The Wilsons: Merry Everything, Y'all!

We've had a fun, but busy week. After the previous exhausting Tuna week, Judd had the pleasure of going to Dallas this week on a business trip. The kids and I had lots of projects going on at home! We decorated the tree, worked on our Christmas cards and birthday invitations, and completed school projects. Somebody has to be the responsible adult around here!!!

We have been worried how Brody would react to our Christmas tree, ornaments, and presents. Judd brought in our tree before he left town. We waited a day to string the lights. Other than running underneath the tree and biting on a few low branches, Brody did fine. We have caught him drinking water out of the tree stand. For some reason, he loves to drink out of everything but his cup. After a trial period of a few days, we then hung the ornaments on the tree. Still no major problems yet. I have noticed how much he loves to eat ribbon, so all of the presents are wrapped in "pretty paper" but no "ribbons of blue" right now. That will be done last minute. Whether it was our threat to keep him in his kennel for the month of December or if he's just worried that Henry will tell Santa on him, I'm not sure. But he's been a good kitty so far!

All week long, the kids have been begging to make our gingerbread house. We never found time between school, homework, tae kwon do, ballet, and church to decorate it. So, tonight we made our gingerbread house. We can't figure out the best place to put it where Brody won't eat it. Judd suggested we keep it across the street at our neighbor's house. Mary Conlee thought the kitchen table would be best. Cole was the wisest and wanted to put it on a shelf in Judd's office. This should be fun to see!

It seems like we are so busy getting ready for Chrismtas that we lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. Even with our elf, Henry, giving daily reports to Santa, the kids aren't always showing each other the best love. But tonight, while waiting for our gingerbread house to "set up," I heard MC ask, "Can I get cozy with you on the couch, Cole?" It's times like this that make a mommy's heart happy! Tonight as we were reading our story The Greatest Gift of All before bed, I asked the kids what the greatest gift is. They answered simultaneously. Cole said "laptop" while Mary Conlee said "love." Cole gave the answer that most of us tend to act at Christmas time. Thanks, MC, for reminding us that "the tiny helpless baby offered the greatest gift of all."

Lights all aglow!