Moving Along While Daddy is Gone

We're going on day #9 since Jason left and although the time is passing very slowly, our days seem full of things to do.

Last Sunday Lucy was feeling crummy, so we stayed home from church and I tried to think of things to do with the kids. I decided to give them a little mini lesson on the temple and then we built our own little temples out of toothpicks and marshmallows. I was quite proud of mine.

Lucy just kept building and building and we were both very impressed with her end result.

On Monday night we had Family Home Evening. We talked about the true meaning of Christmas and how it's important we focus on Jesus more than the toys we hope to get. Lucy and I made a gift for Christ. I wrapped a present and we filled it up with pictures of us giving service or doing kind things. We'll open it Christmas morning before all of our other gifts. My favorite was Lucy's picture of her cheering up friends. Notice her writing....she's actually getting really good and she loves to practice.
Then we baked some ready-made Christmas cookies that Lucy picked out at the store. I thought they were pretty gross (which is saying something because I'll eat almost anything), but the kids loved them. Here's a picture of them waiting for them to get done.
On Friday night the base had the annual "jet lighting" at the Youth Center. Every year they haul over a retired jet and put Christmas lights on it. Santa and Mrs. Claus joined the festivities. Lucy was pretty excited to be able to tell Santa what she wants. Graham wasn't at all afraid of the couple. Every time we walked away from Santa, cookies or the Christmas music, he would yell, "Der.....Missmus!" Translation: "Over there.....Christmas!"
Saturday night we attended the Lemoore Christmas parade. It was a little stressful getting the kids bundled and finding our viewing spot, but once we were settled we had a great time. Before the parade started, they called up all the kids sitting near the judges table to go on to the street and sing Christmas carols. Lucy had a ball singing her heart out with all her friends.

I hate that Jason is missing out on the build up to the big day, but we're doing fine. I really appreciate the calls of concern and support that I've received. I hope you are all having a happy season!!