The Polar Express- Texas style

Last week we had our Christmas Ward social. 

Deep in the heart of Texas!

Reading The Polar Express with a Texas twist

We served bbq sandwiches, potato salad, beans, chips, and water.

Our Texas Polar Express.

After the ride, Santa came and the children each got a bag. In the present was a cd with next year's program music, an ornament, and some candy.

Then we served cookies and hot chocolate and sang a few Christmas carols.

Christ-Centered Christmas

Every year I feel the pull to make Christ the center of our focus this time of year. There is so many good ideas out there and the focus is finding balance in it all.

Here is what we are doing-

Acts of service- We are trying to do one a day. (More on this after Christmas.)

Christmas Music- I found a wonderful playlist of Christ-centered Christmas songs here.

Christmas with the Prophets- This unit study looks great!

Scripture advents- There are so many cute one on the internet.

Some family focused traditions include-

The Monday night before Christmas we pile in the car to drive around looking at the lights.

Receiving new pj's on Christmas Eve

Getting together with extended family on Christmas Eve and acting out Luke 2

Reading a Christmas picture book each night

New Calling

Today I was called to serve in the Primary Presidency.



Here is my new pinterest board.

2013 Young Women in Excellence- Daughter of a King

 We had our Young Women in Excellence last night.

For the program we decided to adapt a few Jenny Phillips programs. We shortened and combined her Daughter of a King and Happily Ever After. For one of the videos, we made our own slide show from pictures of the last year.

 Then we had our coronation of the princesses. We asked the parents to write a few sentences about what makes their daughter unique and a princess. We read this and then each girl was given a wand with Daughter of a King written on it. (We invited the ward to come and the primary girls were invited to wear princess dresses. I had the girls give the wands when we were finished reading.)

The two mutual nights before, the young women were divided up into decorating and refreshment committees. This was a wonderful way to get them involved and to remind them to come! It worked out well and I was impressed with the finished product.