Showing posts with label Holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holiday. Show all posts
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Happy Easter
May the hope that was found on that first Easter morning be yours this day and all the year long.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Another Year Down
So I was standing in the shower this morning thinking what a crappy year this has been. Noone can argue that watching a parent in end-stage cancer isn't a great way to spend the year, but that's pretty much how the year started in January, continuing through to the end in August. And add on to that the illness, suffering, and subsequent death of a beloved step parent during that exact time. I could also mention that 2010 found my husband still technically without fulltime employment and all the benefits that go with that. No one would argue with me that 2010 has been a pretty lousy year all around.
But about as quickly as my mind went down that road, I was struck by how much there was to be thankful for. Now I'm not trying to say that I don't have cause to be sad or grieving the deaths of my Mom and Al just because there are things to be thankful about, but that perhaps I shouldn't be so hasty about telling 2010, "Sayonara and don't let the door hit ya in the behind on the way out."
This year afforded me the opportunity to make several trips to Arkansas to be with my Mom and Al during their last months. Despite (or perhaps because of) Mike's lack of a regular fulltime job, I was able to spend several weeks visiting and taking care of what needed to be taken care of. I was able to be with my Mom during her final moments. Many adults can only wish for the opportunities to serve their parents that I've had this year. As heartbreaking and stressful as it was, there is good to be found there. In some families the death of a parent can tear them apart; I'm so glad that wasn't the experience I had with my brother and step-siblings. If anything, it brought us closer together.
Despite Mike's employment situation, he never lacked for work when it was needed. Not once. Mike took all opportunities presented to him and worked hard, but we know that it was God who brought the work Mike's way. His timing was always perfect. And so to God goes the glory and the thankfulness for taking care of this little family and their needs (and lots of wants as well!)
I'm thankful for the vacation we had in Puerto Vallarta with my Dad and Candace. We enjoyed the family time spent in such a superb location, and I dream of being able to go back again! It was a very relaxing time without the need for running around here and there to do this and that. Simply time spent resting, eating, swimming, and strolling with family. Doesn't get much better than that!
With everything going on this year, I was still able to continue homeschooling the kids. I'm thankful for being able to do so and don't take this right for granted. Our family was also able to participate in a co-op to enrich our homeschooling lives, and the friends I and my children made there are ones we cherish!
True, 2010 will go down as one of the saddest and most difficult years of my life. There are images in my memory banks that I wish weren't there and emotions that are still quite raw. But if I'm honest with myself, there was more to this year than grief. We had good health, we enjoyed growing friendships, renewing relationships with family and old friends, a God who never once left our sides, and above all else, hope. Hope for our present, and hope for our future.
But about as quickly as my mind went down that road, I was struck by how much there was to be thankful for. Now I'm not trying to say that I don't have cause to be sad or grieving the deaths of my Mom and Al just because there are things to be thankful about, but that perhaps I shouldn't be so hasty about telling 2010, "Sayonara and don't let the door hit ya in the behind on the way out."
This year afforded me the opportunity to make several trips to Arkansas to be with my Mom and Al during their last months. Despite (or perhaps because of) Mike's lack of a regular fulltime job, I was able to spend several weeks visiting and taking care of what needed to be taken care of. I was able to be with my Mom during her final moments. Many adults can only wish for the opportunities to serve their parents that I've had this year. As heartbreaking and stressful as it was, there is good to be found there. In some families the death of a parent can tear them apart; I'm so glad that wasn't the experience I had with my brother and step-siblings. If anything, it brought us closer together.
Despite Mike's employment situation, he never lacked for work when it was needed. Not once. Mike took all opportunities presented to him and worked hard, but we know that it was God who brought the work Mike's way. His timing was always perfect. And so to God goes the glory and the thankfulness for taking care of this little family and their needs (and lots of wants as well!)
