Christmas Time is Here

The Christmas season is in full swing, but that's pretty obvious. I absolutely adore the Christmas festivities. I have to take time and and remember what Christmas is really about, because I often get so caught up in all the Christmas activities that I forget the miracle of the season. One thing that really set the mood was obviously putting up all our Christmas decorations. And on Sunday, we had all church caroling. This is the 2nd year we have done it, and it was a great turn out. Afterwards we had a chili supper(delicious) and yet another Christmas singing. It was snowing the whole time we were caroling, and while others were complaining, I was simply enjoying it. Christmas time is the only time I like snow, otherwise I really despise it. My car has been playing Christmas tunes for over a month now. I don't know if you all realize this, but I loooove Christmas music. Last Monday at the Nursing Home, I ran over to the books and picked out the Christmas Hymnal, because it was finally December and I didn't want to sing out of anything other than Christmas books. Maybe a little selfish, but then again, Christmas is only for a season! I've already made to kinds of Christmas cookies, which have not lasted long, but I guess cookies aren't necessarily made to look at. This weekend, we have Christmas H.O.P.E. I'm excited to see who my secret sister is, although I think I have a pretty good idea. She is an amazing secret sister though. Way better than me. I'm horrible, and Mom says I shouldn't do it next year:) I gave one gift this year, but I think it was a pretty good gift. I'll write later what is was since we haven't revealed ourselves yet. On Saturday night, Hannah Schick has a Christmas concert with her homeschool co-op at Bishop Hill. I am going with Jaylyn Knobloch, Kristy Kieser, and Amber Ehnle. It will be lots of fun. Bishop Hill is having Lucia Nights this weekend and it's so cute! It's a little quaint town that is historic. During Christmas, it's all decorated and you can walk in and out of the shops. My favorite it the General Store, because there is rows and rows of jars of candy:)(a small weakness of mine) So here are a few pictures of my Christmas adventures thus far.

 I had to laugh when I saw this set up. Sophie was obviously playing with our Christmas decorations. The poor shepherd looks like he is looking up at that huge snowman, trying to figure out what it is.

 Back in it's rightful place.

 Me and Sophie in our ho ho hats as she calls them:)

 Christmas tree...I just learned how to make bokeh with my camera.

 Stockings are huge by the chimney. Yes that is mine, and yes it has a scarf...

 Christmas shopping is officially done. I was sooo excited to get it done with!

 And Christmas isn't Christmas without the cookies.

                                     
My little helper unwrapping kisses.

Here is a video I saw on someone else's blog that I thought was so cute and fitting. Everything about Christ's birth was unexpected! Take a few minutes to watch it and you will find yourself smiling by the end.

And here is a Sophie funny for you all to enjoy. Today as I was looking at something on the computer. She was sitting in my room watching me. She is always just jabbering to herself, so I have kind of learned to tune her out. So she was talking and I vaguely remember her saying "I love you." She repeated herself again, "I love you." I continued tuning her out and she must have gotten very frustrated because she said, "I SAID I LOVE YOU."
Have a wonderful few weeks until Christmas. Hopefully I can do another post by then. Hopefully is the key word:)