Elf on the Shelf

On December 1, we welcomed a visitor into our home. Appearing in Jackson's room at bedtime was an Elf on the Shelf. For those who may not be accustomed to this December guest, he is an Elf sent by Santa to watch Jackson. He comes complete with a book explaining his past and his duties while with Jackson.

That night, Wesley read the book to a mesmerized Jackson and explained that this little Elf would be with him all month long. Every night, he would fly to Santa and tell Santa how Jackson had been that day. The next morning, Jackson would have to find where the Elf decided to land after his evening flight to the North Pole.

The first thing we had to do was name the Elf of the Shelf. Jackson named him "Elf on the Shelf" (since then he has shortened it to Shelf) Each night, he starts out on Jackson's train track in front of the monorail and Jackson has found him in various places through out his room. One morning, he even showed up with a toy from Mimi's house!

Tonight is the last night Shelf will be with us. Jackson and Daddy will place him on the monorail and wish him luck. If all goes as planned, he will fly back to Santa and help with the evening deliveries. He will then stay with Santa all year long until next December when he makes his appearance again in Jackson's room.

We have loved having Shelf around and to be honest, will miss seeing where he ends up each night and seeing how excited Jackson gets when he finds him each morning!

After Jackson finds Shelf each morning, he goes back up to his spot on the train track.

Jackson and his new little buddy

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Caroling

Instead of a typical Wednesday night service, our youth minister, Rocky, planned a special night of caroling for the tonight. He had selected a few widows from our church as well as some elderly couples he knew would enjoy some Christmas cheer for us to go visit.

There were two large groups that went out. Our group visited three houses. All three of our families were so excited to see us. One lady said that we had made the joy in heart run over so much it would last all through the weekend!

Here are some pictures from the night out:

Wesley and Alec (and Rocky pictured below) all were in the Holiday Spirit with their Santa hats!

Rocky and Camp

Jackson and his new friend Harrison

Our group praying over the family we came to visit

Mommy and Jackson

Jackson all bundled up - it got cold out towards the end of the evening

Da Da and Jackson

Holiday Walk

Since we decided to stay around Cumming for this Christmas, Wesley and I have been busy thinking of exciting "traditions" we could start with our little family.

Today was a beautiful day so Wesley suggested we take a stroll on the new Green Way that has opened in Cumming. We packed up Jackson, Flash and the wagon and headed off. There were very few mile markers so we really didn't know how far we had gone. We just kept walking until we reached Majors Road which seemed like a natural turnaround.

On the return trip back to the car, we realized we had walked about 2.5 miles. Thanks to Baby Philip, it felt MUCH longer than that!!

Jackson and Flash did great. Flash walked the entire time. Jackson walked most of the way but towards the end settled for a seat in the wagon.

We had a great time and as long as the weather is nice each Christmas, I believe this will become a holiday tradition!

Jackson stopped to watch a squirrel he saw in the bushes.

Jackson, Flash and Da Da

Jackson, Flash, and Mommy

Jackson wanted a turn pulling the wagon. He actually pulled it for a long time. He loved taking it under Flash's leash!

Towards the end, he traded in pulling the wagon for riding in it.

Last Minute Gift Idea

If you are searching for a last minute gift idea, I want to recommend two games: Scrabble Slam and Monopoly Deal.
My sister Emily gave these to me for Christmas (we exchanged gifts early) and Wesley and I have loved playing them this week.

Both are card games that can be played with only two players. It has been so nice to have something to do at night after Jackson goes down other than watch TV (or do housework - who wants to do that at night!!)

This week they are on sale at Target for $4 each so if you are in need of a last minute gift for a friend, spouse, or if you just want to treat yourself, I highly recommend them!

Have fun!

Holiday Lunch with Patricia

Today Jackson and I ventured out in the pouring rain to have lunch with my friend Patricia. We wanted to squeeze in one last visit before the holidays and before things got crazy with Philip’s arrival.

