'Twas the Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas
and at the Roderick house
not a creature was stirring
not even the pooch.


The stockings were propped on the Dora chair.
It looks like St. Nick had already been there.


Makayla was nestled all snug in her bed
while visions of waffles (her new favorite food)
danced in her head.

Papa playing video games
and I watching The Christmas Story (25 hours on TBS!)
will soon settle down for a long winter's nap.

I can't WAIT for Christmas!!!


A little bit about our day...

We woke up early (as always!) and had waffles for breakfast. We delivered some presents and were off to the neighbors to visit and share goodies. After Makayla got up from her nap, she painted some Christmas ornaments. Later, we headed off the McDonald's for a *special* Christmas Eve dinner...made the little lady happy, and I didn't have to cook. :) Afterward, we trolled the town looking at Christmas lights. Our favorite, by far, was a house not too far from ours. It was all decked out with tons of lights, but the best part was that it was synced up with a local radio station. The lights danced and changed according to the music. Too cool! We got Makayla home. She opened a couple presents, put out her cookies and milk for Santa and some carrots for the reindeer, and she was off to bed. Seth and I finished up some last minute wrapping. What a fun day!


Prepare yourself...I'm about to start a Christmas blog marathon. I've gotten a little behind!

The family picture:
After many shots, we finally got a picture we were happy with to use for our Christmas cards. To quote my mother, "It looks professional." Note: She took the picture. Toot toot! :)

Makayla visits Santa:
I forgot to scan her Santa picture before framing it. Oops! She enjoyed her visit...until she had to sit on his lap. No tears though, so that was good.

The girls bake:
Mom, Makayla, and I started our annual Christmas baking last Friday. Makayla was adorable in her gingerbread apron and hat, and she enjoyed helping stir the cookie dough...and helping herself to M&Ms and chocolate chips. Who's daughter is she?! We did not finish, so it was round 2 on Saturday.


Makayla has breakfast with Santa:
Mom and I took Makayla to have breakfast with her cousins and SANTA! Once again, Makayla was all about Santa when he was off in the distance. She wanted no part of him if he got within three feet of her. This time she would NOT sit on his lap. Silly girl! She did, however, paint an ornament with the elves and listened to a story read by Mrs. Claus.

We have been reading lots of Christmas books in our house. These include stories about Santa, the reindeer, snowmen, and baby Jesus. Guess who Makayla talks about most?! I feel like I haven't done my part as a mother to help Makayla understand the real reason we celebrate Christmas, but it's hard when Santa is EVERYWHERE you go. I know she will understand one day, so for now, bring it on Santa!

I think that brings us up to date. Did I mention I'm excited about Christmas...just a little!!! Tomorrow should be lots of fun!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!