how we party as a first grader

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As room parent, I get to organize class parties. My first graders had their 2nd of 3 parties. (First one was Halloween -- but I missed it since I had to work. hence the lack of photos).



There were 4 stations. I had two other moms volunteer so that helped me and the first grade teacher. 



Station 1 - Christmas cards
The class made cards to give to  children hospitalized at our local hospital. I am so proud of their work. I brought the cards last week to the charge nurses of the surgical unit and the general peds floor. They were thrilled to receive such thoughtful cards. I wish I could share the photos of the nurses or the children getting these cards -- but we have to protect their privacy. 

Station 2 - dress up Santa
I asked the parents to donate black and red streamers, bags of cotton balls and masking tape. The children each took turns getting dressed up as Santa. They had to be creative making santa's suit and beard etc.  (I was in the other room so  I have no pictures to share)


Station 3 - no sew sock baby Jesus
I followed Lacy's craft. 

I bought all the materials from Walmart.
rubber bands
lunch paper bags
cotton balls
boys socks size small - crew cut/long ones
yarn
scissors (from the class)
not shown (pink and black sharpies)

The first graders were so proud of their baby Jesus. I taught them how to swaddle their baby. They wanted to draw Jesus' face on their own. One even had hair peeking out of the hat. 


Station 4 snacks!
Christmas cookie and popcorn and juice


The children had so much fun. It was another successful party!


--Join me tomorrow for the What we wore on Christmas link-up. I'd love to see your reds and greens and golds! If you'd like, share the Christmas feast and treats and the gift wrapping clean-up or aftermath of Christmas morning! :)

see ya. 

---

Thank you for reading! I can be found on:

                                      

All about Daniel vol 7

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Me: What's this you drew today?

D: It's upside down.
Me: Oh
D: It's a digger.


Me: I'm in the bathroom. Give me privacy please.
Lil D: what's privacy?!
{privacy -- none in this house}

Via Instagram @donnacruzyl


Another package arrived in the house.
D: mummy, why do you buy a lot? Stop getting a lot of things.
Me: why?
D: you got a lot of purses already.
{Derrick was so pleased with son's observation..... And comment}

Updated:
Bonus drawing for y'all.




Daniel's drawing of his family.
I look like a witch. Derrick looks like cockroach.

What advent means to me......

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"Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word,

for my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you prepared in sight of all the peoples,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel."

Luke 2:29-32

The start of advent coincided with the start of a 2 month long rotation. Let's just say: Long days = not being able to pick up the kids = wintry cold darkness on the drive to work = more darkness going home. 

But how appropriate that during these long days at work --- I'm asked to wait with hope, patience and trust.

What advent means to me:

It means hope. We are blessed that we have the advent wreath to remind us of our journey this advent. Our lives can be filled with darkness. But every week as we get closer to Christmas, we light one candle: purple..... Purple ....... Pink...... Purple...... In the end, the darkness is overcome by the light of Christ. {{I'm truly hoping for the darkness to gooooo away. Soon!}}

It means patience. Patience in waiting for the Messiah; Patience in God's plan; patience at work and at home.

It means trust. It's a one syllable word that invariably creeps up on me. One simple word that is repeatedly a means for me to grow and deepen my faith.

Oh life is not too bad. I just need to blog about working late, get some perspective. After a loooong day; I grumble, I drive home, I see my kids smile, I hear them giggle. They give me raspberries on my shoulders and my belly. We play peek-a-boo. And slowly, ever so slowly the darkness is filled with brightness.  Jesus enters my heart, my home, my life through the lighting of an advent purple candle; through kisses from Daniel; through giggles from Isabel; through hubby's embrace. And all..... Is......good.....

Isn't that advent wreath craft so cute? So proud of my li'l D who made it. Thanks to Lacy for the idea and instructions. Make one.....

And yes, we did great on our advent tradition so far. We lit our purple candle during dinner.