early christmas

We celebrated Christmas on Saturday since we'll be out of town visiting family for the actual day. We read about the birth of Christ and did our Jesse Tree devotional for the day. We want our children to know that Christ's birthday is the focus on Christmas, not Santa or presents. There is nothing wrong with these things, but they're not the reason for Christmas. We just want them to understand that Christ is the reason we give presents. Not sure Jake understood much of this, but it is important to us to start our family traditions regardless.

We got Jake a little kitchen because I managed to find a great deal on one. It even fits in a corner! His friends Owen and Corrie have one at their house, and it's the first thing he goes to when we have play dates. Well, he LOVES it! He enjoys it so much that he has been eating less because he wants to be finished so he can get down and, "Cook!" as he calls it. He constantly is saying, "Ice. Ice." and putting his cup under the water/ice front dispenser on the refrigerator. We've been talking about pretend and now he says, "Pretend." as he cooks with a skillet on the stovetop, which has sounds and lights. When he puts a pot on the burner, it turns red and Jake says, "Hot!" The kitchen definitely is a hit! Now all he needs is some fake food to go with his dishes, and he'll be a chef in no time:)