This. Exactly.

Lily: Mommy, my friend told me that Santa isn't real.

Mommy: Well, what do you think?

Lily: I think he's real.

Mommy: Then that's all that matters. You just have to believe.

They are coming to THAT age. Wondering, questioning just a little. I am a little sad because I love the idea of Santa, believing in Santa and the magic it creates in our children's lives. I've wondered, though, how I will one day explain. Of course Jenny, The Bloggess, put exactly the words I was looking for down on paper ever so eloquently. Here's her explanantion (especially #3)...In support of Santa.

I am Santa- I've "picked up that mantle". And I hope one day they do too.

Proud Mama

I got an email from Lily's teacher last week that she had won an award and would be presented with a certificate on Tuesday at a school assembly. She said it was a surprise to Lily so I had to keep it to myself.

I had no idea what to expect- maybe the whole class had gotten one or maybe it had to do with the food drive we participated in. I didn't know either- but I made sure to take a little time off work Tuesday morning to be there for the assembly.

The principle began the "Panther Pride Awards" by saying that just two students from each class had been chosen by their teacher for various reasons to receive the award. Of course the Kindergartners were up first. Lily was recognized by her teacher for her outstanding growth in reading and for being a responsible, safe and respectful learner (one of the school's "catch phrases").

I was so proud of her...seeing her walk up on stage to accept her certificate, knowing that other people(not just me) see how great she is! My heart swelled and I cheered and clapped for her. My sweet girl...getting so big and learning so much. Sometimes I hardly recognize that girl is the same one I used to hold in my arms and rock to sleep- doesn't seem that long ago at all.

Way to go Lily! Your Mama is very proud of you!

A visit with Santa



We got a chance to visit Santa during our trip to the Lights of Christmas. As we waited in line there was a huge "Nice" list on the wall- and we all found our names on it! Can you believe even Martin is on the nice list??? Lily was a little shy and Kendra was a little skeptical (was that beard real???) but they told him what they wanted and that they'd been very good this year. We have such great kids..aren't we the luckiest?

Wednesday What's up

Wait, what day is it?

We've had A LOT going on lately. Here are some bits and pieces of what we are up to (at least until I have time to upload some photos)

**We bought an early Christmas Present** A new camera! So now we can take some great pictures Christmas morning. Can't wait!!!

We went to the Warm Beach Lights of Christmas this last weekend. It was FREEZING!!! But, it was so beautiful and we got some awesome pictures with the *new* camera.

Kendra had her winter concert last Tuesday evening and Lily had a Gingerbread House Building Party on Thursday evening. I felt like the whole week went by in a whirlwind.

Our biggest news though...due to a change in circumstances Kendra is coming to live with us full time and will go to Lily's school starting in January. We are all very excited...though it will mean a big change in our daily schedule (I'm sure we'll have some adjusting to do with both girls). So that means we are busy making plans and making some changes in the girls' room to make it work!

Oh...and don't tell Lily but her teacher emailed me to say that she will be presented with some type of award at the Winter Assembly next week. I am going to surprise her and be there for it...but she doesn't know yet so shhh : )

Hope everyone is enjoying this holiday season!

Christmas Lessons

We checked out a children's book from the library: "Redheaded Robbie's Christmas Story"


The lesson: Give before you take; Show kindness to someone new; Forgive a person who has hurt you.

It seems so simple.


And yet...these are probably the hardest lessons of all to teach. We can only lead by example.


We'll have opportunities this holiday season to give, show kindness and forgive. I hope they stick, just like in the story.

The Tree

One of my favorite traditions is going to get our Christmas Tree. What can I say, we had the usual- a little bickering, a little "plan B" and quite a bit of exhaustion at the end but it is done and we have a beautiful tree all decked out and smelling wonderful in our living room.

Martin Cut's down the tree, the girls "help"

Big smiles from Kendra

She looks so grown up!

How lucky are we to live so close to this!?!?!?



And TA-DA! It's done.