'Tis the Season

Thankful for our Family

All I Want for Christmas...

His teeth just keep falling out (or rather being pulled out by his daddy).  It really makes me laugh when I ask what he had for lunch and Joey's reply is "skin off an apple" because he simply lacks the necessary teeth to eat the rest of the apple!  Poor baby!

A recap of December

Joey has been amazed at our Elf on a Shelf (Buddy).  Thankfully he finds Buddy creative and sneaky.  And even though Buddy occasionally gets into our things, Joey is anxious to find his hiding spot each morning.  Joey has struggled a bit with his Christmas wish list this year.  Not that he can't figure out what to add, but rather trying to fit it all on one list.  We've talked about the real reason for Christmas and tried to focus on giving to others as God has blessed us in abundance.  He's been concerned with providing food to those who are lacking.  Joey's been exciting to help raise money for Angel Tree children at his school.  On the other hand, there's just something about electronics that draws Joey in.  Fully.  With intense force.  

Samuel had his first preschool performance.  Since he never talks in class, we were anxious to see what he would do on stage.  I'm not sure a single word was mumbled, but he stood up there so proud.  He even mustered up the nerve to give his Daddy a proud thumbs up!  He has been thrilled at the idea of being home for a few weeks now that school is over for 2015.  I just hope it's still exciting in 2016 as Stella will be in the class across the hall from Samuel!  He is talking nonstop at home, even in his sleep.  Samuel is very concerned "Stella, you be my friend?"  He enjoys playing house and reminds me often that "it's just pretend".  

Stella is in the throws of boundary testing.  She is comfortable and confident.  She is just one of the Webb kids now.  It's amazing to think that in only 4 months she has gained the comfort and security to test rules and push back on some authority.  She's learning that we're here to stay and she will forever be a Webb!  We're working hard to help her learn what is "normal" and acceptable behavior both at home and while away from home.  Stella is very smart and "gets it".  She will begin preschool in January, which will be a gentle way to help her learn age appropriate social skills and how to behave in a group setting.  Her reaction to the idea of school falters depending on the day.  Over all, she seems excited to go to school, especially since both Brothers go to school too.  I'm confident that she will enjoy the structure and gain confidence in learning!   

Treasure Hunting

Thanks to the beautiful fall weather...in December, we enjoyed a stroll around the neighborhood.  I was suddenly reminded that it's highly unlikely that Stella has ever had the pleasure of a casual walk around the block.  She probably had never stopped to inspect the acorns and notice their colors or stuffed her bag full of red, yellow, and orange leaves.   She and Samuel both seemed to really enjoy the slow pace of "treasure hunting".  As you can see, Samuel also took time to lay in the leaves and roll around.  They both walked away with 2 lunch bags full of leaves, acorns, and dirt!  Simple pleasures.

It's Christmas Time
We've talked about Christmas.  We've talked about Jesus' birthday (or "birthday party" as Stella calls it).  We've seen Christmas lights and decorated our tree.  We've mentioned Santa and his elves.  Our elf Buddy has helped us remember to show God's love.  We have to use him for something beneficial instead of just a method to stretch our level of creativity.  Sweet Stella is probably mind-boggled at the idea of putting a tree inside our house.  

Decorating her own tree in her room

Stella seemed to be in favor of visiting with Santa until we actually got to the mall.  He was tall.  And his beard was intimidating.  She wanted him nowhere near her.  We managed to talk her into a picture with the Brothers safely guarding her from that big bearded man!

 Once we walked away from Santa, she was all smiles again!

'Til the Season to celebrate Jesus and all 

that His birth/life means for us!