Family Christmas 2018

We had an early celebration this year, and in lieu of gifts decided to take a family PJ trip on the Polar Express. Seeing the kids taking it all in definitely made it worth it.

Nana and the Grands minus two.

We nabbed this one in among the presents.

"I wonderful" was her line of the weekend. 

She is. (And kind of a stinker, too.)

The littlest stuck pretty close to Momma L.

Papa, Nana and the grands.

The Ts.

And the Bs.

Uncle CB bought some souvenirs, and the conductor hat looked pretty great on everyone.

Giving out the First Gift of Christmas. 

We all came home with a silver bell.

The kids joining the fun.

Games, singing and dancing, hot chocolate, and Santa!

This morning, we ended our celebration with brunch.
The “make donuts to order” station was a hit with the kids. K & L preferred the bottomless mimosas.

We had a great time.
Nana even managed to get a few pictures of the kids sitting on my mom’s childhood chair.

We will see both families again when Christmas is closer,
but this was our only time with everybody together. 

The grands are changing so fast.
This picture of the biggest and the littlest really emphasizes how fast it all goes.

Finally, the littlest won’t remember a darn thing about our weekend,
 but she still seemed to be enjoying herself.

That smile says it all. 

Merry Christmas!

Guilty Pleasures for Christmas Vacation 2011

There have been a number of guilty pleasures this break:

*I've had sugar cookies with my morning cup of coffee.  Thank goodness the darn things are about gone.

*Part of the gift that K, CT, and Lady Bug gave us was three free months of Netflix.  I have watched at least one movie a day--and sometimes two.  I can avoid a lot of bowl games by watching a movie on my computer. And now I can watch Netflix on our Wii and also on our Blue-ray disc player.

*Project Runway.  Do not ask me how I discovered the "Project Runway" marathon.  It was like a train wreck.  I couldn't stop watching. 

*Sleeping in until 6:30 every single morning.  Baxter got a new bed for Christmas, and he sleeps in now.  (He also hasn't chewed it to pieces yet, or even pulled it around the house!  Progress!)  How am I ever going to get back in a school routine?

*Holding the Lady Bug as much as possible.  She might be a bit spoiled.  Her mama and daddy are fighting the "wanting to be held while sleeping" problem.  Her babysitter said she screamed like she was being killed when was laid on a blanket on the floor.  Uh oh!  Well.  It was fun while it lasted!

Only a few more days of vacation--wonder how many more guilty pleasures I can cram into this break?!!

Memories of Christmas 2011

This hits the highlights:

*Christmas at the farm included the great nephews.  They are so cute and so much fun.  We enjoyed appetizers and soup with the siblings and my nieces and nephews.  West Point nephew was home, too.  K and L missed out on the fun.

*L rolled in a few days before Christmas, nursing a pretty good cold.  She went to Christmas Eve service with us.  She also ended up assembling the Lady Bug's little red wagon and doing a few cooking duties.

*We had a beautiful supper with the Mr.'s little brother, the sister-in-law, the nephews and some of their friends.  Then they made a trip to Tiny Town to see the Lady Bug after Christmas, too. 

*Christmas morning K, CT, and the Bug made it to our house for breakfast.  We had a lazy, sweet day.  Playing with the Lady Bug's toys was great fun!

*The Little Big Brother, his wife, and daughters came for Super Nachos and Christmas snacks after Christmas.  They wanted to see the little Bug, too--they had missed her at the farm.  It's kind of nice to have that little one, as we see more of both our families these days!

*L did some babysitting at our house, so K and CT could do a little after Christmas shopping.  That was pretty tough to take!  Yeah, right. 

*K, L, the Bug and I made a trip to Big City.  We helped L haul her Christmas gifts up three flights.  Then we stopped in to see Crazy Cousin Ree from Virginia, her saintly husband, and West Coast son.  We were also able to check up on a dear Uncle (Crazy Ree's Dad) who had scared the daylights out of us this fall.  We were also worried about sweet Aunt C.  (We know Uncle doesn't wear being a patient very well!)  It was good to see all of them.  It doesn't happen often enough!

