I can't believe we've had our Buddy for three years now! It seems like yesterday we started having all this fun! Last year I introduced you to our Welcome Back Breakfast and mentioned we'd be doing it every year. (PS - If you missed how Buddy made his way to our house for the first time back in 2011, check out THIS post).
The kids knew that Buddy would be arriving the day after Thanksgiving and they were SOOOO EXCITED. They have been asking about him since he left last year!
This year I made Elf Cakes. I've been thinking about this since last year. I was going to do it then but couldn't find my squirt bottle! I use one of Chris's bbq sauce squirt bottles, fill it with pancake batter and make these mini pancakes.
TIP: Flip them with a fork, it's much easier than trying to use a big spatula.
I also made hot chocolate for the boys and me (Chris had coffee....yuck!). We had our very favorite bacon from Neuske's...I LOVE IT. We usually eat turkey bacon but when we have the real deal, I always order from Neuske's. It's divine.
This year Buddy brought a little something for the kids. I, ahem, HE was at Hobby Lobby and saw these light up Rudolph slippers from the old claymation movies and HE just couldn't pass them up.
My two happy boys with their light up slippers!
I said this last year but I will say it again. I love traditions. I LOVE making the holidays (all of them) super fun and memorable for my kids. Some of my best memories involve going to see Santa, picking out that special dress I would wear for the picture, hand crocheted stockings my mom made for us, special breakfasts she put together for my dad, brother and I. I'm sure if there was such a thing as Elf on the Shelf back then, she would have done it because she always went above and beyond to make things fun and memorable for us.
That said, my brother and I always clearly knew what Christmas was about; the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was born, all those years ago, on Christmas day. He came to save us from our sin that we might be born again, and live with Him when we are called home.
So yes, my husband and I choose to do things that some disagree with, like Elf on the Shelf. But while doing those fun things, our boys hear just as much about Jesus, His love, His life and the reason for this Christmas season.
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
And one of my very favorite verses:
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Wishing you a blessed Christmas season,
Wishing you a blessed Christmas season,
Jenna
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