Wishing my loved ones near and far a joyous holiday!
19 hours ago
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas!
From my corner of the world to yours...
Wishing my loved ones near and far a joyous holiday!
Wishing my loved ones near and far a joyous holiday!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
2009
DH and I were married in September 1998. Beginning with Christmas 1999, I've written and mailed a Christmas letter to family and friends each year. Usually, I do a month-by-month or season-by-season rundown of what big events happened in our household during the year. As the majority of our family and friends live out of state, I like thinking that I'm "updating" them on things they may not have otherwise known about.
I have a Christmas album dedicated to these yearly letters. It has a copy of each year's letter, and includes the photo and/or card which accompanied the letters we sent. Each winter, I enjoy re-reading all of the letters. It's a neat reminder of what has happened since DH and I were married. From our first post-college jobs to getting our first pets, to announcing the birth of Emma...our letters capture all of the events which stand out as we reflect on each year.
This year's letter was the 10th Christmas letter I've mailed. Yet it was the most difficult to write. As I started to write this year's letter, I noted that Emma had her first hair cut the first weekend of January. This was a big event for us---most kids don't wait until they turn 4 to get their hair cut. But Em had such fine, baby fuzz hair and was nearly bald until she was 2. She didn't really have "pony tail" hair until she turned 3. So, though I felt lame including it in a holiday letter, Em's haircut was mentioned in the Christmas letter this year.
The next significant event of 2009, was my miscarriage. January 13th is when I was told that I was miscarrying Peanut. I came to a standstill. I wanted to include this in my holiday letter, as it was definitely a significant event in 2009. I tried. At first I included the miscarriage. But it was really difficult for me to keep a lighthearted Christmas cheer type of tone when discussing the despair I felt at losing a baby. Thus, I decided not to mention it at all.
Therefore, the entire time I was sifting through my calendar, asking DH and Emma what events stood out for them in 2009, and writing our yearly letter...I kept thinking that the event which stands out the most for me would not be included.
Shortly after mailing off the Christmas letters I eventually composed, I participated in ICLW---International Comment Leaving Week. It's an event wherein blog writers commit to reading and commenting on 6 other blogs every day for a week. As it is sponsored by Mel the majority of bloggers involved are usually part of the ALI (Adoption, Loss, Infertility) community. Two days after Christmas, I came across a blog I don't think I've visited before. I was struck by the post... The blog author and her DH had endured the loss of their sweet baby boy at only 18 weeks gestation. I was saddened for their loss. If I still hurt a year later over a baby who I never met, imagine their heartache at having to deliver, hold, and say good-bye to their infant?
What I was especially moved by, was the writer's Christmas card. She and her DH had dedicated their entire card to the memory of their sweet Baby, and to thanking their family and friends for the support they've received. Why didn't I think of that?? Two parts of their Christmas greeting stood out to me: First, " Unfortunately, the plan for our lives was a little different than we anticipated." YES! That line called out to me---my 2009 outcome was also very different than I anticipated. And second, "Christmas seems the most appropriate time to share these blessings and thank everyone for the amazing amount of support we have received. Your prayers, caring words, love, and kindness have truly changed our lives. " YES! As I continue to move on (and still long for another child) it is important for me to be grateful for the outpouring of love we've experienced this year. Thank you, to the blog writer at My Journey with Endometriosis your words described exactly how I am feeling and helped me find closure for 2009.
So if you are reading this, thank you. To those who let me rant and vent and ramble when I need to , I appreciate you. To those who've been there for hugs in person or hugs via the Internet or telephone, I have felt your love. Thank you for the prayers and well wishes and caring. I truly appreciate it!
I went from being misty-eyed while decorating for Christmas (dwelling on not having a newborn) to being even more grateful and appreciative for what I do have. Farewell 2009...I bid you adieu and thank you for the lessons learned, family treasured and friendships gained.
I have a Christmas album dedicated to these yearly letters. It has a copy of each year's letter, and includes the photo and/or card which accompanied the letters we sent. Each winter, I enjoy re-reading all of the letters. It's a neat reminder of what has happened since DH and I were married. From our first post-college jobs to getting our first pets, to announcing the birth of Emma...our letters capture all of the events which stand out as we reflect on each year.
This year's letter was the 10th Christmas letter I've mailed. Yet it was the most difficult to write. As I started to write this year's letter, I noted that Emma had her first hair cut the first weekend of January. This was a big event for us---most kids don't wait until they turn 4 to get their hair cut. But Em had such fine, baby fuzz hair and was nearly bald until she was 2. She didn't really have "pony tail" hair until she turned 3. So, though I felt lame including it in a holiday letter, Em's haircut was mentioned in the Christmas letter this year.
The next significant event of 2009, was my miscarriage. January 13th is when I was told that I was miscarrying Peanut. I came to a standstill. I wanted to include this in my holiday letter, as it was definitely a significant event in 2009. I tried. At first I included the miscarriage. But it was really difficult for me to keep a lighthearted Christmas cheer type of tone when discussing the despair I felt at losing a baby. Thus, I decided not to mention it at all.
