OUR LIFE IN 3D

Ghosts of Christmas Past

So, what’s new this week?

Anything going on with you?

Well! We have a new guest in the house this week. And her name starts with ‘Elf’ and rhymes with Shelf.

Does anyone else think this reminds you of Cher if she were an Elf; and a new way to ride the train?

Everyone, meet ‘Lana’, our new Elf (ette) on the Shelf.

She decided to ride the train last night while we were sleeping and stopped to listen to the church carolers (picture ‘A Night At The Museum‘)

Sadly, later this evening we saw her propped up on Kingsford’s Brew House trying to scare away the Two Turtle Doves. (Hussy)

Apparently you can buy rent these little Santa’s delinquents helpers at Target still. Hmmm?

Well she’s helping us keep watch over the girls the remainder of this week.. at least when she’s not getting into trouble.

You see the first night she was here she apparently ate three of the girl’s lollipops and some candy; and left the trash all over the floor.

Last night, of course, she propped her feet up and rode the train.

Tonight I saw her over by a holiday candle roasting some mini-marshmallows.

Are these Elves really legit?

Guess what?

If you haven’t noticed, school’s out this week. Our oldest had a sleepover with a girl from our church after a birthday party at the local skating rink.

A train wreck waiting to happen

These two are practically the same age. Only two months separate them. We have been good friends with her parents even before they were born. So its good to see them getting along and having fun so well.

Do you think that they know I have a blog and are now weary every time I whip out the camera at a shindig?

Do you think they had any fun skating together?

If you look closely you can see Dylan sporting a new grill

(that’s the right slang, right? I heard it watching professional football)

That is right, Dylan is working her way through the ‘braces years’. She has been wearing an ‘appliance’ to widen her jaw and draw back her front teeth and now, last week, she had her first front braces put on.

In the spirit of Christmas she opted for Red and Green braces to celebrate the season.

Can you pick them out?

Yes, she seems to love them, doesn’t she?

You know you can’t talk to a parent with pictures of their kids without the phrase “they grow up so fast” popping out. And the last few days, after some of my Christmas posts, links have led to prior year’s Christmas posts when I stumbled across one of my favorite little videos from the past.

Ladies and gentlemen, you see the 8yr old-almost-a-teenager above. Here is a blast from the past at this girl’s very first Christmas.

Many thanks to youtube and our original nanny Jessica for preserving this great moment in our family.

The first thing that struck me when I watched this video was the love for our first child, really a miracle of sorts, but like most every one’s first child I suppose. Lots of love and no shortage of attention and presents.

The second thing that struck me was the love and playfulness of my father, her grandfather in this video. You see he is in a home now, struck down with a type of Dementia. He is not going to make the trip this year to see his granddaughters for Christmas, nor ever again. So what a treat it is for me to see these fun candid pictures with his granddaughter. Pictures that capture him and his loving, playful personality; the way we always should remember him.

So really, thank you, from all of us to remember him in these candid shots. A pleasant visit from the ghosts of Christmas past.

I also stumbled across our second child’s first video; one in which she has nothing to say. …cause she can’t talk yet. She is flimsy and quiet and cute and innocent and I can’t remember that far back. (apparently it runs in the family)

Here is Skylar’s first Christmas

Another Ghost of Christmas past.

Merry Christmas Week everyone!

Dear God, thank you for the birth of Your son. Let us keep Him front and center as we celebrate this holy Holiday week. And dear Father, thank You for our families that we all may see again over the coming days.  May we all play nicely and keep these very special moments sacred in our hearts and souls. Because things change. Father, thank You for creating all the things; family, traditions, celebrations, memories, and great tidings of joy that we deem special and holy this week. You are the Master of creation and Your acts are better than our dreams. Thank You for Your love ~ Amen