Merry (That Means Happy) Christmas

Today it occurred to me that our kids probably don't even know what "merry" means, and here we are, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. Definition discussion followed. And a family self portrait.

Happy, Merry, Joyful Christmas everyone, we're celebrating Jesus' birthday and we're SOOO excited!!

P.S. Wanna see our Christmas concert? Here's our video...
                   http://youtu.be/WSmM67ZXPkQ

He Said, I Said

E has developed a fear of monsters. It may be due to the game that is often played in our house, involving hiding behind corners or doors and jumping out and roaring at poor unsuspecting little E. I have forbid this game, but it still finds its way in sometimes. And then bedtime comes, and E asks me if there are any monsters in his room. And he says, "Can you save me?" Sometimes he asks for Big Puppy, that's his puppy that's almost as big as him. He tells me that Big Puppy will save him. And then I say, "Yes, I can save you, E. But Jesus already saved you, and that's even better." Last night I told him that Jesus saved him, and then I was about to say, Jesus is with you all the time, or Jesus is everywhere, but suddenly I didn't know how to say it without Jesus sounding like a scary monster hiding in the closet. So I said, Jesus is here in your heart. E responded with, "Yeah, and up in the sky." I agreed with him, and then he added, "But Jesus doesn't have a car." And there in the dark, kneeling next to his bed, I had to hide my face to not let him see me laughing about what he had said, the sweet words that had come out of his mouth, because, really, Elijah seems to have it all figured out. I'm the one who doesn't quite know what to say. I never even though about whether or not Jesus would have a car.

He's sitting next to me taking to himself, or some invisible friend, "You go to work? I can't go to work by myself." I just glanced over and now he's said to me, defensively, "What?! I just pretending! I need a driver now. We just waiting. Now we going home, we just turning. We got to go home now. Bye Mom!"

I told him a few days ago that Grandpa and Grandma were coming for a visit. "Yeah I know!" (He says he knows to EVERYTHING now.) "Bampa and Mamaw and COOKIES!!" Again I could hardly control my laughing, he's got it all figured out. I told him he's so smart, and of course... "Yeah, I know!"

Who Makes the Cut?

I was trying to clean out Shelly's backpack and I found this scrap of paper. I was going to just toss it out, but I sort of wondered... What made the list? Why did Archer and Lulu make the cut but no one else? There are some things that look like practice (because, become, for, from). Some things that have to do with current events (Chomp is the title of a book Archer was reading, PTA and home are places we're always going).

Anyway, I thought it was worth checking out and sharing, enjoy. Now I'm tossing it out, with the rest of the wrappers and other miscellaneous stuff I've collected out of her backpack. Archer's backpack is next!

Nighttime

How long have I been a mom? Seems like I should have learned some things by now. Like, bedtime is not "goodnight, sleep tight" and then I don't see them till a reasonable hour the next day. Bedtime is an hour long process... Read some stories, sing songs, brush your teeth (why do I have to say it 100 times?), goodnight.... Why are you still in your jeans? I really shouldn't have to tell you to change into your jammies, you're old enough to just decide to do it...

Ok, so every night, there is a parade into our bedroom. I'm scared. I need a drink, the monsters will get me, I had a bad dream, I can't sleep.

Pitter patter, little feet approaching our door, someone standing right outside but not coming in or knocking, just waiting for us to invite them in to share the latest reason why they're not in bed.

Shelly came in, dropped this on my desk and said, "You can write back if you want. But you don't have to." Ok, I love you, goodnight, go to bed.

Dear Mom - I had a wonderful week off for Thanksgiving - I hoop you did to! - Love Shelly - 12/2/13

I debated about writing her back a note. I didn't have to wait too long to hear her footsteps again, and another note dropped on my desk.

Dear Mom did you get the last noet well I love you by - Love Shelly

She did eventually go to sleep. I wrote her a note, folded it all up into a tiny triangle and gave it to her the next day. She was happy :)

A Little Ray of Sunshine

I found this in between some work papers on my desk today.
A nice little ray of sunshine on a cool fall day.