Therefore, the entire time I was sifting through my calendar, asking DH and Emma what events stood out for them in 2009, and writing our yearly letter...I kept thinking that the event which stands out the most for me would not be included.
Shortly after mailing off the Christmas letters I eventually composed, I participated in ICLW---International Comment Leaving Week. It's an event wherein blog writers commit to reading and commenting on 6 other blogs every day for a week. As it is sponsored by Mel the majority of bloggers involved are usually part of the ALI (Adoption, Loss, Infertility) community. Two days after Christmas, I came across a blog I don't think I've visited before. I was struck by the post... The blog author and her DH had endured the loss of their sweet baby boy at only 18 weeks gestation. I was saddened for their loss. If I still hurt a year later over a baby who I never met, imagine their heartache at having to deliver, hold, and say good-bye to their infant?
What I was especially moved by, was the writer's Christmas card. She and her DH had dedicated their entire card to the memory of their sweet Baby, and to thanking their family and friends for the support they've received. Why didn't I think of that?? Two parts of their Christmas greeting stood out to me: First, " Unfortunately, the plan for our lives was a little different than we anticipated." YES! That line called out to me---my 2009 outcome was also very different than I anticipated. And second, "Christmas seems the most appropriate time to share these blessings and thank everyone for the amazing amount of support we have received. Your prayers, caring words, love, and kindness have truly changed our lives. " YES! As I continue to move on (and still long for another child) it is important for me to be grateful for the outpouring of love we've experienced this year. Thank you, to the blog writer at My Journey with Endometriosis your words described exactly how I am feeling and helped me find closure for 2009.
So if you are reading this, thank you. To those who let me rant and vent and ramble when I need to , I appreciate you. To those who've been there for hugs in person or hugs via the Internet or telephone, I have felt your love. Thank you for the prayers and well wishes and caring. I truly appreciate it!
I went from being misty-eyed while decorating for Christmas (dwelling on not having a newborn) to being even more grateful and appreciative for what I do have. Farewell 2009...I bid you adieu and thank you for the lessons learned, family treasured and friendships gained.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Em's Christmas Bike
Our Christmas was nice and relaxing. DH was able to have Friday and Saturday off work for a true 3-day weekend. We spent time with his sister and her husband on Thursday night. Christmas morning was just DH, Em and I with our presents for one another and from Santa. Then we went to Nana & Papa's (DH's parents) house in the afternoon for more presents, yummy food, and some nice hanging out time. Em's big item from Santa this year was a B.arbie bicycle. She LOVES it as evidenced below...
When she first saw the bicycle. (See the little tiny bike attached to the handlebars? It's removable, but is there so that a B.arbie can ride along with Em as she bike rides.)
Excuse the red eye, I haven't edited this batch of pics yet. Em in her nightgown, Christmas socks, and posing on her new bike. She even opened some presents ON the bike, as she didn't want to get down. Too cute!
Unfortunately for Em, it was rainy all day on Christmas, so she was unable to ride much other than in our kitchen and foyer.
Yesterday, however was nice out. We headed to the park where Em quickly became acclimated with her new bike and was pedaling around the sidewalk trails like a pro by the end of our park visit.
We cracked up when after riding for awhile, Em agreed to "park her bike" and play on the park equipment. DH and I meant that she could leave the bike near the area where we were standing, but Em insisted on parking it by the actual bike rack. Too funny!
"Mom, you're embarrassing me...stop taking all of these pictures!"
And before I get a lot of bike helmet safety comments---yes, we've adjusted her helmet so that it sits lower on her forehead now. :)
We enjoyed watching Em do laps around the park, singing nearly the entire way. I'm afraid she's inherited my habit (which was passed to me from my Mom and her mother before her) of making up songs to sing. Example, "I'm pedaling around the park, around the park, yes I'm pedaling around the park on my bike from Santa."
When asked what her favorite part of the day was, Em responded it was when DH and I sat down at a picnic table and let her ride around by herself. Ode to Miss Independent. My heart smiled. :)
When she first saw the bicycle. (See the little tiny bike attached to the handlebars? It's removable, but is there so that a B.arbie can ride along with Em as she bike rides.)
Excuse the red eye, I haven't edited this batch of pics yet. Em in her nightgown, Christmas socks, and posing on her new bike. She even opened some presents ON the bike, as she didn't want to get down. Too cute!
Unfortunately for Em, it was rainy all day on Christmas, so she was unable to ride much other than in our kitchen and foyer.
Yesterday, however was nice out. We headed to the park where Em quickly became acclimated with her new bike and was pedaling around the sidewalk trails like a pro by the end of our park visit.
We cracked up when after riding for awhile, Em agreed to "park her bike" and play on the park equipment. DH and I meant that she could leave the bike near the area where we were standing, but Em insisted on parking it by the actual bike rack. Too funny!
