It’s kind of a weird feeling that our Christmas celebration has come and gone. I called in a favor to santa, he delivered, and we had our celebration almost a week ago.
On “Christmas” morning, once the girls were all awake and we headed to open gifts, I ran back to my room for my camera. When I came out, this is literally what I saw. Think they were excited?
We had a nice morning opening gifts. Different. Surreal. A bit lonely. But nice.
One little tradition that did keep our spirits up was Mr. … ahem, Mrs. Rosy Cheeks. Our elf came back this year as a girl. That required quite the explaning to the girls! And we still called him her a him. Follow?
Anyway … the girls had a blast this year discovering all the fun our mischievous he/she elf was up to!
I have to share about the last photo. The elf had put lipstick on Hunter’s nose one night before the “elf” went to sleep. And when the elf I went to wake Hunter up the next morning, in the low light of morning, it looked like the lipstick had rubbed off during the night. So I quickly went to Mrs. Rosy Cheeks and took away the lipstick and note {which says, “look in the mirror”} and put them away for another night. Only problem was … in the full light of day, she still had remnants of lipstick on her nose! Before she could see it, I started rubbing at her nose while she’s complaining and asking what I was doing. Humpf.
As luck would have it, Hunter slept with me a few nights later. Perfect! Since she was in bed with me, I waited til early morning to rub the lipstick on her nose and then put Mrs. Rosy Cheeks, lipstick and the note in her bed and waited for her to wake up. She loved the trick so much, she went to school with the lipstick on her nose. Simple pleasures.
Lastly … here’s a peek at this year’s Christmas card. Once again, many thanks to Suann for creating the lovely letterpress design for me.
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it looks lovely… and although there was a lonely feeling, i bet taylor filled up some of that space! so good to see her back with here mama!!!
your little elf is so cute! elf stories & pics have been cracking me up!!! {if you have a chance, look up “finchie the elf” on facebook :) it is my friend’s sister… and i have no idea how she can ever top this year!
love you!!! xoxo
Happy Holidays!!! Looks like your elf has had lots of fun this holiday season!!! ;) Best wishes to you and the girls for a happy, healthy 2012!!! xoxoxo!!!!
My fave is of her at the computer..skyping perhaps?
Love! I really need to step up my game with our elf…..I am way to boring!
Well, it may have felt different . . . but one thing remains the same — you’re still an amazing Momma!! Even through the changes and difficulties, your priority has always been to bring those sweet girls moments of simple joy. I adore that about you. Love you so much!!
My fav is the Elf’s snow angels!
HAPPY (belated!!!) CHRISTMAS!!! :):) The girls in front of the tree—- oh my. what a sweet memory. your girly elf spots are just precious! This was our first year with an elf and the kiddos loved helping me hide him. and YOUR CHRISTMAS CARD is just breathtaking— sooooo pretty! xoxoxoxoxoxo!
I wonder if they will sell long hair for Mrs. Rosy Cheeks next year! So cute!
Okay, I just went back to show my girls the pictures of Mrs. Rosy Cheeks, I LOVE the syrup one! We just watched Elf last night with the Dykstra’s…Fun time, still a little bittersweet…I wonder if that feeling will ever stop. Anyways, fun pics!
Love all your elf poses and LOVE the pic of the girls in front of your gorgeous tree. Looks like a great Christmas and I hope you have a great second Christmas too!!!
I really missed you doing my card this year. Of course…. you would be the one to have taken our most treasured family photos with my blessed em and kiki. i love you tracie.