I'm thankful for the vacation we had in Puerto Vallarta with my Dad and Candace. We enjoyed the family time spent in such a superb location, and I dream of being able to go back again! It was a very relaxing time without the need for running around here and there to do this and that. Simply time spent resting, eating, swimming, and strolling with family. Doesn't get much better than that!
With everything going on this year, I was still able to continue homeschooling the kids. I'm thankful for being able to do so and don't take this right for granted. Our family was also able to participate in a co-op to enrich our homeschooling lives, and the friends I and my children made there are ones we cherish!
True, 2010 will go down as one of the saddest and most difficult years of my life. There are images in my memory banks that I wish weren't there and emotions that are still quite raw. But if I'm honest with myself, there was more to this year than grief. We had good health, we enjoyed growing friendships, renewing relationships with family and old friends, a God who never once left our sides, and above all else, hope. Hope for our present, and hope for our future.
Happy New Year To Us All
Monday, November 29, 2010
Crystal Ball
When I was at my Mom and Step Dad's house in September going through their things, I saw a picture on the wall of my Mom, me and the kids. I decided to tuck it into my suitcase and bring it home with me. I have it sitting on an end table next to the chair I usually sit in while in the living room. It was taken on Thanksgiving Day 2003, just 5 weeks after Charlotte was born.
I look at this picture and wonder what I would've thought if someone had told me in just 3 short years Mom would be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and begin a battle that would last for nearly 4 years......and that she (and my step dad) wouldn't be around for Thanksgiving 2010. I'm so thankful we were able to spend Thanksgiving 2009, their last, with them.
Some days are difficult. Not a day goes by that I don't think about Mom and Al. Some days I laugh over how silly Al was when he was in Grandpa mode, how he got Eric and Charlotte giggling. I miss his jokes, and I miss how he always took care of my mom. Other days I cringe when I think of all the missed opportunities I had for talking with my Mom but didn't. I miss my Mom's cooking, I miss hugging her, and I definitely miss spending time talking with her, just the two of us.
Even though we often wonder what we would do differently if "only we had known", I think it's probably a good thing that we don't know the future and what it holds. Life plays out as it should, complete with all it's joy, pain, regrets, and authenticity.
I look at this picture and wonder what I would've thought if someone had told me in just 3 short years Mom would be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and begin a battle that would last for nearly 4 years......and that she (and my step dad) wouldn't be around for Thanksgiving 2010. I'm so thankful we were able to spend Thanksgiving 2009, their last, with them.
Some days are difficult. Not a day goes by that I don't think about Mom and Al. Some days I laugh over how silly Al was when he was in Grandpa mode, how he got Eric and Charlotte giggling. I miss his jokes, and I miss how he always took care of my mom. Other days I cringe when I think of all the missed opportunities I had for talking with my Mom but didn't. I miss my Mom's cooking, I miss hugging her, and I definitely miss spending time talking with her, just the two of us.
Even though we often wonder what we would do differently if "only we had known", I think it's probably a good thing that we don't know the future and what it holds. Life plays out as it should, complete with all it's joy, pain, regrets, and authenticity.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Randomness
We drove up to the north woods again this Labor Day. It may become an annual trip for us. We all enjoy the time we spend there hanging out with family, the weather is still nice, and the autumn foliage is just starting to turn. This trip was made even more special by being able to meet our newest nephew, Mason, who is the cutest little peanut I've seen since my own kids were
"lil peanuts". :-) I could hold him all day long! I've picked a few random photos of the weekend to share (and maybe I'll be able to post a photo of me if it gets emailed to me by my mother-in-law....hint hint). Stay tuned next week for a funny recap of an episode that I was able to capture on camera.
"lil peanuts". :-) I could hold him all day long! I've picked a few random photos of the weekend to share (and maybe I'll be able to post a photo of me if it gets emailed to me by my mother-in-law....hint hint). Stay tuned next week for a funny recap of an episode that I was able to capture on camera.
Charlotte, Eric, Zachary, and Aaron on a frog hunt.
Mike & Charlotte at the lake (Lake Ethel?)