"Mom, you're embarrassing me...stop taking all of these pictures!"
And before I get a lot of bike helmet safety comments---yes, we've adjusted her helmet so that it sits lower on her forehead now. :)
We enjoyed watching Em do laps around the park, singing nearly the entire way. I'm afraid she's inherited my habit (which was passed to me from my Mom and her mother before her) of making up songs to sing. Example, "I'm pedaling around the park, around the park, yes I'm pedaling around the park on my bike from Santa."
When asked what her favorite part of the day was, Em responded it was when DH and I sat down at a picnic table and let her ride around by herself. Ode to Miss Independent. My heart smiled. :)
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas!
Wishing you a peaceful heart, time to cherish with loved ones, and all of your favorite items in your stocking.
My fav Em pics from this Christmas. Merry Christmas friends and family. I <3 you!
My fav Em pics from this Christmas. Merry Christmas friends and family. I <3 you!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Christmas Stuff Show & Tell
For Show & Tell this week, I thought I'd share some of my favorite Christmas decor items used to embellish my home with Christmas flair each year. (If you're feeling "Christmased out," I understand---skip it and I'll catch you next time.) :)
I bought the snowman trio below the first Christmas DH and I were married. I like the "crafty" look of this set. I remember being thrilled at the low cost as we didn't have a lot of extra dough those first few years.
Growing up, my sisters (and sometimes parents) each got a new ornament every year. Usually they were all the same theme. When I was in 5th grade I LOVED rainbows and unicorns. I remember shopping with my Mom and being SO excited to find cool unicorn ornaments. To top it off---we found one that was rollerskating, one of my favorite pastimes! I remember we had a tennis playing unicorn and skateboarding unicorn also on the tree---I don't remember which sister had which. But MY rollerskating unicorn is below. One of my favs to unpack each year. :)
I helped Em make this abstract Rudolph this year. It's framed in a cool red-metallic frame I found on sale at T.arget. I'm thrilled with the way it turned out! On the green paper is a poem I found online:
This isn't just a reindeer as you can plainly see.
Scooby-Doo has been my favorite cartoon since I was a small child. I have many Scooby ornaments I've received over the years. The Scooby-in-a-chimney below is one of my favorites.
Snowmen are my decoration preference. A few years ago DH's bro and sis-in-law sent us this awesome snowman who pays homage to our Alma Mater, Ohio University. He's one of my favorites from my snowman collection. (Go, OU!)
We only have a few ornaments that belonged to DH when he was a boy. The candycane below is signed by DH and indicates that he created it in the 2nd grade. Aww!
I have a set of 8 snowmen ornaments that are an "Around the World" set. Each snowman is dressed in traditional garb from the country he represents, and is holding a flag from his country. I LOVE this set...it is one of the first I purchased after DH and I got married. The Irish snowman below is my favorite from the set.
Another ornament from childhood. One year all of my family members got a reindeer from this set. My "Dancer" is below.
In December 2003, the year I became pregnant with Emma, was the only year DH's Mamma and Aunt visited us in Florida for Christmas. Mamma bought the star-shaped Santa ornament for me when we went shopping while she was here. It's always been one of my favorites, but has special meaning since Mamma died 2 years ago. We still miss her!
The best present I've ever received from a student. 3 years ago when I was still teaching at my prior school, Cory H. and his grandma made this reindeer family set for me. I LOVE them!
Another view...
My senior year at Ohio U., I bought this Santa. He's one of my favorite pieces!
So there they are....some of my favorites. What do you think?
To see what others are showing, click HERE to visit Show & Tell as hosted by the wonderful Mel.
I bought the snowman trio below the first Christmas DH and I were married. I like the "crafty" look of this set. I remember being thrilled at the low cost as we didn't have a lot of extra dough those first few years.
Growing up, my sisters (and sometimes parents) each got a new ornament every year. Usually they were all the same theme. When I was in 5th grade I LOVED rainbows and unicorns. I remember shopping with my Mom and being SO excited to find cool unicorn ornaments. To top it off---we found one that was rollerskating, one of my favorite pastimes! I remember we had a tennis playing unicorn and skateboarding unicorn also on the tree---I don't remember which sister had which. But MY rollerskating unicorn is below. One of my favs to unpack each year. :)
I helped Em make this abstract Rudolph this year. It's framed in a cool red-metallic frame I found on sale at T.arget. I'm thrilled with the way it turned out! On the green paper is a poem I found online:
This isn't just a reindeer as you can plainly see.
I made it with my hands which are a part of me.
It comes with lots of love especially to say,
I hope you have a very, Merry Christmas Day!
Scooby-Doo has been my favorite cartoon since I was a small child. I have many Scooby ornaments I've received over the years. The Scooby-in-a-chimney below is one of my favorites.
Snowmen are my decoration preference. A few years ago DH's bro and sis-in-law sent us this awesome snowman who pays homage to our Alma Mater, Ohio University. He's one of my favorites from my snowman collection. (Go, OU!)