*Today's news is that my West Coast niece FINALLY delivered another new baby girl to our family.  We have been patiently (OK, maybe not!) waiting for little Vivian's arrival.  There are now 3 great boys and 3 great girls in the next generation.  Just wish two of those girls weren't so far away!

I'm enjoying a slow day today!  Things are strangely quiet and somewhat clean.  I've got a few things to do before the end of the week, but today I am taking it easy!  It's a tough job.  One I think I can handle! Oh, and I've got good company!

I love that little face!

Celebrating Christmas

We've spent several days celebrating Christmas.  We've been to several family gatherings--and hosted a few ourselves.  Here is a look:

Come right on in.  (By the way, the right half of these lights died on Christmas evening.The Mr. would tell you that's why he shouldn't have to put them up to begin with. Nice try, Bud.)

This was how the Bug arrived on Christmas morning. (Just in time for breakfast!)

It took about 30 seconds for Auntie L to free her from her car seat.  Such a sweet little elf.  Her aunt had been anxiously awaiting her arrival.  (I'm sure L was that excited for Santa at some point in her life, but then again--I'm not sure....!)

Baxter had to check out the Lady Bug in her new ride.  (And the Bug had to have help from Papa to stay upright in her wagon.)

Buggy only went through about four outfits on Christmas Day.  See the moistness around the mouth?  Drooling and spitting up soaked her in nothing flat. Even with a bib. Even with a burp cloth.  The child just leaks fluids.

We ate, opened presents, ate some more, cleaned up and repeated several times.  More Christmas to come, but for right now this is all I can manage.  I am one tired Mom and Nana CoCo. 

And to all a good night!  zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Baxter and the Christmas Tree

Poor Baxter isn't quite sure what to make of our tree.  He started out kind of fascinated with the ornaments.  He even nudged a couple off the tree. We nipped that in the bud.

Lately, he's been leaving the ornaments alone.  The tree skirt is another matter.

I could not figure out what the stupid dog was trying to do.  Bax was clear under the tree and nosing around. He would tug on the edges of the tree skirt, trying to pull it around.  I had to scold him--more than once.

And then the Mr. figured it out:  he's "burying" his bones under the tree skirt.  *sigh* 

About the time he lifts his leg on the tree--he is sooo out of here!

Christmas Bells Are Ringing

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."

Till, ringing singing, on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

Thank you, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

One More Sleep

There's only one more sleep 'til Christmas. 

I was remembering how excited the girls used to be on Christmas Eve.  They would always have to sleep together that night, which meant no one got much sleep.

To be honest, I don't remember a lot about the gifts that Santa left. 

There was the year of the d@#! Barbie Dream House.  (I'm sorry.  I think that is the only way the Mr. ever referred to it.)  We finally got the thing assembled at about 4:00 in the morning, only to have K and L wake us at 5:00. 

There was the year that K got a karaoke machine, and L got an American Girl Doll.  And the year of the Nintendo, when we hustled them off to bed at about 9:00 and played Super Mario until 1:00 in the morning.  (Yeah, we were those parents.)

These days it is less about the gifts and more about the family traditions:  rum slush, breakfast on china, poinsettias (champagne and cranberry juice), card games, Christmas Eve service at church, and movies.  Some years we've foregone gifts and taken a trip together.  Last year we got snowed out of a trip and still managed to have a great time. 

This year, the new son-in-law isn't fortunate enough to have the educator vacation, so there is no time for a trip.  We have drawn names, so there was a bit of shopping to do and we have a few things under the tree.  Our celebration is still about the traditions.  K is even insisting that she and CT spend the night.  (They live about 10 blocks away now.)  She wants to keep alive the tradition of waking up at our house on Christmas morning.  In a few years, there is a good chance that she will be making sure her own little one is at home on Christmas morning.  Until then, it is still fun to be together.

I miss the little girls at Christmas, but I like the big ones, too.  I especially like the fact that I can't remember the gifts, but I do remember the time we've spent together. And that's one lesson learned that I never want to forget.

