A day of warmth, despite the temperature.

[navygreen]

Today could accurately be called "Family and Friends Day." It's a much nicer way to sum up a cold Friday, I think.

This morning started off earlier than usual, as we all bundled up and headed out to the boys' school for the 'Breakfast and a Book' program. The boys munched on donuts and bananas and drank chocolate milk while Philip and I read books to them. I'd brought along a couple special books just for the occasion: Philip read a book from his childhood to A.J. (written inside the cover was his name and '1988') - it was The Christmas Day Kitten, by James Herriot. I read to Jack my favorite childhood holiday story - The Get Along Gang and the Christmas Thief (cheesy, maybe, but I loved that book!) We each finished reading the books in about fifteen minutes, so we swapped stories and read some more. Philip's story was so sad - I nearly cried as I read it to Jack! Finally, it was 8 o'clock, and time for school to begin. We waved goodbye to the boys and trudged back out to our car.

While I was at work today, squeak_a_chu stopped by to gift me with a special ornament and some special news. It was very sweet of her. :-)

When I arrived home, I had a bundle of mail waiting, as well as two boxes from my mom. In the mail, we received five Christmas cards, including ones from beanpop, hp5freak, niftybabe313 and flyingwolf. A special thank-you to hp5freak - she included a GORGEOUS handmade, glittery snowflake. I know how to crochet even, and I still held the flake in my hand for several minutes in awe - I haven't a clue how she made it! Thanks so much to all of you!

This evening, the boys and I picked up Philip a little bit early from work. I'd brought a change of clothes to him, and once he was ready, we all set out for the church. Tonight was Movie Night, and we bought concessions of hot dogs, popcorn, soda and snacks for dinner. We were treated to a double-feature, watching first The Star of Christmas and then The Toy That Saved Christmas (we've owned that one at home for many, many years now). In between the movies, we all sang Christmas carols together for a little intermission. It was a very nice time, and we were home by 8pm.

Once home, the boys bathed and readied for bed. I put my jammies on, and then I set to opening the boxes from my mom. The boys then joined me in the living room and read aloud the tags as they put all the Christmas gifts from the boxes underneath the tree. Our tree is quite full already - we are so blessed!

I wish for a cozy and snug weekend in the snowy weather. Tomorrow is a semi-impromptu Date Night, and we're going to use a bit of that time to finish up the stocking stuffers for the boys. Then we'll be officially done with shopping!

Comments

[jillerbob.livejournal.com]

the get along gang cheesy I think NOT! I soo loved them when i was younger. Although I never read that book they were cool.

[navygreen.livejournal.com]

Long live the 80's!

[niftybabe313.livejournal.com]

Wow, my card got there fast! I just dropped them in the mail on Wednesday!

[navygreen.livejournal.com]

I love how much more speedy the post is this time of year. :-)

[hp5freak.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you got it safely and you liked it! :D

[navygreen.livejournal.com]

Thank you again!

[the-fishery.livejournal.com]

the get along gang was my favorite!! I had my room decorated in it!

[navygreen.livejournal.com]

You must've been the coolest chick on the block, then!

[navygreen.livejournal.com]

:-)

[scenicbeauty.livejournal.com]

glad you had a good day. You deserve it.

I hope December continues to be nice to you.

[navygreen.livejournal.com]

Thanks. So far, so good. *knocks on wood*

[ctr29.livejournal.com]

That sounds like a wonderful day! I'm so gladf you seem to be getting your wish from December!!!

[navygreen.livejournal.com]

Halfway through the month now, and it's still going very well. *hopes*

[navygreen.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Kelly. And 'Date Night' was fun, too. :-)

[gardenmama.livejournal.com]

Happy December. I love my mail all year long, but especially in December :) I should take a picture of my card wall. It's growing almost every day :)

[navygreen.livejournal.com]

I've not stopped to count cards yet - that's a new one for me. But I'm loving each and every one that comes. :-)

[shoebox_addict]

That reading books thing sounds absolutely heart-warming. =)

Wow, they show movies at your church?

Sounds like the spirit of Christmas is really touching your home this year. I'm so glad. :) Really, it's so nice to hear that things are going well. -hugs-

[navygreen.livejournal.com]

They don't typically show movies, but this was a fundraiser for our Parents-at-Home group, and they were showing kid movies while selling hot dogs, popcorn and drinks.

[shoebox_addict]

Oh, that's so nice!