We only have a few ornaments that belonged to DH when he was a boy. The candycane below is signed by DH and indicates that he created it in the 2nd grade. Aww!
I have a set of 8 snowmen ornaments that are an "Around the World" set. Each snowman is dressed in traditional garb from the country he represents, and is holding a flag from his country. I LOVE this set...it is one of the first I purchased after DH and I got married. The Irish snowman below is my favorite from the set.
Another ornament from childhood. One year all of my family members got a reindeer from this set. My "Dancer" is below.
In December 2003, the year I became pregnant with Emma, was the only year DH's Mamma and Aunt visited us in Florida for Christmas. Mamma bought the star-shaped Santa ornament for me when we went shopping while she was here. It's always been one of my favorites, but has special meaning since Mamma died 2 years ago. We still miss her!
The best present I've ever received from a student. 3 years ago when I was still teaching at my prior school, Cory H. and his grandma made this reindeer family set for me. I LOVE them!
Another view...
My senior year at Ohio U., I bought this Santa. He's one of my favorite pieces!
So there they are....some of my favorites. What do you think?
To see what others are showing, click HERE to visit Show & Tell as hosted by the wonderful Mel.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Me at Christmas
I'm copying this Christmas survey from Kristin over at Dragondreamer's Lair.
Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!! Just copy this entire post. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then post this on your blog.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Definitely wrapping paper, though sadly my wrapping style isn't too grand. I've always envied "perfect" packages with their perfectly aligned corners and big, lovely bows. Just the same, I'm a gift wrap gal.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Fake. I like having the tree stored in the garage and ready for decorating whenever WE'RE ready for it. And needles seem like such a hassle...
3. When do you put up the tree? My preference is the day after Thanksgiving. Although years like this when we travel for Turkey Day, it doesn't get done until the first weekend of December.
4. When do you take the tree down? The last weekend of winter break before I return to school. (Once I return to school after winter break I won't feel up to dismantling the tree, so it MUST be done before I return to work.)
5. Do you like eggnog? Unfortunately no. My DH and Dad love it and I've tried it many times over the years, but just can't get into it.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? I remember turning the corner into our living room and seeing my 3-story B.arbie Drea.m house waiting for me----how awesome!
7. Hardest person to buy for? My mother-in-law and father-in-law. They buy things as they need them throughout the year, so are never really in "need" of anything at Christmas time.
8. Easiest person to buy for? Emma, my 5 year old. She's easy to please!
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, we have a full set with manger, Jesus, wisemen, etc.
However, the statuette below is in my China Cabinet year-round. I helped my mother pick it out for my paternal grandmother when I was a little girl. My Grandma L. kept it on her dresser. When she died in '93 it came back to me...it's one of my favorite items in my home. I love the sentiment that it was at Granny's. Also I like the depiction---I think it is special that Joseph is close to Mary and Jesus. So often in nativity sets, Mary and Jesus are close, but Joseph is a bystander.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Definitely mail. To me part of the fun of Christmas is getting and sending sentiments in the mail.
11. Worst Christmas ever? I don't remember any "bad" Christmases.
A funny memory though---I was in 7th grade. My sisters and parents and I were traveling from Ohio to be with my Mom's family in Washington state. Unlike myself, my Dad is an amazing gift wrapper---precise corners, perfectly placed bows, etc. His carry-on item was a box filled with gift wrapped presents for our family. This is waaaay before 9/11. Yet, for some reason the box of gifts kept triggering the beeping alarm when Dad would walk through the scanner with it. The airport workers made him start UNwrapping the gifts. POOR DAD! Not only had he spent hours gift wrapping, he is also a Tetris-like packer. You know, one of those guys who can strategically pack a suitcase or a moving truck so that all of the items fit perfectly and then give you extra room to spare?? Anyway, Dad doesn't lose his temper easily. But boy was he hot! Many of his packages were unwrapped....and his box that had been packed just-so was now in disarray. Whewie. By the way---turned out it was a brass eyeglasses case my Mom had gotten for one of her brothers that was triggering the alarm. What an ordeal! Hee hee!
12. Favorite Christmas Movie(s)? "You'll shoot your eye out, Kid." I love A Christmas Story. A close second would be Home Alone.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Stocking stuffers and small items as early as September (after Em's birthday.) Most "big" items not until November or December.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes...but nothing from family members. Just lotion or Christmassy gifts received in "Secret Santa" type gift exchanges at work.
15 .Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Sugar cookies with icing. Yum!
16. Lights on the tree? Definitely. We have colored lights to match our eclectic colored ornaments.
17. Favorite Christmas song? Non-secular: What Child is This? Secular: It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? This is the 2nd year since Emma was born that we'll be staying home. I miss my Ohio family and friends, but it has been nice to start our own family traditions.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yup. I can also recite the entire "Night Before Christmas" story from memory. (Partially because we sung it as a song in my high school show choir, but that's a story for another time.)
