After a lovely morning at church (I SO love the Christmas Hymns!), we had a quiet afternoon at home.  Advent reading and stringing popcorn were the main activities. 

The conversation as they strung popcorn was interesting, "Hello popcorn!" they would say to each piece being strung, "We are going to poke you with a needle, then hang you on a tree and birds and squirrels will eat you. Or if you break when the needle goes through you, *I* will gobble you up.  I love you little popcorn."  (Yes, my girls were talking with each kernel of popcorn. Not only talking to it, but taunting it, describing its fate.  Sigh.) 

Later this evening we watched a videotape of Kristy's family's Thanksgiving gathering.  The children especially enjoyed watching the antics of Kristy's adorable little brother.

Keianna made Ken's day by giving a clear full sentence, "I love you, Daddy!" as he put her down for nap this afternoon.  Awww!

At dinner tonight Kaira appropriately dubbed herself, "The Kaira of Many Questions."

Tomorrow we plan to finish some pine cone ornaments (pinecones slathered in peanut butter then rolled in millet) to hang with the popcorn garlands on an evergreen outside.  The children are excited about decorating a Christmas tree for our winged friends!

Ken is wondering WHY I happen to have a large quantity of millet on hand in the pantry.  While it DOES come in handy when making outdoor ornament/bird feeders, I must admit, I don't really know what I'd originally intended to do with it.  I didn't remind him that I think there's another 15 pounds or so stored in the barn. 

Years ago we helped some friends move.  As we helped them transport pail after pail of millet, they admitted they really didn't know why that had the stuff to begin with.  Now we find ourselves having unexplained quantities of this bird-food ourselves.   I have a vague recollection of thinking I'd grind it and include it in my bread, but WHY?  I think it can be made into hot cereal.  Hmmm...

So, do YOU have buckets of millet hiding in barn, garage, basement or pantry?  Do you remember WHY?