"In squadling clothes upon the hay!"

We went to the church Christmas Program tonight with high hopes that Lola might manage to get up in front of the audience and say the poem that she has memorized without clamming up or running to Mommy. We had prepared for this night for a month, diligently practicing her little poem every night before bed. She quickly memorized it, surprising me in the van one day by reciting it spontaneously. Well, she did it! She marched right up there with her little friends, held the microphone, and said her poem. Doesn't matter that Baby Jesus is wrapped in "squadling clothes" or not! We are so proud of her and all the little kids that were so big and brave tonight!

This is indeed a busy time of year. We went to a neighboring town last week for their lighted Christmas Parade, which was pretty cool. Afterward, they served free chili and hot dogs, and had an amazing fireworks display which the kids absolutely loved! The weather was perfect...not too cold, and just a little dusting of softly falling snowflakes.


This week we did our second "Kids in the Kitchen," a little program at the church which allows children to bake something yummy under the watchful eyes of volunteers. This time we did Christmas cookies. A friend and I volunteered for the sprinkle/frosting table, which although extremely messy, was super fun! The kids did a great job, and made enough cookies to serve at the Christmas program!

On Saturday, Santa came to town, riding in his traditional horse drawn wagon, much to the delight of all the youngsters lined up along Main Street in anticipation of his arrival! One by one they marched up to Santa to sit on his lap and tell him what they wished for this Christmas. I knew that Lola would do it this year, despite her poor Santa performance last year, as she really wanted him to know that she wants a swimming dinosaur under the tree on Christmas morning. I was not so sure about Rowan. Lola hopped right up on Santa's lap, and Rowan cried when I put him up there with his sister, so our picture has my arm in it! After about 10 seconds though, Rowan calmed down and sat quietly, even remembering to say "Thank you Santa" after his turn was over. They each got little gifts (thanks Lion's Club!) and treats to take on their wagon ride around town.

Christmas is such a great time of year in Palouse! The other day I took the kids to town to have lunch, as I was feeling crabby and did not want to cook. While we ate, a local woman randomly came in, walked up on the little stage, pulled out an accordion and started playing Christmas songs. It was so completely random and wonderful. My bad mood dissolved as I thought about how amazing it is to live in such a sweet place.