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Growing up, we always opened family gifts on Christmas Eve night, and then Santa gifts on Christmas morning. Now we usually do everything on Christmas morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? People driving around like asshats trying to ace one another out of the open parking spots.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? My decorating theme is snowmen. However, our tree itself is very eclectic. Nothing color specific.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Turkey is my preference...but even more important is that I'm NOT the one cooking! :)
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? "I want an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle!"
Now it's your turn. If you play, please leave me the link so I can read your answers.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Random Pre Christmas-ness
Me Time: Hubby just took Emma with him to finish up his Christmas shopping. This was totally unprompted by me. I am blogging...listening to MY music (i.p.od is on Shuffle, gotta love it) and am enjoying being home ALONE for the first time in many months. Ahhhhh!
Emma's Reading/Writing: Em has had many milestones which have touched my heart as a mother. Currently, she is learning to read and write....it melts my heart and makes me SO proud! I have a hobby of writing quirky poems...they usually are rhyming and silly about events that have happened in my life. Yesterday, Em heard me reading a poem I wrote for my college girlfriends about the GP weekend we went on this summer. When I got off the phone, Em had written the following note on her art easel:
"Mom islu bes ritr poum :)" = "Mom is the best writer poem :)"
My little sweetie. I love the way she sounded it out so that lu=the. I love that she hasn't figured out grammatically correct sentence structure yet. But mostly, I just love the sentiment...LOVE IT! :)
Car Damage: In 2002 we bought a new H.onda C.ivic in January. In September of that year, a woman ran a red light and smashed into me...luckily the car wasn't totaled and no one was severely hurt. (Though I did have to have several months of physical therapy for my back afterwords.) I believe it took about a month of repairs and rental cars before I had my Civic back.
Continuing our poor luck with new cars... Remember when I posted THIS back in May---pictures of our new mini van? DH was off of work on Thursday. He and I had a nice date day. We finished our Christmas shopping for Emma. We ate lunch at the C.heese.cake F.actory. We saw the "New M.oon" movie. (I still love it. DH disliked it. He said it was too long and drawn out. I thought it was true to the novel.) At the end of the day we went together to pick Em up from preschool/daycare. While we were in the building, someone backed into DH's van leaving a huge dent in the tailgate and rear bumper. (What's the deal with us getting hit in cars that are less than a year old? UGH!) The driver left the scene...we didn't discover the damage until we were walking back to the van with Emma. Luckily the father of another preschool child wrote down the license plate # of the driver and the make/model of her car. He gave us his contact information as a "witness." He stated the other driver hit our car, got out and looked at HER car (a Ca.dillac Es.calade) and upon seeing no damage to HER car, she got back in it and drove away.
Luckily, being the savvy person that I am, I have the "Jacks.onville She.riff Office's Non-Emergency" line saved in my cell phone. It was cold and rainy, so Em and I went back into the school building while DH dealt with the JSO and car issues.
DH came into Em's classroom a few minutes later. Apparently the driver of the car came back. She is the OWNER of the building! (Em's preschool/daycare is one of 3 businesses that lease space in the building.) She actually said to DH, "Oh, did someone hit your car?" DH played it cool, not telling her at first that he had her license plate number and a witness. He said that the car had been hit while he was inside picking up his daughter. The lady said, "I wonder if I did that?" To which DH responded, "Well, your license plate number does match the vehicle that was seen leaving the scene." HA! Wish I could've seen her face with that statement....
The woman was rude to DH...saying it was her birthday and she was running late. But, she did enter the building and make a copy of her insurance card for DH. DH was nice too nice, I think and canceled the JSO call, agreeing that they could handle things just through insurance. I still think we should have sited the lady for a hit and run! Maybe I'm too vindictive. The clincher for me is that the woman didn't come back to check on US or our CAR...she actually came back to the parking lot to pick up her hubby and balloon-holding friends. Because, get this, they were running late for the Ja.guar's home N.FL game that night.
La-ti-da!
We were able to get an appraisal from her insurance on Friday. ($793 and 4 days estimated repair/paint.) As soon as we get the check from her insurance company, we'll figure out rental car and repair dates.
Gift Status: I want to pick up 2 more items for DH this week. Other than that all of my shopping is done. ALL items are wrapped and under the tree. I even helped elves finish wrapping some Santa items which are carefully hidden in the suitcase in my closet until they'll be needed for Christmas morning.
Yesterday Em helped me with the stamping and mailing of our family Christmas letter and photo card and some gift items.
This week, Em and her class had a field trip to the mall to see Santa. DH and I were a little worried. As she had already seen Santa in Ohio, we were hoping her gift request list wouldn't be too drastically different. The main item she requested: "Heart notebooks to write and draw in."
On our shopping expedition on Thursday, DH and I tried many options and could not find heart notebooks. I finally found some heart stickers at a craft store (in the Valentine section---they actually had Valentine stuff out already. What the heck?) And was pleased with my results, which I sent to the elves closet shelf for Em's Christmas delivery from Santa.