The Cousins
(purely coincidence that they lined up in height order!)
(purely coincidence that they lined up in height order!)
Mike takes a dip in the frigid Lake Superior waters. Brrrrr......
Zachary has these amazing eye lashes.....
My Mother-in-Law's walking mop. ;-) Actually, Zeke (or "Z") is a very sweet dog.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
A Good Day
This whole weekend was great and a reminder of what an awesome God we have! After a powerful Good Friday service, our whole family served together in the Kindergarten and First Grade room for the next service. Mike was the teacher, since that's where he normally serves, and I was small group leader for Kindergarten boys (oy vay!) We went to Easter service early on Saturday (over Easter and Christmas, our church does multiple holiday services over a period of a couple days since there are so many folks that come.) Sunday I was able to cook for my family, and we were joined by my Dad and Candace. It was a wonderful time of food, relaxing, talking and just enjoying the awesome day!
Here are a few photos of the kids:
Oh, how my girl loves shoes.....
Eric is off and running to find eggs
Both kids seemed to be in a hurry to find all the eggs!
Here are a few photos of the kids:
Oh, how my girl loves shoes.....
Eric is off and running to find eggs
Both kids seemed to be in a hurry to find all the eggs!Wednesday, February 25, 2009
'Lil Peeps
I had to run over to Walgreens this morning for some packaging tape. I'm getting back into selling stuff on ebay, and one item needed to ship today. On the way to the "office supplies" aisle, we passed by the Easter candy aisle. Since Charlotte was with me, there was no way we were walking out of that store without a trip down the Seasonal Aisle. I secretly didn't mind because I was looking for these special jelly beans that are coated in Nerd candy. Truth be told, I don't like jelly beans, but these are different. Last year after I "discovered" them, I ate two bags all by myself. They're soooooo good. I was seriously disappointed that they didn't have my nerd jelly beans this year; however, they did have Peeps. Charlotte loves Peeps, and was nearly drooling over the selection of shapes and colors from which to choose.
Me: What do you like about Peeps?
Charlotte: The mush mellow, the pink of it all, the sugar. EVERYTHING! And the chocolate.
Me (perplexed): There's no chocolate on Peeps.
Charlotte (hear the eye roll in her response): The eyes are chocolate!
So beware of the Peeps if you're taking a sugar-crazed child into the store. They're out there.
Me: What do you like about Peeps?
Charlotte: The mush mellow, the pink of it all, the sugar. EVERYTHING! And the chocolate.
Me (perplexed): There's no chocolate on Peeps.
Charlotte (hear the eye roll in her response): The eyes are chocolate!
So beware of the Peeps if you're taking a sugar-crazed child into the store. They're out there.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
The Bionic Battery
I think every parent out there can relate to this. You know those annoyingly obnoxious toys that Just Won't Die? And it's nothing you've ever bought for your child. No. It comes disguised as a birthday present or a Christmas gift from some non-well-meaning relative or friend who thinks it's funny to get these things for your child. The louder and more annoying it is, the more your child loves it too. Can anyone relate?
About 4 years ago when Eric was at the height of his Thomas the Tank craze he received a musical Christmas tree ornament that was a train. You press the little red heart-shaped button and various ear-splitting-loud Christmas tunes play. It's amazing how loud this little thing plays. It's about 4" big, ya know?
Every year we pull this thing out of storage in our attic (which is freezing cold in the winter and boiling hot in the summer), and every freakin' year this train ornament still plays! And it doesn't play faintly......it's as loud as the first time Eric pressed that button. It's no wonder after the kids went to bed that I relocated the ornament to a very high branch. What kind of battery is in this thing, anyway? I had to laugh Sunday as I packed it away for another year, knowing full well that it probably won't die till my kids are teenagers.
About 4 years ago when Eric was at the height of his Thomas the Tank craze he received a musical Christmas tree ornament that was a train. You press the little red heart-shaped button and various ear-splitting-loud Christmas tunes play. It's amazing how loud this little thing plays. It's about 4" big, ya know?
