Merry Christmas

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!  We hope you have a wonderful blessed Christmas. 

Christmas Eve Traditions

So today was the final day of our advent for Christmas.  I have really enjoyed all the activities the kids and I have gotten to do.  Today, we did all the little traditions that we (Mike and myself) have done as kids.  We spread out reindeer food outside, left out cookies and milk for Santa, and read Twas the Night Before Christmas.  I simply LOVE family traditions.  Hope everyone has a wonderful, blessed Christmas Eve!!

Our Elf's Last Day

Their bags are packed, they're ready to go. Cause they're leaving to the North Pole. Next year they'll be back again, leaving to the North Pole.

Today is the last day our elf will be with us. He is actually flying home with Santa tonight. We have enjoyed having Dash with us this last month and will miss him. He wrote us a note that he also enjoyed staying with us and is already looking forward to coming back next year!

Advent update

So sorry for lack of posts the last few days. I did a birthday party and was just exhausted!!

21 of advent was sing Christmas songs. We sang for almost a while hour coming to Mamaw's and papaw's house.

22 of advent was to build a gingerbread train. The kids loved it! Bentley was the only one to realize we were decorating with candy and eat it!

Today was day 23. We went to church for a Christmas special!

Balancing Act

We found Dash and Bernard doing a trapeze act this morning. Those silly elves!!

Day 19 & 20

Our day 19 of advent was to have a birthday cake for baby Jesus. In fact they has two! First, they had their preschool pageant (hope to have video up in the next few days) and at the reception there was a cake. All the kids sang happy birthday before they cut the cake. Then at church that night they had a big birthday party for Jesus.

Day 20 was to watch a Christmas movie. They actually watched three! They love Charlie Brown's Christmas, Prep & Landing, and Mickey's Christmas!

Elf Update

I forgot to post yesterday, sorry about that! We found Dash having a tea party with Barbie yesterday. Hope Ken doesn't get jealous!

Then today we spent all morning looking for Dash, but couldn't find him. Then when I went to pack the car, there he was hanging from my rear view mirror. He knew we were traveling today!

Birthday Shout

I wanted to send out a belated birthday wish to my brother-in-law, Michael. Sorry I'm a day late, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! We love you and can't wait to see you over the Christmas break!!!

Roasting Marshmallows

Today we found Dash in the kitchen. He had found a stick and a candle and roasted marshmallows. I guess he likes his well done?!?!

Christmas Lights

Day 18 of our advent was to go look at Christmas lights. So last night we got on our pajamas and drove around looking at the lights. We had so much fun!! My favorite (just funny not flashy) was a house with a giant cowboy Santa, a giant cactus that chili peppers hanging off and a large armadillo... Mike said "do you think he is trying to convey he's from Texas". It made me crack up so I took a picture. The tree blocks the Santa, but you can see the rest.

Polar Express Party

Today was our Christmas party at school. We had a Polar Express themed party. All the kids came in their pajamas and we watched the movie. I'm hoping to have detailed pictures up on my party site tonight.

Hanging out

This morning we found Dash hanging upside down from our ceiling light. I think he might have a great bird's view from there!

Day 16 and 17

Day 16 of advent was to read another Christmas book.

Today (day 17) it was to write a letter to a missionary.

Birthday Shout

We want to send out a very Happy Birthday to our Nephew, Bentley! Happy 2nd sweetie!!

Day 15

Mike and I have been participating in our church's Christmas musical the last two days (the 3rd and final is tonight). Day 15 of our advent happened to be drink Apple Cider (which was at our reception yesterday) and make snow flakes. Mommy is throwing a Polar Express party on Tuesday at their school and I have lots of need for snowflakes! I will be showing those pictures soon!!

Rock'n and a Roll'n

Our elf was found rocking out on the guitar this morning. Maybe he knew the kids would be singing at church so he wanted to join too!

Our Singing Stars

Today the 3 & 4 year old choir sang a couple of songs at our morning worship service. Check out both videos below!

Marshmallow bath

This morning we found Dash taking a bath in marshmallows. What is really funny is the day is almost over and the marshmallows are almost gone. Little fingers keep reaching in (careful not to touch Dash) and eating them.

Napping by the Tree

Yesterday's advent was to nap on front Of the Christmas Tree. And, since we had our musical last night (day 1), I wanted to make sure they got a nap! So I pumped up the air mattress and we all napped in front of the tree.