Me Time: This week I'll be participating in ICLW for the first time in many months. I look forward to catching up with old blog friends, and to making new blog acquaintances.
Now I'm off tomy secret addiction play some free online B.o.g.gle! :)
Emma's Reading/Writing: Em has had many milestones which have touched my heart as a mother. Currently, she is learning to read and write....it melts my heart and makes me SO proud! I have a hobby of writing quirky poems...they usually are rhyming and silly about events that have happened in my life. Yesterday, Em heard me reading a poem I wrote for my college girlfriends about the GP weekend we went on this summer. When I got off the phone, Em had written the following note on her art easel:
"Mom islu bes ritr poum :)" = "Mom is the best writer poem :)"
My little sweetie. I love the way she sounded it out so that lu=the. I love that she hasn't figured out grammatically correct sentence structure yet. But mostly, I just love the sentiment...LOVE IT! :)
Car Damage: In 2002 we bought a new H.onda C.ivic in January. In September of that year, a woman ran a red light and smashed into me...luckily the car wasn't totaled and no one was severely hurt. (Though I did have to have several months of physical therapy for my back afterwords.) I believe it took about a month of repairs and rental cars before I had my Civic back.
Continuing our poor luck with new cars... Remember when I posted THIS back in May---pictures of our new mini van? DH was off of work on Thursday. He and I had a nice date day. We finished our Christmas shopping for Emma. We ate lunch at the C.heese.cake F.actory. We saw the "New M.oon" movie. (I still love it. DH disliked it. He said it was too long and drawn out. I thought it was true to the novel.) At the end of the day we went together to pick Em up from preschool/daycare. While we were in the building, someone backed into DH's van leaving a huge dent in the tailgate and rear bumper. (What's the deal with us getting hit in cars that are less than a year old? UGH!) The driver left the scene...we didn't discover the damage until we were walking back to the van with Emma. Luckily the father of another preschool child wrote down the license plate # of the driver and the make/model of her car. He gave us his contact information as a "witness." He stated the other driver hit our car, got out and looked at HER car (a Ca.dillac Es.calade) and upon seeing no damage to HER car, she got back in it and drove away.
Luckily, being the savvy person that I am, I have the "Jacks.onville She.riff Office's Non-Emergency" line saved in my cell phone. It was cold and rainy, so Em and I went back into the school building while DH dealt with the JSO and car issues.
DH came into Em's classroom a few minutes later. Apparently the driver of the car came back. She is the OWNER of the building! (Em's preschool/daycare is one of 3 businesses that lease space in the building.) She actually said to DH, "Oh, did someone hit your car?" DH played it cool, not telling her at first that he had her license plate number and a witness. He said that the car had been hit while he was inside picking up his daughter. The lady said, "I wonder if I did that?" To which DH responded, "Well, your license plate number does match the vehicle that was seen leaving the scene." HA! Wish I could've seen her face with that statement....
The woman was rude to DH...saying it was her birthday and she was running late. But, she did enter the building and make a copy of her insurance card for DH. DH was nice
La-ti-da!
We were able to get an appraisal from her insurance on Friday. ($793 and 4 days estimated repair/paint.) As soon as we get the check from her insurance company, we'll figure out rental car and repair dates.
Gift Status: I want to pick up 2 more items for DH this week. Other than that all of my shopping is done. ALL items are wrapped and under the tree. I even helped elves finish wrapping some Santa items which are carefully hidden
Yesterday Em helped me with the stamping and mailing of our family Christmas letter and photo card and some gift items.
This week, Em and her class had a field trip to the mall to see Santa. DH and I were a little worried. As she had already seen Santa in Ohio, we were hoping her gift request list wouldn't be too drastically different. The main item she requested: "Heart notebooks to write and draw in."
On our shopping expedition on Thursday, DH and I tried many options and could not find heart notebooks. I finally found some heart stickers at a craft store (in the Valentine section---they actually had Valentine stuff out already. What the heck?) And was pleased with my results, which I sent to the elves
Me Time: This week I'll be participating in ICLW for the first time in many months. I look forward to catching up with old blog friends, and to making new blog acquaintances.
Now I'm off to
Friday, January 2, 2009
Christmas
Here's a glimpse at what kept us busy this holiday season...
Emma Lounging...
Note the red plaid dress, pink floral bloomers, and purple plaid rain boots. Do the words, "I picked this outfit out myself" come to mind?
Decorating the tree...
A visit to Bethlehem...
(A local church has acres of land on which they recreate a Bethlehem village complete with shops, animals, census takers, soldiers, people collecting alms, etc.)
Rug market
Jewelry market
Livestock market
"Prison"
Fish market (Real fish---way stinky!)
The family portraying the "reason for the season"
Em and her friend K.B. after touring Bethlehem
Cookie Baking...
Mommy's Example...and Emma's 1st try at peanut butter reindeer cookies
M&M and Oatmeal M&M Cookies
Em did ALL of the decorating on our sugar cookies.
