Strange bedfellows

The only thing really wrong with this picture is that Eleanor is missing. She is at an overnight trip with Peyton. Doesn't matter. If if she were here she wouldn't be here. She likes to sleep in her own bed. Not these two. They like to sleep in our bed. Actually, what is probably more true is that like to sleep with mommy and daddy. Maybe it would be even more true yet to say they like to sleep right up close and next to mommy and daddy. Mostly daddy because I need space. Brad says let them be little. Actually that's what he used to say about Meredith. She's hardly little anymore. In fact, he declared this week that he had carried her to bed for the last time. Guess he will be waking her up for a zombie like walk to her room any minute now. As for Poppy, she gets to stay until those sweet little baby cheeks go away. She is, after all, still little.

With love, Santa

 

Those that know us well, know how much we enjoy creating traditions for our girls.  One that has become a Christmas favorite is Santa's Christmas eve visit.  We haven't caught him yet, because he always comes when we are at Mass, but he always delivers new jammies, usually leaves a letter and lately, has been picking up Buddy our elf.  He doesn't leave any toys or other gifts.  It's like he just stops by to let us know he is in town and let's us know what we should be working on to make next year's Nice List.  

Here is this year's letter:

What a year!  I can’t believe how big the Pettet girls are getting. 

Meredith, I am so impressed by how hard you worked for your piano recital.  I know it is a lot work and, surely, you would rather play than practice, but I know how proud your family is of you and you did such a great job.  You are also working hard at school.  Way to go.

What a fabulous job is Eleanor doing at school! Your reading and artwork are terrific and you are such a nice girl at school.  You take your time and do good work.

Lillian, what a kind hearted child you are.  You do a remarkable job with your manners and are funny, always making people laugh. I know you are working hard on getting rid of your pull ups. Keep up the good work and I know you will get rid of those pull ups soon. I am proud of you. 

Don’t forget your sisters are a special gift from God.  Be nice to one another.

Your parents love you with their whole hearts.  Their number one job is to keep you safe help you grow up to be kind and loving people.  Love them back.  Always.

Tell the truth.  Lying is worse than anything you could ever do wrong.  Mommy, daddy and Jesus will always forgive you.

Don’t hit.

Words can hurt more than a punch in the nose, so use your words nicely.

Work hard at school, play, home and loving your family.

Dance silly. 

Read.  A lot.  The movie in your head is much better than the movie on TV.

Keep your room clean.

Be thankful.

Love God.

Help others.  Your lemonade stand is a very nice thing.  Jesus helped the needy, too.

Be a good friend.  Be a good girl.  Be a good sister.

Stay in your bed.

Love, Santa

PS - It is probably worth noting that several of these items were called out in last year's letter, too.  Must be why Eleanor and Lillian were quite concerned at bedtime.  Eleanor said "I'm still worried."  Lillian, thought she might get coal.  Both were relieved Christmas morn.

Just to be certain

Tonight the girls wrote letters to Santa. They are already gone. I think Buddy the Elf might have taken them to the North Pole. Meredith cut straight to the chase on her letter, listed all the things she wants. I wrote most of Lillian's list based on the photo wish list she made a few weeks back at Target. Eleanor, well, she's just Eleanor. She Started her letter by telling Santa she has been good, wrote her list, sealed the envelope and, apparently, for good measure, added another reminder to the big guy that she had, in fact, been good. I guess you can never be too sure.