Childhood Christmas Memories

I have been thinking a little bit tonight about my childhood Christmases. Every kid loves Christmas and I loved it so much! I believed in Santa until I was eleven. I remember the Sunday morning my Dad sat me down at the kitchen table and told me there was no Santa. I knew deep down, but I knew that not believing meant some of the magic of Christmas was over. In denial,  I even sent a letter to Santa asking him if he were real. That sad letter stayed in the back yard where I left it in hopes the wind would carry it to where ever Santa was. My mom found it in the spring. I think she still has it.

My mom made Christmas magical. I don't know if she thinks she did, but she did. Every year we pulled out box after box of Christmas decorations out of the attic and then spent the day decorating the house. I remember putting her little glass houses on top of the piano to make a village. I loved looking at them while I practiced my Christmas songs. Putting up the stockings was always my favorite. My stocking was a little different than everyone else's because I was a surprise and the family stockings had already been made. I always liked it any way. Each one had an animal on it... can't remember what was on mine.

When I was little I remember driving around with my family looking at lights. There was one house that was special to my Mom. Years before I was born, my family was looking at lights when everyone was still little and they came across a house very well decorated. Since the car was full with lots of little people the windows became foggy and it created this mystical Christmas house. Every year after that, it was always remembered, the foggy house. I wasn't alive, but I always liked hearing that story and thinking of all my brothers and sisters being little like I was when I first heard it. I told Aaron the other day too, that there was a street that always went all out in its Christmas lights and one year when we were driving down it, the song "Here Comes Santa Clause, Right Down Santa Clause Lane" came on and I really thought it was Santa Clause's lane. Aaron said he wasn't surprised. My favorite house was always the Thompson's house. They lived at the far end of a meadow and in the night from far away you could always see their house from a distance. It was my Christmas house, as I would tell myself.

My Mom's tree was always full of color lights until I was about 14. They whole house always had color lights and it created this warm orange and pink glow every evening. I can remember many of my Mom's ornaments. She had big glittery bulbs that she always put in the center of the tree to make it look full of color. One year one of my Dad's secretary made a mice family out of cotton balls and popsicle sticks. There was one for each member of our family and I would play with them for what seemed like hours. They would ski down the tree and have little houses in the bird nests my mom had in her tree. Whenever I was finished though I always put my Dad's mouse on top and then worked my way down to my mouse on the bottom. She also has two beautifully handmade ornaments with beads and other intricate work. One looks like a crown and I would always move it around the tree so I could look at it better. Whenever we finished decorating before any presents were placed under the tree we would lie down and put our heads under the tree and look up through  branches at all the lights and bulbs. We usually had a real tree and I miss the smell of a real pine tree that we went and cut down ourselves.

My mom had the same nativity for years. Eventually I think the heads popped off the wise men and Mary and a few sheep were lost over time. There was also and angel that played silent night, each year I would pull it out and listen. But every year Silent Night became a little less and then one year it didn't play anymore. But, I always liked playing with it. Every year on Christmas Eve my brother Michael would come and place the Christmas star over baby Jesus. I looked forward to that as much as Santa. I remember one year though as I was in the car getting ready to go to our annual white elephant party I looked inside and saw my mom putting it up. I knew it had been her the whole time, I appreciated though how she involved Michael into our family tradition.

The first week of December was always the Christmas Tree lighting at the park. We usually spent the day putting up our lights and then went to the lighting. Its not a grand tree, but I always felt like it was officially Christmas once the tree was lit.

My neighborhood growing up was the best for lights. There became a competition between a few of the neighbors and their houses were amazing. It was fun to walk out at night in the snow and see them all glowing in the dark.

There was a big box full of all the Christmas tapes. As soon as Thanksgiving was over we would pull it out and play all the tapes. My favorite was an old recording. My Mom recorded a day of endless Christmas music on the radio. I can't remember any of the songs anymore but, half way through the recording some little hand switch the recording from the radio to the family. So, there is about 15 minutes of my Mom's young family recorded. Jill is practicing the piano, kids are playing, the phone is ringing, and at one point you hear my Mom say, "We are watching Mr. Mom tonight!" I loved listening to that. I didn't grow up in a house that was busy with children, but busy with teenagers. I liked to listen to it.