Elf on the Shelf Sighting

This morning we spotted Dash coloring in a Christmas coloring book. I must say, for a small elf he does well with staying within the lines!

Day 13

Day 13 of advent was to have breakfast for dinner. Daddy was in charge of that since mommy had a moms night out with MOPS. We had our cookie exchange and boy were those cookies beautiful (haven't had any yet). I came home with lots of cookies!!

Story Time

Dash was found reading to his friends this morning. His book of choice? The Elf on the Shelf.

Cookie Madness

Today's advent activities were to make Christmas cookies and mail out Christmas cards. I have a cookie exchange tomorrow night so the kids helped me bake and decorate 4 dozen cookies. As luck would have it, our Christmas cards came in the mail yesterday so I got all those addressed today. Be expecting them soon!

The Four Main Food Groups

"We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup." You may recognize this movie quote from one of my favorite Christmas movies, Elf. So it was no surprise to find Dash this morning indulging in one of the main food groups!

Day 11 of Advent

Yesterday our advent activity was to make a Christmas craft. Unfortunately, due to who reads these posts (i.e. grandparents), I won't be posting pictures. However, I also got the chance to finish teacher gifts. And since they don't read my blog I have decided to share. First I went to a craft store and bought two plain large tote bags. I also got some fabric paint. I took a paper doily out of my pantry and used it as a stencil. Here is the finished product. What do you think?

Elf Sighting

Our elf this morning was found this morning with a snowball in his hand. I'm guessing he wants to have a snowball fight too!

Day 10 of advent

Yesterday out Advent activity was to sing Christmas songs. Their favorite is definitely Jingle Bells. They also love to sing Frosty the Snowman as well.

All Wrapped Up

Our elf is at it again! This morning I found my tree had been TPed! Then we spotted Dash sitting in the tree with an empty roll. He didn't even try to hide the evidence! I think he is getting a little too comfortable if you ask me!

Day 9 of Advent

Today we had two activities planned. #1 read a Christmas book and #2 have an indoor snowball fight. So I balled up some papers and we had a blast throwing snowballs at each other!!

Day 8 of Advent

We got behind yesterday. We didn't quite get to our advent which was to make Christmas gifts for our teachers. We had a sick little boy and mommy had to make several cookies. So...hopefully I can get those done soon!!

Downtown Mooresville Christmas

I love living here in Mooresville! They really promote community. On the weekends starting this past Friday they have a free event downtown. They have free horse drawn carriage rides, free crafts, activities, concerts, food, Santa visits, and an awesome light show that you can get out and Dan e to. Here the kids are enjoying the show!

Gone Fishing

It's that time of the day where I post about our silly elf. Today he was taking up an American past time, fishing. I'm not sure if he caught anything.

Parade Video

Sorry I'm just now posting this video, but it is Zack dancing while we were on the float in the parade. Hope you enjoy!

Snow mess

Guess where we found Dash today? He was making snow angels in mommies kitchen in flour. Oh, what a silly Dash!

Day 7 of Advent

On the 7th day of our advent, we did #1 picnic in front of the Christmas Tree and #2 buy gifts for needy kids. Our Sunday School class is having their annual Christmas party tonight. Every year we sponsor a family for Christmas. This year we are actually sponsoring two families plus a love offering for a couple in our class. The family we (Mike and I) picked had an eleven year old boy and a seven year old girl. So yesterday the kids helped me pick out some toys and clothes. I made sure to point out that this is for someone that really needs it. After we got home they helped me wrap it and everything!

Express Train

Apparently, Dash really enjoyed the Polar Express, because we found him this morning riding on a train. He must have set it up and everything, because it was not out last night. Silly Dash!!

Our silly elf

Just realized I haven't posted where Dash was a few days ago. He found Maddie's toy horse and I pretended to be a cowboy for the day.

Movie Night

Day 6 of our advent activity was #1 dress in your Pjs and watch Polar Express and #2 drink hot chocolate. So we all got our pajamas on while daddy made us hot chocolate. It took a while for Zack tried it, because he was scared of the word "hot" in hot chocolate, but eventually I got him to try it. He loved it! Maddie loved it right off the bat. The kids ended up also liking the movie. This was the first time any of us have seen it. I'm actually helping throw a Polar Express Christmas party at their school in a couple of weeks, so I was a little nervous since I hadn't seen it. But now I'm full of ideas!

