Taking a Break From All the Christmas Talk

I found this while seeking out a sweet deal for a BPA free water bottle for Aiden. I found it too humorous not to share. Sorry in advance, if there are any copyright issues with sharing this!

Dis- and Re- Connecting

Well, I've reconnected back to 'the world' for nearly three days and have failed to post any goodies regarding our Christmas experience. 'The world,' of course, references technology - phones, computers, internet - life as we know it. What did we do before all that? But it was nice to be disconnected for a while. It slows down time when you don't have emails to check, photos to post, web-only sales to be sought, dictation (work) to catch up on.

I feel very full thinking of this year's Christmas. Not just literally, but filled with a happiness and memories of the kids playing so fondly together, the cozy fire, a family wide game of mexican train (dominoes), Gigi's Wii (GiWii as it's now been named), and walks along the lake and through the woods. I wish times like these would stand still because the day to day world is so hectic that you long for these experiences again and again. But I find comfort in knowing (and hoping) that many more experiences like this will come our way. Just want to thank my family for making it all happen. I know it took a lot of sacrifice for us all to be together. But it was a great experience.

Of course, I have pictures... But I am having just a few problems in getting them from my camera to my *new laptop.* (Thanks Jamie :-) So, just check back - If you're impatient though, check out my sister's blog - Hot Dogs for Dinner - she's posted some of the greatest!

A Holiday Get to Know Me

I think we've all probably gotten this 'get to know your friends' email. But I thought this was a nice twist to the general questions you get normally. So, I figured what better way for you to learn a little about me than to share my responses.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Definitely wrapping paper with curly cutesy ribbons

2. Real tree or Artificial? I'm on the fence - we have a real tree but our pooch feels the need to mark our tree on a yearly basis, so I'm considering the alternative

3. When do you put up the tree? General sometime on or after the weekend of Thanksgiving depending on schedules

4. When do you take the tree down? Generally around New Years

5. Do you like eggnog? Gag me with a spoon... Okay, who made up that saying?

6. Favorite gift received as a child? I can't remember but probably a Cabbage Patch doll

7. Hardest person to buy for? This year I struggled with the MIL

8. Easiest person to buy for? Aiden

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, although you can only see the backs of the wise men and shepherd since Aiden's convinced that they have to stare down baby Jesus and the virgin, so you can't see their faces. Even when you think you're being sneaky and turn them around once he's a sleep, you find them turned back around the next morning

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Uhm, cards... okay since I'm a card maker, I should say mail right... but I have to be honest and tell you that I sent out an email yesterday. But hey, I made cards for everyone else but myself this year

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? At the time, probably the rocking chair I received when I was 16. It's exactly what every 16 year old (who's learning to drive a minivan) wants under the tree

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Ah... what's the Christmas mouse movie where the clock breaks - love that movie! Apparently I really love it right, since I can't remember the name. Pol Ex is also a big hit around here

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Sometime around Thanksgiving

14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Turkey with the McLaurin turkey dip

15. Lights on the tree? Ah, yeah... what else do you do with them? Besides string them all over our patio...

16. Favorite Christmas song? This year's song of choice - O Holy Night

17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel, even though it's completely impossible to please two sets of in-laws no matter how hard you try

18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Why of course.

19. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star, although it's still not straight

20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning

21. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Rude people

22. Favorite ornament theme or color? We don't have much of a theme, but I'd love one

23. Favorite thing at Christmas dinner? Turkey, see above

24. What do you want for Christmas this year? Peace and happiness always

The Shepherd's Debut

Aiden did a fantastic job tonight with his performance in their Christmas Play. I was a little nervous for him as he's been very reluctant in the past to be on a stage in front of other. But tonight he moved past that fear and did a wonderful job. A few pics for your viewing pleasure. Video to follow...

Instruction Wanted

How do I phrase this nicely? My dear son is a wonderful person. He has an incredible spirit, insane imagination, a sense of humor like no other. But, at 4, he's not exactly tactful with words. Twice already he's been given gifts this wonderful, joyous season. Instead of being thrilled and gracious with the idea of new toys, he's been... well, rude. Maybe it wasn't the right size or color. And in one case, it's wasn't the very random and rare buzz lighter with a twirly top. I've talked with him about this time and again but it doesn't seem to penetrate that thick head of his (yeah, I said it!)

S0, I asked you this: How to you teach children go have a grateful heart?