Every year we pull this thing out of storage in our attic (which is freezing cold in the winter and boiling hot in the summer), and every freakin' year this train ornament still plays! And it doesn't play faintly......it's as loud as the first time Eric pressed that button. It's no wonder after the kids went to bed that I relocated the ornament to a very high branch. What kind of battery is in this thing, anyway? I had to laugh Sunday as I packed it away for another year, knowing full well that it probably won't die till my kids are teenagers.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?
I'm enjoying my family today, but scheduled this post in case you were able to grab a moment to yourself.
You know all the hoo-hah over the expression "Happy Holidays" in lieu of "Merry Christmas"? Personally, it's never bothered me either way. In this day and age, I consider it astonishing if a cashier wishes me a happy anything. So if it comes in the form of "Happy Holidays", I throw a greeting back at them and am on my way. When you think about it, there are a lot of events on the calendar this month. We live in a country that is a melting pot of ethnicity and traditions, so of course December isn't just about a Christian Christmas. For instance, there's the tradition of Santa, Kwanzaa, Omisoka, St. Lucia Day, Boxing Day, Al-Hijra,Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, and even occasionally Eid-al-Adha depending on the year.
I understand"Merry Christmas" is a Christian expression that a non-Christian may not feel at-home with (probably because it's a combination of Christ and Mass. Mass is a festival, so basically it's a festival honoring Christ.) But I think those people are the minority, at least according to polls stating that 80% of Americans identify themselves as Christian.
What I do believe is that most folks genuinely want to have a single, all-encompassing greeting during the month of December. However, I don't think "Happy Holidays" is the answer for the generic greeting. Why? Well, "Happy Holidays" doesn't mean what you may think it means.
"The word 'holiday' itself is a middle English derivative meaning 'holy day'. The word denotes a religious festival, a consecrated day called a 'holy day' – a day set apart. When people tell you 'Happy Holidays', they are, in effect, saying 'Happy Holy Days'. "
When I look to my trusty Webster dictionary, which I still haven't retired, it states that Holy means
"set apart to the service of God; characterized by perfection and transcendence, commanding absolute adoration and reverence, spiritually pure, Godly, evoking or meriting awe."
Further, when I look up in the dictionary the word holiday to see what it says, the first thing listed under the definition is holy day (the other meanings are a day off or vacation, which really doesn't apply to this discussion unless you're going skiing in Aspen, and if you were, I wouldn't say, "Happy Holidays", I'd say, "Have a nice holiday". Actually, I'd probably say, "Have a nice trip." Anyway, I don't think the cashier at Target is wishing me a nice vacation or a happy day off. I'm a stay at home mom. I never get a day off.)
So it seems to me that if someone is looking for a politically correct, non-religious, non-Christian, non-Jewish, non-Muslim, non-non way to wish everyone they meet a happy something or other, "Seasons Greetings" would probably be about the only safe bet I can think of. Just wait and see if it doesn't catch on.
You know all the hoo-hah over the expression "Happy Holidays" in lieu of "Merry Christmas"? Personally, it's never bothered me either way. In this day and age, I consider it astonishing if a cashier wishes me a happy anything. So if it comes in the form of "Happy Holidays", I throw a greeting back at them and am on my way. When you think about it, there are a lot of events on the calendar this month. We live in a country that is a melting pot of ethnicity and traditions, so of course December isn't just about a Christian Christmas. For instance, there's the tradition of Santa, Kwanzaa, Omisoka, St. Lucia Day, Boxing Day, Al-Hijra,Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, and even occasionally Eid-al-Adha depending on the year.
I understand"Merry Christmas" is a Christian expression that a non-Christian may not feel at-home with (probably because it's a combination of Christ and Mass. Mass is a festival, so basically it's a festival honoring Christ.) But I think those people are the minority, at least according to polls stating that 80% of Americans identify themselves as Christian.
