Jim and I are finally done organizing Helaina's Christmas gifts two separate piles - those from Santa and those from us. I sat on the floor in front of the tree with a giant laundry basket brimming with wrapped presents. I told Jim what each gift was and he either said "from Santa" or "from us". Santa's gifts are under the tree and ours are set off to the side. There will be enough excitement and confusion tomorrow morning as it is.
Our pretty tree brimming with way too many ornaments, but that's how I like it. I've got ornaments Josh made when in school, ones Helaina has made over the last few years, special ornaments from Jim (like my Wizard of Oz collection), ornaments that my mother had, the ones I've collected over time and so many more marking special occasions.
Even though I had made some Christmas cookies, Helaina wanted Santa to have oreos and chocolate milk. There's also a letter to Santa that Helaina has highlighted. She's into highlighters now and loves marking up Jim's morning newspaper and anything else she can get her hands on.
As tradition will have it, Santa's elves came tonight when Helaina was upstairs with Joshua. She heard the commotion downstairs (bells ringing) and came running down to find the fireplace door open, snow melting on the hearth, 2 pieces of felt that got torn from the elves' outfits and her stocking swinging from the mantle, filled with small gifts the elves left her.
Helaina likes the movie Wall-E and she's holding an Eve ornament that was in her stocking.
Outside today in the snow sprinkling reindeer food (oats) mixed with glitter to show Rudolph and the gang the way to our house tonight. She couldn't wait to srinkle it in the snow.
Absolutely adorable little face.
Another picture from our photo shoot when trying to get the perfect shot for our Christmas card. That Santa has to be at least 40 years old. It was my mother's and I remember it being around every Christmas when I was a very young girl.
Gosh, she looks much older than 6 years old in these pics.
Helaina wanted this picture to be on our Christmas card this year. I overruled.
Last Saturday night Helaina was in her third play, Hairy Tale Rock - the story of Rapunzel. The four girls in her age group were all jesters and they were adorable. She had a blast and is so comfortable when on stage. What a ham. When she hears the applause she gets a huge grin on her face.
"Fairy tale, a hairy tale for you, filled with mystery, love and romance. Fairy tale, a merry tale for you, there'll be laughter music song and dance...." I've heard and rehearsed the songs so much with Helaina that I could be singing on stage with them.
We had seats in the second row for the performance and were absolutely perfect for getting the best view of our little actress while on stage. I've got some great video.
After the performance enjoying her yellow roses and all the compliments.
At home with a celebratory cake. It was supposed to be a giant cupcake but it looks more like a giant mushroom.
Just about time to hit the hay and dream of sugar plums until the morning. When we put Helaina to bed tonight she was so excited. As she settled in and got comfortable under her Dora comforter she said to Jim and I "It's really happening tonight." Sure is, sweetie. I'll check on Helaina before I get in bed and give her extra hugs and kisses tonight while she sleeps. I can't help but cry for the 20 families in Newtown who go to bed tonight and wake up to an empty childrens' bedroom on Christmas morning where their 6 year old child should be sleeping. Can't even imagine the nightmare they are living or even how they will ever get through it.
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