Not pictured: Fudge. It was yummy!
We had a family dinner at Amie & Burke's house
on Christmas Eve...
On our way home, we stopped to see the store front of Kuhn's Flower Shop:
(Em was in PJs so she'd be ready to go right to bed for Santa's arrival.)
Em poses in front of the Caroler mannequins
And gets up close and personal with an elf
The singing Rudolph robot
Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, and Santa all sing Christmas songs
Beautiful nativity scene
Christmas morning...
What's in my stocking?
Opening gifts
Barbie ballet studio
Christmas: Our holiday was busy, but nice. We were able to fit in relaxation and reflection time within the hub-bub. Emma woke us Christmas morning with, "Santa came! And he brought me Barbie stuff like I wanted!" I realized while posting the pics above that I don't have any photos of Em's favorite item... She received a Barbie house from Santa. Santa didn't gift wrap the house, though all of Em's other presents were wrapped. This was how she knew Santa brought her Barbie things as she had hoped for. :)
Barbie Girl: Emma's Barbie House is complete with bathroom/laundry, kitchen, living room, and bedroom. This matched nicely with the Barbie furniture I gave her on Christmas Eve that once belonged in MY 1980's Barbie Dream House. Emma has been looooving all of her Barbie items: Loves the Barbie convertible from Auntie Amie and Uncle Burke. Loves changing the Barbies in and out of outfits. Loves creating adventures for her Barbies. Other hot items are the Dora tights Auntie Laurel sent, Parent Trap movie from Auntie Michelle, Princess umbrella from her stocking ("I've been wanting my own umbrella for years!"), and the High School Musical movie. (She had HSM2, now she also has HSM1.)
This was the first Christmas that we've ever had with just the 3 of us. All 4 of Emma's previous Christmases, we were either in Ohio, or had Ohio relatives who were staying with us for the holiday. While I missed having my far away family here, it was also neat to have time with just the 3 of us. Christmas morning we had family time----stocking and gift opening, hanging out, having a light breakfast, spending time together using newly opened gifts, etc. Christmas afternoon we went to Craig and Cindy's house for lunch/dessert, and more present opening. It was nice. Another "hot gift item," is an art easel Nana and Papa got for Emma. It has a chalkboard on one side and dry erase board on the other. It also includes magnet letters and clips to hang paper. Em is an "arts and crafts" addict. Anything involving coloring/painting/stickers/construction paper, etc. is right up her alley.
A funny Emmaism: We introduced Em to the "A Christmas Story" movie this year. She's been walking around saying, "You'll shoot your eye out, kid." It cracks me up every time!
A weird weather Christmas: This is the time of year I love Florida. As mentioned in many previous posts, I detest the cold. When I spoke to my Ohio family the week of Christmas and they had ice and cold dreary weather...and my Wisconsin cousin had 13 BELOW ZERO weather, I was SOOOOO grateful to live somewhere warm. With that being said, it was unusually warm here. In December it is usually in the 50s and 60s here. This year, we had weather in the 70s and 80s during much of winter break! The weekend before Christmas, we had a picnic on our deck and we were all wearing t-shirts and shorts. WOW! That has never happened before in the 10 years I've lived in Florida. But guess what?? I'll take it! It was awesome!!!! :)
Self-reflection: As planned, I was able to have 2 nights to myself for "reflection time" in front of the tree. I keep a scrapbook with the yearly Christmas letters that I send to friends and family. I was able to re-read all the letters from 1999 through this year. It is neat to reflect and see how things have changed within my life. I was also able to really think and ponder about the pros and cons of my job and what I can do to make things better.
On a final note: Aaron surprised me with the Wii game Dance, Dance Revolution. (He knew I love the aerobics on Wii Fit, but get tired of having the same routines over and over again.) I wasn't sure about Dance Revolution at first, but now I am loving it! It is a great aerobic workout. And I've lost 2 1/2 pounds in the past week...literally dancing my booty off. So my resolution for 2009: At least 5 days per week I will have a 45 minute workout. (This can be waking the dog, Wii Fit or Dance Revolution, etc.) I am especially hoping to start getting up early and exercising BEFORE work, as when I try to wait until after school I usually am tired or spending time with Emma so I don't work out. Oooh! Also, I nearly forgot to mention an awesome sweatshirt I received from DH's parents. It has an apple with a bite taken out of it on the front and says, "Bite me." On the back it says "Member of the Edward Cullen Fan Club. StephanieMeyer.com" Super cool! (Did you notice the 2 new tributes to the "Twilight" series I added to the left of my blog? :)
Here's to 2009. Wishing you and yours all the best...
Emma Lounging...
Note the red plaid dress, pink floral bloomers, and purple plaid rain boots. Do the words, "I picked this outfit out myself" come to mind?
Decorating the tree...
A visit to Bethlehem...
(A local church has acres of land on which they recreate a Bethlehem village complete with shops, animals, census takers, soldiers, people collecting alms, etc.)
