Logan Township Santa Arrives!

Another great thing about living in Logan Township is that the township does an annual Christmas Party where Mr & Mrs Clause are present and each kid gets to sit on their lap and they each get a present. Mara got an Elmo toy and Connor got Army trucks with hooks on them so they both couldn't have been more excited with their presents. They also had the balloon maker there and Connor got an over sized Candy cane.

Although, we all had a great time with Santa, we also won't forget the true meaning of Christmas.

The True Meaning Of Christmas
by Brian K. Walters

In todays' day and time,
it's easy to lose sight,
of the true meaning of Christmas
and one special night.

When we go shopping,
We say "How much will it cost?"
Then the true meaning of Christmas,
Somehow becomes lost.

Amidst the tinsel, glitter
And ribbons of gold,
We forget about the child,
born on a night so cold.

The children look for Santa
In his big, red sleigh
Never thinking of the child
Whose bed was made of hay.

In reality,
When we look into the night sky,
We don't see a sleigh
But a star, burning bright and high.

A faithful reminder,
Of that night so long ago,
And of the child we call Jesus,
Whose love, the world would know.

Santa sent a present a little early for my little ones to make sure they are being good boys and girls.
"The Elf on the Shelf"
We decided to name our elf "Bobby" after Bobby Clarke. This of course was Connor's idea. Every night the Elf makes a visit back to the North Pole to let Santa know how the kids are doing and then he comes back to a different spot each morning to check in on everyone. He is magic and you can't touch him so he has to sit up high as to not lose his magical powers.
The first few days we saw amazing improvement in behavior but I think it is starting to wear off. I think " Bobby" is going to have to report some bad behavior to Santa tonight. The kids just couldn't get it together today. The second night "Bobby" arrived on our chandelier in our living room. Both the kids get so excited to come down in the morning to see where he is hiding out.

Message From Santa Clause

If it were in my powers,
I would bring peace and love,
To this world of ours,
But I don't have magic enough,
I can cross the sky,
and pass by the stars,
But I can't seem to stop,
Any of hatred's wars,
I see children on the street,
With no hope left,
in the eyes.
So many homeless people
with no where to sleep.
And my heart cries.
I can't give the things they need,
Oh But God I would try.
I'm only a fantasy,
that once took wings to fly,
Some are deceived,
by the gifts that money can buy,
But those who truly believe,
see the gift with the heart,
not with the eye,
I sometime stop and go to my knees,
and pause,
and I too always pray,
That we will find a end to wars,
and live in peace one day.
For all those who believe in me,
I will continue my cause,
Across the stars,
over the wars,
On Christmas Eve,
For the hearts that still believe,
In Santa Claus

Getting ready for my Cookie Exchange...

HOLLY CHRISTMAS COOKIES

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package large marshmallows
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons green food coloring
• 4 1/2 cups cornflakes cereal
• 1 (2.25 ounce) package cinnamon red hot candies

Directions

1. In a saucepan over low heat, melt together the marshmallows, butter, vanilla, and food coloring. Mix in the cornflakes cereal.
2. Drop by spoonfuls on wax paper, and decorate with red hots. Set aside, and allow to cool.

WHAT A GREAT TREAT AND SO MUCH FUN FOR CONNOR TO HELP ME MAKE THESE YUMMY FESTIVE TREATS!
Just a few tips:
Make sure you use a greased cookie sheet to spread the cornflakes onto before you make them into wreaths. Also, dip your fingertips into a bowl of cold water occasionally so the marshmallow doesn't stick to your fingers. Place in fridge for 1-2 hours to chill.

Christmas Is a Time for Love and Fun

Christmas is a time for love and fun,
A time to reshape souls and roots and skies,
A time to give your heart to everyone
Freely, like a rich and lavish sun,
Like a burning star to those whose lonely sighs
Show need of such a time for love and fun.

For children first, whose pain is never done,
Whose bright white fire of anguish never dies,
It's time to give your heart to every one,

That not one angel fall, to hatred won
For lack of ears to listen to her cries,
Or arms to carry him towards love and fun,

Or friends to care what happens on the run
To adult life, where joy or sadness lies.
It's time to give your heart to everyone,

For God loves all, and turns His back on none,
Good or twisted, ignorant or wise.
Christmas is a time for love and fun,
A time to give your heart to everyone.

We had a birthday party yesterday for one of Mara's playgroup friends and when we got there someone said Awwww, how cute, you two are dressed alike, so I thought I would share our matching shirts.