Day 5 of Advent

Sorry, forgot to post last night! Our Wednesday's are always crazy!! Yesterday's advent was to create a Nativity scene and talk about what Christmas is all about. So, being the frugal mommy I am, I went online and saw this VERY cute, free, cut outs of the nativity. All you have to do is cut them out, color (if you'd like), and then glue them onto empty toilet paper rolls. Neat right?

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

I think Dash is missing the North Pole and not enjoying this unseasonably warm weather. When I walked into the kitchen this morning, Dash has hung up snowflakes everywhere!

Day 4 of Advent

Today's activities were to write a letter to an oversea troop and the 2nd one was to read the story of Jesus' birth. Since my cousin is currently stationed in Afghanistan, I am currently trying to get his contact info, I thought it would be nice to mail him some Christmas cards from the kids and me. I can't imagine being in a war, much less there at Christmas. So please take the time to thank our veterans!

Tonight before bed we read the story of Baby Jesus. I was so proud of the kids that they have been really paying attention the last few days that we have read books and they know that Jesus was placed in a manger with animals. I hope I convey that all the froufrou stuff is great, but the real reason for the season is His birthday!

Silly Dash

Our elf was at it again! Today we found him in the bathroom. He had wrapped our toilet in wrapping paper. Oh, silly Dash!

Church WAM's Choir

So...I mentioned yesterday that our church was putting together a "Hanging of the Greens" program. The kids that I help teach every Wednesday did an EXCELLENT job on their song. I am borrowing a granparent's video of the performance. If you look in the front row in the pew, you can see me providing the movements. I was so proud of these girls and boys!

Bass Pro Fun

While we were at Bass Pro I let the kids go see the giant fish since they did so well with Santa. They were so funny I decided to video it!

Santa Baby

Day 3 of advent was to do some Christmas Shopping and go see Santa! Maddie was very excited, Zack not so much! All the way there he kept saying "I don't want Mack, I want to stay home". He said this because we told them that if they don't tell Santa what they want, they won't get anything. Apparently he was fine with this!!!!

However, We finally got a picture with Santa where we were not screaming! Yeah!! Now it wasn't so easy with Zack! I literally had to drag him up there! The Santa asked for a high five and the tension started to melt. Then Santa gave them candy canes and we were very happy!!

Advent day 2

Today we got to open up envelope #2 of our Toddler Advent Activities. We hung up some mistletoe and got kisses and we wrote to Santa.

Tonight is Hanging of the Greens at church and the kids that I teach each Wednesday night will be performing the song we have worked so hard to learn. I am very nervous about forgetting the sign language (they watch me during the performance so they know what to do). So hopefully I will not lead them astray! So excited about this time of year!

Our Elf Sighting

Look where we found Dash this morning. Looks like he made some friends...or did he lose them? Lol!!!

Day 1 of Advent

A few weeks back I made an activity advent calendar for the kids. Today we finally got to open the first folder. Today's activities are watch your favorite Christmas movie and draw a Christmas picture. Michael and I will be heading to Chapel Hill today so Mamaw is here to watch the kids. I think she will probably have to watch Mickey's Christmas Carol (probably 3-4 times) and get to see some interesting drawings.

Day 30 of Thankfulness

Well, I did it! Today is the last day of Thankfulness. Next month I will be posting daily advent activities that I have planned out for the kids to do.

Today I am thankful for this blog. I actually started blogging back in 2008. Most people don't know this, but this is not my 1st blog. I started a blog that is completely private right after I found out that I had an ectopic pregnancy. It was an excellent release of fears, frustrations, and sadness. Then I started a public blog ,(this one) about 6 months later. The blog now has become my window for our family that lives farther away, a great "baby book", and just another way I can express myself creatively. I hear a lot of comments that they enjoy reading it (even if they aren't left on the blog). I have actually taken the time to read everything back over and take a trip down memory lane sometimes! So today I am thankful for this blog! Thank you all for taking the time out of your schedule to read up on the Nowells!

Day 29 of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for my first child, my fur child to be exact, Trapper. He came along on our first Christmas as a married couple. He has been excellent learning experience on having kids!! He has been very loyal, loving and protective. Now, he also knows how to push my buttons! I've lost several kid cups, pictures, and clean floors, but hey...who is perfect? We love him so much! So today I am thankful for Trapper!