When we got inside Chick-fil-a, Patricia was already there waiting on us with a Christmas gift for Jackson. She has found a cloth fire truck basket and filled it to the top with things for Jackson. There was a car, toothbrushes, books, games, a Santa bubble pen - everything Jackson loves!

He was so excited to get this special gift and then to give Patricia her Christmas present (holiday ornaments). I too received a holiday gift – a gift certificate and homemade fudge – yummy!

Before we ordered, Patricia said she had something in the car for Philip. She ran out in the rain and came back with a beautiful diaper cake! What a special treat! I was so excited to show it to Wesley but sadly, it didn’t do so well on the ride home. When Wesley went out to get it, it was in pieces :( Thankfully, Patricia had taken a picture of it before she left her house. Look at how cute it was:

In addition to diapers, it contained baby outfits, blankets, shoes, and toys. So cute!!

Thanks, Patrica, for making this holiday lunch so special!

Christmas Play Group

A few of us were talking awhile back about doing a Christmas play group. Since everyone is so busy around this time of year, Katey thought it would be a good idea to do a low key group at the church.

Five of us were able to make it Wednesday morning and it turned out to be a lot of fun. We met around 10 and let the kids play until lunch time. After pizza, we pulled out sugar cookies and some holiday toppings and let the kids decorate their treats.

At first, none of the kids were into the frosting. Brooke and Alayna finally took the plunge and enjoyed the icing. The boys just kept eating the undecorated cookies and the toppings. Jackson ate his weight in marshmallows!!

Here are some pictures from the fun:

Jackson and Mommy

Ashley, Shepherd, and Camp
Can you see Baby Shepherd eyeing the cookie in Ashley's hand?!

The kids eating lunch

Let the decorating begin!

Camp making his silly face for me.

Jackson enjoying the marshmallows

I think Sam enjoyed the chocolate chips the best

Brooke enjoyed eating all the frosting off her cookie.

Alayna enjoyed every bite of her treat!

I caught Shepherd up at the table while the other kids were up playing. He was sliding off the seat and holding onto the table for dear life. Of course, instead of going to get him, I got out my camera and got this photo. As soon as I snapped it, his mommy came in and rescued him!

Christmas with the Jablonskis

Due to my growing belly, we decided to cut off travel in early December. It is getting harder to stay comfortable in the car so we made the decision to celebrate Christmas early with my family this past weekend.

Wesley wasn't involved in all of the activities because he was speaking at a retreat for his friend, Michael, but Jackson and I were able to spend lots of time with family.

I even managed to squeeze in a visit with Erin and Ashley. I was hoping to see Laura and her baby but the Christmas allergies got the best of me! I also wanted to see Abigail, but ran out of time. No matter how much time I have in Nashville, I never seem to be able to see everyone!

Leanne, Ashley, and Erin - we missed you Shannon!

Sunday afternoon, Jackson, Wesley and I were able to attend the James Family Christmas lunch. This is my Grandmother Mimi's side of the family. I don't think I have made it to a James Lunch since we moved to Atlanta. It was so good to see everyone!

Emily and my mom worked ahead of time to organize a group photo for my mom's Christmas card. Though it will be out of date once Philip comes around, it is nice to have a photo of my immediate family and one of my family, grandparents and uncle.

My cousin Matt let Jackson wear this singing hat. So glad it didn't make it home with me, but it was cute!

Sunday night, the entire gang came over to my mom's for pizza. It was so much fun! My mom let Jackson help with the cooking - not such a great idea for the cake, but I think she and Jackson had a great time!

Big Drubby reading Elmo to Little Drubby

Mom and Jackson "frosting" the cake.

Poor Cake!

Here is Jackson again doing the "Jablonski look" with his tongue but check out who else is doing it - my mom!!!

Jackson got to taste his cake - yummy!

We hate that we will miss spending Christmas morning with our extended family, but it was so nice to be with everyone this weekend.