Almost Christmas... what a fun year it will be!

I wonder if the Elf on the Shelf is created for the kids or the parents.... I think Steve and I have a better time at trying to figure out where to put him... Steve gets alot more creative than me! Stephen was sooo into decorating this year... I left all of the ornaments exactly where he put them... it cracks me up when I look at the tree- he really did it all by himself and is so proud.  We went to a breakfast with Santa  and on the way there Stephen said " Mom, is the North Pole far"?  Now I know why parents say "what" even though they heard you- it gives us time to think up a lie....... I said Santa took a break and came to have breakfast with us. He said "will his mother be there"? I said you mean his wife Mrs. Claus? He laughed! I said Mrs. Claus was in the North Pole making sure the elves are behaving. Stephen was so cute with Santa-- and all of the kids. This year, he sat right on the floor with all of the other kids- it amazes me how much school can help a child!!! He also particpated in the singing of jingle bells. 
Ryder is now 8 months old! Yikes.... really where does the time go??   He is a loud child... think he gets that from his Mama.  HE is rolling over and over and over--- even ended under the Christmas tree and under the recliner.  He got his first tooth last week... so adorable. SO he got his first cookie.. my boy loves his cookies. The "puffs" annoy him since they stick to his hands.   Ryder just loves his brother and will look at him and smile all day. It is so wonderful to watch.  Is it bad that you don't want your second child to crawl as fast as you wanted your first too?? My sister was over the other night trying to show Ryder what to do to crawl- I said NO.. don't show him. I am not ready for him to be mobile yet...I have to clean out all of the choking hazards. I will say Stephen is getting good with not leaving his stuff around knowing his brother will get it and put it in his mouth. As of last night 12/20....he is scooting around and now even doing the commando army crawl to get to things. The gates will be going up soon..... probably in a week or so (I know he will master crawling in NO time)
Christmas is less than a week away and I still have alot to do.... but that is nothing new. I decided I am better when I wait till last minute.

I asked Stephen what he asked Santa for....he said "it's a secret"...

later I found out he wants a police car

I adore this picture of Ryder checking out Santa.....

I love the month of December....

Boy do I love the month of December! Santa's helper (Elf on the Shelf) moves each night to "watch" over Stephen and Ryder.  Stephen was in trouble the other night and he turned and looked at me and said "does that mean I am bad.. and on the naughty list"?  So adorable!!!!!  Ryder is so stinkin cute and loves to watch his brother.  Ryder had his first boo-boo- he was on the floor and Amanda was playing with him and thought he could sit all by himself--- boom and down he went.... hit his head right on a toy- cried a little but didnt even shed a tear-What a tough guy!!! Today is December 1st-- Stephen will start his advent calendar for the count down to the big day! He will have to open Ryder's this year too- I am sure he won't mind. Stephen is in a catholic preschool.... and it is great because Christmas is spoken about! He comes home singing  Christmas carols... so cute. He says "mom, you know the one that starts like.... dashing through the snow.....". Love it!  Ryder is still lucky as ever and goes to see his Grammy everyday.  Steve and I are so very thankful for her and watching Ryder each day! He loves it and I bet she is enjoying it too!!!