The Oregon Corrigans: More Christmas Fun

A few more highlights of the December activities

- We had the BEST Advent experience this Christmas season. Our church printed a month long devotional book that they gave to all the families, with a daily reading and weekly candle lighting activity/reading. The kids got to decorate and hang themed ornaments that went with each day, and then on Sundays we all sat down together with our candles. Listen though... too much of a good thing can overwhelm any well meaning parent during this season. I hate being stressed - I can't always keep up with the 5000% increase in "extra things" that the season brings. I love it and yet it's also super stressful at times. So what I liked about this Advent was that we already have time carved out each morning at the breakfast bar - while the kids eat breakfast before catching the school bus, I already read a morning devotional to them. So this ornament advent time just took the place of our regular thing. It was awesome, the kids got a lot out of it and I felt really satisfied about how much work it was for us vs. benefit to the kids. The theme was how all the familiar stories of the old testament all point to a Savior, and it kind of "connects the dots" for the kids to see how God's works of old all culminated in the birth of Jesus!

- St Nicholas Day with Nana & Poppy: this is the day on Dec 6th when Nana and Poppy bring their gifts to the kids, and we have an early celebration. It is awesome having all the gift giving spread out!

- Marcus had his first preschool Xmas party, complete with a special visitor :) He told Santa that he wanted a "thpecial bear", which pretty much guaranteed that he would get it, since he ALSO told the tree farm Santa that he wanted a "thpecial thpecial bear". He made his own pint-sized evergreen Xmas tree, and ate every last sugary morsel on his treat plate.

- We saw Megan perform in her ballet studio's "The Nutcracker" - four costume changes! She is using pointe shoes now too! Growing up into a stunning and loving young lady. We brought her some red tulips to celebrate.

- Ice skating: now this was fun... Hillsboro opened their first ever seasonal outdoor ice skating rink - our family went twice, and I barely care that I have zero dollars left to my name, because it was super super fun. The second time we went with our school friends, the Laurance family! Pizza lunch to celebrate afterwards :)

- Candlelight service on Christmas Eve Eve - also a super relaxing and sweet time, since we were not rushing off to a holiday gathering afterwards. The big kids got to sit in the service with us and light their own candles!

- Special meal with Drew & Sarah in Tualatin on Christmas Eve - the best cooks in town invited us over for Xmas Eve dinner and games, and we all did the happy dance when the plans finalized! The cousins put on a talent show, complete with long and intricate "stories", short and funny one-liners, and several "quiet coyote" signals to quiet the rowdy listeners. I laughed so hard, we love this sweet family! I wish they lived next door :)

- Christmas morning with the kids... We left Grinch dust, oats, carrots and apples out on the front lawn to keep the Grinch away and feed the reindeer, and also cookies and milk for the Big Guy! The kids opened their gifts to each other (always the highlight of the gift giving time), and we woke up in the morning to four excited little people who were eager to open their treasures and eat our special traditional breakfast!

- Christmas dinner in Vancouver with the locals who were in town - a sweet time together. Also some cooking with Dad - an impromptu decision to make rosettes right before our gathering - (Gran's old tradition)... Marin and Dad have done these together a few years in a row :)

- Newell celebration with my parents and Jessica's family, starting the day after Christmas! More fun, cooking, eating, presents, playing with the chickens, coffee and hugs! Love spending time with my people. My sister can just move next door too, please.

- Corrigan extended family New Years weekend gathering - complete with ALL the out-of-towners (minus a few teenagers who have a life, ha ha!)... Lots of smooching of the Texas baby Emma, and our attempt at a group picture! Once again, I love my people.

It was a wild and wonderful Christmas season, and while each year there are at least a few things I have to miss out on (ZOO LIGHTS, boo hoo!), it is about quality not quantity, and I am thankful for all the fun, mostly good health, and the chance to spend time with eachother.

Thank you Jesus for Your indescribable gift.