{The Week Before Christmas}

Our Countdown to Christmas left the children guessing, wondering, and hoping for more.

This year, we started the tradition of unwrapping and reading a Christmas book each night before bed. This quickly became a family favorite activity. I had no idea that the anticipation of unwrapping a book (of our own) would turn into the highlight of our evenings. The kids absolutely loved to climb under the tree each night in hopes of picking one of their "most favorite" books.     

Did anyone take a guess as to which book would be our final 2011 Christmas read?

We held our own ballot. 

Bryanna and Kalyssa voted for 

"T'was the Night Before Christmas"

Travin voted for 

"Merry Christmas Curious George"

Mom voted for 

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas"

Ironically enough, these just so happen to be our top favorite Christmas stories...

Coincidence???

 

 

 

Daddy read "T'was the Night before Christmas" and Travin picked out "Merry Christmas Curious George" which means, our final read was...

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas"

YAY!!! What's my prize? 

(=

Santa decided that our family needed a little extra love this holiday season so he sent it in the form of a cute little scout. Our family was able to adopt a special elf from the North Pole. She made her way down south and found a place to call home in the hearts of the Mall Kids and maybe even within mom and dad's too! 

Ella did not disappoint the kids one bit. Every morning throughout the month of December, the kids eagerly made their way into the living room to begin their search for their favorite mischievous little friend.

On her final week of scouting, Ella found a way to bring a little extra cheer to our hectic holiday schedules.  

A snowball fight with Lamb Chop

Socks instead of stockings

A friendly little reminder

Anniversary Wishes

TP'ing the Christmas Tree 

 Delivering a message from Santa

Which all led up to 

Ella's last night

The kids had a really hard time saying goodbye to Ella. It must have been really hard for her to say goodbye too because the kids woke up Christmas Eve to a very special surprise.

A sleigh ride home with Santa allowed three very happy children a chance to hug their favorite little friend! 

The kids made sure that Ella was comfortable.

They even made sure that she had special treats to share with Santa and his reindeer. After all, the journey to the North Pole is very very far and Ella needs to save as much magic as she can so that she can come stay with us next year!

The one thing that Ella loves more than scouting and tricks is the magic of Christmas! 

She made sure that her three favorite kids in the whole wide world woke up to one final dusting of Christmas magic...Ella style!

{Embrace the Camera: Dec, 29th}

It’s the last {embrace] of 2011!

Since I’m a few days behind in posting all about our Christmas festivities, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite December moments with my favorite bunch in the whole wide world.

~My favorite Jay~

~My favorite Kids~ 

along with with my FAVORITE Monsignor and everyone's FAVORITE man of the hour SANTA

   

~My favorite Mom & Dad~

~My favorite Family~

Our December in a very small nutshell.

See you next year {embracers}!!!

{Merry Christmas}

~Santa's Christmas Prayer~

On Christmas Eve the other night 

I saw the most amazing sight, 

for there beneath the Christmas tree 

was Santa kneeling on his knee. 

His countenance was different than 

that all-familiar, jolly grin; 

his head was bowed, with hand to breast, 

and slightly tucked into his vest. 

For there in a nativity 

was Jesus and His family, 

and as I heard him start to pray 

I listened close to what he'd say. 

"Lord, You know that You're the reason 

I take pleasure in this season. 

I don't want to take Your place, 

but just reflect Your wondrous grace. 

I hope you'll help them understand 

I'm just an ordinary man, 

who found a way to do Your will 

by finding kids with needs to fill. 

But all those centuries ago, 

there was no way for me to know 

that they would make so much of me, 

and all the gifts beneath the tree. 

They think I have some hidden power 

granted at the midnight hour, 

but it is my love for You 

inspiring the things I do. 

And so when they begin to open 

gifts for which they have been hoping, 

may they give You all the glory, 

for You're the One True Christmas story."

~Alda Maria Monteschio

Santa, Monsignor, & The Mall "Chirren"

Merry Christmas

from our family

to yours!

{The Truth About Santa}

The children were nestled all snug in their beds. The stockings were hung and the prayers had been said. Notions of getting some sleep myself, but visions of filling the stockings clouded my way. If there was even the slightest chance that one of them was awake, the waiting game was what I played.

For the past 11 years, the children have held onto the magic of Santa Claus. We have helped to keep the magic alive but we knew the time would come. We knew the question was lurking. I knew in my heart that this year things would change.

Just this past week, my not so little girl asked me if we could talk. Kalyssa and Trav were fast asleep and the house was very quiet. I truly treasure the moments when Bryanna finds me just so we can “talk”. I knew immediately by the sound of her voice that this conversation was going to be a little different.

The first thing she said to me was:

“Mommy, I have something to ask you and I would really like you to be honest with me. I know that you don’t lie but I just really want you to be honest with me. 

