December Days

Where has this month gone?  It seems like I was just counting down the 15 days of school until Christmas break.  December has been a very busy month for our family.  We finally finished decorating our Christmas trees!  We have a few theme trees in our house, but my favorite tree to decorate is our Hallmark tree.  As a little girl, my grandma always sent me a Hallmark ornament each Christmas.  It is a tradition that Ray and I continue with each other and our children.  We always open the ornaments on Christmas morning, but with all the excitement of new toys the kids aren't as excited about an ornament.  This year we decided to change it up a little and exchanged ornaments on the night we decorated our tree.  I hope this becomes a tradition that our children cherish as much as I do and one they continue with their families.  Here are a few pictures of the festivities.

My sweet boy decorating the tree.

Even Lexi is ready for Christmas.

Our new ornaments. (Ray's ornament was not a Hallmark
this year.  It is an ornament of The Bluegrass.  I think it meant
a little more than a Hallmark this year...it was where we went
on our first date.)

We had several events at work and school to get through before our break started.  Four of my students participated in the Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) regional Fall Showcase this month.  Their project and interview with the judges earned them a trip to the state competition at Rupp Arena this coming March.  Whoohoo!

VMS Safe Patriot Booth

Parker had so many fun events at school!  He had his class party, school-wide party, and Polar Express (pajama) day. 

Slow and steady wins the race!

Parker was ready for Polar Express day!

We made treat bags for his classmates.  They
have an elf on the shelf named Rudolph
in their classroom. 

Parker also had his tonsils and adenoids removed this past week.  It was not the best way to spend our first week of Christmas break, but it was necessary and hopefully he will be feeling back to his old self in no time!

He was such a brave little guy!

Carter also had some fun school events, but since he does NOT like having his picture taken (unless it is his idea) there are no cute pictures to share! Instead, I have recorded him singing and reciting Christmas versus.  I love the sound of his sweet voice.  For your listening pleasure...

Max turned seven months old this month.  He is changing so much each day!  His newest accomplishments are pushing up (I have no doubt he will be crawling soon and honestly, I am just fine with him staying in one spot), the arrival of his first tooth, and saying "da-da."

This Christmas has been a little extra exciting with the arrival of our elf on the shelf, Jingle.  However, he doesn't usually stay on a shelf...he is into EVERYTHING! The boys have had so much fun going on "Jingle Hunts" each morning to see who can spot him first.  He always seems to make a bit of a mess, but nobody complains about cleaning it up because he's a pretty funny little elf.

Jingle hiding in the ceiling fan with a "snowball."

Snowball fight with Buzz and Rex.

Jingle, is that a marker your holding?

Oh, Jingle!  You made Parker look like Ray!

Carter thought Jingle did a lovely job making him
look like a reindeer.

Toilet paper garland.  Compliments of Jingle.

Curious George and Jingle having a midnight snack of s'mores.

Jingle got the house ready for Santa's arrival
and Jesus's birthday!  (He's sitting on top
of the curtain rod if you can't spot him.)

We've had so many laughs with this little elf!  I know the boys are going to be sad when he leaves tonight to head back to the North Pole.  We'll be looking forward to his arrival next year!  And you never know, he may just drop in and peek in the window sometime this year!  We hope each of you have a Merry Christmas!