Noelle the Elf

This post is from Madeline:

This is my Elf, Noelle.  She is a really nice elf.  Santa sent her to watch over me.  She really likes to eat crackers.  Every night she moves somewhere silly.  The first night she hung upside down on the Christmas tree.  She also swung from the ceiling fan.  She sat in the wreath in the kitchen, she took a joy ride in a low rider with Santa, she got in a bowl of marshmallows, she toilet papered my Christmas Tree and made a giant pile of cans.  I've had a ton of fun with her and I'm sad she's leaving today. 

The Holiday Spirit

Steven, Madeline and I have had a great day full of the best of the holiday spirit..... no stress, no spending tons of money, no trying to impress.  Just loving time with each other making creative decorations!  This is what being a Family is all about!  Next Steven is going to fry chicken and Mom & Dad are coming over for dinner.  Love it!

My Senses

What I hear right now - Steven playing guitar downstairs (The House of the Rising Sun), Madeline blowing a penny whistle, tapping keys on my keyboard.

What I smell right now - ham from dinner, scented candle.

What I see right now - darkness outside with a light now falling through window, Madeline with a bunch of toy animals around her, which she has had since she was probably three years old, but still plays with.

What I'm able to touch right now .... flannel pajamas, the keyboard, my blanket, wooden Noah's Ark

What I taste right now.... yummy hot chocolate that my Bro in Law kindly bought for me

What I feel right now.... the loving embrace of home and family.

What am I thankful for?  A life of bounty, the love of my family, and God's forgiveness of my many sins and indiscretions.