November

This month has really flown by as the holidays are starting.  In our house we pretty much went from Halloween to Christmas.  Not exactly, but in some ways we started looking ahead to Christmas as soon as it was officially November.  The kids have enjoyed making their wish lists and doing some decorating so far.  We will start our advent countdown on December 1 and they can hardly wait.  Speedy the Elf came back to us after Thanksgiving and has been all around the house keeping a watch on us.  The kids love talking to him and telling him how good they were and what they would like to say to Santa.  Elizabeth especially just giggles uncontrollably as she talks to him as if it is one of her greatest joys.  So far Speedy has made an appearance in our nativity (riding the camel), taking a rest in a Kleenex box and flying around to various perches.  He even made a mess of Dad’s coffee one day!

The kids’ wish lists could not be more different.  Ben wants everything “boy” related in the catalog and then some.  We had to come up with a comparison test to rank each item so we could better articulate to Santa our most favorite things.   Elizabeth went through one entire toy catalog and picked out two small items that she wanted.  Her imagination is so big that she doesn’t seem to need many things.  We are slowly adding to her list though as we see commercials or ideas as we are out.  The kids are quick to remember others this time of year as well which is especially sweet.  We worked with our small group to take food to a local program that serves those in need.  The kids also cleaned out a bunch of toys to donate to make room for new ones and hopefully bless some others.  We are counting the days until December and winding up with anticipation of the season.  It is going to be a magical year at the McCullough house!