Christmas of 2013

The kids and I took off most of December for school!  It has been wonderful.  I have been able to get so much done without the stress of school.  This is our first year where we have schooled for 6 weeks and then took a week off.  This also allows us to take 2 months off out of the year.  It works beautifully because most of the kids struggle with math or reading and we have to keep chugging along so they retain what they have learned.  Cozi and Bjorn are ready to go back to school.  I think Bjorn is excited to learn the sounds the letters he has learned make.  He wants to read so bad.

We have officially been on GAPS for a full year.  It has been quite a journey.  It is really hard for so many of our friends and family to understand why we are doing this.  It if frustrating for both sides, but I honestly believe we have done well with some very needed cheats.  Most people who are on GAPS stay on it for 18-24 months.  I am hoping to slowly add some things back this month.  Maybe potatoes, reg. beans, quinoa?  I don't know.  It will be slow because I am not going to move up unless everyone can eat it.

My brother and his family are in town from Arizona and we have been enjoying seeing them.    We saw the Desolation of Smaug in the movies with everyone.  It was really good.  The kids also got to see Frozen with Momo and Papa and Spiff's family.  One of my mother-in-laws gifts to the family were tickets to The Best Ever Christmas Pageant.  It was fun to see our friends act in it.  Good Job, Laquita, Elizabeth, Micah and Noah!

Bjorn's gift to Cozi (all the kids draw names for each other)

Analise, Bjorn and Zeb received nano ipods.  Nice, now they won't be using mine.  I downloaded some really great music for them.   They love Britt Nicole, Toby Mac, Kutless, Jamie Grace....

Of Course, American girl doll paraphernalia

 for their dolls nails, they also got braces that you stick on-funny!

 This picture embodies Christmas!  I love it.

 AMG  Christmas tree

 I believe they took a thick branch from our wood pile and placed pipe cleaners for the branches...

 One day they were downstairs all day.  I found out they were making a fire place to stick the stocking they made for there dolls.  So adorable...  I love their creativity.

 Fire....

 Aunt Beki made the kids big kid blankets.  She made most of the kids baby blankets when they were born.  They love them.  In fact, they use them every night.  Thank you, Beki.

Camo

 bugs

 flowers/hearts

 Ironman