Elfie the Elf

We have a new visitor at our home this year. His name is Elfie the Elf (ok...no one ever accused me of being creative). Charlie and Molly have been in awe of the magical powers of our elf. He arrives from the North Pole every morning in a new spot. Most of the time he is good, but a few times he has been mischievous. I'm think I'm ready for Elfie to leave us for the year, so maybe we won't have to get up with the chickens to go find him. But, seeing how my baby is only four months old, I feel like Elfie will be coming back for several years to come. Please feel free to share any new ideas of where elves can hide. This week Elfie couldn't find a spot inside, so he rode around with us in the van all day. Molly's still trying to figure out how he got his seatbelt on :)

Elfie and the Nativity

Elfie listening to Snap, Crackle and Pop
Elfie being good and keeping an eye on everyone's behavior...I hope he gives Santa a good report!

#1 Dad Award

This past Friday, Molly and Charlie had their class Christmas parties. I was unable to attend, since I work on Mondays and Fridays. Of course I wanted to be there, but since I couldn't I sent the next best thing...DADDY! I really should say, the best thing...DADDY. Since Gray has been born, Daddy has really stepped up to the plate by helping with the other two children (I had him quite spoiled up to this point). That has ultimately led to him being in first place in their eyes. So when I asked him to go to the parties to take a few pictures, he was glad to do it. I might add that this also included taking ham sandwiches, gifts to exchange, and being there at two different times...four hours apart. Yes, he definitely deserves the #1 Dad award this week. I wish I had a picture of him with them at the party. Oh well, he can't think of everything...not to mention he used up my flash card! Here is the top five out of about 40!

Molly's class wore their pajamas for a "Twas the Night Before Christmas" party. Too cute!

Molly loved helping open their big box of gifts to keep in their classroom

Charlie and his buddies wait until it's their turn to open presents

Eating with the ladies!

Out of 9 boys gifts to choose a number for, Charlie chose the one with a movie in it. He couldn't have been happier. He's watched Superman several times this weekend.

Stephen, you are such a sweet Daddy! I know our children will have lots of precious memories of all the time you spent with them. I don't think you have ever missed one program, and now they may want you at all the parties too!

HBC Christmas program

Charlie and Molly had their HBC Christmas program this week. Charlie's kindergarten class were the main characters, and the other classes helped sing the Christmas songs. It was Molly's first time performing in "big church," so she was a little shy at first, but it didn't take long before she was singing all the words! We were especially proud of Charlie's kindergarten class. They memorized two passage's of scripture to end the program. We were all reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.

Thanks Ms. Nicole for all your hard work! Charlie LOVES you!

Molly loves her teachers. Ms. Brea and Ms. Kelly

Thanks Ms. Linda for all the hard work you put into teaching our children each week. They love music class!

A quick family pic. Gray was an angel!

My little shepherd. He was a little dangerous with that staff!

FOUR MONTHS OLD!

Okay, he's four months and three days old, but mommy's a little behind! Gray, you are the sweetest baby! We love you!
You love your exersaucer!

A visit with Santa and Christmas cookies

It's been a while since I've posted, but we've been making Christmas memories. It is my favorite time of year, I hope my children remember all of the important things about the season, instead of the crazy busyness that sometimes takes over. We went to see Santa at the mall so Charlie could ask for a few movies and a "real" football (Santa is glad Charlie's requests are under budget!). Molly's only request this year has been a Barbie phone. She has told Santa and everyone else, so she may end up with more than one. Both of them were very excited, and didn't want to get off of his lap! I didn't think Gray was quite big enough to sit in his lap, so hopefully Santa will bring him some surprises! He's been an awfully sweet baby this year!
We couldn't finish up our week without some cooking involved. My kids LOVE to help me in the kitchen. Sometimes too much! We end up with a big mess instead of food, but we always have fun. This week we made Christmas cookies. No, not the pre-made kind either. We made the batter, and rolled the dough. Yes maam! I think I get points for that!

We decorated. . .

The finished product. . .(in case you were wondering, those are gingerbread men, presents, and Christmas trees)

And, don't forget our favorite part... eating them with a cold glass of milk! Yummy!

The Haircut

My five year old, Charlie has always had what I call "good hair." He came out with a lot of it, and it has always been thick with no cowlicks, double crowns, etc. Since he has "good hair" I've always been able to let it grow out kind of long. It's usually cute and manageable, unless we've been at the beach a few days and it looks like this...
So you can imagine my surprise when I got a text from my husband not too long ago saying, "you are going to love Charlie's hair." I thought he was picking him up from school early to take him to get his flu shot, but he stopped by the barber shop as well. Needless to say, I was horrified and very angry when I got home and saw my little boy with a big boy haircut. I hated it at first, but it's growing on me a little since it has gotten a little longer. Charlie has loved it from day one, because it looks just like his daddy's haircut. Charlie, you are officially growing with two missing teeth and a big boy haircut. That's probably the reason I was mad in the first place, not because I didn't like your hair, but because you looked all grown up. Sometimes I would love for you to stay little forever. Those of you reading this post, feel free to vote in my favor for the cutest hair...

Before

After

Thanksgiving Memories

We enjoyed two Thanksgivings over the long weekend. On Thanksgiving day we ate with Stephen's family in Aberdeen. The boys enjoyed a little football and Gray enjoyed napping after a little snacking...Saturday night we ate again with the Leeper clan in Pontotoc. Gran wanted a picture of all five girls... all five boys...

and all ten together...it's getting a little easier since the big ones can hold the little ones! Molly and Charlie especially enjoy playing with the older grandchildren in our family. They think they are just as big.

Molly and Elise hanging out with Seth

Anna Catherine and Emily Ann are taking piano lessons this year. Molly wanted them to teach her!

We thank God for our wonderful families! Our children are so blessed to have so many people who love them. I hope they never take it for granted. We are looking forward to getting together again soon for Christmas.