Pope Family Christmas

I was so proud to have finally figured out how to glue these houses together.

Pope Family Christmas

One thing I look forward to all year long is Christmas. I anticipate seeing lighted decorations. I particularly like classic white lights. There is also something about the excitement in the kids that makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

We generally do some sort of Christmas party. Who doesn’t enjoy a night around a fire, listening to kiddos play, decorating gingerbread houses, and stuffing their faces with terribly good food? We live in Louisiana, our parties always have lots of food.  I even threw in some pizza rolls for good measure. (Believe it or not, they were a hit.) I am hoping to add a little Lithuanian tradition to next years shindig. I may begin with adding straw ornaments.

This year I had the bright idea of putting together the gingerbread houses before the party. This way the kiddos could decorate and not have to wait for them to set. The first try ended with me feeling like i could throw all the gingerbread houses in the world into a pile and catching them on fire. Who knew that icing was so difficult to work with? The second time, I decided to try to make “glue” out of boiled sugar. It stuck, but boy did it look rough. Finally, I read the directions more carefully and realized how important it is to knead the icing until soft. I was so excited when that worked. I felt like I had done something truly amazing.

Another thing that I have enjoyed this year is this Elf on the shelf thing. Ours is a knock off from Hobby Lobby. He has done the greatest job of encouraging our four year old to be a little angel. I never fully explained his purpose, the kid just kinda knew. I think its a fun way to remind him to be kind, share, and mind his mamma. Sometimes he leaves little notes and treats. We have had fun with Mr. Elf.

As for Christmas wishes, we got a laugh out of that conversation. I asked Shooter (our four year old) what he wanted for Christmas and his response was “I’m gonna ask the box man to bring me a video game.” The box man is the UPS man, and we obviously use Amazon Prime a lot. Luckily, when it was time to go talk to Santa, Shooter knew exactly what he wanted, and didn’t mind telling the big guy.

Now we wait, for the family festivities to begin. This is, hands down, my favorite part. This is why I look forward to this time of year. There is nothing better than being surrounded by loved ones and the magic of the holidays.

A Boy Named Shooter

Let me introduce you to a three year old named Shooter.
When he walks into a room, you do not speak to him. He will approach you when he sees fit.
If he approaches you, it will probably be with a light saber, inviting you to a dual.
He will win. It’s best to “die” before he gets serious, as he swings hard.
He enjoys Star Wars, and most things involving robots.
He also loves trucks, trains, tractors, and planes.
Shooter calls himself “Shoo Shoo”.
Sometimes he is a cat. We have conversations in “meow”. I think we get each other. Facial expressions and voice tones go a long way.
He insists his Mommy do everything. He will not accept things from anyone else.
Each morning begins with oatmeal and cold hot choc milk.
Little sisters are pests. He doesn’t even want her in the same room. He doesn’t even like for her to walk.
Pizza, spaghetti, blueberries, and string cheese… this is what boys are made of.
Dirty hands are not okay. They will be wiped on Mommy’s pants.
His best friend is Logan. Nobody else is allowed to play with his toys. (Except when Mommy makes him share)
On most days, clothes aren’t necessary. Shoes are always welcome.
His bubby is his sidekick.
Outside is his favorite place to be.
He has a favorite stuffed animal. His name is Henry the Hedgehog.
Sweet tea.
Big brown eyes make it hard to be mad. Camel lashes make it even harder.
When Shooter is in trouble, he hugs Mommy and asks “Are you happy, Mommy?”
His favorite song is We Will Rock You.
Shooter is a barrel of laughs, tight hugs, giant smiles, and cleverness. He is the stealer of hearts and blankets. He is Mommy’s baby.