Believe in Magic

         A lot has been happening here with this family the past couple weeks.Our family room is done, with the exception of the trim and molding. It sure is livable though :-)
We moved right in as soon as the men who laid the carpet were gone. Riley was quite the entertainment for them, asking them questions about everything they were doing, why they were doing it and what it was for. Like mother like daughter, I was the same way as a girl; so curious about everything and everyone, that is how we learn, right? Her curiosity sure is sprouting more and more as she grows into a little girl.

This luxurious carpet has really brought them closer

Our Family Room

     Christmas is more magical this year. She is more into seeing and believing. The magic is in our house and strong in our hearts this year :-). It is more exciting with little ones who are excited about Santa. As I get older the days, weeks, months, and years flash by. So does the excitement in somethings. Of course as a child everything is much more exciting and TA Da! Being a parent is a very special thing, all the TA Da and magic comes back to you within your children.
      We were sure to catch Santa when he came to town Friday the 7th. It was a very magical night for Riley.

Riley waited anxiously to tell Santa what she would like for Christmas.
She did not want to sit on his lap.

High five Santa, I'm being good

Her eyes were so wide, her dreams were coming true right in front of her eyes! I could tell it was a night she will never forget. We watched a performance in the town church, performed by the ballerinas from the town dance school. They were dressed like angels in white, and danced so gracefully, Riley was in awe of them.

Riley has always loved to dance and do gymnastics, but after seeing the beautiful dancers she has a new desire for dance. I  must say her moves are very graceful and she is a natural. I love watching her. When she dances I really can't take my eyes off her, she is so delicate and has a love for it, which makes it a wonderful performance. And having this new room with the softest carpet to dance upon, makes the new memories to come something to smile and be excited about. My little girl, a ballerina. She is a graceful girly girl/ tomboy. Or maybe I should just say she is a free spirit with many goals in mind who is talented at reaching them.
I was a ballerina too. I loved it. I wish I had danced longer. Sometimes, I will twirl around on my toes and pirouette to my favorite music. It defiantly helps relieve stress and it's fun!
While Santa was in town, he dropped a gift off at Ann's house. It was one of his "Elf on the Shelf" dolls, who magically fly's to the north pole every night to tell Santa about your day, if you were naughty or nice. Riley was even more ecstatic about Santa and his magic. She instantly named her Clarabelle. It is supposed to be a boy, but she thinks it's a girl. So with that I made Clarabelle a skirt, she was very grateful ;-). Clarabelle is bringing the magic of Christmas alive each new morning. We get excited to see where she came to sit after her visit to the north pole each night and we remember she is watching so we must behave. Every night I get to see the magic in Clarabelles eyes when I help her get to where she wants to go ;-), it helps me feel the magic of Christmas and helps me bring the best out in Santa. Also now that our tree is glistening white lights and the cozy comforts of Christmas are hung in our house, I know I believe in the magic of Christmas every year it comes around.

Riley has also been busy with arts and crafts this month. I guess I trust her a little too much when it comes to art and letting her be able to express herself freely. Then the day came. Too soon. She cut her hair! I have always trusted her with scissors, knowing she knows the appropriate manner they are used for. Until... I walked away for maybe less than 5 minutes to lay Reese down for her p.m. nap. When I returned I started helping her clean up a Christmas craft she had managed to spread all over her activity table and all over the floor in the basement. It was full of life, the joyful and festive pieces of art laying everywhere. Then I noticed blonde silky strands, to what I first thought were garland. Then I noticed the chunk. Her beautiful hair, laying gracefully on the floor, like it was a diamond in the ruff of her decorative mess spread about. I paused. Looked up at her hair to see where on her head it was missing. I looked down at her hair, before I said anything to her, I teared up a little. I was just thinking of my baby, and how she is so curious and she just thought, 'wonder what this would be like'. Or maybe it's from her favorite movie, Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken; in the opening scene Sanora, the main character, cuts all her hair off. Hmm...
Whatever her desire to cut her own hair, I realized it was ok. That these things happen. I was not mad at her. I remembered when I cut Kerry's bangs. HA! they looked awful too! Poor Kerry, always did whatever I asked her to do :-) she trusted me with all the blood and love in her body. That's a true friend. I feel the same about you Ker.
      Well, I talked with Riley about what she had done, and she understood what children use scissors for, and who uses scissors to cut hair (the hair cutter :-) or barber).
I must say though, and Marc agrees, the chunk missing from her hair looks fabulous! Like it was a style change, almost like a layer and angled in the front. :-) who knew?!
I am just thankful there wasn't anymore found.

These are a few of the wonderful things happening in the Crawford house during these chilly December says.

This was a warm day in December. New view for Reese.

My tiny dancer

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