Rug market
Jewelry market
Livestock market
"Prison"
Fish market (Real fish---way stinky!)
The family portraying the "reason for the season"
Em and her friend K.B. after touring Bethlehem
Cookie Baking...
Mommy's Example...and Emma's 1st try at peanut butter reindeer cookies
M&M and Oatmeal M&M Cookies
Em did ALL of the decorating on our sugar cookies.
Not pictured: Fudge. It was yummy!
We had a family dinner at Amie & Burke's house
on Christmas Eve...
On our way home, we stopped to see the store front of Kuhn's Flower Shop:
(Em was in PJs so she'd be ready to go right to bed for Santa's arrival.)
Em poses in front of the Caroler mannequins
And gets up close and personal with an elf
The singing Rudolph robot
Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, and Santa all sing Christmas songs
Beautiful nativity scene
Christmas morning...
What's in my stocking?
Opening gifts
Barbie ballet studio
Christmas: Our holiday was busy, but nice. We were able to fit in relaxation and reflection time within the hub-bub. Emma woke us Christmas morning with, "Santa came! And he brought me Barbie stuff like I wanted!" I realized while posting the pics above that I don't have any photos of Em's favorite item... She received a Barbie house from Santa. Santa didn't gift wrap the house, though all of Em's other presents were wrapped. This was how she knew Santa brought her Barbie things as she had hoped for. :)
Barbie Girl: Emma's Barbie House is complete with bathroom/laundry, kitchen, living room, and bedroom. This matched nicely with the Barbie furniture I gave her on Christmas Eve that once belonged in MY 1980's Barbie Dream House. Emma has been looooving all of her Barbie items: Loves the Barbie convertible from Auntie Amie and Uncle Burke. Loves changing the Barbies in and out of outfits. Loves creating adventures for her Barbies. Other hot items are the Dora tights Auntie Laurel sent, Parent Trap movie from Auntie Michelle, Princess umbrella from her stocking ("I've been wanting my own umbrella for years!"), and the High School Musical movie. (She had HSM2, now she also has HSM1.)
This was the first Christmas that we've ever had with just the 3 of us. All 4 of Emma's previous Christmases, we were either in Ohio, or had Ohio relatives who were staying with us for the holiday. While I missed having my far away family here, it was also neat to have time with just the 3 of us. Christmas morning we had family time----stocking and gift opening, hanging out, having a light breakfast, spending time together using newly opened gifts, etc. Christmas afternoon we went to Craig and Cindy's house for lunch/dessert, and more present opening. It was nice. Another "hot gift item," is an art easel Nana and Papa got for Emma. It has a chalkboard on one side and dry erase board on the other. It also includes magnet letters and clips to hang paper. Em is an "arts and crafts" addict. Anything involving coloring/painting/stickers/construction paper, etc. is right up her alley.
A funny Emmaism: We introduced Em to the "A Christmas Story" movie this year. She's been walking around saying, "You'll shoot your eye out, kid." It cracks me up every time!
A weird weather Christmas: This is the time of year I love Florida. As mentioned in many previous posts, I detest the cold. When I spoke to my Ohio family the week of Christmas and they had ice and cold dreary weather...and my Wisconsin cousin had 13 BELOW ZERO weather, I was SOOOOO grateful to live somewhere warm. With that being said, it was unusually warm here. In December it is usually in the 50s and 60s here. This year, we had weather in the 70s and 80s during much of winter break! The weekend before Christmas, we had a picnic on our deck and we were all wearing t-shirts and shorts. WOW! That has never happened before in the 10 years I've lived in Florida. But guess what?? I'll take it! It was awesome!!!! :)
Self-reflection: As planned, I was able to have 2 nights to myself for "reflection time" in front of the tree. I keep a scrapbook with the yearly Christmas letters that I send to friends and family. I was able to re-read all the letters from 1999 through this year. It is neat to reflect and see how things have changed within my life. I was also able to really think and ponder about the pros and cons of my job and what I can do to make things better.
On a final note: Aaron surprised me with the Wii game Dance, Dance Revolution. (He knew I love the aerobics on Wii Fit, but get tired of having the same routines over and over again.) I wasn't sure about Dance Revolution at first, but now I am loving it! It is a great aerobic workout. And I've lost 2 1/2 pounds in the past week...literally dancing my booty off. So my resolution for 2009: At least 5 days per week I will have a 45 minute workout. (This can be waking the dog, Wii Fit or Dance Revolution, etc.) I am especially hoping to start getting up early and exercising BEFORE work, as when I try to wait until after school I usually am tired or spending time with Emma so I don't work out. Oooh! Also, I nearly forgot to mention an awesome sweatshirt I received from DH's parents. It has an apple with a bite taken out of it on the front and says, "Bite me." On the back it says "Member of the Edward Cullen Fan Club. StephanieMeyer.com" Super cool! (Did you notice the 2 new tributes to the "Twilight" series I added to the left of my blog? :)
Here's to 2009. Wishing you and yours all the best...
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