a little pre-Christmas

So one of the first things we did after we got our beautiful soon-to-be dead tree home was decorate it.  First up, though, was Riley's tree....








Nana and Papa just happened to be in town for the tree decorating festivities.








Dec 1st (after much consideration, discussion, and indecision) an Elf arrived on our doorstep.  He was quickly given the name Sparkles.  One of the reasons I was hesitant to introduce an elf on the self to our family was the underlying (or not so much) theme of being good so that you will receive gifts, etc.  I want Riley to be obedient and sweet and loving because that is what we are called to do.  Not so that she will get something in return.  After Clay and I read the book, we decided instead of the introducing the elf by way of the book, our elf would arrive via mail with a letter explaining some things.  Some of which went over Riley's head at this point but the main point of the letter was that Santa wants Riley to enjoy all the fun of the season but to remember that Jesus is the most important gift of all and that our elf would come hang out with us during the day.  Some days he was silly, some days he was naughty and some days he was nice...but that Riley could remind the elf that no matter what Jesus loves him.  (I adapted this from pinterest.  And Disclaimer:  yes I know some of you out there are reading this disgusted that we *do* Santa and some of you are rolling your eyes because we changed up the Elf on the Shelf and incorporated Jesus.  But this is what we decided was best and most fun for our family.) 

Anyway, Riley loved waking up to find Sparkles in a different location and moving Sparkles each night was right up Clay's alley!  He is such an amazing daddy!  Here is Sparkles arriving...



Oh and our letter did not include a no-touching rule.   Our young neighbors were horrified when our Sparkles came outside to play one day.  ;)


Riley's sweet school does a small Christmas program each year.  Last year Riley was a sheep, this year, an angel.  Precious angel she was!!





picture fail.  yikes. it takes skill to take a picture so poorly. ;)


At Jesus' Birthday Party.  I think she was over it.

You can't tell from the photo, but Riley really does love her teacher!