Tuesday night we had our family Christmas. We have decided to start a new tradition of having a Birthday Party for Jesus each year. It seems to be a tangible way for our kids to understand what Christmas is really about. They really seemed to understand the concept a little more. The girls "helped" me decorate the house with streamers and balloons, and then we had a special birthday dinner of stromboli and salad. We read the Christmas story, blew out the candles on our "birthday pie," and sang "Happy Birthday" and "Away in a Manger." Then, of course, was presents time. The girls loved the Make-Up set I found for them at TJ Maxx. I had the hardest time finding a play make-up set that didn't have real lip gloss, etc. I'm just not ready for that mess yet. But, I did find a full fake make-up set with a blow dryer, curling iron, powder, several lipsticks, nail polishes, etc. They have not stopped playing with that since they opened it. Their other favorite presents were their magnet sets and their Lite Brite. I would also like to take this time to tell the world how thankful I am for my husband. Of course, he surprised me with many perfect gifts that I love, but more than that, he is the best daddy that two girls could have. He is so involved in their lives and in actively teaching them to love Jesus with all of their hearts. I love Robbie Fipps!!!!

These are some Northland students who came caroling at our house last night. We ran and grabbed some sombreros for them to wear during "Feliz Navidad."

This Winter up here has been so mild!!! We woke up this morning, not to snow, but RAIN!!! It is foggy and rainy outside today, and it is only 12 days until Christmas!!! How weird is that?!

We went to the doctor yesterday, and heard the baby's heartbeat for the first time!! Now I finally feel pregnant. The girls got to come in for that part, and they were so excited to hear the baby. Maggie asked me why I was wearing pajamas. Then, when I came out to the waiting room, she said, "Did you enjoy that, Mommy?!" That was pretty funny. My doctor's wife is due the day after me, so at least I know that he won't be out of town that weekend!

Well, that's a little update from the Fipps world. This week is so crazy...as I'm sure it is for everyone! We've got a different get-together/party every night this week until Monday. Sometimes I wish we could spread this stuff out over the whole month, as this week always seems like the time when we all try to cram in everything.

Over Thanksgiving, my mom and I were shopping for the girls' Christmas presents. I wanted to get them some more Play-Doh things, since they love playing with the "Play-Doh Hair Station." The one thing that seemed to be the most popular right now for Play-Doh, was a set of eyes, noses, feet, ears, etc. that you could stick in your Play-Doh to make funny faces. My mom got the brilliant idea to simply take the parts from the girls' Mr. Potato Head, and use them with the Play-Doh. Ta-Da! Instant toy! The girls loved it. Thought I would blog about it so some of you moms out there could use the idea.