Thursday, December 16, 2010

'Oh Much Fun'

Once upon a time, I had a blog. And I was good at it! Then life got away from me, and I meant to blog one event, then another, and then 25 others, until it was simply too big of task for me to accomplish. So I've been avoiding it for FAR too long. I'm not quite sure where to start, but I know that I want to keep writing my precious memories down. So here I am. Unsure of where to begin. So, I guess I will start with today (and hopefully work back)...

For the first time in years I feel like I am truly living the magic of Christmas. The past few years Christmas has come and gone so quickly, I've hardly enjoyed it. This year is different. I am not sure exactly why, probably a combination of things, but this year, I am feeling the magic.
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The magic may have a lot to do with a certain 3 year old. Gosh he makes me feel like a kid again! Last night we were all singing at the top of our lungs "Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way! OH MUCH FUN it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh,...HEY!" :) Living Christmas through the eyes of a child is truly "Oh Much Fun" {and yes, I LOVE the fact that he has the words all wrong}.

Early December a sweet friend of mine sent 'Santa Letters' for Noah to fill out. I adore his little Christmas list. Melts my heart looking over it. I love the upside down "A". His wish list is VERY specific and oh so cute...



Santa must have known that the Coates family desperately needed an elf in their home to monitor behavior, because look who arrived at our house... SCAMPER the ELF.
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One night last week, after the twins went to bed Noah, Brad, and I gathered around the tree and opened Santa's early present (provided by Nee Nee, thank you Nee Nee!) Noah was beaming with excitement. He listened very closely to the story of 'The Elf on a Shelf". Noah proudly named the elf 'Scamper'. Photobucket
He knows not to touch him, but he has been getting as close as he possibly can without physically touching him. That night he tried to give Scamper a drink and he drew him a picture to bring back to the 'shoe makers' (he's confused) when he flies home at night. He quickly 'fake' fell asleep so that Scamper could fly home to the North Pole and report. Noah also tried to sing him a goodnight song. I am pretty sure I saw Brad tear up a few times.
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{I've caught him talking to Scamper a few times too,...hee hee,... ;)}
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We have had to remind Noah on several occasions that Scamper is watching and reporting. We also have Santa on speed-dial and there have been many-a-days that we have called the North Pole a dozen times to report behavior (sometime good, usually naughty). ;)

Is it bad? Because Brad and I have had the conversation a few times that we feel like big fat liars! But it is 'Oh Much Fun!' :)
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While we were putting up our Christmas tree we explained to Noah that the tree was 'thirsty' so it needed to be watered. The next day, while Noah was eating his lunch, he announced the tree was 'hungry' and threw his ham sandwich under the tree. :) How can he be such a stinker one minute and so incredibly adorable the next? Gosh I love that boy.
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Here is a little Christmas meltdown moment. Makes me smile...
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Besides the magic of having a 3 year old, every year I learn a little more about the true meaning of Christmas. I want less, I enjoying giving more. {Now don't get me wrong, Santa, please don't forget about ME} ;) ---I am just starting to realize how incredibly blessed I am. In this economy I have witnessed so many loved ones struggle through difficult trials. I want Christmas for them, not for me. We may not have all we dream of, but Brad has a good job, my little business is starting to take off, we have a beautiful little family, and well,... there isn't much more I can ask for right now. I am truly grateful.

Of course the most beautiful message of the Christmas season is remembering our Savior Jesus Christ. It's in moments of singing Jingle Bells, Silent Night, making Gingerbread houses, and putting up the Christmas tree that I am suddenly overwhelmed by the spirit. I am living in the magic this year and I am loving every last second.

"Oh Much Fun" it is...

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9 comments:

  1. The elf is such a good idea. I might need to steal that for next year! Noah is a sweet boy. You are raising him right. Your family is beautiful.

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  2. I loved this post! You have the cutest family! I'm so happy for you! Keep up the blogging! ;)

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  3. I love reading your posts shelley. yes. I have missed them! You are so good with writing! That elf is a brilliant idea.. and well.. i might just get an elf for our house next year :) I'm so glad we got to see you guys over thanksgiving! You have the most adorable kids ever. Love you guys tons. Merry Christmas!

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  4. Oh I have missed your blogs! And I miss you! I look at my sad little blog and just can't do it! :) I am SO exhausted these days. Hope to see you in the holidays!

    Love ya

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  5. I'm so glad you took the time for this post. It definitely reminded me that the best Christmases are with little ones around. We are so excited to be with your family for Christmas!

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  6. So cute! I love the santa pictures! I was scared thats how mine would react but they actually ran right up and gave him a big hug! Hope you guys are doing well :)

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  7. So glad you are back! I always love your updates! Yes we love our little Elf on the Shelf too! Really it is such a fun tradition! Hope you guys have a great Christmas! Love ya!

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  8. Merry Christmas Coates Family! SO good to hear from you!

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