What I do believe is that most folks genuinely want to have a single, all-encompassing greeting during the month of December. However, I don't think "Happy Holidays" is the answer for the generic greeting. Why? Well, "Happy Holidays" doesn't mean what you may think it means.
"The word 'holiday' itself is a middle English derivative meaning 'holy day'. The word denotes a religious festival, a consecrated day called a 'holy day' – a day set apart. When people tell you 'Happy Holidays', they are, in effect, saying 'Happy Holy Days'. "
When I look to my trusty Webster dictionary, which I still haven't retired, it states that Holy means
"set apart to the service of God; characterized by perfection and transcendence, commanding absolute adoration and reverence, spiritually pure, Godly, evoking or meriting awe."
Further, when I look up in the dictionary the word holiday to see what it says, the first thing listed under the definition is holy day (the other meanings are a day off or vacation, which really doesn't apply to this discussion unless you're going skiing in Aspen, and if you were, I wouldn't say, "Happy Holidays", I'd say, "Have a nice holiday". Actually, I'd probably say, "Have a nice trip." Anyway, I don't think the cashier at Target is wishing me a nice vacation or a happy day off. I'm a stay at home mom. I never get a day off.)
So it seems to me that if someone is looking for a politically correct, non-religious, non-Christian, non-Jewish, non-Muslim, non-non way to wish everyone they meet a happy something or other, "Seasons Greetings" would probably be about the only safe bet I can think of. Just wait and see if it doesn't catch on.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Get 'Er Done
Looking at the calendar to see what was going on for the week of Christmas, I had to shake my head over the crazy schedule and all the things we needed to get done and the places we needed to go. I look forward to all the things associated with Christmas. I love going to church and celebrating God's amazing gift to us, visiting with friends and family, wrapping presents, all the goodies to eat, and watching all those Christmas movies!
What I don't particularly like, but always feel obligated to do, is take a few "formal" shots of my kids on Christmas Eve in all their finery. It never goes well; they're always cranky when I want to do this. I don't know why.
Most people would give up, but I feel compelled to document every moment of my kids' lives, plus I feel like the "end of the year" photo is important. So this year I decided to try doing the photos before Christmas and see if I had any better luck.
Eric wasn't too keen on participating, but told me I could take two photos. No easy task since the kid has a fake smile plastered to his face every time the camera comes out. Talk about a little pressure to get them right the first time. After a bit of teasing and joking to loosen him up, one of those two photos was a good capture of Eric. I love the snaggle tooth out there front and center. It's real, ya know? And although Eric isn't in the nice sweater he'll wear on Christmas Eve, I find that I don't care what he's wearing since I got a natural and happy expression from my 'lil man! A bit of Photoshop here, a little Photoshop there.....and the cartoon character on the shirt is a goner!
Now Charlotte is a natural in front of the camera (most of the time)....a natural ham, that is. She was also very anxious to give the ole Christmas Eve clothes a trial run.
While I was shooting the photos, I paused to take a quick peek at some information on the camera and happened to see this photo below. Tears pricked my eyes as I stared at the image. Charlotte is such a loving, giving person, who is always thinking of others. She's silly and funny, sassy and smart. She loves Jesus, loves helping other people, and can light up a room with her brilliant smile. It's all of those wonderful qualities on the inside that makes her the most beautiful little girl I know.
What I don't particularly like, but always feel obligated to do, is take a few "formal" shots of my kids on Christmas Eve in all their finery. It never goes well; they're always cranky when I want to do this. I don't know why.
Christmas Eve 2007
Most people would give up, but I feel compelled to document every moment of my kids' lives, plus I feel like the "end of the year" photo is important. So this year I decided to try doing the photos before Christmas and see if I had any better luck.
