Advent: Day 13

When I planned this activity, I had no idea if we would have snow on the ground and I knew we would want something to make it feel like a white Christmas if we didn't have snow.

Thankfully at this moment we have snow. I am praying it stays through next week so we have a white Christmas.

Bible Verses: That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:13

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Activity: Make snowflakes and listen to a new Christmas CD

Advent: Day 12

Bible Verse: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35

Activity: Deliver cookies to the neighbors, buy gifts for our angel tree families, and purchase food for the food shelf

Advent: Day 11

Bible Verse: We write this to make our joy complete.

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:4-7

Activity: Homeschool Christmas Party

* decorate cookies (i am not sure what had more frosting the cookies or mauryn)

* deliver cookies to the nursing home

* make a craft

Advent: Day 10

Living in Idaho, our temperatures are fairly mild. So when I was writing out our advent calendar and activities, I didn't really consider weather to be a factor. A cold day in December is in the 30's typically.

I stole the idea for our tenth day from Denise. She has done this for the past six years. I knew my kids would love it. What I didn't know was the temperature would be:

Activity: Free Hot Chocolate Stand

The kids were excited and lasted about 40 minutes in the cold. They did sneak into the car and a warm store every now and then. After about an hour, we decided to pack it in. It was very interesting to see how people reacted to the free gift. Many would walk around us, avoid eye contact, or just ignore us. I think people were really just unsure of how to respond to something for FREE! The kids were determined and having a great time despite the cold. The cold weather also opened itself to a teachable moment for the kids. We are blessed to have hats, mittens, snow boots, warm coats, and blankets to help keep us warm and we had warm cars and warm homes waiting for us when we finished. Our coldness was temporary but there are families that don't have homes or coats or beds. A tangible lesson for the kiddos. We will definitely do the stand again next year!

Bible Verse: He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Mark 16:15

Advent: Day 9

One of the "hazards" of documenting each moment of our advent is that all of you get to see some of my kids little quirks - like being so tired when they go to bed they just sleep in their clothes. So some photos look like the same day. Morgan's hair... well she had just taken out her "gymnastics" hair when we pulled the slip so its a little crazy. What I love about this documenting is that this is real, this is how the Cheney family lives and I want to remember it - the good, the bad, the ugly!

Activity: Ice Skating!!!

I haven't been on ice skates in about 25 years (that makes me feel old), so I was a little nervous about being able to skate and help the kids but it was just like riding a bike. Morgan had been skating once a few summers ago in Sun Valley {yes, i said summer. they have an outdoor rink open in the summer - its awesome} and loved it. Let's just say the energy level in our house yesterday morning was very HIGH!

When we arrived, there were about four people on the ice but by the time we got our skates on and hit the ice we were the only ones out there. It was wonderful!

Morgan did great on skates and loved trying to do some skater moves!

Landon liked the skate mate. He used it to push himself as fast as he could across the ice and then fall - for fun! He is all boy!

My sassy little baby had NO interest in skating. I got the skates on her, she put one foot on the ice and was done. She loved playing on the bleachers. Even though she didn't skate she sure looked cute in those tiny skates.

red nosed and happy little skaters

After the skating, we had lunch at the ice rink. Our lunch table overlooked a second rink where some people were playing a pick up game of hockey. They were thoroughly entertained and ate their lunch in silence. Perfect ending to a perfect day!

Bible Verse: How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the LORD returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes. Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God. Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the vessels of the LORD But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard. Isaiah 52:7-12

The Short Stop Christmas Cookie Exchange

I am not a huge fan of pie. or cake.

But I can't resist a great cookie or bar.

I am very excited about Sarah's cookie exchange. I love finding and trying new cookie/bar recipes. My hips will hate me but oh my mouth will be so happy!

The three recipes I am asked for the most:

1. good old fashioned chocolate chip cookie - my all time favorite!

2. Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Bars or I have seen them called Scotcheroos. This was the bar mom made to take everywhere. It is easy and the ingredients are things I always have in the house.

1 cup sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1 heaping cup of peanut butter

6 cups of rice krispies

1 bag of chocolate chips (i use milk chocolate)

1/2 bag of butterscotch chips ( i actually use about 3/4 of a bag)

Mix sugar and corn syrup on stovetop until they come to a boil. Remove from heat and mix in peanut butter. Add in the rice krispies and coat thoroughly. Pour into a jelly roll pan. Place chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in a microwave safe bowl. Heat until melted (about 2 minutes) and then pour over the top of bars. Let frosting set before cutting.

3. Monster Cookies - this is like a little bit of heaven in your mouth.

1 c butter

2 c sugar

2 c brown sugar

2 tsp vanilla

2 tsp karo syrup

6 eggs

3 c peanut butter

Mix above ingredients in large bowl.

Add in 4 tsp soda

9 c quick oatmeal

1 c M & M's *

1 c chocolate chips *

* i usually add in about two cups of the M&M's and chocolate chips... who doesn't love a little chocolate.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

Enjoy!

Advent: Day 8

Four years ago we decided to sponsor a child through Compassion International. At the time Morgan was six and we thought it would be a great opportunity for her to learn about another country and be able to pray for a special friend in need. Each month we provide financial support for a little girl named Rahel in Ethiopia. Throughout the year Morgan writes to her and receives letters and updates on her life in Ethiopia. This spring when Landon turns six, we will sponsor a child for him.

Bible Verse: "Shout and be glad, O Daughter of Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you," declares the LORD. "Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you. Zechariah 2:10-11

Activity: Write a letter to Rahel and color or draw her Christmas pictures