Tonight?  The Mr., L, and I will attend the Christmas Eve candlelight service.  There will be communion and passing the light.  There will be candles forming a ring all the way around our beautiful new church. K and CT will be coming in later in the evening after spending a couple of days with his family.

Tomorrow?  An early morning run with K, breakfast casserole served on china, presents, and games. We'll light the Advent candles. We'll cook and eat and try to beat CT at cards. The dogs will need walked, and I'm pretty sure there will be naps in there somewhere. 

So from our house to yours:  May you have a very Merry Christmas, full of all of the things that you love!  

The Great Debate

I have always loved saying "Happy Holidays."  It has a nice alliteration.  It sounds so cheerful. It means Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and for my Jewish friends, Happy Hanukkah.   

And now there seems to be a campaign to make me feel guilty if I say Happy Holidays.  A guy tried to convince the Mr. that you could be arrested on the East Coast if you said "Merry Christmas."   (I've yet to see the police paperwork on that one.)  Facebook status updates, email forwards, and blogs seem to reprimand those who say Happy Holidays.

I go to a church that believes we are all God's people.  "Open Hearts.  Open Doors."   I celebrate the birth of Christ, and I say Happy Holidays.  One doesn't negate the other.  I'm still welcome at my church. "Happy Holidays" doesn't keep me from lighting the Christ Child's candle or ringing the sanctuary with light on Christmas Eve.  I'm pretty sure that God still considers me one of his own.

I don't want to feel guilty for saying Happy Holidays.  I haven't taken Christ out of Christmas. I just really want you to enjoy your holidays--however you celebrate them.  I want to wish you happiness and joy and love.

This season is a celebration of love.  I think we could use a little more love this year.  (Oh, and a light snow would be nice, too!)

So...Happy Holidays!

Christmas Card 2010

Merry Christmas

From Easy Street

The Easy Street crew has had a wonderful 2010.  We've added a couple of new family members this year.  Baxter, the shih poo pup, joined us in early March.  He has certainly livened up the place.  I think the Mr. and I have figured out we are really old--and Baxter reminds us of that daily. 

A new son-in-law was added to the family when K and CT got married in a gorgeous outdoor ceremony in late September. They now make their home in Tiny Town.  It is nice having them so close.  

Our house has been in a constant state of chaos for most of 2010.  We've had a basement full of wedding paraphernalia and gifts, and then  L has been living at home since August.  The girl has way too much stuff; however, she is moving into her own apartment between Christmas and New Years. She told us not to worry though, as she is still leaving quite a bit of stuff for us to store.  Bless.Her.Heart.

Thankfully, this fall we were finally able to get into our new church. It is just beautiful.  And now we are moving out of the trailers and into the new schools for 2nd semester.  The tornado destroyed a lot, but has brought us together in unexpected ways, too.  It is such an exciting time in Tiny Town!

We have had so much joy in 2010, and 2011 promises to be a great year, too.  We wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and many blessings in the coming year. 

"One child can change the world. Let us adore Him." 

Christmas at the Farm

I forced the family to take family pictures.  We haven't done that for 5 or 6 years.  We were overdue.

Look what happens when you wait that long. Three pictured (the great grands) hadn't been born the last time we did this. 

I'm so glad I nag.  It is always fun to look back and see how much everyone has changed.  Time flies.

Family Christmas

All over town, extended families are gathering for Christmas celebrations.  Christmas falling on a weekend challenges out-of-town families to use this weekend for travel.  We're no different.  Today is family celebration #1. Out-of-state relatives are gathering at noon.  So that pushed me to get some baking done and a big pot of cheesy vegetable soup ready to travel. 

The good news:  no packages to wrap or gift shopping to do.  Just a gathering including three little great nephews, college kids who have survived finals, and the West Point nephew.  I'm taking Dad some hummus for his Christmas gift.  (Last of the big spenders, I know.) 

