Apocalypse and Christmas Prep

12-21-2012

We totally had an end of the world party!

A few families came over and we partied like it was the end of the world :)

Dalyn made the poser, using an Oreo cookie as his inspiration . . .

Turned out pretty cute I think . . .

We had a taco bar in honor of the Mayans and hot stuff in honor of the fire and brimstone we were expecting . . . 

Everyone made buckets lists which turned out to be really insightful and fun for me, and we filled out our "No To-Maya" poster with things we would do if we knew it was our last day . . . 

It was a most excellent party . . . and we all made it out alive!

At the beginning of December we talked to the kids about them earning Christmas money to spend. I made a pile of Popsicle sticks with chores they could do to earn money. We put a cap on what they could earn and let them go for it.

Raegan was the only one to earn the full amount. That part wasn't terribly surprising but the other kids didn't even come close! I think the closest was Ryan who earned $6.00.

We took them all shopping and let them spend their money on others AND we refused to take them to the dollar store or pitch in anything at all. It was a real eye opener for the boys to realize they really couldn't do anything for anybody. They ended up pooling their money and getting something for the girls. It was evident as they watched Raegan joyfully wrapping and handing out gifts to every. one. that they blew it! Hopefully next year they will be more motivated?

I didn't get pictures of everything she did, but this is the "date kit" she put together for Terry and I. It came with a movie and goodies. She was so proud! Seriously sweet girl!

Homemade sibling gifts is truly one of my very favorite things about Christmas! All month the kids stayed busy getting their gifts ready . . .

And of course we had some fun craft days with Nana . . . 

Then we were almost ready for Christmas!