Naughty or Nice

With Christmas just over a week away, my kids are getting very preoccupied with just where exactly on Santa's list they currently sit.  Because it's a well-known fact that your status on Santa's list is completely variable, and can change in an instant;)   So here is the low down on all the kids at this moment:

Abby:

This girl is definitely on the good list, despite the fact that she's growing much to fast for my liking.   She uses words like "As if" and "Seriously!" way too frequently, and her bedroom is beginning to resemble a  pre teen's lair, but she's still willing to cuddle with her mom any time- so I can't complain much;)   She's bright in school and oh so confident;)    We have been trying to emphasize with her the importance of "quality" in all that she does, (school work, piano...etc)  and I'm starting to notice some big changes.   She's starting to develop interests and talents that sometimes surprise me.  

Sam:

This boy has changed so much this year!    It wasn't too long ago, that I though of him as the crazy one in the family, and he truly did keep us on our toes.    He's mellowed out a bit though and actually has a very thoughtful and sensitive disposition.  Don't get me wrong though- he is still SILLY to the bone, and still does take any opportunity to make someone laugh.    I'm torn between whether I think he will grow up to be an actor, or an activist who will finally solve the problems of humanity.

Just last night during family prayer, he prayed for all the poor people in the world.   It made my heart melt ...and kinda smile when he prayed, "And please bless all the poor people out there that they can win some money...."     

See?  He's always thinking of others;)

Jessica:

I don't think this girl knows what it is like to be on the Naughty list.    She was born smiling and hasn't really stopped!   She is the kid in our family who eats ALL her vegetables, and tries EVERYTHING on her plate without complaining!   She's also the one who will stick up for me when the other kids are picking on their old mom.   Simply put- she is a complete Suck Up, and it reminds me of myself when I was her age;)    Love it!

Nate:

Well it is official.   Nathan is the new "Sam" around here, and I sometimes wonder what happened to that sweet little baby that smiled at everybody who even so much as looked at him;)      He is still mighty cute, and has his sweet moments to be sure.    But those sweet moments are also mingled with a whole lot of Naughtiness!!!    Here's a story for example:   In our house, for some reason, the light switches to all of our rooms are found on a wall just outside of each room.   Well Nate has discovered this little "feature", and now lurks outside of our bathrooms just waiting for a chance to turn the lights off while somebody is going potty.     He LOVES hearing a scream as he gleefully runs/dances away leaving someone stranded in a pitch black bathroom!    

He's lucky he's so CUTE!

So far, Nathan is the only one in the family at risk of getting coal, but there's still time, and I have a small shred of hope that he can turn it around;)   Even Sam is rooting for Nathan as all of his recent meal time prayers so thoughtfully illustrate:  

 "And please bless Nathan that he can not be on the Naughty List any more."

AMEN TO THAT!!!!