We'll miss the California kids, the cousins gathering in the big city, and snow.  Yeah, I guess you can't have everything. 

Christmas Memory

Celebrating Christmas has changed through the years.  It is interesting to remember Christmas celebrations past. 

About 18 years ago, Dad remarried right before Christmas.  That Christmas was the first to meet the step family.  There were a lot of little kids from our side.  Someone gave the two grandsons cap guns.  The little girls were chasing a new step uncle around the house chanting his name.  They left a trail of candy wrappers everywhere they went.  My little big brother was busy setting Christmas pudding on fire, much to the delight of K and L. I'm guessing some of the family were annoyed, but we all smiled and endured.  I don't remember anyone scolding or grousing.

Yeah.  It was one of THOSE Christmas celebrations.  The pictures of the stunned faces of the new step siblings are priceless.  They got the "real" version of the family craziness.  It's a wonder they continued to come for family celebrations.  (Little did we know that they would sometimes add to the chaos as much as the little ones.)

We still celebrate, but it is much quieter--and in some ways not near as much fun.  I miss the flaming desserts.  I miss the excitement of the little kids.  As teens and college students I doubt they feel like they can be themselves with the abandonment that they did when they were little.  We get the subdued version of them these days.  They've probably been scolded one too many times about excess noise, being on their best behavior, eating healthier, and remembering their table manners. 

A couple of years ago we had a wonderful snow.  We could be outside for the wild hilarity of sled rides behind the four wheeler.  The kids didn't have to be quiet and well mannered.  Even the older "kids" were screaming with laughter. There was noise and craziness.  And for a bit we recaptured that first Christmas when we were all together. 

I think that says something about the Christmas celebrations we remember the most vividly.  It isn't about the table manners, gifts, quiet conversation, or what we eat.  (Though that flaming pudding was pretty cool, even if it wasn't my favorite dessert.)

What do we remember about our family celebrations?  The sheer joy of being together. The laughter.  The silly, unexpected moments of energetic fun.

Last Wednesday of 09

One of those days...

a tough funeral. L had a tough funeral, too.

On the opposite extreme, we are headed out to dinner with the Mr.'s brother and his family. The girls didn't make it on Christmas Eve--and the uncle and family would like to see them and meet the boys, too. I think the nephews are bringing their girlfriends--so we could be a large and noisy group. (Could be? Make that a will be.)

At least we're ending the day on a good note. : )

A Christmas To Remember

This has been a different Christmas than we anticipated. The snow kept us home from our trip.

L was sick. In fact, she didn't get to feeling better until yesterday. To top it off, on the day after Christmas she got the news that a colleague had died unexpectedly from unknown causes. He was a year younger than L, fairly recently married, and taught 2nd grade. L was in shock and so sad for his wife, his parents, and his students. I can't imagine going back to school after break and having to help the kids and staff deal with the death of a beloved teacher.

In spite of everything, our family had a good time just being together. The kids did most of the cooking: breakfast pizza, sloppy joes, shrimp, and chicken fried steak. (Sometimes it felt like all I did was eat!) We played a lot of games, watched movies, and walked the dog. The Mr. and I had a chance to get to know the boys better. Unfortunately, the boys had to put up with this crazy crowd, too.

When L was so sick, I was glad we couldn't make it to our vacation destination. She would have been miserable. Sometimes things just work out the way they are supposed to. I need to remember that.

What will I remember about this Christmas?

*snow drifts
*not getting to take our trip
*the phone call saying they'd refund our deposit
*shoveling snow
*being so glad when the kids arrived safely on Christmas Day
*Skipbo games- and the girls finally beating the guys-twice!
*the dog's penchant for a little stuffed bear from under the tree
*Rum slush and breakfast pizza- not necessarily together!
*being walked by the dog
*using the hand paraffin spa
*icicles
*CT snoring and CG using the dog to poke him
*call for your partner pitch--when L was too sick to play
*habanero hot sauce--CG and CT put it on everything--even pringles!
*Bejeweled and Cube Crusher games on 3 laptops at the same time

I could do Christmas this way every year!

