The Flaky Elf

Lily and Sophia's behavior has suddenly taken a turn for the better.
They must know what the day is.
I'm quite sure they know what the day is because they spent all evening writing letters for a little red elf to take back to the North Pole.
It's Elf on the Shelf time...

Welcome back Miss Snowflake.
I sure missed you.
I almost forgot how effective you can be at making my children behave.
I can't wait to see what elf hi-jinx you have in store for us.

O' Christmas Tree

The decorating at the Murphy house will be at a minimum this year.
After all, whatever goes up, must come down at some point.
With a new baby coming, I didn't want to overwhelm myself.
So I stuck with the basics.
Stockings, some table decor and of course a tree...

Looking at this tree makes me happy.
I love the way it makes our family room glow.

No Pink Allowed

For Madelon, we decided that there would be no pink allowed.
In her room that is...

With elephants and giraffes ready to greet her, we can't wait to bring her home.

Just For Them

Every year, Lily and Sophia help me decorate our family Christmas tree.
This year, they got a tree of their own.
They picked out all of the ornaments.
They made many of the ornaments.
They decorated the tree themselves...

It sits in their playroom shining down from the top of the stairs.
It's their own mini masterpiece and just a little added bonus to make their holiday that much more special.

Let's Go for A Ride

Sasha, our dog, loves going for rides in the car...

Lily was happy to be her personal driver.

Thanksgiving with Family

Thanksgivings are a time to be thankful.
They are also a time to be spent with family.
This year we are thankful that this day is being spent surrounded by family...

We played.
We ate.
We spent our day with loved ones.
Today was just one more reason to be thankful for the many blessings we have received this year.

American Girl

With the rough start to the soccer season, we weren't sure how to get Sophia to finish all ten weeks of it.
Then we went to a place that many parents go (whether they like to admit it or not)...
Bribery.

There was a new American Girl store being built in Houston.
We made a deal with the girls that if they practiced hard each week and played hard during the games without quitting or giving up, we would take them to AG at the end of the season.
I am pleased to say, the bribery worked like a charm.
So as promised, here we are...

Joe and I simply promised them a new outfit for their existing dolls.

Papa and Grandma treated them to an even greater treat...

New dolls...

As an extra bonus, we all ate at the American Girl Bistro...

I wanted to make this a day just focused on my two girls before our new little girl is added to the Murphy mix.
They were delighted with everything.
It was just what they needed and just what I wanted to give them.

Top Dog

Twice a week I take Sophia to Lily's school for her speech therapy.
The office has a screen much like a television that scrolls important dates and information pertinent to the school.
So you could imagine my surprise when amongst all of these announcements, I saw this...

There were no other kids, just these two.
Chalk this one up as yet another proud mommy moment.

Season Ender

A season filled with early Saturday soccer games has come to an end today.
The girls made sure to end their season on a high note.
With Papa and Grandma in attendance, they each showed off their best soccer skills.
Lily scored one goal (three for the season).
Sophia scored three (eight for the season).
It was the perfect way to end a successful soccer season.
The only thing that could be better would be donuts and a trophy...

Now with three days a week free, what are we going to do with all of that time?

Saturday Soccer Day

Only two weeks are left in the fall soccer season.
To be honest, I never thought this little one would last this long...

But each week she seems to like it a little bit more.
Does that mean she will play the sport of soccer again?
Probably not.
So I am going to enjoy watching her while I can...

As for Lily, well she is already talking about playing again next season...

If we were going from the beginning of the season, I may be hesitant to let her do so, but she has improved tremendously.
And as you can see, she loves it...

For this big girl, nothing is more rewarding than receiving that special award that shows you worked hard...

Job well done!