I Want a....

Isn't this the cutest thing? We went to visit Santa today. The kids were SO excited!! (I would definitely recommend going to The Woodlands!) Jake isn't real sure what he wants. He was just excited to see Santa! Jenna on the other hand, well that is a different story altogether--a very sweet story I might add. A few months ago, her friend Emma got an American Girl doll! I was in love and immediately wanted Jenna to have one. She however was not ready at the time. She liked it a little, but then was on to something else to play with. Well just last week, we were back at Emma's house to play and my oh my how things have changed. Jenna was beside herself--brushing the doll's hair (with a special brush), changing her clothes, picking a name. It was precious. Then--Julie brings out the American Girl catalog and Jenna is absolutely mesmerized. She spent the rest of the day looking through it and telling me which ones she liked and what outfits they could wear and the earrings that would match and on and on! Then she announced that she wants Santa to bring her one. That night she went to bed with the catalog on the table beside her bed. I told her she could look at it some more first thing in the morning. When she woke up, she came into my room. Instead of hearing her sweet voice say "Mama can I eat breakfast" she said "Mama--I dreamed of a name for my American Girl doll--Emily Elizabeth". It made my heart leap to see her so excited about it. She has literally talked about it non-stop since then. She even tells cashiers at the store (whether they ask or not) that she wants Santa to bring her an American Girl doll. I have said all of this to explain the picture of Jenna and Santa looking at the book. The oh-so-clever photographers saw a photo-op and took advantage of me (and my pocketbook). Jenna insisted today when I told her we were going to see Santa that she needed to take her catalog so she could show him EXACTLY which one she wants. When we got there she literally ran over and jumped in his lap and began flipping through the book. I had tears in my eyes and my heart was so full of love as I watched her innocent, child-like excitement as she explained it all to Santa! That is when they snapped the pic. They knew I couldn't say no!! My original intention was to have both kids sit in Santa's lap and have their picture made--hence the other picture. I just HAD to have them both!! I guess you will have to stay tuned to see if Santa brings Jenna the doll, and if so, what she decides to name her. She also likes the names Natalie and Samantha. This is big business you know!!