Is Santa really real?”

For a split second, I could feel my eyes start to burn. More and more these days I find myself picking up little layers that are being shed by my little girl as she continues to grow. Ironically enough, I knew that Bry and I would be having this conversation so I prepared myself as best as I could. A while ago I came across this beautifully written letter (The Truth About Santa). I had tears in my eyes when I read it. The letter touched my heart so much that I decided to save it (thank you pinterest). I made a few changes, printed it out, put it in an envelope, and kept it close by.    

Before I could say anything, she grabbed my hand and said:

“I wrote you something. 

Read it first and tell me what you think.”

This was what I read:

Dear Mommy & Daddy,

Thank you for keeping Santa alive for so many years. I had fun but I know the truth. He isn’t real. We read an article at school and Santa isn't really real but (it didn’t say that he isn’t) he is only a Christmas joy. He is something that doesn’t bring toys but happiness. 

Thank you! Love, Bryanna

At that point, the tears kinda flowed all on their own.

I pulled out the envelope that had Bryanna’s name written on it and handed it to her. As a mom I guess you just know when things are going to happen. She read the letter (while I composed myself) and after, we had a really great conversation about how Santa is love, magic, hope, and happiness and how that all ties into the magic of Christmas.

I will share that she is very excited to be joining Santa’s team. She already has lots and lots of ideas floating around her brain as to how she can help next year. She wants to make sure that Kalyssa and Travin have as many years of magic as she did.

{NCOA Graduate}

About a week ago, I ventured through Texas, into Oklahoma, and then back into Texas again. Don’t ask how that all happened because our "genius" plan to meet after a few weeks of separation turned out to be one of the not so smartest plans we’ve ever thought of! However what started out as a "what were we thinking" moment, actually ended up turning into a pretty incredible week.

I think I mentioned before the utter mass of confusion that hit our front door prior to Jason leaving for the NCOA (non-commissioned officer academy). The final "yes you are going, here are your orders" came just 2 days before he was scheduled to leave. Two days notice is better than one...right???

I wish I could explain specifics but I can’t.

I wasn’t the one who went through 6 weeks of additional stresses, added pressures, and the apprehension that came from the unknown.  

I wasn’t the one who dedicated 6 weeks of hard work, discipline, and pure determination to make it through.

I can however take a moment to brag

Why?

Because that’s my job!

Jason went through the academy at Sheppard AFB. His class was the first to tackle the new curriculum that was introduced this year. It was challenging, demanding, and at times made absolutely no sense. For 6 weeks, we hardly spoke because he was busy studying, writing, planning, and studying some more.

But,

He battled his way through it all and was able to walk across the stage to receive the recognition he fully earned and completely deserved!

Sheppard NCO Academy

Capt. William A. Robinson (Ret) & CMSgt Mihol

Instructor of Class 12-1

Fox Flight

MSgt Wiggers

Class 12-1

Fox Flight

My Jay 

(I don't get to see this very often so I get very very excited when he dresses all fancy)

  TSgt Mall

The guest of honor for class 12-1 was Captain William A. Robinson. I had the honor of being able to meet and shake hands with this incredible man. I was completely speechless when he took my hands into his own and thanked me for my service to our country. Listening to him speak was by far one of the most moving moments I have ever experienced. It’s absolutely amazing to watch a man like him talk about his service, the men and women who defend our freedom, and our beautiful country. The pride he has for the Air Force and the United States of America is absolutely mind blowing!

This was what Jason had to say about Capt. Robinson.

Today, my class at the NCO Academy had the honor of hearing a briefing from Capt. William "Bill" Robinson, the longest held enlisted POW. He received his commission from President Nixon after his release. The chopper he was on was shot down on September 20, 1965 and he was finally released on February 12, 1973, that's 7 1/2 years of hell. I can't even explain the feeling in the room as he was telling us his story. He focused on how the prisoners kept each other strong and how they kept faith that they would come home. He also told us how he eventually got to a point that time was measured in three days, “yesterday was the day I was shot down, today is today, and tomorrow I get to go home”. I was extremely humbled by listening to him speak. Six month deployments, or remote tours that take us away from our loved ones for a year suck, but I get to speak to my family and am able to see pictures. Here are a few numbers that we received from Capt. Robinson- 7 million people served in the military during the Vietnam war. 3 million people served a tour in Vietnam. 58,000 military members lost their lives fighting over there. 39,996 of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that freedom lived were 22 years old or younger. He finished the briefing quoting Article VI of the Code of Conduct:

"I will never forget that I am an American fighting man, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America" and the last two lines of the Airmen’s creed “I WILL NEVER FALTER AND I WILL NOT FAIL!”

        Graduation Reception

So EXTREMELY PROUD of My Airman!