Holidays at Home

The snow certainly created a little havoc with our Christmas trip plans. We had a white Christmas, but the wind and drifting meant no Christmas trip this year. When the kids managed to arrive at noon, Santa had tucked some of the trip money into K and L's stockings.
Rum slush, poinsettias, appetizers (made by the girls), games, naps, and movies made for a relaxing Christmas Day. The Mr. and L are still feeling a little under the weather, so I'm thinking neither would have enjoyed a trip too much anyway. Right now, I just want them to get well!

K and I went for an afternoon walk and worked at avoiding the drifts. A walk made a little more challenging because we were being walked by the dog.

It was still snowing when we walked. In fact, it is still snowing this morning. Good decision to celebrate Christmas at home.

K and CT enjoying the movie--not!

Khallie (the black lab) only had to poke CT once in awhile when he was snoring. (She might have had help!)

CG giving the evil eye to Ms. Smarty Britches.

Wondering who Ms. Smarty Britches is? Actually, L was sick enough that she was pretty laid back. Hope she gets to feeling better soon, and that her medicine kicks in. I kind of miss the sass!

-

Today, the guys are off to breakfast at the local cafe. L is still fast asleep, and K and I are headed out to take Khallie for a walk. (Or the other way around!) We're hoping to catch a movie in J town this afternoon and that CG's sister and niece might be able to join us.

-

Not quite the Christmas trip we had imagined, but it is just nice to have everyone together. Not having to worry about travel in this mess is just an added bonus!

Snowed In

We woke up to this:

We are snowed in for Christmas. We didn't get a ton of snow, but the 50 mph winds have created whiteouts and some good sized drifts. It was scary coming home from Christmas with the Mr.'s family last night.

We're operating on the better safe than sorry theory. This year's Christmas trip is going to be to Tiny Town, USA. That is, it will be if K and L can make it here! And we're discouraging their travel until it is safe.

Tiny Town doesn't really have any exciting shows or activities to take in, unless you count games of pitch or seeing Alvin and the Chipmunks: the Squeakquel in J town's only theater. Yep, pretty exciting stuff! Actually at this point, we will be lucky just to get everyone here.

So Merry Christmas from a White Winter Wonderland! It is beautiful out there!

Peace On Earth

"Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace,

goodwill toward men."

Luke 2:14

Christmas Eve 2009

On Easy Street, this Christmas Eve is a first. In the past, this day has been a day of hectic rush in trying to finish it all up. I've cooked, cleaned, wrapped, and rushed off to celebrate Christmas with the Mr.'s family. The Mr. has gone to work for part of the day and then rushed out to finish (actually, begin!) his shopping.

After the family gathering, we rushed back to make the Candlelight Christmas Eve service at church. K and L would open a package--Christmas PJ's and scurry off to bed.

You'd think the day would be over, but some years this is when the real rush began. I'm remembering the year of the &#*% Barbie Dream House. We began assembly at around 10 PM. By 2:00, I broke into the wine! We finally finished around 4:30--and the girls were up at 5 to see if Santa had arrived. Yeah, that was a long day.

Another year, a daybed was set up in L's room. Santa (played by the Mr.) broke the globe to her overhead light. So we had clean up and set up to do.

This year is a piece of cake! I think this may be our first "quiet" Christmas Eve. K is off to CT's family for their celebration. L has a touch of the flu, so she may be here later this afternoon for a little TLC. If she has recovered, she will be spending Christmas Eve with CG's family.

The Mr. is working this morning. This afternoon, he and I are headed to his mother's for his family Christmas. It will be an early evening, as the MIL tires easily. The pork tenderloin for the meal is slowly cooking here. I think all the Mr.'s siblings will be there this afternoon--the first time in quite awhile that we've all been together.

We will probably go to the late Christmas Eve service when we return. We'll ring the church and pass the light from candle to candle. Afterwards, there will be no assembling of gifts into the wee hours. In fact, the only thing to worry about is whether the egg casserole is ready to slip into the oven tomorrow morning.