Like I already said, I looked forward to our family's Christmas Evening festivities. For years we would get together with the Wessels and the Holmes for a white elephant party. I think we did it until maybe I was 14. I just remember laughing and laughing. One year on our way up to the Holmes's house we were driving in a snow storm and the lights from Honda Casino were very visible swirling in the snow filled sky. My dad told me that they were Santa's lights on his sleigh. I totally believed him.

I always woke up early on Christmas morning. By the time, I was old enough to get up early everyone else had passed the phase of wanting to get up at 4 a.m. to open gifts. Except Heidi, her and I would sit on the couch in the front room before anyone else was up and just take it all in. The room filled with Santa's gifts, stockings full, it was so warm and wonderful. One year we were sitting in silence just looking and all of a sudden the Star Spangled Banner started blaring throughout the house. My mom had not realized that she left the radio on and for some reason the station hadn't been playing any music throughout the night, but it must have resumed playing in the early hours of the morning. That's not and amazing story, but I won't ever forget it.

We usually spent Christmas Day with the Merrill side. My cousin Marielle and I would play with all of our new toys and then we would all go see a movie together. Over the year I think we say Galaxy Quest, Night at the Museum, and all of the Lord of the Rings.

Most of all what I remember about Christmas though is the feeling in our house. I know its that "Christmas" feeling, but I always associate it with my Mom. The music, the decorations, and the food. I am thankful for good parents who made my childhood Christmas magical. I hope that I am doing a good job for my kids. I love the spirit of Christ and family.

Two

Rocky is two! He had his birthday on Wednesday and I think by the end of the day he realized that this was his special day. He got to out with Grandma and Grandpa Brooks and had a great birthday date. He is so loved. I am so thankful he is in our family. He is fun and all boy. He even has a very low little boy voice. He is starting to say sentences. He is probably only about 23 pounds though. Still tiny, but strong. He is a runner. I am not to happy about that. He just goes. He loves Daisy and plays well with her and does everything she does. He is the best.

Saturday Afternoon

Its chilly today. I am cold. I have become a weak valley girl. Oh, well. I thought, since I am not wanting to be doing anything (because of my being chilly), I am deciding to blog some thoughts.

Rocky just came into my room where my computer is and said, "poa poa... bed?" He was asking for the i-pad on the bed. Its his thing. Which leads me to my thought, kids and technology. Right now Rocky is on my bed with the i-pad watching Netflix and Daisy is in the living room watching Netflix. Is this okay? I have been trying to find the balance between time and technology. Obviously, parenting is different now compared to a few short decades ago. My kids will always have a screen. I don't think there is anything wrong with that. Just like every other advancement the Lord has blessed us with, we have to learn how to use it properly. I will admit though that we have it on more than we probably should. I also know that I am not the only one. Its just part of parenting now. So far my kids don't seem to be turning into little tech zombies and prefer outside to the i-pad. It amazes me how much Rocky likes it though. I guess I will just have to do my best to keep it in check. I have never been someone who could play video games for hours. I still don't understand how people can do that.

Today, I was in my closet and decided to shut the door and hide from Daisy, just to see what she would do. I was in there for about five minutes before she started looking for me. She actually only came in the room because you have to walk through the bathroom to get into the master closet, and she had to go. It was so funny though to listen to her... "MOM! Where are you? Are you gone forever? In a cage?" Then she went to the bathroom and I jumped out and scared her. Daisy talks a lot. So much. Never ending words. Most of the time its amusing and fun to listen to her thoughts. Sometimes, though it can be a bit much. Today, we were driving and Daisy said," Mom, I am going to be quiet because sometimes it is good to be quiet." Can you tell what I say to her? It made me laugh and I told her that she was right. The silence only lasted about a minute, but at least she was trying. I need to do better at writing down the things she says. She make me laugh.

I like the time leading up to Christmas more than Christmas itself. I love how there are multiple radio stations that play Christmas music. Songs about Christ are constantly flowing through the air. It is nice. I love the spirit of Christmas. I like being the Mom around this time. My kids do tend to act up more this time of year, less sleep, more candy, and way too much anticipation can make them a little crazy. Yet, the magic that kids have at Christmas it the best. I love that Daisy is so in the thick of it. Rocky is getting there slowly, he is more interested in swatting ornaments off the tree than the beauty of the tree. Still fun though. I love looking at lights. Some people probably think I am crazy, but I do love the mall at Christmas. Reminds me of coming down to the valley during the state football playoffs and going to the mall to shop for Christmas. Good memories.



