St. Nick

My daughter believes in Santa Claus.  A tragedy I’m sure.  I don’t know how this could have happened.   

We were at the mall a few days ago,  and Grace asked to see Santa.  I almost didn’t know what to say, I was so surprised by her question.  

Santa has never been an issue in our house.  I never believed in Santa.  I always have explained to my kids that it is mom and dad who buy them presents because we love them.  No way was I gonna give a big red stranger get the credit.  Of course I’ve explained the tradition behind Santa Claus, but my kids know that its all just a story.  At least I thought they knew.   

Blake has never sat on a Santa’s lap.  But on Monday, Grace did.  She climbed up onto the lap of a stranger dressed in a costume (although his beard was very real and nice) and told him she wanted a Nintendo DS and a hamster. 

Grace walked away from the scene with a big grin and announced that Santa was real afterall.  

Grace last summer on a pony ride with a Santa look-alike. I "forgot" to take any pictures of her on Santa's lap.

My son and I exchanged flabbergasted looks.  For a moment I was tongue tied while Blake gave her a hundered reasons why Santa could not possibly be real.  You know the ususal proof: “What about houses with no fireplaces?”

Yet, she was determined to believe.  I smiled down at her, not wanting to crush her spirit, and told her I’m glad she finally got to meet Santa. 

 

Did you believe in Santa when you were young?  Do your children (current or future) believe in Santa?

 

Merry Christmas 2008! (our Christmas letter)

Dear Loved Ones,

Our prayer is that this letter finds you healthy, happy and whole. This is the Ellison family’s first ever Christmas letter!  We wanted to take a moment to share our year-in-review with all those we treasure in our hearts.

2008 was a whirlwind of play dates, appointments, and sharing meals with family and friends. Andrew is enrolled for college again, Blake has discovered Monopoly, Grace can read, and I cut off (almost) all my hair!   You can say it: “What was she thinking?”  In other news, the kids cannot wait to meet their new pets – they both asked for hamsters for Christmas.

In May, we were blessed with a trip to Florida. We were able to visit with many of my Floridian family members. Blake and Grace spent time with my Grandpa Roney – an experience that beats sitting on Santa’s lap any day. This trip was also our first visit to Disney World.

In June, we spent some quality time with my brother Kevin and his wife Angie while they were in town from Wisconsin.  Also, our June included  a day trip to the Toledo Zoo, and a swimming class for the kids.

August brought our annual camping trip with friends at the Pinery Provincial Park in Ontario. Fresh air is good for families. J We ate more s’mores than is probably legal in Canada.

Andrew and I celebrated our 9^th anniversary on September 11^th. We are so blessed to have each other and to know the miracle of marriage.  Andrew is working for Saturn, and he tied for top salesperson in his store for 2007. Andrew also teaches middle school kids at church once a month. 

Blake turned eight on September 17^th.  He is excelling in third grade, and enjoys being on the student council. Blake played T-Ball in the spring and spent five whole days on his own at summer camp with kids from our church.  He is also looking like quite the smarty-pants these days in his first pair of glasses.

Grace just turned five on November 30^th.  She is learning all about what it means to be a Kinder-gartner. I get to help in Grace’s class every other week and see her in action as a student.  She is a cuddly, creative girl with a great sense of humor.

As for me, I have finished 19 credits so far toward my nursing degree.  My mom has been a great support, watching the kids often while I was in class. And I love my Wednesday nights, when I volunteer with the teenagers at our church.

Next year we will enter a new stage in our lives: the kids will both be in school all day.  Imagine the possibilities for Mom! Most likely that means I will be enrolling in a few extra classes. Our house in Detroit is up for sale and we are excited to move on to our next home, wherever that may be!

In 2009, we hope to continue growing in love and pressing on towards Christ’s calling for our lives. We would love to hear from you!

Warm Wishes,

        AMY

 

 

Only on paper

Dee Hodgson shared a photo that made me remember one of my favorites of Grace.

What could be more fun than melty-crayons on a warm stove?

My Grace is well-known for her craftiness. She loves to draw.  Alhough I think she’s just about out-grown the need to experience drawing on different surfaces, it used to be something she did quite often.  The Magic Eraser was my best friend for years.  Pen on the walls, marker on the table and floors, pencil on my houses’ exterior, and chalk on my car.  Don’t even get me started on this girl’s love of fingerpainting with toothpaste.  And because she is so darn quiet, so much of her “art” time went unnoticed until it was over.  Next week, she goes to kindergarten.  Hopefully she’ll get all her artsy-craves cured M-F between 9-12…