Eric wasn't too keen on participating, but told me I could take two photos. No easy task since the kid has a fake smile plastered to his face every time the camera comes out. Talk about a little pressure to get them right the first time. After a bit of teasing and joking to loosen him up, one of those two photos was a good capture of Eric. I love the snaggle tooth out there front and center. It's real, ya know? And although Eric isn't in the nice sweater he'll wear on Christmas Eve, I find that I don't care what he's wearing since I got a natural and happy expression from my 'lil man! A bit of Photoshop here, a little Photoshop there.....and the cartoon character on the shirt is a goner!
Now Charlotte is a natural in front of the camera (most of the time)....a natural ham, that is. She was also very anxious to give the ole Christmas Eve clothes a trial run.
Oops, cut her toes off. It's still sort of a cute photo :-)
While I was shooting the photos, I paused to take a quick peek at some information on the camera and happened to see this photo below. Tears pricked my eyes as I stared at the image. Charlotte is such a loving, giving person, who is always thinking of others. She's silly and funny, sassy and smart. She loves Jesus, loves helping other people, and can light up a room with her brilliant smile. It's all of those wonderful qualities on the inside that makes her the most beautiful little girl I know.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Oh Look! Another Christmas Card!
I love to mail out our annual Christmas card, but this year I'm refraining from doing so in an effort to not spend money that we don't have anyway. This is the first year in over a decade that I haven't sent out Christmas cards. It feels unnatural. Okay, okay, I did send out just a few cards, but you can hardly fault me for sending cards to our out-of-state parents and siblings.
However, I figured I could at least post it on my blog. If you're someone who loves to decorate around your house with the cards you receive, and you want to pretend that you received my card in your actual mailbox, please feel free to print it off. No one will know.
click to view larger
However, I figured I could at least post it on my blog. If you're someone who loves to decorate around your house with the cards you receive, and you want to pretend that you received my card in your actual mailbox, please feel free to print it off. No one will know.
Merry Christmas All!
click to view larger
Saturday, December 13, 2008
A Woeful Tale of Slow Death
(Oh I can hear you saying, "And a Merry Christmas to you too. Geesh.")
So back to our pre-lit Christmas tree. I had discussed some problems we were having with it a couple weeks ago (see story here). After the cheap fix, things were looking good. That is, till Thursday. I was in Eric's bedroom hanging out with the kids after dinner. From his room you can partially see the tree in the living room. And that's when I noticed that the lights on the top 10-12" of the tree are unlit. I can only conclude that the 6th Christmas for our tree is it's undoing. Mike and I are just (sort of) laughing about it and holding our breath, quite unsure how our tree is going to look come Christmas Eve and morning. We're of the mind that the only lights on the thing that'll be working are the $2 strand we picked up at Menards a couple weeks ago.
So back to our pre-lit Christmas tree. I had discussed some problems we were having with it a couple weeks ago (see story here). After the cheap fix, things were looking good. That is, till Thursday. I was in Eric's bedroom hanging out with the kids after dinner. From his room you can partially see the tree in the living room. And that's when I noticed that the lights on the top 10-12" of the tree are unlit. I can only conclude that the 6th Christmas for our tree is it's undoing. Mike and I are just (sort of) laughing about it and holding our breath, quite unsure how our tree is going to look come Christmas Eve and morning. We're of the mind that the only lights on the thing that'll be working are the $2 strand we picked up at Menards a couple weeks ago.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
A Few of My Favorite Ornaments
I'm not sure why you would be the least bit interested in our tree ornaments, but I feel like posting a few photos of some of them. So there you go.
An angel blowing a trumpet. My Mom gave this to me years and years ago. I love how it reflects the tree lights.
It's hard to see, but if you look on the photo, there's an itty bitty 10 mos old baby sitting on the floor in front of the tree (hard to believe Eric was ever that small!). At the time I worked about 30 hours a week, and our baby sitter took the photo and made the ornament.
Long before Keats and Milo were adopted into our family, I had two other cats - Alice and Trixie.Shortly after I got pregnant with Charlotte, Trixie died from cancer at 15 years of age. I bought this ornament the Christmas after she passed away. I still miss her persnickety ways.
