I then pulled down my christmas decorations and my children reminded me of something, the excitement of decorating the tree. I then started to remanise and it brought me back to christmas of 1988 when I was 8 years old. I loved christmas this year and got to help hang decorations in our Burbank, WA home. We had this huge fireplace in this oversized livingroom where we got to hang the stockings above the fireplace. I learned in school that year about "christmas around the world" and how the tradition of sticks getting placed in stockings came to be. That christmas we also tolk part in a living nativity with the church.
The things that make christmas special IS traditions. The traditions of decorating the christmas tree and putting the star on the top, making cookies, singing carols, and learning about christ are things that stick with your children...IT'S NOT THE PRESENTS. Even though, christmas of 88' I do remember waking up christmas morning and looking out the huge glass window in the livingroom and seeing Santa brought us a trampoline. We all ran out in our pajamas to get the first jump! Do you remember that? And then, mom told us all she was pregnant with Jordan. I remember that christmas like it was yesturday, but I'm going to tell you, I don't remember the presents.
So as you are all out Spending your christmas money on your kids, maybe you should spend more time on Traditions and the true feeling of christmas. It's a great opportunity to look in the paper and see all the activities going on in your area. I am so greatful I get to share good quality time with my children and stay at home to see them turn into loving children.
Leave a comment by sharing some of your traditions that stand out in your mind. I would love to hear them, that goes for all my sisters too.
AS I WAS LEAVING THE MALL: Mattie ran from me. I had to put her down, we were finally out of the line...but she ran from me. I proceed to catch her and I snagged her arm. She tried to escape by making her body limp and then, her hand slipped out of mine and her face smashed into the ground. BLOOD WAS GUSHING OUT OF HER NOSE AND RUNNING ALL OVER.
I really think Mattie out ate everyone. She loves her food. This was her actual first thanksgiving and it was entertaining to watch her eat. She shovels the food into her mouth! She's so skinny too that I really don't know where it all goes. This is one thing that I will never forget about her is that she eats extremely well.
I am very thankful for Trey in my life. My only boy. I am thankful to have his sweet spirit around. And thankful that he is a huge help around the house. Last week I woke up and to my surprise, he had cleaned the frontroom and unloaded the dishwasher. There was a little heart on each task he completed that said"Done in love". This is my boy, always thinking of others.
After the thanksgiving feast, we sat on the couch and watched the football game...ok, Andy did and I enjoyed a hot cup of holiday spice. It is the best holiday drink, I will post the recipe soon. Just relaxing with the family and enjoying good, quiet times together. One thing that was special was being able to cook with Andy. I really enjoy that time working together.
Mattie was quite, but very observant. She held tight to her bucket, and was very determined to walk the whole way.
I don't know what she planned on doing at this house. Maybe exchanging buckets?? Or maybe she just wants them to fill hers up. She was the cutest little kitten.
Now this would be fine, if I would have planned it this way, but the plan was "serve out of the back of your vehicle" Now, my booth, had about 50 people in line to try the chili. IT TURNED A DIFFERENT DIRECTION THAN PLANNED, BUT WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS, YOU MAKE LEMONADE. So, it was a hit! I was very pleased.
Some very dear friends of Mine April G. and Erin dressed up for the occasion. I will have to get some of their photos.
Dad and Mattie exploring all the candy options. I don't think Mattie really realized what was actually getting put into the buckets. So, at the end of the night, I reached in and pulled out a sucker to had to her. She got so excited and since then, I have seen her sneaking into the bucket of candy...even HIDING! She caught on really fast.
Andy, Morgan, and Mattie were partners on their pumpkin. He soon discovered that carving wasn't an easy task. He chose a patern that was a level 3, which required a lot of patients...which my husband has none. But, after he got started, there was no turning back.
Trey, on the other hand, chose the more traditional approach and drawing by hand. This allowed him to do most of the work himself instead of watching. I think this is the first year he completed the pumpkin completely solo. He had a hard time understanding what you cut out isn't the part you see, it is what is left on the pumpkin that you see. So, at first it had razer sharp teeth, but was left with a huge smile!.
Here the boys are examineing their finished product and looking to see what can be improved. PERFECTIONISTS.
Mattie and her first experience. Pretty much all she did was watch, but she had to be straped into her chair.
The Great Pumpkin of 2008...and it's creaters!
Wednesday, we had a wild bunch...getting ready mentally for halloween. You have to know what it consists of: costumes, pumpkins, trick or treat bags, and scary monsters.
