Embracing their Unique Learning Styles

I told the little artist to read and write his phonics words.

His brain interprets "write" very differently than mine does.

Sigh.

At least I know his comprehension is pretty high.

Sprinkles, Sprinkles Everywhere!

Our tree is still up. We were listening to Christmas music just yesterday. Around here we like our Christmas to linger at least until Epiphany.

It's just too much fun to end it all early.

Besides, then we would miss out on the chance to dump all our leftover sprinkles on the Epiphany Cake.

And every kid needs a few more sprinkles in his life. Every grown woman could use some extra sprinkles, too, come to think of it.

The boys performed a puppet show of the magi bringing their gifts to Jesus, complete with all the verses of  "We Three Kings."

We three kings of Orient are

Bearing gifts we traverse afar

Field and fountain, moor and mountain

Following yonder star

O Star of wonder, star of night

Star with royal beauty bright

Westward leading, still proceeding

Guide us to thy Perfect Light

Born a King on Bethlehem's plain

Gold I bring to crown Him again

King forever, ceasing never

Over us all to reign

Frankincense to offer have I

Incense owns a Deity nigh

Prayer and praising, all men raising

Worship Him, God most high

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume

Breathes of life of gathering gloom

Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying

Sealed in the stone-cold tomb

Glorious now behold Him arise

King and God and Sacrifice

Alleluia, Alleluia

Sounds through the earth and skies

O Star of wonder, star of night

Star with royal beauty bright

Westward leading, still proceeding

Guide us to Thy perfect light

If you look closely, you can see a few tiny fingers peeking over the top of the table. I heart these boys.

After the little production, we offered our own three gifts through the World Vision gift catalog. Each boy got to pick one thing to give: water for one person, clothes for children, and a rabbit.

The most anticipated moment of the day is always the slicing and devouring of the cake. Whoever finds the hidden candy piece is crowned Epiphany King (or Queen) and gets to choose dinner and our evening activities. For the past 3 years, a grownup has earned the crown, so it was much coveted by the littles.

Mr. W was ecstatic when a Rolo tumbled out of his slice and onto his plate!

He chose macaroni and cheese for dinner, followed by an evening of video games. Sonic the Hedgehog must be exhausted after all the running they made him do tonight!

It wouldn't be the end of the Christmas season without a rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas. The boys made this version up all on their own for your reading (or singing) enjoyment:

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
12 cups of eggnog
11 stockings fallen
10 ornaments hung
9 presents opened
8 rainbow sprinkles
7 nutcrackers
6 candles lighted
5 bowls of candy
4 Mitchell boys
3 cookie cutters
2 Christmas trees
and a night full of video games!