The Campbell Family: Finally getting into the spirit

Christmas is coming, 2 shopping days left, and I finally feel the spirit stirring.

Sunday night we went to the Carol Sing at FPC of Marietta. Both girls wore their finest Christmas attire, Grace's a hand-me-down dress from her Aunt Anna and Lily's a hand-me-down from Grace(it was a little short on her). They both sat, sang and thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas music and the beautiful bells. I used to be a performer, bell ringer, at this yearly festivity, however last year with Lily's birth and difficult following months I took a break. Maybe one day I will be able to rejoin the group and be able to praise the Lord through playing music, until then it was a joy to enjoy it sitting with my children, my husband and my dad while watching my mom play.

Monday, the girls and I did a little Christmas shopping. This was long overdue, but with freezing temperatures, two kids who have been sick most of the month and trying to work time had slipped away from us. I think we are mostly finished. The girls picked out a red tie with Christmas trees on it that plays music for Daddy to wear to work this week and probably to Church on Christmas Eve too. We finally bought the high chair to replace the one we stole from Grandma Suzanne, and a few other items that can't be mentioned until after the 25th. We also got to do a little celebrating with our best friends down the street. Mostly just playing and some cookie decorating, Lily doing the cooking eating(she was wary of the icing).

Today we woke up to a surprise. One of our elves that visits during the holidays was missing. The other elf seemed to be having a date. We have two Elf Magic elves that visit between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Kirsten and new this year, Leigh have had a lot of fun adventures and even gotten into a bit of trouble this year. Last night it seems Leigh and the Hughes(our neighbors and best friends) elf Wyndom changed places. At our house Kirsten and Wyndom were "having a date"(Grace's words). There were birthday candles that had been lit, cookie crumbs on a block/table and Christmas music playing. At the Hughes house, Leigh and Abbott's date consisted of playing the game Apples to Apples and a plate of food to share. The kids were amazed that the elves knew each other and were able to switch places without anyones knowledge. We have already had to switch them back though, can't go too long without your elf.

We still have plans to meet Daddy for lunch, Christmas Eve family service, make some more fudge, lots of wrapping and counting down the days til Christmas comes. We are disappointed that this year there will be no traveling to see our Campbell relatives, this is due to Lily's recovery taking longer than expected last Feb. and sicknesses(there have been several) this December (Daddy has no vacation time left) plus the fact that I am working on Jan. 2nd. We are hoping to use some time in February this year (known as Winter Break for Grace and Mommy's schools) to head down to Florida for some Grandma/Poppop time and hopefully see some of the cousins. And then maybe this coming summer too.

As we all continue to recover from this sickly December, we heartfully say.................