Elf Fun part 4

 Day 16

I made some new friends last night, and we sure had fun.

We beat all the bad guys until there were none.

You can fight for what’s right and be super too.

If you always try to do as Jesus would do.

At my dad's company Christmas party, Santa gave the boys Iron Man and Iron Patriot. They were so excited that Santa knew that Erik's favorite color was red and David's favorite color was blue. Christmas Tree thought they were cool toys too and made friends quickly.

Day 17

These Christmas cards look really great!

Let’s mail them quickly so they won’t be late. 

 This was another favorite activity. While the littles were napping, David and Erik pretended to be my elves and helped me get our Christmas cards ready to send. I stuffed the envelopes, Erik put on the stamp, and David stuck on the return address label. Then I sealed them up. It really was fun, and we got it done so quickly.

Day 18

Get out of bed.

It’s time to sled!

The kids had a lot of fun sledding on the snow mountain of Erik.

Day 19

I love this book about jolly Saint Nick.

What’s your favorite Christmas book, if you had to pick?

Let’s read it together because reading is neat!

Especially together with your family so sweet.

 Christmas Tree's favorite book is Santa Claus is Coming to Town. David liked it the best too. Erik liked Snowmen at Christmas. Anna liked Olivia Helps with Christmas.

Day 20

Only one more sleep ‘til Christmas,

Then I’ll be on my way.

Back up to the North Pole

With Santa on his sleigh.

But I’ll be back again next year 

With more Christmas cheer and fun

To help us all remember

The gift of God’s own Son.

Merry Christmas Harris family!

Christmas Tree brought us Christmas pjs and promised to be back next year. The kids still talk about him (David misses him a lot), and they can't wait to see him again.

Elf Fun part 3

Day 11

Marshmallows are so soft and sweet.

As you enjoy this special treat,

Remember to be kind to those you meet.

 Good thing I took a picture because the first thing the kids did when they saw this was eat up all the marshmallows. Kindness is sweet. :)

 Day 12

Here’s something that would be fun.

Let’s play a board game with everyone.

Playing Hi-Ho Cherry-O.

Day 13

Let’s whip up a snack of popcorn and cocoa. 

Then snuggle on the couch and watch a Christmas show.

 We watched our favorite Christmas movie: A Muppet Christmas Carol

Day 14

At Christmas we remember when Christ came to the earth

With these toys and the Bible, we can reenact his birth.

This was one of David's favorite elf activities. He loved finding the characters as I read Luke 2.

Day 15

Let’s use these crayons, it won’t be hard,

To color a pretty Christmas card.

 David and Erik learned how to draw a Christmas tree.

Elf Fun part 2

Day 6

Let’s get bundled up and play in the snow.

Then come inside for some warm cocoa.

Day 7

Candy canes are tasty and sweet.

But we can find meaning in this Christmas treat.

Bent in the shape of a shepherd’s crook,

These canes are a symbol of those who did look

And follow the star to a tiny child,

A newborn King, all meek and mild.

Like shepherds of old guiding their sheep,

The Savior will help you the commandments keep.

So while you enjoy this peppermint staff,

Remember to follow in His perfect path.

Day 8

The Lord is my light, then why should I fear?

Let’s hang up these lights to spread Christmas cheer.

But first can you help me get out of here?!

Day 9

Giving gifts is a great way to show

How much we care about those we know.

And when we show love, our love will grow

And deep inside our hearts will glow.

Day 10

Just 2 weeks ‘til Christmas! It’s getting near.

Let’s make a chain to let us know when it’s here.

Fourteen links, counting down all the way.

When they are all gone, it will be Christmas day!

Elf Fun part 1

The kids loved doing Elf on the Shelf this year. Here are some of our memories.

Finding our elf. The kids named him Christmas Tree.

Day 1

Good morning sweet children! Look what I found.

These cups are great fun, all silver and round.

What do you think we could do with these cups?

We could mix up some cookies and then eat them up!

And wouldn’t it be nice and loving and sweet,

To go to our neighbors and share our fun treat?

