick out.  The kids hear each option and pick the ones they like; one of the few things in our children's lives that is determined by democratic process. :)

 

 Usually, the mixing and dough making is done by Bryon.  This year, Molly was involved in every step.  Which, as you can imagine, was insanely exciting for her.

I think this is the first time she has used a mixer all by herself. (With parent supervision of course)

 Rolling out the dough.  

 

 Then comes selecting what shapes cookies we will be making and cutting out the cookies.  

  

Daniel decides it's time to quit playing with his cars and get in on the cookie making process.  We all know the story of the Little Red Hen.  Do the work, reap the benefits, aka, help make the cookies and get to sample the fresh hot cookies when they come out of the oven!

 

 This picture didn't come out well on the blog, but it's a great one of Daniel cutting out his star cookies.  

  

 Daddy putting the cookies in the oven.  House is starting to smell yummy!

  

Almost done, last bits of dough being rolled out and cut.

 

  

Cookies arranged and ready to bake/eat! 

 

 

Another successful year of cooking making.  Stay tuned for our cookie post Christmas 2014, from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas!

Children's Christmas Cantata at AIBC

Molly's second Children's Christmas Cantata with her children's group at Alconbury Independent Baptist Church in the UK.  This was quite a feat for her as she is very nervous being in front of large groups and singing with the older children.  

Can you guess which one is Molly?

Oh yes, the little girl down on the left, apart from everyone else in her green dress.  She managed to get that far up the stage and wouldn't take one more step.  She also wouldn't look into the audience or sing. 

Here is a video clip of one of their songs.  Special guest Daniel coming onto stage to encourage her to sing.  That didn't go over so well, haha!

 

This was one of those cute memories we will tell her about one day when she is an adult.  It's scary standing in front of so many people! We were so proud she gave it a good effort!!

Santa Train and Thomas at Nene Valley Railway, Final Year 2013

 

This is our third and final visit on Nene Valley Railway's Christmas Train.  This has been one of our most cherished family traditions since living in the UK. We rode in 1st class this year and took the early morning train so we had our car almost to ourselves.  We enjoyed the experience this year more than ever. 

 

 

 

 

Making Homemade Cinnamon Christmas Ornaments

 I found this simple recipe to make homemade cinnamon Christmas ornaments.  So, one afternoon, the kids and I whipped a batch up!

 You use a whole bottle of cinnamon and a few other ingredients and make a dough.  Then you can cut out whatever shapes you want.   

 You punch a hole where you want to tie the string.  Then set the ornaments out to dry for a couple of days.

Voila!  Beautiful ornaments.  We hung on our tree and it made the whole room smell great!  Great family activity to repeat every year.