Secret Elf Day 5 & 6

Yesterday turned into a crazy day with absolutely crazy children. I think copious amounts of counseling are in order for me and for them. Not sure how we are going to survive two weeks of no school. But when the new year comes, we'll have Spencer in preschool too and that should help both of them.

I have two more wonderful elf gifts to share. Yesterday was day 5 and I opened this really cute picture frame. I initially was going to put a picture of my three BFF's and me in it, but it seemed way more fitting to put a picture of my Swapper Anon friends from convention in it. This will have a place of honor in my stamping room to remind me always of these amazing ladies who provide me so much inspiration both creatively and personally.


Today is day six. This cute gift box got a little smashed en route, but it is so cute. I love that taffeta ribbon. And inside I found this really cute post it note holder and matching pen in the very lovely Parisian Summer paper. (Love this paper too. I have a whole pack that I am hoarding.) THANK YOU ELF!!! I love everything.

I can't believe we are half way through our swap. We are already talking about another one like this since we are having so much fun this time around. You better believe I will be signing right up for that!

Secret Elf Days 2, 3 & 4

We had a busy weekend with the Butlers coming for a visit. It was lots of fun to have the kids together and Clara and Spencer get a long as well as Brynn and A.J. It's so fun to think about how long we've been friends (17 years) and how far we've come during that time. They are family to us and our kids see their kids more often than they see their own cousins.

But in all the fun, I didn't get my elf gifts posted. I really didn't finish the explanation the other day. So there's this group of people who like to swap and support each other through all of life's ups and downs. In October, one of our group, Jen, suggested we do this 12 Days of Christmas Secret Elf swap. I almost didn't sign up because it was about the time that Spencer came to our family and I was taking things off my to do list and not adding new things.

But I am so glad that I did join in the merriment. It has been so fun to have a little something to open everyday and my kids are just as excited as I am. And it's been a blast to hear about all the other Secret Elf gifts that others in the group are getting. One of the highlights is hearing my elfie post about what she is receiving too. I hope she is having as much fun as I am.

On Saturday, I opened a tin of shortbread cookies. Yummy! On Sunday, there was this cute dish towel with a flower on it and the Stampin' Up's Statement of the Heart on the belly band. Today, there is a wonderful book called "Everyday Encouragement." (And boy do I need a little encouragement everyday so this will be great!) A BIG THANK YOU to my elf for making my holiday season so much fun!

The 12 Elf Gifts for Christmas - Day 1

On the first day of Christmas, my secret elf gave to me:


The cutest thing I've ever seen! I *heart* Dashing Paper (from last year's Stampin' Up catalog) and these tags are so cute. The little binder is a bitty book and it stores the tags. Do you think they are too cute to use? Thank you secret elf friend who ever you are!

I guess I should explain for the rest of you. I belong to an *exclusive* group ;) of Stampin' Up! Demonstrators on Splitcoast Stampers: Swappers Anon. We started together last spring before convention and kept each other going when we all over committed for swaps. Now we keep each other going through life's ups and downs, as well as exchange business ideas, enable purchases (you all know who I am talking about) and of course, swap. They come up with the best projects and I am never disappointed when I get a package of swaps back from them. They are all very talented.

I love these ladies and I am blessed to have them a part of my life just about everyday. I can't wait to see what the next 11 days bring. Keep checking back and I will keep sharing these wonderful treats!

Believe

Yesterday morning was our ward Christmas party. This year's theme was "Believe" and was based on the Christmas book and movie "The Polar Express." My neighbor Jen is the activity chair and since I drag her along on a lot of my adventures, I went a long for a ride on this one with her. Whatever she needed, I tried to help as best I could.

A lot of people come out of the woodwork for these things and there were more people than expected. A food shortage quickly became apparent and several of us started scrambling to figure out how to feed a few more people (and more than just eggs). I found my friend Teri and asked if Spencer could sit with her while I ran home to get some more sausage.

In the mean time, the Polar Express arrived at the North Pole and Santa appeared. While I was in the kitchen cooking sausage, Spencer came in to show me the new trinket he received from Santa. I couldn't believe I had missed it. My new son's first visit with Santa and I missed it. I heard from several people that he was really cute and answered all of Santa's questions and called him, "Ho, Ho, Ho." It is one of those moments you'll just never get back.

A felt a little bad about it, but when A.J. went up to see Santa, I brought Spencer a long too so I could get a picture of the two of them together on Santa's lap. Here is the result:


A member of our bishopric, Ron Stagg, wrote this little message that was put on the tables about believing that really sums up what Christmas is all about:

"At Christmas time there are many things to believe in. We believe in family, in traditions, in gifts, in yummy food, and even in Santa Claus, but our true beliefs must be anchored in our faith in Christ. This is the true reason for Christmas: to celebrate, to remember and to believe in the miracle of Jesus Christ.

Believe in the prophecies that foretold His life.

Believe in the marvelous events surrounding His birth.

Believe in the countless miracles He performed.

Believe in the truthfulness of His teachings.

Believe in the life that He willingly surrendered.

Believe in the salvation that He gives.

Believe. . ."

It's Really Not Looking Like Christmas - yet

Here we are, the 6th of December and I am having a hard time getting that Christmas feeling. The tree is up. I've been listening to Christmas music non stop for the last week. I've been to two Christmas parties. Lots of shopping is done. My secret elf gifts are done and en route. Still not feeling that Christmas spirit yet.

Why, you ask? This afternoon when I came home, A.J. was playing outside. He was wearing shorts and a tee shirt and no shoes. It is December 6. In Utah. What the heck? I did make him put on his shoes and he added a jacket. But the jacket wasn't totally necessary. His friends didn't have them on.
I am not complaining really. As a California girl at heart, I can live without the traditional cold and snow that come with winter in the salt shaker. But after living here for 15 years, I just can't get into that Christmas feeling without it.

Never fear though, Monday it is suppose to snow. And by time I pick A.J. et al up from school, I will be cursing the white stuff. But at least it will feel more like Christmas.