Mike knows I love pretty ornaments. He picked this one out as a gift a few years ago. It's got spun glass all around the inside of the globe and reflects all the lights from the tree. Very pretty!
And here's the newest addition.....an ornament I picked up in Orlando. The year 2008 is on the reverse side.
An angel blowing a trumpet. My Mom gave this to me years and years ago. I love how it reflects the tree lights.
It's hard to see, but if you look on the photo, there's an itty bitty 10 mos old baby sitting on the floor in front of the tree (hard to believe Eric was ever that small!). At the time I worked about 30 hours a week, and our baby sitter took the photo and made the ornament.
Long before Keats and Milo were adopted into our family, I had two other cats - Alice and Trixie.Shortly after I got pregnant with Charlotte, Trixie died from cancer at 15 years of age. I bought this ornament the Christmas after she passed away. I still miss her persnickety ways.
Mike knows I love pretty ornaments. He picked this one out as a gift a few years ago. It's got spun glass all around the inside of the globe and reflects all the lights from the tree. Very pretty!
And here's the newest addition.....an ornament I picked up in Orlando. The year 2008 is on the reverse side.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
So we finally got the tree decorated. I really would like to know what happened to our tree skirt. It went missing last year, and I have no idea what happened to it. It didn't magically turn up this year either. I'm positively perplexed what happened to it. Is it lost in our attic somewhere? Why didn't it get packed up in 2006? Was it thrown away, and if so, why? Guess I'll have to drag out a sheet to throw under there to give it a more finished look. Anyway, here it is. We must have at least a 100 unique ornaments on there, which you probably can't see (unless you click on it to view larger). I've been adding to the collection each year (I buy one for myself/family, each kid gets one, plus we receive them as gifts too.) It's an eclectic tree!
Our kitty boys, Keats and Milo, who thankfully only like to hunker down under the tree, rather than up in it.
And just in case you missed it, let me zoom in for you:
Our kitty boys, Keats and Milo, who thankfully only like to hunker down under the tree, rather than up in it.Monday, December 1, 2008
How I Torture My Kids Part I
I don't actually have a Part II in mind, but I'm sure something will come along that I can share with you all.
As for Part I, this is how I did it (unintentionally, of course. I would never seek to torment my own children. ;-D) Traditionally we put up our Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. So Mike got down all the containers and boxes, including our pre-lit Christmas tree. Said tree is going on year 5 and has held up beautifully. But not this year, of course. Not the year Mike is laid off and we're pinching pennies more than usual. This year the pre-lit tree is only partially lit. The bottom row of branches is not lighting up. Mike tried changing the fuse, looking around for obvious problems, but nothing fixed these lights.
Of course the kids are jonesin' to decorate the tree. It's set up in the living room, it appears ready to go. But I told them they had to wait till I could do a "quick" (aka "cheap") fix for that bottom row of branches, which is blatantly unlit (to me. The kids didn't seem to notice or care). So for going on 3 days now they've been looking at this undecorated tree in our home knowing they have to wait to put their ornaments on there, although I see that there is one lonely ornament on the tree which Charlotte hung up there on Saturday night. She made an angel at church and came right home to hang it up. Each of the kids has their own little collection of ornaments going because every year I buy them an ornament, plus the ones they make, and they've also picked up a few more along the way from Grandparents. Each year they're responsible for putting their ornaments on the tree. It's been pure torture for them to wait when the tree is in plain view.
So Yesterday I had Mike pick up a $2 strand of 100 ct lights at Menards, and I finally got them strung onto the tree just moments ago (stuck them on top of all the dead lights.) The tree looks considerably better, in my humble opinion. And yes, Eric and Charlotte will get to put their ornaments on today after their lengthy wait.