(Any thoughts or ideas are gladly accepted)

Ready, Set, Skate

A few pics from yesterday's adventure at Disney on Ice. Thanks Poppy & Gigi, we had a great time. You sure know how to tucker out 3 kids! (yeah, only 1 was mine :-)

Pics from the second half. Of course I left my camera in the car and missed all the good stuff.

Tinkerbell's finale

Aiden on the way up... Note the pure sugar in hand

And on the way down... The car ride home.

A Belated Birthday Wish!

Dear Amanda,

Wishing you the best year ever! May it be full of wonderful memories and great experiences!

With love,
Jenny

(okay, sorry to use this picture, but I figured it was my only chance :-)

Signs of the Season

Finally after a week of good intentions, we have some holiday spirit sprinkled throughout our home. All the decorations are accompanied both their original packing (hint, hint dear husband, put the boxes away!) but also by Aiden's rendition of Away In a Manager - where the 'cattle are annoying and the baby awakes.' Where is a video camera when you need one?

But I'm proud to say that Aiden will be a shepherd next week in the school play. A shepherd! Call me a nut - it's okay, go ahead. But this seems really big for us, I mean him. A shepherd!

And by the way, the shepherd just told me that I should by some Pamprin - You need this mom. What does he know about it?

Okay, just a few pics for those that won't have the pleasure of viewing the rest of the mess that is my house!

Remembering the Meaning

I recently saw this posted on another blogger's site. Watching the video is a subtle (or not so subtle...) reminder of the *true* meaning of Christmas. Seems each year, I begin with honest intentions not to get wrapped up in the constant 'buy mentality' that is always associated with this time of year. However, it always seems that the responsiblity to plan, budget, and purchase gifts is left up to me. In fact, if there's a gift under our tree, chances are I bought, wrapped, and tagged that sucker.

I think the one thing that really stuck with me is how much we, as Americans, spend on Christmas. Could you imagine what we could do if we were less materialistic and more giving ourselves, our time, our money?

So this year, it's not too late - do more, give more, spend less.

Happy Birthday, Old Man...

Jamie,

Wishing you the bestest of best birthdays ever! It's hard to believe you were a young 20-something when we first met. Man, where does the time go? I'm glad you day was filled with all your favorites: Sleep, sleep and a good meal! (Yeah, you guessed it, I didn't cook!)

With all my love,

me

And Speaking of Birthdays...

To my youngest and dearest sister,

I'm wishing you very happy but still very belated birthday. My thoughts were with you throughout the day on your special day. I hope it was filled with much love and happiness.

With much love,

Jenny

My Dear Owen,

Wishing you all the wonders that three has to offer! Hope you have an awesome birthday and a wonderful trip! Don't let those girls drive you crazy!

With much love,
Jenny

Adventures In PA

Several weeks ago, I convinced GiGi to travel with Aiden and I to PA to visit close friends who moved there a year ago. Clayton and Aiden have been best buddies since... well, almost birth. Aiden was just over 6 weeks and Clayton would have been three months old or so when they first began 'shootin' the breeze.' Michelle (Clayton's mum) and I kinda transitioned into this mommy thing together, then she had to out do me by having another.

Both of her children were celebrating their 2nd and 5th birthdays. Figuring that only happens once, we decided to make the journey. The kids had a great time. We were able to catch some snow, which was a miracle in itself being that it NEVER snows here. (And yes, I'm completely trying to jinx myself...) So here's a few pics to share.

Aiden goofing off at the party

This is probably an accurate picture of the two them -
Double Trouble... Thing One and Thing Two

Poor Abby, the only girl

Fall Favored

Dare I ask if you missed me? Being that I have an average of probably 4 readers (myself included), you probably didn't even notice I was gone. I'd love to tell you I've been taking an internet sabbatical, but the truth is that I've wasted all my time probing the internet for the best bargains for this holiday season. Correction, I wouldn't say all that time was wasted, I've found my share of bargains! And there is nothing like an Amazon or other Cyber Monday special to teach you 'seize the day' because it won't be there for long. When it's gone, you'll pay for it, literally!

Seems like not only are the days shorter but they are so much busier. Every evening is filled with some sort of event or meeting. But honestly, I *love* this time of year. Between Halloween and New Years is a magical time. There is a warmth in the chill of the air - a sparkle or magic of some kind. Just seeing the fall of the leaves just makes me smile. This season gives me the feeling and realization that there is nothing more important than good friends and close family.

The photo above is taken from my uncle's lake house just over a year ago. I love that you can begin to see the change in the leaves. And I'm thrilled because my family will be celebrating Christmas there. It's a beautiful place and I'm counting down the days!