Rest & Relax

Now that we have enjoyed the blessings of Christmas and the arrival of Baby Jesus, take some time to enjoy a few slower days. My children are praying for some snow this winter and thanking God for the all of the wonderful gifts received over the holidays. Enjoy the rest of 2009 and set a slower, more relaxed pace for 2010. (This is Dixie and Judy enjoying a much needed nap after the rush of the holidays. They had to find a safe place, under the table, from daily hazards - like walking feet and the nuisance of Marshall & Emerson.)

Jazz To The World

Merry Christmas from the Hibbs Jazz Duo. If you could hear them play - it would be joyful noise.

Peace

Here is what we should all be doing today. (Not sleeping on clean clothes -but just resting or napping.) I encourage everyone to take some time to slow down and enjoy moments with your children. I know they are driving you crazy, but it will all be over too fast.

I Made This!

I am showing off. I made this toffee cheesecake for my lovely, fabulous husband for Christmas. Before I started teaching preschool - I baked all of the time, but since God gave me the opportunity at Pilgrim Preschool - time is often short around my house. This cheesecake was so beautifully perfect when it emerged from the oven that I just had to take a picture. (You know celebrate life's little moments.) My cheesecake gift to him is just a tiny token of love for all of the hours he puts up with me. Merry Christmas Jeff!!!!!

Boys Can Be Angels, Too?

The boys in our class were surprised to learn that there are boy angels in heaven. They had fun wearing wings and showing off their angel faces.

Do You Know These Elves?

Sleeping elves? Did you ever imagine that Santa's elves need time to rest up before the big night? These elves are sleeping and looking so precious.


Have you ever seen such tired elves? They were just worn out after a hard day in Santa's workshop. Dreaming of candy canes and toys ... Who can wait until Christmas Eve?

A Package From The North Pole

We got a frosty, cold package from the North Pole. Mrs. Becky brought us a gift that was delivered to the office and to our surprise - it was a letter from Santa.
We have prepared our hearts during this Advent season for the arrival of Baby Jesus and talked about all the ways that we can help others. Our little "elf on the shelf" Tripp must have been reporting our progress back to the North Pole. Can you believe he sent us all a sleigh bell? We just read The Polar Express and were so amazed that Santa knew it was just what we needed to brighten our day. Thanks Santa for this special gift. We really love our bells.

Pajama Day

We had pajama day and it was fun! Sometimes, people think children should be so much more than children. Well - to celebrate Christmas and break the craziness of the schedule - we had pajama day. We were just children - doing what children do - PLAY! Christmas is right around the corner and who can focus on real work? We watched Frosty, had a birthday party for a friend and overall - had a great time. This is one of those days where it is good to be four, almost five or five. Life shouldn't be so serious and everyone should feel the magic of the season. Our room was full of fun and lots of excited noise. Hooray for pajama day!!!

We Made Christmas Bracelets

Today you found a Christmas bracelet on your child's arm or in their bag. Since the children loved their Thanksgiving bracelet so much and have continued to wear them, I created a little bracelet about Baby Jesus' Birthday. It was a huge hit, but better than that was my special helper for today. My sister came to visit and assist in the bracelet project. This is Pete. Thanks so much for helping in our class today. We Love You!

This Really Is A Cupcake

I don't usually share birthday stuff, but I had to show off this fabulous cupcake my husband got for me. It is the biggest cupcake that I have seen. (and I am a connoisseur of cupcakes.) This was a tasty treat to make my day special.

The "Wishing For Snow" Trees

Every day we wish for snow. Some of us even pray for snow - so here is our version of a "snow wishing tree." As a recycling project, Mrs. Becky brought us the plain cardboard cones and each class made a crazy, fabulous creation. Some are so beautiful, but ours is a recycling project. We used paper shreds from the office to make a snowy creation. This is a winter white wishing tree that your family can enjoy many weeks after Christmas has passed.

St. Lucia Day

Today we visited another country as we learn about Christmas around the world. The children are so excited, I'm not sure that they are retaining anything except there is only one more Sunday until Christmas. These are our maidens for St. Lucia, aren't they beautiful?

This Is Bethlehem

If you missed it, Bethlehem was busy with excitement. There were so many tents to visit and things to see. We continue to wait for baby Jesus but had fun experiencing the sights and sounds of Bethlehem.

We Are Waiting

The manger is empty and just in case you are wondering, we are still waiting for Baby Jesus. It is so hard to wait for that special day and for a visit from Santa Claus. You children are so wonderful. They may not remember many things - but they do have the story of Baby Jesus in their hearts. Have a wonderful weekend.

Sinterklaas 101

Many thanks to a special mom in our class. She shared family items from their own Sinterklaas collection. We learned more about Sinterklaas. His name comes from Nicholas and he is originally from Spain. Every year, he and his helpers, Zwarte Peiten, arrive in Holland by boat with their horses. The children leave wooden shoes filled with hay outside and they are filled with treats. However, if you have been naughty, the Zwarte Peiten will wait and chase you. Thanks so much for this fun presentation - the children loved the pictures and fun shirts.

Have You Ever Been To Bethlehem?

Did you know that you can visit the city of Bethlehem this Saturday? All you need to do is visit St. James Lutheran Church to experience all of the sights and sounds of this busy village. When you arrive your family will register with the census taker and have a picture made. Upon registration, just like Mary and Joseph were required to do, you will be given coins to share with the different artisans. There will be a stone mason, leather workers, candy maker, metal workers and various guests to share the news of the day. Shepherds will even invite you to come and see the newborn baby Jesus. It will be such a good day to see all that happened in that tiny city of Bethlehem. Come and share with us!

A Night In Bethlehem Is Coming

My home congregation of St. James Lutheran Church in Lexington is hosting a really fun event this Saturday. Invitations went home last week and all are welcome. The event will be held from 1:00 - 4:00 PM and is a drop-in event. Our church fellowship hall has been transformed into the city of Bethlehem with tents and vendors for everyone to visit and make crafts. The children have learned some fun songs to share and there will be actors walking the streets with you to share the Good News of Christ's Birth!!!! You may visit our church website in the link at the bottom right for directions and more information about this exciting afternoon.

We Are So Happy

Look at these smiling faces. We are so happy!!!! Since we talk every day about waiting for baby Jesus and always letting our lights shine to make the world a brighter place - here is the proof that we put our money where are our mouth is. I hope these pictures make you smile because the children make me smile every day. Merry Early Christmas!!!!

Yes, There Is A Sinterklaas

Part of our learning unit this holiday season is discovering how children all over the world celebrate Christmas. Today we had a visit from Sinterklaas. He came all the way from Holland to fill our shoes with treats. Although he usually visits the boys and girls in the Netherlands on December 6, this was a special exception to help us learn that not everyone uses stockings for treats from Santa. The boys and girls left their shoes outside of our classroom and returned to find small treats. What a fun day! We found some really fun horns - we think that Sinterklaas left these because farmers use large horns to share the sounds of Christmas with neighbors. (But Sinterklaas is pretty smart - because these horns don't make much noise - they are just festive.)