Day 28 of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for our Church Choir. I must be honest, we visited a LOT of churches when we moved here to Mooresville. Almost all of the churches have moved to a contemporary band (don't get me wrong, nothing wrong with a band), but there is something about a church choir to me! When we visited First Baptist, I immediately fell in love with the choir! So we came back. I joined the choir back in January of this year and I have roped Michael to join in August. When we have practice until late, they provide a nursery to watch the kids. Most of the time it is just our kids in the nursery. I mentioned earlier about how someone came to pray with us before Zack's surgery, well...that person was our Choir Director. They are all just wonderful people and all incredibly talented. I just love being apart of it! We are doing a very LARGE musical this year for Christmas and I can't wait to show it off! So today I am thankful for our Church Choir!

Day 27 of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for those that go to school for several years and become health physicians!! When we are sick we know we have some one to call on! If we need a surgery performed we have those that know what they are doing to perform them. We have the good fortune to be in some great doctor's care over the last few years, so today I am thankful for doctors!

Space Day

Today is Space Day at school. I didn't want to go out and buy anything so, Cousin Aaden let us borrow his Buzz Lightyear costume and I turned an Ariel costume into an alien princess costume with some stickers and antenna. So here they are:

Day 26 of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for Family Traditions. (Honey I know currently you are singing the song in your head.) Everyone has something they do because that is what their parents did and they just continue passing it along. Growing up we always put up our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. We always went to designated family houses on Christmas Even and then Christmas Day. We always went on one family vacation the week of the 4th of July. So, once we started having kids, I was so excited to start our own family traditions. I think they are sooo important. So today I am thankful for Family Traditions!

Decorating for Christmas

My ultimate goal in life would be that I had a Christmas tree in every room at Christmas!  Yes, it is a crazy dream.  So...I went out and got the kids a tree of their own and let them decorate it.  They picked out their own ornaments and everything.  So here is the video of them decorating their trees.

North Pole Breakfast

Here are some pictures from our North Pole Breakfast. Enjoy!

Day 25 of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for the gift of music. God blessed me with the ability to carry a tune and boy am I glad he did. Music is one of the most awesome gifts there are. It can change your mood and it can even send you back in time with a memory that reminds you of the song you hear. When you here a peppy beat you more than likely will nod your head or tap your feet. Powerful ability music has! Today I got to sing at church and I am thankful to God he blessed me so! Over the next few weeks we I will be singing a lot (with the help of The Lord) hopefully I will remain healthy and the lyrics of our music will speak to those who need it! So today I am thankful for the gift of music!

Day 24 of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful that the countdown to Christmas has started. I posted earlier about how Dash has come back for December. I am such a big kid that Christmas is by far my most favorite time of the year. I could care less about presents. I love the singing of carols, decorating, the Christmas joy, having loved ones nearby, the movies, and of course celebrating the birth of Jesus! I have so much planned for this coming month and I hope to be posting about most of these activities! So today I am thankful for the fact that Christmas season is upon us!

North Pole Visitors

Our elf (and our nephew's elf) has arrived!  We had a North Pole breakfast this morning, curtesy of our elf, Dash!  Welcome back Dash!!

Day 23 of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for spending time with family! Over the last few days I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with my family! We even have stayed up almost all night shopping Black Friday deals and we still are enjoying spending time with each other. God blessed me so much with my family! So today I am thankful for spending time with family!

Day 22 of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving! I love gathering as a family and giving thanks to God for all the MANY blessings he has bestowed upon us. Today I am thankful for Thanksgiving!

From our family to yours...we hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

Day 22 of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for my health. I am in no means the best shape, but I am healthy. I know several people in this world that are currently dealing with chronic illnesses, and I pray for them daily, but I thank God that I am very fortunate for my health! So today I am very thankful for my health!

Day 20 of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful that the Mooresville Christmas parade was a big success. We were invited to ride the BB&T float again this year. The kids did really well for being on the float from 2:30-5:30. We actually waited to get on the Main part for over one hour. So today I am thankful for parade success!

Preschool Thanksgiving

Today was the kids Thanksgiving Feast at preschool. The kids dressed up as Indians and made some really cute art work! It was a blast!