Madi's Christmas Program

Day 9:  Fred started out the week hiding in Madison's stocking!

Madi had a fever on Sunday so she couldn't go to school until she was fever free for 24 hours so we had a quiet morning at home on Monday.  She wasn't too happy about missing school though.  I snapped this picture for her Daddy to show him that she was feeling better.  He worries so much when she isn't feeling well!  It's blurry because I was trying to be sneaky and not get caught! 

 By lunch time it was clear that she was back to her old self so we met Grandma, Aunt Shelle and cousins at 50th Street for food and games.

 Tickets are a BIG deal!  I think Madison got a fan and pen bracelet.

 Maci's "cheese" face kills me everytime!

 Tuesday morning Madi was up and ready early for school!

 Day 10:  Fred was missing his home at the North Pole so he hid in the refrigerator to get cold!

 My parents were at the house and I just had to take a picture of our dogs on Grandma's lap.  That's the first place they go to if she's over.

 Tuesday afternoon, we buried my sweet Uncle Douge.  He will be missed greatly.  Uncle Rod, Uncle Cody and Matt were pall bearers.  They all wore jeans, boots and a button down white shirt in honor of Uncle Douge.

 Wednesday

 Day 11:  Still missing home, Fred built an igloo from sugar cubes.

 After school, Madison helped me get all her school friends' Christmas presents ready.  My mom gave me the cute Santa pants bags.  So after a card and some fun toys we were all set!

 Day 12:  Fred hung toilet paper from the dining room light with a message saying "19 More Days until Santa!"  Madison quickly corrected him by saying "No, it's 19 more days until Christmas!"

 Thursday morning was Madison's Christmas program at school. She was an angel so she had to wear a white shirt and tall white socks. She didn't like having a plain shirt on!

Madison's line during the program was "From Bethlehem God sends His love to all the earth below."  She said it loud and clear so everyone could hear her!  We were so proud!  

Our sweet angel walking in . . .   

 Madison, Lauren, and Jadyn

 Mommy & Madi the Angel

 Madi with Maci and Tucker after the program having cider and cookies.

 Friday was Polar Express day at school so Madi had to wear her pajamas to school.  This girl is growing so fast that we had to go get new pjs that weren't short in the arms and legs. 

 Day 13:  Fred built marshmallow snowmen of our family. 

Madison didn't like being the small snowman made out of only one marshmallow!

Happy 5th Birthday Owen!

 One bad thing about putting up Christmas decorations early is that Madison started our calendar countdown from mid-November.  I knew once December 1st hit she would be upset to have to start the countdown over so I made a little Santa's beard countdown to help. 

Each morning she cuts of a section of his beard until Christmas Eve.

Before she even finds us in the morning I can hear the drawer and scissors going! 

Day 7:  Fred thought we needed a picture of him around the house to go with Madison's many, many pictures! 

 Saturday we headed to Roswell to celebrate sweet Owen's 5th birthday!

 There was lots and lots of bowling!

 Being only six weeks apart in age makes these two good buddies!

 We always have to stop and get some yummy beef jerky when we're in Roswell.

This piece kept Madi busy for a while!  And quiet!

 Day 8: Fred left a message from Santa on the Scrabble board.

We are still reminded each night "don't forget to hide Fred!"  :) 

Meet Fred . . .

 We decided to jump on the bandwagon and get an Elf on the Shelf this year.

We had the book and elf sitting by the tree when we came home from dinner last Saturday night.

At first, Madi was interested and loved playing with the elf (who was quickly named Fred). 

 But once her Daddy read the book and explained that Fred would report to Santa nightly and arrive in a new spot each morning she started crying and saying she didn't want a magic elf in her house.  We tried not to laugh and I quickly explained that Santa let Mommy and Daddy move Fred from place to place for kids that didn't like magic elves.  She quickly calmed down and liked the idea.  That very night she hollered to us from her bed "don't forget to hide Fred!"

 Day 1: Fred left a "be good" message in red and green m&ms.

 Ready for school on Monday after a long break!  When I picked her up I was told by another teacher that Madi was telling all the kids on the playground that their elves were magic but her mommy and daddy moved hers!  At least she didn't ruin it for all the other kids!

Monday afternoon, I got an unique request for a nutritous lunch in "rainbow" colors.

I was stumped at first but this is what I came up with . . .

 

 Day 2:  Fred hanging from the ceiling fan.

 Tuesday morning . . .  

 Day 3: Fred taking a marshmellow bubble bath.

 Wednesday morning wearing her Dance shirt since she had dance that afternoon!  It was also bring-a-friend to Cubbies day so Tucker came along and had a blast.  Sadly, no pictures of the fun time!  

 Day 4:  Fred fishing in Madison's sink.

 Thursday

 Day 5:  Fred sitting on the star on top of the Christmas tree.

 Thursday evening, Tuck and Maci hung out with us while Aunt Shelle went to Tripp's indoor soccer game.  Maci's "cheese" face kills me!

 Friday morning

 Day 6:  Fred wrapped the Christmas tree in red and green crate paper. 

Although Madison knows we hide Fred each night I'm amazed at how excited she is to find him each morning.  It wasn't how we planned the game to go, but it's become a fun tradition in our house! 

Future Artist

 Last Sunday afternoon, we didn't have much planned but a little resting so I decided to take Madi to a new Art Studio that a friend told us about.

 

The kids went to the back and "created" while they waited for everyone to arrive.

The instructor is an ex art/math teacher. Interesting combo!  But it explained so much since everything is labeled and organized! 

 Each student had a canvas and easel with the paintbrushes all ready.

 Kindergarten aged students usually have their moms there to help out. Madison wanted me to outline everything then she filled it in.  The teacher was very helpful.

 After all the painting was done, we went outside to have the paintings sprayed with a glittery sealant.

 Since there were a few more minutes left in the "class" all the students went back to create some more.  They could use crayons, paints, pencils, whatever they wanted as long as they put it back when done.

 The finished product . . . that will now become a yearly decoration in our house!

 Madi loved the class and can't wait to go back again.

I can't wait for her to go back either since next time Mom doesn't have to go too! 

Light Helper

 After a not-so-great Thanksgiving, this little girl still had her heart set on putting lights on the house.

So her Daddy braved the cold, cold wind and lit up our house!

 Madi worked diligently to get the strands untangled.

But she did come in a time or two to warm up!