Aren't the Children Supposed to be GOOD in December?

Really. I thought with the threat/promise of Santa and all the fun decorating/decorations and activities that children were supposed to be good in December. Maybe it is just my kids, but they are completely bonkers. I have already thought of removing our decorations and starting a Festivus tradition instead (Seinfeld reference-- yes, I am old). The tree isn't even up and our Elf on the Shelf hasn't arrived for his yearly visit yet. Perhaps when the elf shows up they will mind their manners. Or at least stop yelling and hitting each other for 5 minutes.

I missed thankful Thursday yesterday. I will borrow one of E's thankfuls to use as my own: I am thankful we will spend Christmas in our own house this year. For the past few years we have traveled at Christmas and last year reached the climax of not being home on Christmas by packing up all our belongings in Washington State and moving in with my parents in Virginia until the our furniture arrived. As E described it "We will get to wake up on Christmas morning in our house and find presents under our tree and be together with just us."

Kid Update:
E --- math grade seems to be coming back up after the usual rough patch. He happily plays kickball with friends when he can get a group together after school, though early darkness has put a big damper on this activity. Has enjoyed his babysitting/mother's helper job and loves getting paid for it; still doesn't want his friends to know he is doing this. Favorite things are building with LEGOS, drawing houses and cities, and begin for baseball cards.
G --- doing well in school. He is back to nail biting again. Is learning not to put up with E's manipulation of every game. Favorite thing is doing puzzle book type things or "I Spy"/find the difference picture games. G makes up math problems for fun--- definitely a boy after daddy's own heart.
M ---loves preschool even though when he wakes up each weekday he says he doesn't want to go. M will be a Wise Man in the preschool Christmas program; to me he seems more like a Wise Guy than a Wise Man. He has been very moody lately. M's favorite things right now are riding his bike, building small LEGO items and his interest has been renewed in the Little People toys (since I was trying to pack them up for charity).

love and hugs, B