Christmas Tree in the measuring cups. We decided to make Grandpa cookie truffle balls, otherwise known as oreo truffles. Here is a link to the recipe.

Erik and David smashing the oreos up.

Smooshing in the cream cheese.

YUM!

 Day 2

Hello my dears. Were your dreams sweet?

I enjoyed your tasty Christmas treat.

Santa says “hi” and hopes that today

You will try hard to be kind and obey.

And what better way to show kindness to others

Than serving your very own sister and brothers.

So today think of something nice you can do

Like read a story or help pick up a shoe.

Then after you do your kind action (or three!)

Tell your parents about it, and then come tell me!

Christmas Tree helped himself to some of our cookies! Then he challenged the kids to find a way to serve each other. The boys cleared each other's plates at lunch and then argued over who got to clear Anna's. They settled on one clearing her plate and the other putting away her boots.

Day 3

I hope your day is merry and bright.

I know a way we can start it off right.

Let’s have an indoor snowball fight!!

This was one of our favorite days. Just some rolled up socks and a whole lot of fun. Even Anna got in on the action.

Day 4

Let these colorful bells with voices ring.

Today is the perfect time to sing,

Songs about snow and the birth of a King.

We have these kid play bells. They are so much fun. I found this blog that has color coded music charts already made. Bonus!

 Day 5

Hello my dear ones. Do you see what I’ve made?

This kind of snowflake won’t melt or fade.

Snowflakes are unique, both paper and ice.

Each one is special. Isn’t that nice?

Just like snowflakes, God’s children are all special too.

And He loves them all. He loves me. He loves you.

He loves us so much that He gave us His Son.

So we can repent and our wrongs be undone.

Let’s make some snowflakes, it’s easy and quick.

With paper and scissors, I’ll teach you this trick.

And whenever you see the snowflake you made,

Remember God loves you, and His love does not fade.

 Christmas Tree and his paper snowflake. The kids loved making these and hanging them in their bedroom.

Elf on the Shelf with a Twist (why I love Santa and what he represents)

Let me start by saying that I love Santa. Love. I loved the excitement and anticipation I felt as a child waiting for him to come. I loved the magic, the mystery, the enchantment.

And now as a mother, I love seeing my children love Santa. Last week we were shopping at the mall when David and Erik noticed Santa sitting for pictures. Their eyes lit up, and they ran to him with smiles and laughter. They jumped on his lap and wrapped their arms around him. Erik even gave him a few kisses on the arm. And my heart smiled. (Luckily this was before Thanksgiving, and there was no line to see him, otherwise they might have jumped in front, and my heart would have had different feelings). Then Santa asked them, "What you do you want me to bring you for Christmas this year?" And they were stumped. Neither of them had thought about asking Santa for something. They were just so excited to see him. And my heart glowed. We carried on with our shopping, and about 30 minutes later, they asked to see Santa again because they had decided what they wanted. Well, they are 5 years old, and Santa did ask. :)

I think it is easy to get lost in all the commercialism and stress of Christmas and forget the real reason we celebrate. And I know some people blame Santa. Not me. I think he is a wonderful way to bring magic to the season. You just have to do it right.

And that's why we decided to do elf on the shelf this year, but with a little twist. First of all, I have four small children, and absolutely no extra time. I will not spend crazy amounts of time thinking up clever things for our elf to do. And I certainly won't be having him do anything that involves me cleaning up an extra mess. I can't keep up with the chores as it is.

Instead our elf is going to do simple things and leave notes to encourage kindness, service, and family love. Then each night, he'll report back to Santa and share what we did that day. We still get the magic of the elf and Santa, but the focus will be on developing Christ-like love as a family.

I wrote a letter from our elf explaining who he is and why he is here. And yes it rhymes. :)

Dear Harris Family,

Hello dearest children from down off the shelf
I’m your new friend, a real Christmas elf.

I’ve come here to play for the month of December,
To join in your games and help you remember

That Christmas is about more than presents and fun.
It’s about love and mercy and the birth of God’s son.

I was sent here by Santa himself, it is true
To watch, to play, and to report back on you.

I’ll see if you choose to be naughty or nice,
So before being bad, I suggest you think twice.

