Friday Favorites {12.21.18}

I'm linking up with Erika, Narci, and Andrea to share some Friday Favorites! It has been awhile since I did my Friday Favorites post :)

ONE
The kids had their Christmas Pageant at church this past weekend. Both the boys had parts and had grandma there to watch! We love when family is able to visit and be a part of our kids' activities. Living far away from everyone is hard for the kids when we don't have any extra spectators at sporting events or fun programs, but we were lucky this last weekend to have grandma here!

TWO

Jaxon also finished up the first season of basketball! We have season two that starts after Christmas. We (me) survived a few games every weekend with our 1 year old (#barely). Jace entertained himself. Jaxon had fun and played hard. I would call that a success!

Some of Jaxon's best buddies...

THREE

We live in a neighborhood with a pond and have some great neighbors that clear it off for ice skating and hockey. This is where Jaxon spends most days after school. Now, he isn't the best skater but he is one to keep on trying. Now that Jace has some skates that fit, he has been down there trying to learn to skate while the boys play hockey! Ella and I usually do some sledding. The other day, the girls took her on a pond walk!

So thankful for friends!

FOUR

I love all the festivities around Christmas. We all (minus Ella) were able to go to Jace's classroom this week and help decorate a gingerbread house. He did the whole thing himself and it turned out just how he wanted :) I love being able to go into his classroom and see him in his element.

FIVE

About a month ago, a friend was telling me about her weighted blankets. Ella has not been sleeping well (to the tune of up and screaming for 3-5 hours at night). We do have an appointment with a sleep specialist at the end of January but I have been willing to try anything to get her to sleep. I decided to try one of these weighted blankets and it has helped her sleep better! She seems to calm down faster when she wakes up at night and sleeps harder #yes #wewerestruggling 

I actually kind of want to try one for myself! We got Ella the 5 pound blanket.below 

SIX

On Monday, I had a girls night with some friends. We went out for dinner and chatted and then realized WE NEVER TOOK A PICTURE. What?! I am so thankful for friends that keep me grounded, know my secrets, and are always supportive. Getting out of the house (because I see most of these wonderful ladies a few times a week but we always have kids with us) for some uninterrupted girl time is a necessity and something I want to focus on in the new year.

SEVEN

Something that has been a favorite this week is witnessing all the giving from friends and coworkers to students. I try to incorporate the true meaning of Christmas into my kids lives. We talk about Jesus' birth, read their bibles, read lots of books, advent calendars, and watch movies (The Star is super cute if you want a Jesus orientated Christmas movie). But, another important thing this time of year is giving whether that is time, money, or resources. I want my kids to know that giving is always important no matter the time of year. It is easy for us to get caught up in life and forget about it until this time of year. The generosity I personally witness from local organizations, people, friends, and family as well as widespread news stories puts a smile on my face. We can all make a difference in this world by giving to others.

In the hustle and bustle this season, I hope you have taken time to enjoy this Christmas season. We are off to start enjoying Christmas after work today. We have family meeting up from near and far. I am going to unplug and make memories with my family. Merry Christmas to you!