2010 Christmas Card

So every year (almost) I do a Christmas poem. It's never very good, but hopefully it's entertaining to those who get it. I have thank you notes from weeks ago that are written, but not addressed, not stamped and still sitting on my desk - all that to say, the poem is written, but I'm not sure I'm going to have time to send it out. So I thought I would blog it so anyone of my Face book friends could enjoy it.

Merry Christmas from the Arrants

Two thousand and ten, my what a year
Sadness and joy alike caused us tears.

Sydney turned five on her special February day
Sweet, angelic peacemaker we hope that she stays
A, sometimes bossy, big sister that shows she's caring
by playing with, comforting, loving on and sharing.
A special young lady who will always be on your side
She makes us laugh, she's smart and fills us with pride.

In March there was news bringing our family joy
our fingers were crossed that this time it would be a boy.

In May we bid farewell to one very special P-Paw
loving husband, father, friend and the greatest father in law
The cancer that took him he fought hard for years
Then he let go, let God and faced his fears.
He left with us, the family, a legacy of love
We know he watches over us, smiling down from above.

In mid-July we had yet another celebration
Friends and family came for our Elmo party creation
Harper turned two, our buttons she can push
We know time out well and the occasional spank on the tush.
Then when we think our rope has come to an end
She turns on the charm and becomes your best friend.
Her strong will indeed will serve her well one day
it is because of this, I hope the stubborness stays.
Her giggle contagious, her smile says trouble
if it's too quiet, better check it out on the double.

The rest of summer was filled with lots of fun
The anticipation of kindergarten for us had begun.
August brought excitement and school supplies new
The tears shed by mommy would not be few
Our baby was growing up, kindergarten came too fast
I was worried sick, but good news....she had a blast!

Fall brought Harper quality time with mom and dad
While Sydney excelled at school, never a color change had.

November eleventh our lives changed again
Dad's chest puffed out big, his face sports a grin
It was a long hard labor that brought a new baby and much joy
Remington Pierce Arrant arrived, we finally had a boy
A beautiful new life, miraculous without a flaw
Steel blue eyes and dimples, he looks just like P-paw

That pretty much wraps up this year as we know it
We've been blessed beyond measure and we hope that we show it
Our prayer for you this Christmas season is joy, hope and love
And that two thousand eleven brings you peace from above.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Love,
Aaron, Courtney, Sydney, Harper, Remington
and Sadie, our crazy canine!


I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed Christmas holiday season!

Ice Cream in the Beverage Fridge

Rumor has it that Ice Cream has been enjoying some of our Sam Adams. He got all sideways coming back in from the North Pole last night and was found hanging from the ceiling fan this morning. I tried to smell his breath to see if I could catch him red-handed, but we're not supposed to touch him because his magic dust rubs off. He slept it off most of the day since Sydney was at school and the rest of us were out Christmas shopping most of the morning so he had no one to watch. That's good news for him, but I'm guessing the big S.C. is going to be pretty disappointed. Hopefully, he learned his lesson and is a good little elf for the remainder of his time here.

The Elf on the Shelf!

Last year we purchased The Elf on The Shelf. It was so much fun! Sydney adored him and couldn't wait to see what kind of shenanigans he got in to every night. If you are unaware of the story here it is in a nutshell: It's a small Elf that sits around your house and watches the kids. He flies back to the North Pole every night to report to Santa about the kids' behavior. At our house, Ice Cream can really get into trouble - last year he tried to bake cookies for Santa and made a huge mess with the flour canister - that's where we found him too...stuck in the flour canister. We also found him trapped in the blinds - must have gotten stuck there while flying back in through the window. He always comes back with a note from Santa telling what the kids are doing great with and what they need to work on on a little more. About every 3rd note, he reminds us about the real reason for the season and how important it is to show love year round not just at Christmas.

This year I couldn't wait to get Ice Cream out. I had big plans to bring him out the day after Thanksgiving...when we decorated the house. Well - I forgot and when I finally remembered to get him out (The Sunday after Thanksgiving) I couldn't find him!!! I looked everywhere, to no avail. Tuesday I went right out and bought another one with the intention of setting him out Tuesday night. I forgot. Today is Thursday. I forgot to set him out again last night, but remembered while the girls were in the bathroom. I raced to the closet, ripped him out of the box and ran out and set him in the Christmas tree. When Sydney finally noticed, her first response was "where's our note telling us how awesome we've been this year?"....Crap! She's at school now. Below is the note that I typed out, took outside and rubbed dirt on it - he dropped it coming in last night....silly Ice Cream! Let the Christmas Elf fun begin!!!!

Dear Sydney, Harper and Remington:

What a fantastic year you have had. I am pleased about your behavior and look forward to updates from Ice Cream about how well you continue to behave in this month before Christmas.

Sydney - Ice Cream reports that you are doing a fabulous job in Mrs. Mueller's kindergarten class, listening well and mostly using your manners. Be sure you keep up the Yes ma'ams and No ma'ams with your teachers. I'm proud of what a wonderful big sister you continue to be and I'm proud of the little girl you are growing up to be. Good Job

Harper - Ice Cream reports to me that you recently pee peed on the potty!!! Great Job Harper! That is wonderful news. You keep that up and you might find big girl panties in your stocking on Christmas morning!
Harper I am also very proud about the great job you are doing at being a big sister to little Remington. I can't believe how well you are already doing (I think you've had a pretty good teacher in your big sister Sydney). I love watching you take the pacifier to Remington when he's fussy. I love seeing you give him your shirt when he's upset. I know how important that shirt is to you and I'm very proud of you for sharing. Here is what I would like for you to work on. I want you to try to listen to mommy and daddy better. Do what they ask you to do the first time. That's important.

Remington - Keep sleeping, little guy! You are making mommy and daddy very happy.

For all of you: Please remember what Christmas is truly about. This is a season to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We give gifts as a symbol of the wise men bringing gifts, but let's also remember to share love.

I'll be getting updates from Ice Cream on a nightly basis. Keep up the great work and work on those things I asked you too.

Love
Santa Clause


If you have kids and you haven't invested in an Elf on the Shelf, I highly recommend it! It's fun and it keeps them on their toes, for sure!