As for Part I, this is how I did it (unintentionally, of course. I would never seek to torment my own children. ;-D) Traditionally we put up our Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. So Mike got down all the containers and boxes, including our pre-lit Christmas tree. Said tree is going on year 5 and has held up beautifully. But not this year, of course. Not the year Mike is laid off and we're pinching pennies more than usual. This year the pre-lit tree is only partially lit. The bottom row of branches is not lighting up. Mike tried changing the fuse, looking around for obvious problems, but nothing fixed these lights.
Of course the kids are jonesin' to decorate the tree. It's set up in the living room, it appears ready to go. But I told them they had to wait till I could do a "quick" (aka "cheap") fix for that bottom row of branches, which is blatantly unlit (to me. The kids didn't seem to notice or care). So for going on 3 days now they've been looking at this undecorated tree in our home knowing they have to wait to put their ornaments on there, although I see that there is one lonely ornament on the tree which Charlotte hung up there on Saturday night. She made an angel at church and came right home to hang it up. Each of the kids has their own little collection of ornaments going because every year I buy them an ornament, plus the ones they make, and they've also picked up a few more along the way from Grandparents. Each year they're responsible for putting their ornaments on the tree. It's been pure torture for them to wait when the tree is in plain view.
So Yesterday I had Mike pick up a $2 strand of 100 ct lights at Menards, and I finally got them strung onto the tree just moments ago (stuck them on top of all the dead lights.) The tree looks considerably better, in my humble opinion. And yes, Eric and Charlotte will get to put their ornaments on today after their lengthy wait.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Giving Thanks
I hope you're able to catch your breath for a moment today to enjoy some of the many blessings in your life! I know I personally have much to be grateful for, many things that I take for granted each day. I know I'm thankful for my family, our warm cozy home, and the feast of food that I'll be diving into later today (I don't care what you dieters say; calories don't count on holidays :-D). I'm also thankful that my 5.5 year old computer is still working and giving me the opportunity to connect with you all in cyber-space. But most of all I'm thankful to Jehovah-Jireh, God the provider.
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I found myself curious about the origins of Thanksgiving Day. Sure, it started with the pilgrims, but is there more? I found the information below to be quite informative; some stuff I knew, other stuff was news to me.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Thanksgiving Day in the
Days of thanksgiving were celebrated sporadically until, on November 26, 1789, President Washington issued a proclamation of a nation-wide day of thanksgiving. He made it clear that the day should be one of prayer and giving thanks to God. It was to be celebrated by all religious denominations, a circumstance that helped to promote a spirit of common heritage.
Credit for establishing this day as a national holiday is usually given to Sarah J. Hale, editor and founder of the Ladies' Magazine (from 1828) in
In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared that Thanksgiving would be the next to last Thursday of November rather than the last. With the country still in the midst of The Great Depression,
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
My Kids ArtWork
When my kids get too old to bring home handmade crafts and cards, it will be a sad day. I live for this stuff. My fridge is covered in it. I've even strung fishing line between two hooks on the walls above each kid's bed. When the work comes down off the fridge, it goes into their room to display for a little while longer.
I love my kids' artwork. It's precious to me, and each year I have the difficult task of going through the rubbermaid bin to pull out the "keepers".....the ones that will go into the scrap albums for safe keeping. The one below, a creation from this month, will make it into the scrap album. For sure.
I love my kids' artwork. It's precious to me, and each year I have the difficult task of going through the rubbermaid bin to pull out the "keepers".....the ones that will go into the scrap albums for safe keeping. The one below, a creation from this month, will make it into the scrap album. For sure.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Cinderacula
This is the first year Eric opted for a "scary" costume, and of course, Charlotte wanted to be a princess. Kudos to me for finding it this summer at a garage sale for a few bucks, lol! They sure are in stark contrast to each other.
The kids hauled in boat loads of candy last night. It'll be July 4th, 587 sugar highs, and several cavities later before they get through it all.
The kids hauled in boat loads of candy last night. It'll be July 4th, 587 sugar highs, and several cavities later before they get through it all.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Happy Independence Day!
A special thanks to all those families who are sacrificing or ever have sacrificed to serve our country.
Thank You.
Thank You.
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