Day 18: New ornaments!

Every year we get the kids new ornaments for the tree and they usually get to open them early.  Tonight was the night! Erin got one too...not sure why I didn't get a picture

Ella LOVES Tom & Jerry...

And what boy doesn't love super heroes...

...or cars...



Day 17: Christmas Lights!

Tonight we piled in the van and headed to Lake Park to see the Christmas lights.  There is one house in particular that has it's lights set to music which was really fun to see. 

On our way!...

The owner of the house was passing out candy canes and when he came up to us, asked Caleb what his name was.  He had a microphone in his hand and asked if he wanted to say "Merry Christmas from Caleb" into his microphone after the show was over.  You can see his response in the following picture.  Do you think he was excited?

Here he is, wishing everyone in their cars, "Merry Christmas Caleb!"  (I think they knew what he meant ;)

Day 16: Gifts for friends

Today we had fun working on gifts for friends and neighbors.  Ella and I were trying out a gingerbread play dough recipe, and it didn't take long before she decided this was exactly what she wanted to give to her friend, Libby.

Cookie days!

Day 12 & 13

My friend and fellow homeschool mom, Beth and I wanted to make sure we took some time to serve somewhere with the kids this Christmas season.  It's so easy to get wrapped up in the business of the season, and we really want to teach our kids to always be thinking of ways to serve and help others (and hopefully instill in them a deeper appreciation for all God has blessed them with).  Beth is the liaison for our church at Hope Cancer Center here in Charlotte, and was able to get the name of a boy whose mom is battling cancer. Because of all the costs that incur with her treatment, she was not going to be able to provide Christmas gifts for her kids.  As I sat at the breakfast table Monday morning and explained to our kids that we were going shopping for a boy they had never met, I wasn't expecting much excitement.  (I all too often underestimate the tender hearts of our kids).  To the contrary, as I explained that this boy would have NO Christmas if it weren't for the generosity of others, and that WE had the opportunity to provide that for him, they couldn't WAIT to get going!  Joshua was especially excited.  He wanted to know all about this boy and immediately began brainstorming ideas of what to get him.  Needless to say, shopping with seven kids between Beth and I was a little crazy, but it was well worth it and I think the kids all had fun picking out gifts.  Here are our savvy shoppers!

Tuesday, we thought we would have some fun with our annual Christmas party, complete with pizza, crafts, and more sugar than they should ever need! 

I love these kids...

 I could just eat HIM up!...

 Love it...

 I have no words...

Handprint ornaments...

Beth and I are always trying to think up fun things for them to do, and I think they enjoyed it all.  But we also discovered, they can be creative all on their own!

I spy Ella...(how did they get those swings over there?)

 Teamwork...

 Their "club"  I can only imagine the conversation that was transpiring 5 minutes before...

So grateful for friends.

Day 11

A "classic" night...

Days 8, 9 , & 10

Christmas tree treats, shopping, and surprise visitors!

What's Christmas without sugar and sprinkles?

 The sound of a firetruck around Christmas time can only mean one thing in our neighborhood...and the kids go running! Here they are being so crazy the neighbor came out and told them to get out of her yard patiently waiting for what they hear in the distance.

 And Santa wasn't the only surprise visitor over the weekend!  Donnie was in Ashville for work, and Mom and I had a blast shopping while the world's best Granddad hung out with the kids!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! 

Day 7: Family game day!

Day 6 New life!

December 6, 2011 will have a whole new meaning to the Nuzums from now on.  Who knew that as I sat with the kids this morning reading from a favorite Advent story book (Jotham's journey), that it would lead to our 5 year old asking me to pray with him to ask Jesus into his heart & life?  Well I suppose there is One who knew...the same one who knew our second born before he was formed in the womb (Jer 1:5), the same One who has numbered the hairs on his head & has a plan to give him hope and a future, the same One who we worship a praise for the salvation He gave us through the sacrifice of His only Son so that my son my have life.  Caleb, there are no words to describe how excited your dad and I are about your decision today! But I will never forget your words as we sat on the couch today..."Mom, I love Jesus too.  Can I ask him to come live in my heart?"  Then we talked, your brother grabbed his Bible and read Romans 10:9 to you, we knelt & prayed together...and your big brother started jumping up and down, screaming. :) When he calmed down we sang Happy Birthday to you.  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!  2 Cor 5:17    God has amazing plans for you, Caleb James!  We love you!

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.       ~3 John 1:4