Sunday, December 6, 2009

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

Happy December all! I don't think I have gone this long without blogging since I started the blog last year. It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks, with lots of seasonal preparations! Plus, I don't know why, but when the daylight gets shorter and shorter so does my ability to stay awake these days!
Here's some pictures from the past couple week's events...


Watching "Grinch" with Gramma Darlin' (and Roo!)
Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day meal...
Hanging out with Mary at Thanksgiving celebration
Checking out the Santa Christmas tree

At Elmo's Green Thumb with Gramma Darlin
Big Bird!
The trees are up, the house is decorated inside and out. Presents are pretty much purchased and wrapped. WHEW! Now it's time to enjoy!
We're celebrating a couple traditions this year -- an advent calendar (with chocolates!) and Elf on the Shelf. I always loved advent calendars when I was younger. I looked forward to opening each window every morning. This years version sits on the counter near Tatiana's high chair and she's very quick to point out each morning that we have to open the day's window! And believe it or not -- the child that doesn't have much interest in candy? LOVING the chocolate piece everyday! Double bonus!
The Elf on the Shelf is another new addition that I had been meaning to do. Then I heard rave reviews from my friend Joanne (thanks, J!) so I decided to do it! Our elf did not receive a very creative name - he's Red Elfie. But she loves looking for him each day. I am not sure that she understands yet that he's supposed to be reporting to Santa on her behavior... but all in good time! She recognizes Santa in pictures - but I am not sure she understands what he stands for and brings.
I am realizing it's difficult to explain the true meaning of Christmas to a 3 year old - and not stress the commercial aspect of it! I did hear on the radio the other day someone say "Christmas is Jesus birthday and to help celebrate it, we exchange gifts and love with those we care about". Not too bad!
Tatiana continues to amaze me each day. She's changing more and more every time I turn around. Yesterday in the car on the way home from the store she took her shoes off after I had asked her to leave them on. (She's fascinated by taking her shoes and socks off in the car, which I did too when I was little!) I handed her the shoe to put back on and reminded her that I asked her not to take her shoes off and she replied: "mama, I sorry I take off shoes". What? She loves saying sorry - but doesn't usually have a "reason" to. But it was used correctly AND almost a full sentence! Leaps and bounds.
I promise I'll post sooner next time (and I'll try to mean it!). Enjoy your December!

10 comments:

Clarese said...

Great pictures! It is always nice to read a T update :)

Roger and Joanne said...

Has T watched the Christmas movies? Santa Claus is Comin' to Town? There's an elf in there that when we watch it, I point out to R & N that there's many elf's working at Santa's shop and one of his elf's "Kirby" is here at our house reporting back to Santa. I think they get it, but LOVE spotting him every morning.
That's a great sentence! Congrats T! Niko still hasn't a sentence and Reese has just started saying sorry. Sounds like you all are doing very well!
Happy December to you, too!
I promise to write a blog again soon. It's getting harder time wise.

Nichole said...

This time of year is so fun with little ones. T is at a perfect age to enjoy it all! I might have to try that Elf tradition, maybe V would obey a little better! LOL Your Thanksgiving pictures look like our family reunion gathering on Thanksgiving at my grandma's church. Enjoy the holidays!

Troy and Rachel said...

Happy Holidays!! You know I bought an advent calendar and can't find it anywhere. Oh well. We talk alot about Christmas being Jesus' birthday. I don't know how much Daniel really understands either, although he's got the whole Santa is watching him thing down! Enjoy your holidays!

Laura said...

Oh, I'm sooo jealous that you already have everything decorated, bought and wrapped! I'm hoping to have that all done by the 21st...and that would be great by my standards.

What is it with the shoes and socks? K does the same exact thing...although sometimes it happens in Target, the grocery store, etc. in addition to the car.

Love the pics!!

~Laura

findingourdaughter said...

Love, love, LOVE the thanksgiving day outfit! So adorable!!
I cannot wait to hear her reaction to Christmas day......I hope you have a video camera ready, it will be priceless!
Hugs and miss y'all!!

Rob,Dawn,Catherine and Iain and Maura said...

I can't believe how much she has changed in the last few months. T gets more beatiful each day. Have a wonderful Christmas.

Over-Caffeinated said...

She is so precious!

Enjoy your Christmas with all the magic a child delivers!

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