Another Day in the Life of an Elf...

Erik and I are sitting here at this very moment, listening to our son, sing scream the Happy Birthday song to Jesus.  So very sweet.  He is supposed to be sleeping, but we can't dare get on to him for that, right?

As we glance to our left, Mills' Superman seems to have claimed a trophy...

 

Ollie had better use his magic if he plans on reporting in to Santa tonight!

Gingerbread Cookies

For weeks, Mills has been begging to make gingerbread cookies.  Tonight, we took the plunge.  We has one big ole' messy ball!  Mommy on the other hand, has tired eyes and feet.  It was totally worth it!
I have been using my friend, Abbie's grandmother's recipe, which calls for 5 cups of flour, but tonight, we didn't have the time for 100 cookies made from a mess of molasses.  So, I opted to go the easy route and use a mix.  I wasn't sure how they would turn out, since the made from scratch ones are so delish.
On another note, I tried to save time by not making my own icing and piping it on from a tipped bag.  Well, the premade cookie icing in a bag with the tip is NOT easy to work with.  If I should say so, it is rather "runny."  Our cookies don't look perfect, but they sure taste great!

 

Santa's Beard

Thanks to pinterest, and in honor of the first day of December, we have started our first little "project" for our countdown to Christmas. You can download and print your own Santa here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zip-lining Ollie

One zip-lining Elf = one impressed little boy and one seriously disturbed dog.

Mills and Santa 2012

The three of us took advantage of this beautiful day and headed to Memphis to see Santa.  Mills has had a day of excitement!

First, Ollie the Elf delivered a movie this morning...which by the way, is a PRECIOUS movie!!

 

Mills was so very excited!  He couldn't wait to watch it on our way to the mall to see Santa Claus.

 

It was a great day for going.  We did not have to wait in line at all.

 

Oh yeah...they're BIG pals now!

 



 

Mills was not afraid of Santa, but shy at first.  After Santa talked to Mills, he warmed up and loved him.  Mills said, "Santa, I want a soccer ball, and iPad (aka. Leap Pad2) and a "scooter-bike" (aka. scooter.)  Overall, I think our pictures turned out great!

Next, we made our way to the carousel for two rounds, just before doing a small amount of shopping.  As we passed by Santa on our way back to the carousel for round three,  Mills was yelling, "Hey Santa!" and waving as big as he could.  We cannot wait until Christmas Eve!!!

Ollie the Elf

Ollie is back this year and Mills couldn't be more excited.  He made his way into our living room on Thanksgiving Day.  Mills spotted him perched atop of our living room mirror.  He has since then made his way to our dining room chandelier, the iron scroll in our living room, and the lantern in our entry hall.  He has been such a good elf, until now.....


I came home to feed Joey at lunch and not only was the Christmas tree on, but Ollie had rolled the tree.   Obviously,  he doesn't know how expensive Charmin is!

 

Happy Thanksgiving 2012

 

Give Thanks!  From our family to yours, we wish you a

Happy Thanksgiving!

My favorite verse...
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thes. 5:18)

This Thanksgiving, I am so thankful for many things.  First and foremost, my salvation.  I am thankful for my wonderful husband, my beautiful little boy, my parents, family and friends.  We have a roof over our heads, jobs that provide although this economy is rough.  We have food on our table, warmth that surrounds, and clothing for our bodies.

I am thankful, as always, that I am a Christian, who was raised in a Christian home, in the Bible belt of the U.S.  I don't take that for granted at all.  I always think, "What if I had been raised in a family of no Godly faith, or of another "religion."  I could be lost and unknowingly waiting for the word of God to find me, but I am not.  I don't even like the word "religion."  I do not like it at all.  I am not religious.  I have a relationship; a relationship with Jesus.  Thank God from whom all blessings flow!

Yucky Night

Up twice during the night with sheet and pull up changes, a bath, and a very upset little boy. 

 

Poor little guy just couldn't hold anything down either way. 

Halloween

Mills' costume choice this year was none other than Batman.  We have finally reached the stage of the "non-mom picked" costumes that are cutesy and juvenile.  It makes me sad, but I haven't seen a cuter Batman than this one.  Here he is dancing from side to side signing the Batman theme song.

 

Our first stop for Halloween night, was our Fall Fest at church. Luckily, we made it early and Mills was able to complete all games, slide and bounce without waiting in long lines, and we were allowed time do some a few trick-or-treating stops afterwards.

 

 

 

 Fishing for a prize

 Awesome! 

 Mills is getting is F.R.O.G (Fully Rely On God) tattoo

Trick or Treating at Mama B's

Lainey posing for the camera

 Comparing treats

Fun Night with Friends

It's been a GOOD WHILE since we have attended a Halloween party.  My sister-in-law, Whitney and her hubby, Drew, hosted a wonderful costume party and we had a blast. 

Erik, did not get to go, due to being out of town.  So, this Tinkerbell conned Justin into being her Peter Pan.  He wasn't crazy about the idea at first, but after reassuring him that tights were not involved, he agreed, and you know what?  He had fun!

 Me and my beautiful sister-in-law, Whitney

 

 

Peter Pan & Tinkerbell