For each night while you’re sleeping all snug in your bed,
I’ll fly to the North Pole, to the Big Man in Red.

I’ll tell him about our adventures, and I’ll say
If you have made good or bad choices that day.

But if you slip up, dry your eyes, do not fear.
Santa is full of grace and holiday cheer.

Just like God, he forgives when we make mistakes.
Trying harder each day is all that it takes.

Santa loves all God’s children, every girl, every boy.
And he smiles when they serve one another with joy.

So I’m here to help think up fun Christmas tricks.
I’ll help you be good. Then I’ll go tell Saint Nick.

I’ll report all your actions, loving and kind,
Then I’ll fly back here, and in the morning you’ll find

That I can do more than just sit on a shelf.
There are grand ideas in the mind of this elf.

XOXO

P.S. One more thing before we start our fun.
I need a name. Can you think me up one?

Feel free to share your favorite elf on the shelf idea. And I'll do my best to post our ideas too. Merry Christmas!!

Still Smiling

I really wanted a new family picture. We hadn't done one since baby Jack was born. So I dressed us all up in cute coordinating clothes and had my sister snap a few pictures. It was not easy getting two 4 1/2 year olds, a 22  month old, and a 2 month old to take a good picture. Surprisingly we managed to get one that isn't terrible. It's now displayed proudly on our bookshelf.

But that isn't the picture I want to share today. It's this one:

This is what life with four kids under five is like. Jack (2 months) was tired and crying, Anna (22 months) was desperately trying to be anywhere else, Erik (4 1/2 years) was whining and refusing to stand up straight, and David (4 1/2 years) was yelling and refusing to look at the camera.

This photo really shows how my life feels. Not picture perfect. Not glamorous. And often fairly frustrating.

But through it all, Steve and I are still smiling. Sometimes we're smiling to keep from losing it, but we're still smiling.

Christmas with Nana

Nana came to visit and do an early Christmas. Here's a little slide show of the kids opening their gifts.

Anna loved her ladybug book.

Aaron delighted to get some abc cards.

Erik just happy to be opening a present.

David got Thomas cards!

Ethan opening his gift.

Aunt Jen got life savers!

And Steve did too!!!!

Little Brother!!

We're excited to announce that we'll be adding a little brother to our family in March 2013.

Happy Halloween 2012

The kids had so much fun for Halloween this year. We decided to do traditional Halloween creatures, and it was really fun. Anna was a pumpkin, Erik was a spider, David was a cat, Steve was a werewolf, and I was a (plump) witch. The kids went trick-or-treating with their cousins Ethan and Aaron, and everyone had a great time. Grandpa even went for a little while because he wanted to carry around the cutest little pumpkin ever. Trick-or-treating didn't last long though. I think we were out for maybe 30 or 40 minutes before all the kids were begging to go home. I'm not sure if they were just tired or really wanted to eat their candy.

 Anna the cutest little pumpkin. My mom made this costume for her. We were shocked that she kept the hat on for as long as she did.

Erik in his spider costume. I was a spider for Halloween once too, so I made his costume a lot like mine was. The inspiration for the marks came from a male black widow. He loved his black hair.

David in his kitty costume, mid meow. He loved being a kitty cat, and went around meowing for the rest of the day.

 Cousins!

Our spooky family.

My little monsters home from trick-or-treating.

Summer of Fun (an epic catch up post)

I'm a little embarrassed at how long it has been since I blogged. Life has just been so busy this summer. But I love rereading entries and remembering the stories and good times. My blog is like my journal, and I don't want to give up on it. So I am determined to get back into it. Of course that means a little catch up because I don't want to forget some of the wonderful things that have happened this summer.

So here is the Harris family summer of fun 2012! Sort of like a film strip slide show of what we've been up to these last few months.


Steve graduated from law school!! We are all so proud of him. It was a long, hard three years, but he did it. We did it! It was a little bittersweet for me to be done though. We had made a good home in Fort Worth, Texas and made some wonderful friends. But we're ready to see what life has in store for us next.

Getting his hood.