Christmas was always fun when the girls were little, but I think this Christmas fits us now. We did the late nights and rush when we were younger and more energetic. I'll miss the girls, but I know they'll be having a good time, too. I'm kind of enjoying the calm today. I think my age is showing!

If the weather cooperates, K and L will arrive tomorrow and our Christmas fun will begin. The white Christmas may cause some delays. In fact, we have already talked about options B, C, and D! Options are good!

Right now, I'm enjoying this Christmas Eve morning. Hope you are, too!

"The first gift of Christmas is a parent's love."

End Results

I needed about 5 more cooling racks last night when the sugar cookies were coming out of the oven. After 10 cups of flour, I think we hit a record number of cookies. There are still a lot of cookies that need some frosting, but we made a dent today.

K arrived bright and early bringing additional supplies and a lot more energy than I was feeling that early in the morning.

She started in on the pretzels, while I was still downing my last cup of coffee.

The pretzels had dried and she had already dropped a batch of fruit loopers, while I was finishing a batch of peanut butter fudge. By this time we needed a break; poinsettias (champagne and cranberry juice) to the rescue! See, baking really is a celebration!

-

We made two batches of Galaxy cookies, which may become our new family joke. One of the brothers gave me a recipe for these little gems. We've followed it for years. Today, we actually looked at the Betty Crocker Cookbook and found the original recipe--absolutely nothing like the recipe my brother gave us! The cookies look alike, and that is about it! We are kind of wondering where he manufactured that recipe he came up with!

We made a small dent in icing sugar cookies. There are still plenty to do! K iced enough to take with her to CT's family, and I have enough to share with the Mr.'s family. The rest will get done as needed.

So here is the platter that headed west with K. The balls with pink frosting are galaxy cookies, then the fruit loopers, sugar cookies, peanut butter fudge, and the pretzels.

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Only one major mishap: little red and green sprinkles were spilled everywhere! A broom and dustpan were needed. L would have been proud. (Actually, she would have been nuts with all the chaos and mess.) OK, I might still be finding some of those little sprinkles decorating the kitchen floor; however, I'm trying to think of them as Elf dust! By Easter, I may have them all rounded up!

Cookie Baking Day

Today is the day for cookie baking and candy making. K arrives at 6:30. The Mr. has to work, and L declined the fun. She actually IS a cook and prefers her own kitchen to our messiness! That, and I think sleeping in was just a little too appealing!

We have a division of labor where the sugar cookies are concerned. The Mr. mixes them up and rolls them out. I bake them, and then the girls and I have always been in charge of the decorating.

The Mr. and my mom had an annual sugar cookie phone call. Mom had given us her recipe. It called for 6-8 cups of flour. Every year he called to ask her, "How the heck much flour does this recipe call for?" Mom always got a chuckle out of it.

This year the Mr. mixed it up as usual, and it took 10 cups of flour to get the dough to the right consistency! Did I tell you this recipe makes a lot of cookies?

Sugar cookies are a favorite around here and an annual tradition. In fact, in the year of the Cabbage Patch dolls, I was in the basement sewing doll clothes. The Mr. was doing cookie duty, and I kept hearing screams of laughter from the kitchen. The girls were probably 2 and 4, and Dad was delighting them by flipping unbaked cookies in the air like a pancake and trying to catch them on the cookie sheet. There was flour everywhere!

Another year, a couple of the Mr.'s coaching friends arrived in time for icing the cookies. That was the year of the anatomically correct reindeer and Santas. yikes! I had to screen which cookies the girls could eat. I wasn't about to answer any anatomy questions based on sugar cookie decorating.

This year, we are sticking with sugar cookies in the shape of a circle. I'm thinking they will make adorable "ornaments" with colored icing, a few sprinkles, and some red hots for decorations. And yes, this is the lazy way out. They are a lot easier to cut out than candy canes, Santas, trees, and reindeer.

If K and I don't kill each other, I'll post some pictures of what we accomplish.

Only two more sleeps 'til Christmas...