Birthday Party for Jesus

It's that time of year again!  Time to celebrate the birth of Jesus!  We almost didn't do it this year because things get so crazy and busy this time of year....but then thought...we can't not do it.  He is the reason for the season after all! Plus everything is easier and more fun when you have a friend or two to help out :).

 

With my friend Angela Jost's help we came up with a theme and tried to keep it low key and fun. I had picked up a tree cake pan at a garage sale so we decided to go with a tree theme this year. 

  

  

We decorated the tree with some m&m's for ornaments that each had special meaning...

  

 

 

 

  

 

Then we read the The Tale of  Three Trees with a puppet show full of fun props. 

  

 

The kids got a cross to take home to remind them of the story and God's love for each and everyone of us.

 

 For a craft we painted tree ornaments....

   

 

 

My friend Malinda came up with an idea for our gifts this year.  The kids brought gifts of diapers, wipes, toys, etc. for a young mother of a newborn baby boy in need of a little extra help.  Of course I forgot to talk about that with the kids at the birthday party...but what's a party without a hitch or two. :)

I told a friend that "I just hope we get the message across when we do these parties."  And she reminded me that just throwing it is enough.  Everything doesn't have to be perfect, just getting together to celebrate our Savior is enough. What better reason is there to get together!

Merry Christmas!

 

For unto us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government shall be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6



Paybacks

I decided to venture out on Black Friday with all three kids.

Crazy, I know.

My mission was one store, Carter's, to get a cute outfit for my little niece for Christmas.  Early bird specials for those who made it before noon, how could I resist?  So we went.

It actually went surprisingly well.  The girls played happily while I found the perfect outfit and waited in a line 15 people deep.  Deal scored.  Mission Accomplished.

I decided to reward them with a lunch date at Burger King play place. 

Crazy, I know.

What mother in her right mind goes to a play place in the middle of winter?  But, we hand sanitizered up and went for it....Burger King crowns and all.  We had a great time and were all happy as we jumped in the car to go home. 

I was feeling pretty on top of my game as a mother....invincible.  I had just successfully navigated my brood through large crowds without losing my mind and was completely fearless about a public germ mine.  Pretty impressive.

Then came the ride home.

Not more than 5 minutes passed in the car and Bri was screaming because she had thrown her pacifier and ducky on the floor and wanted them NOW! 

As I was playing that dangerous game "reach-as-far-back-behind-you-as-you-possibly-can-while-driving-to-find-the-paci" as so many mothers do, Austyn yelled from the back "mom, my tummy hurts!"  Rylie quickly chimed in saying her ear was hurting her too.  I figured it was to one-up her sister.

Meanwhile Rylie has been navigating my hand movements, "Mom, the paci is right there, no, to the left, too far!  Up, back a little, right there!  Mom you missed it!"

Bri, "Waaaaaaaaaa!"

Austyn, "Mom, I think I'm going to throw up!  Waaaaaaa!"

Rylie, "Mom my ear is really hurting! I think I have an ear infection....waaaaaaa!"

As I screeched to a halt on the side of the road and watched Austyn dry heave out the window, I thought, "Seriously?  It took all of 10 minutes to get sick from the play place.  I'm the worst mother ever!"

Then it dawned on me.  No.  I was the mother everyone hates.  I brought the sick kids to the play place. 

Ha!

HA HA!

Mwahahahahahahaha. HA!!!!  (Insert Mr. Evil laugh from Austin Powers.)

I find this deeply satisfying and I'm not sure why.  Paybacks, I guess.
(Unless of course I know you and you were at Burger King on Friday, then I feel really guilty.)