My favorite memories this year:
1. The last week before Christmas, Andrew slaved over Isaac’s present, up in his locked room. He was so motivated to finish his project, there was a day when he wouldn’t stop to eat breakfast or lunch. Isaac had received this Lego set for Christmas last year but didn’t have the time to work on it. Andrew thought it would be a great gift to surprise him with the finished car…even though the age range on the set said 16+, Andrew, being only seven, knew he could do it. It was quite a feat and he was SO excited to give it to Isaac Christmas Eve when the kids exchange gifts.
2. I’m so glad my friend Pam talked me into this new tradition. I have to admit I was quite nervous about it…the tooth fairy has never been consistently reliable around our house, and I doubted the Elf on the Shelf would be either. I didn’t want to set him up for failure, with his forgetfulness and all. But he did a wonderful job, and only once was he just too tired to move and sat in the same spot. (Although there were quite a few days when I think he cut it close and made it back into our house from the North Pole within minutes before he was noticed.)
3. The Night Before Christmas…when all is said and done, and I can breathe a sigh of relief when I know that Santa really did show up, and I feel peaceful and calm, and SO blessed to have all my children tucked in their beds, safe and warm.
I love the shot from above looking down on all the loot! What a sweet brother to hide away and get that finished for him, how cool!
Megan
Agreed. Totally sweet the love of a brother!
Thanks for sharing your memories with us.
Love the tree shot!
You had me at "safe and warm tucked in their beds." Always grateful for that.
Holy cow! that car is incredible! And wowza…the presents! looks like you had a great one! xoxo
What a wonderful blog!
Although my children are grown, I've two young grandsons and love your ideas you share!I wish blogs and home computers were around when my kids were small, such fun to visit with mom's around the world! It's been a delight to look back over older posts and so enjoy your outlook on life, children and being a mom! Kudos to you! Lori
I love that your son put together that car as a gift! You perfectly captured that feeling of Christmas when your kids are all asleep and the the tree is loaded with presents. The faces when they come down the stairs in the morning is always my favorite. Happy New Year!
That is an awesome demonstration of brotherly love. I bet those two will never forget that gift! What a neat story. Have a happy New Year!
what Andrew did for Isaac brought tears to my eyes. That is what Christmas is all about. I can just imagine how excited he was to *give* something. So wonderful.
Happy New Year, Sarah!
Emily@remodelingthislife
Love legos. So much better than playing video games. Your picture from above is perfect.
Awwww 🙂 That is the sweetest thing ever, what Matthew did!!! And good for him…being only seven!!!! I love his thoughtfulness and persevearence!!!! (I know that is spelled wrong…I"m just too lazy to spell check! Sorry!) Looks like a very Merry Christmas was had!!!!
So sweet and I love the picture of all of the gifts! I need to get my blog post up today about our Christmas…I am still on my Holiday Hangover!
Looks like Christmas was wonderful at your house.
Andrew is so sweet, I love that Patrick has to be right in there too, so cute. I love the pics of your tree, really beautiful!
so sweet Sarah..you have terrific kids! Looks like a great Christmas!
What a wonderful Christmas you had~ And..what a great brother to do something so special for a sibling. I'm sure there are days when they DON'T get along so well…so it is nice to see a true loving and giving spirit between brothers.
Love the shot form upstairs…it is gorgeous! Hugs-Diana
Andrew's gift almost made me cry. Come on, how sweet!