Kids' Christmas Program

Wednesday, Nov. 28

Every year the 3yr olds-  Kindergarten kids dress up like people and animals who were in the manger when baby Jesus was born and sing. The older kids: 1st-5th grade perform songs as well but not in costume. This will be my first and last year to have all 4 kids in the performance so it was pretty bittersweet!

Will and Maggie's group was first and I couldn't get great shots. I moved to the other side of the church, but even there couldn't get Will at all b/c the angle and other kids blocking him. :(

I did a little better when Jake & Allie took their turns and paid attention to the screen. Jake was Joseph (!) and Allie an adorable little sheep. Such a cute night. We normally see this performance on a Sunday morning but this year they scheduled it on a Wednesday night and I liked it. 

 At one point Allie was looking back at Jake and he was waving at her but I couldn't get a pic. Then I had them pose afterwards (didn't think to do that with other 2 or all 4- I'm sure the costumes prompted me) and then we all headed home. It was a great night!

Joseph and my little lamb. Then they wanted to pray. Cuties. 

Fall Decor

As I take down my fall stuff and prepare for Christmas, I thought I'd write about it. This is the first time in years (possibly first living in this house...) that I've decorated for fall. I've had things in the attic and forget about them every year until it's too late. Well, this year I decided to make it happen! Finding tablecloths and  a few new items at Kirkland's gave me the little nudge I needed as well. :) I put up everything in mid-late September.

The table came together with a vinyl tablecloth from Aldi, chargers, plates, centerpiece and leaves (on napkins) from Dollar Tree and I already owned the napkins. Very happy to say I put together this tablescape for under $20!

Everything on the mantle I owned already except the leaf lights and harvest sign which came from Dollar Tree. I filled the jars years ago with, coffee beans, red filler, pinecones and acorns- we still lived in Bham that's how long I've had them!

The 'Blessed' box came from Kirkland's and really got my wheels turning and excited about decorating for fall. I bought it with the intentions of having it as my coffee table centerpiece and changing the decor with the seasons/holidays. First up, fall. I bought a box of filler with pumpkins, cotton, some pinecones and other little things from Kirkland's. All the leaves and flowers in the middle are from Dollar Tree. I added them to a mason jar I had on hand.

The pillows. Can I tell you how much I love these pillows? It's about time for me to update this space anyway- get some new everyday pillows- but I was happy to use these happy little fall pillows as stand-ins until I replace the others. Too cute. 

Loved this sign (above) from Kirkland's- already had pumpkin candle holder- and pumpkins below were too cute as well! I honestly could've grabbed so much more. I may love fall/harvest decorating as much/almost as much as Christmas!! So fun and cute.

I even made a wreath! I've wanted to make one of these for years and finally made myself sit down and learn how to do it. Pretty easy and all materials from Dollar Tree (in case I messed it up terribly I didn't want a big investment!) Happy fall y'all. Well... it's basically Christmas time now. 

Zoo Field Trip

Sometimes school happens at the zoo. And it's even better when you're with friends. :) Lindy invited Brenda & I, along with our kids to a field trip day. We agreed on the zoo and it turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day!

Haircuts

Long over-due as usual, the kids got some haircuts this weekend (Sat 3rd). Will had a birthday sleepover, so I ran the kids to my mom's house to trim all that hair!

Before

 And after. Maggie has bangs!

 Before. Gettin' scraggly

 After. Hopefully it will grow more evenly now

 Before

After. Jake needed it most. I can see my handsome boys face again!