craft paper, cookies, and gifts

i decided to take the traditional, simple route this year and use craft paper to wrap all of our gifts. i also used yarn to tie on homemade "pom poms" as the boys like to call them. my mom gave me this idea. she used to make these when she was a youngster to attach to her boots :)  i also had the opportunity to make all of the tags when she came up for the day last week. we have loved the simple look under the tree and it was all so fun to make! 

we have also been using the craft paper to roll out, tape to the floor, and let the boys color the day away! you can't beat a gigantic roll for $10! it's going to last for quite a while.

the boys got to decorate their big gingerbread men yesterday morning and had a blast. they even gave them a kiss at the end.

our next to last advent box was exciting. the boys got to open their gift from us! after breakfast we sat by the tree and they took turns opening their gifts. grey got a double spin wheel spiderman toothbrush. he was so incredibly thankful! it was precious. tucker got a hexbug habitat which both boys played with all morning. willster got a wooden car carrier which they all also enjoyed.

matthew and i just sat back and thoroughly enjoyed watching the joy on their little faces.

we all sat by the tree this evening before bed time with all of the lights off (except for the tree of course) and sang "silent night" together. then matthew reminded us all of what is on top of our tree, the star. that Jesus is the light. that Jesus has come to earth. that He is our Savior and He is alive today! amen and amen. what a season to celebrate!!!