Celebrating. :)

As Steve prepared for the bar exam in Arizona, the kids and I spent the summer in Utah with my parents. The boys have loved being able to spend so much time with Grandma and Grandpa and with their cousins.

We went to an airshow. It was really, really cold for May. But everyone still had fun.

We had a bbq picnic on Memorial day.

Anna proved to everyone she is a carnivore. 

David and Erik with cousins Ethan and Aaron discovered the joys of the City Creek mall.

We celebrated father's day from a distance.

The 4th of July was an especially fun time. Again we really missed having Daddy with us, but the kids had a fabulous time playing with cousins and watching fireworks.

My littles and me.

Ethan, Anna, Erik, David, and Aaron

David, Erik, and Aaron. Our trio of trios. :)

Baby Anna enjoy her first 4th.

Watching uncle John set off fireworks with Grandpa.

David and Erik singing a little karaoke at the cul de sac of fire.

Our summer of fun had some sadness too. My grandpa Jack Hepworth passed away in July. A veteran of the U.S. Navy and an honest to goodness rocket scientist, he was brave and brilliant. But to me, he will always be something much more dear and much more special: my Grandpa. I'll always remember the times he helped me with my homework, his silly astronaut tie, his friendly smile, his warm laughter, and his never failing testimony of Jesus Christ.

My grandparents. Married over 60 years.

A folded up flag from a grateful county.

My parents and grandma with my grandpa's dear friend Thomas Monson. The boys thought it was pretty cool being able to meet the prophet and shake his hand. They especially liked when he wiggled his ears for them. 

Grandpa Hepworth

The circle of life continued to turn, and just a few hours after my grandpa's funeral, we got some amazing news. We're expecting again! I'm due March 28th. We find out on November 6th if we're having a boy or a girl. We can't wait!!

Our little gummy bear at 8 weeks.

The celebrations continued as our baby girl turned one! We cannot believe how fast this year has gone. And I can't believe how Anna just keeps getting cuter!! Here comes a photo bomb:

Anna, 1 year old!

The birthday banner I spent hours making. :)

Really yummy, homemade funfetti cupcakes.

My failed attempt at making a giant cupcake. I frosted it way to soon, and it melted all over the place.

Anna and her birthday balloons.

Looking so big in her tutu.

Missy Miss and Mommy

Daddy and his baby girl

Our happy baby Anna!

When my grandma passed away last year, she left my mom some money. She thought and thought about what she should do with it. What would grandma want? Well, my mom decided to use the money to make memories with her own grandchildren. So she used the money to take all of us to Disneyland! It was an amazing vacation. We had so much fun, and if you can believe it, the kids didn't whine or complain once!! One of the highlights of the trip was eating dinner at Goofy's Kitchen.

The whole family!

Anna and Minnie sharing a moment. Minnie loved Anna's bow.

David with Aurora.

Erik and Belle.

Mickey Hats!

Next we got to celebrate two more birthdays for two amazing boys. David and Erik turned four this August, and they continue to delight us with their charm and whit. They asked for a dinosaur birthday party. We had carnivore and herbivore snacks, a dinosaur cake, and some dinosaur balloons. It was so easy, and they loved it!!

The birthday boys!

David so happy to get some candy treats from his cousins.

Erik delighted about a new dinosaur. He named him Brachio because he is a brachiosaurus.

And some birthday trains!

Dinosaur cake

Singing happy birthday

Blowing out the candles. They both got all four of them in one blow.

Erik about to enjoy his chocolate birthday cake.

David and his cake.

Anna just excited to be there.

David, 4 years old

Erik, 4 years old

Our adorable twins, 4 years old

So after that eventful summer, we have even more news. Steve got a job offer in Bountiful, Utah, and we took it. He loves his new job! We are going to be renting a condo in Clearfield, and we move in next month. We've loved our time here at Grandma and Grandpa's place (and we plan to be back every Sunday for family dinner). But we're so excited to be in our own place again. The boys especially can't wait to get their stuff back. They miss their toys. I miss my shoes. I guess those are sort of like toys for women, right?

If you have made it to the end of this epic catch up post, you get a gold star.