North Pole Stroll

Santa...

Snow...

Letters to Santa...

Stories with Ms. Val..

Four, happy little boys!

A Response to Persistant Questions Regarding the Elf

Dear Philip and Daniel,

For two Christmases now, you have asked me where our Elf on the Shelf is.  I tend to respond with non-answers...I don't know, maybe he's lost, etc.  Last night, you asked if we could leave out cracker crumbs in hopes of attracting an elf.  It was then that I realized it was time to answer your question with some real answers.

Here's what you know from the book, the movie (that Daniel, you watched at school), and your friends.  Santa sends down an elf to watch you.  In addition to playing tricks around the house and moving around, the elf reports back to the North Pole each evening telling Santa whether you have been naughty or nice.  Right?

Well, your Mom and Dad told Santa that they did not need such an elf. 

For two main reasons. 

First, we, your parents, are here with you...watching you, if you will.  We see you when you are nice...we see you when your naughty.  We guide you...help you make good choices.  We praise you when you do good.  Correct you when you slip up.  Mom and Dad think that is the most important job they have as parents, and well, they just aren't willing to leave it up to an elf to take care of.

Plus, the Santa that we believe in is one who bows down at the foot of the manger.  He knows you are not perfect because he knows the One that is.  He knows that you will be naughty some of the time (but, boy, he sure is impressed by how good you typically are!).  He is a man of grace...a believer of forgiveness.  He brings you gifts in rememberance of Jesus' first gifts from the wise men.  He does not bring you gifts for being good for one month.

So, please do not think that you are missing out on any magic of the season.  An elf that flits about a house from room to room making messes for you to clean up has no magic compared to the baby in the manger.  The true magic is that today 2000 years ago, barn animals were eating hay out of an everyday manger.  That manger would become a crib to a tiny, helpless child.  A helpless child that is the Son of God...a Mighty King...a Wonderful Counsleor...a Prince of Peace.  That, my precious boys, is truly magical.

This Advent season, let's keep our eyes on that manger filled with hay.  Let's wait together to see the true magic happen on Christmas day.

Love you more than you will ever know,
Mom

PS - To prove that we do love elves...just the ones that make toys...not the ones that make messes and observe behavior...I'll include one pic...

December 1st

Today has been full and fun.  We started early with pancakes cooked by Daddy.  The boys all slept in and Chris and I enjoyed some time alone in the kitchen.  We dressed and headed out for errands.  The first...haircuts.

Chris has been begging me to cut John's hair.  So today we entered Mayo's with five heads to cut.  We create quite a waiting line when we walk in the door.

John was fabulous...sat pretty still in his Daddy's lap.  His hair looks great!

Can't help share this shot of William getting his curls trimmed.  He's reading a hunting magazine!

Next we got our tree and headed home for some decorating. 

We started outside.

This "yard art" belonged to Phil.  Dottie gave it to us the Christmas after he died.  Chris and I weren't too into "yard art" at the time, so it has stayed in the attic.  Several weeks ago, Dottie told me that the Santa needed to go up or go to Cameron and Heather.  About the same time, our neighbors put up two inflatables.  Cele convinced me it was time to join in the fun.  So here it is...Santa, a penguin, a palm tree, and some fruity drinks.  A bit tacky, maybe, but as Cele said, "what yard art isn't?"

I finished up this sweet dress for an even sweeter baby niece!

Then we began to tackle the tree.  It was somewhat comical.  Chris strung the lights, but a few strands didn't want to perform at the lighting.  The SEC championship game was about to start and the boss was getting frustrated.  Daniel was so excited and so eager to decorate.  We postponed and went next door to watch the first half of the game with the Camerons.

At half time, it was home to cook dinner and take baths.  Chris continued to watch the game and we decided to let Daniel and William decorate a little even though the lights were not done.  Some fourth quarter snuggling with Daddy...

and then off to bed for little boys.  Such a fun, productive day!

Full Fall Break

As I headed out for a morning run this morning, I realized that I wasn't quite ready to start this whole school routine thing back up again!  My boys agreeed.  I woke both Philip and Daniel at 6:45 am to eat and get ready for school.  Both had tears...one subtle and quiet...the other quite dramatic.  The consensus was our Thanksgiving break was so wonderful it was going to be hard to say goodbye!

We enjoyed snuggles in the bed first thing in the morning...trips to the library...

good times with aunts and uncles (and their cell phones!)...

welcoming the Weekley's home for the holidays with dinner at our house...

 

trip to the playground with lots of friends...

but the best of all was a trip to the hunting camp. Daddy took four days off...a blessing! We played outside, ate well, and the three big ones even hunted with Daddy.  Uncle Cameron stayed with us (but I failed to get a single picture with him!).  I held the couch down all day Saturday!  Such a relaxing trip.

But today is Monday and it's back to the grind.  And the grind somehow seems more intense this time of year.  I am thankful for the full week between Thanksgiving and the start of Advent.  Just a little more time to prepare myself for one of my favorite church seasons!

So Very Thankful...

for family first...four boys and their sweet father

 

for grandparents that love and listen to their grandchildren and give them the greatest gift...their time

for aunts and uncles and a new niece

A wonderful day...delicious meal created by many different hands...good memories for little boys.  Capped the evening off with a little backyard football and Charlie Brown. 

 

Truly blessed.

Family Fun and Thanksgiving Celebrations

I can't believe it's been over two weeks since I have blogged!  Our days have been full and time has been short.  We are settling back into our house, and I think we all agree it's good to be home.

I love my new kitchen.  I commented to Chris the other night that I rarely go on the other side of the house.  I spend all my time in the new space...cook, clean, laundry, and computer...where else do I need to be other than my bed??

Last weekend, Chris put together the new barstools and the boys love them!

We don't eat many meals there, but it is so nice for them to have a place to sit while I cook.

We also had some company last weekend!

Meme, Neilson, and Nancy joined us for Sunday lunch.  As always, it was great to see them and catch up.  My boys love Meme and Aunt Nancy and it thrills me to see them have a relationship. 

Family is such a blessing!

John turned 18 months this week. 

Where does the time go?  He is about the cutest dude ever.  He talks up a storm...most is unintelligible but it is cute nonetheless.  My favorite is when standing in front of the mirror and asked who he is, he replies, "Daws."  I call him 'Dawsie Doodle' and am now afraid I've got him confused!

This week brought a lot of school fun.  Yesterday we had a surprise shower for Daniel's teacher who is getting married next month.  How cute are these little peeps??

Today Chris and I went to St. Paul's for the landing of the Mayflower.

Daniel and his classmates were dressed in their Pilgrim attire.  Their big brothers and sisters were dressed as Indians.

Chris and I were happy to meet Daniel's big brother, Jordan.  Jordan is the star of the football team and is the nicest young man.  Chris and I enjoyed talking to him about football, college, and his family!

And speaking of Indians, remember this contest from last year.  Well, we have another Gill chief...or really co-chief.  Daniel and another classmate tied in the "positive behavior" contest.  We sure are proud of our little guy!

From there it was time for a Thanksgiving feast at Trinity.  How cute are these turkeys??

A busy day, but a fun one.  And because I don't want to leave him out, this guy celebrated Native American day today.  From all accounts, it was a hit too!

And now, I can truly say that I am thrilled that we are out of school for a week.  I am excited to see friends from a far and family too.  Thanksgiving is one of my favorites!!