Well those are my thoughts....

The Ever Evolving Kitchen

My poor poor kitchen. I have done so much to it. Nails, sand paper, four layers of paint, a few layers of polyurethane, its been through a lot.

This is from 2009 when we were moving in. Sorry too lazy to flip it. Anyway, I hated these from the moment we toured this house. 

I did my best to fix it up.

Until I couldn't stand it anymore and had to try and give them a face lift. I spent hours adding molding to make frames around each door. 

When I finished, I was so pleased with myself. I would look at these and just be so proud that I'd took on such a big project and it actually turned out.

Fast forward a few years and my feelings about my handiness had changed a bit. Since the picture taken above, I had added two different coats of white paint to try and match the new counter tops we had put in. It never looked quite right all together, the floor, counter tops, and cabinets. All during Rocky's pregnancy I would look at kitchen's on pinterest and yearn for those beautiful rooms. But all those kitchens cost thousands of dollars. So I just accepted that the cabinets I had been so proud of now were a very strong annoyance. They were also becoming a safety hazard, since I didn't account for the weight of the crown molding and the doors were starting to want to fall of their boxes. 

Anyway after almost six years of living in this house, we decided that it was probably time to start thinking about moving. But who would want to buy a house with dangerous cabinets? So we looked into it and got them professionally fixed. We painted the boxes, put on new doors, fixtures, and crown molding.

It looks like a new kitchen. Now all we need to do is get shutters for the window, a new lighting treatment, appliances, and floors. Just kidding! I am happy that now I don't have to worry about a cabinet crushing me or my kids. Couldn't be happier, and if that other just happens to happen then I won't complain.

I also learned that I want to take some wood working classes. I really enjoyed fixing up my cabinets, but realized sometimes just winging my now work out in the long run.

They Just Fell Off...

Since the weather has been nice and cool, my kids have been spending a fair amount of time outside. I leave the door open while I fiddle around inside, checking on them every few minutes. It wasn't until dinner time that I noticed all of the leaves on the peach tree seemed to be falling off. I walked outside and saw that Daisy had a big pile she was playing with. I asked her what had happened to which she said, "they just fell off." We talked for a little while and she stuck with her story. Eventually I asked her if she was lying and she said, "yep". I was trying hard not to laugh, but told her it was naughty to take off the leaves, but more naughty to lie about it. She didn't get into to much trouble though, they were after all just leaves.

Later though while we were eating dinner (Aaron was gone at school) she told me that she had hidden the leaves behind the bush because she knew that Dad would be mad if he found out. I tried not to laugh at that either, but tell her that that wasn't honest. She seemed to understand that you should always tell the truth and not hide when you've done something naughty.

Daisy is a good girl. I think she cares a lot about doing what is right. Its hard to know as a parent though how much they are actually picking up. I want to teach Daisy so much, sometimes I get overwhelmed with all that I want for her. Today though I am glad our biggest problem is hiding leaves.

Sunday Duds

I love to have my kids wear a nice Sunday outfit in December. It is a special time of year and I like them to dress up a bit. I got them some new Sunday clothes and had them pose for me. I am so glad to have a girl. Daisy was pleased with her new little dress. I took her picture first while Rockwell was at the table. As soon as I finished with her, I told Rocky it was his turn. He got a big smile on his face and ran to the spot Daisy had just been in. It was such a big boy thing to do. He is getting older. I loved this sweater, but as soon as I took it, the sweater instantly reminded me of Home Alone. Not that that is a bad thing, just makes me laugh.

Tinsel and Christmas Light

Aaron was the best and put up the tree for me this year. He always mentions this time of year how he got paid $20.00 a tree to put of Christmas trees at Lowe's. So obviously he is the best man for the job. Daisy was so excited. I let her and Rocky go at it first.

He was pretty happy to be trimming the tree.

Daisy was very thoughtful about where she placed her bulbs. The front, right, bottom part of the tree looked great. :) I remember my Mom always letting decorate the back of the tree. I always felt very special until I had kids and realized why I got to do the back...

I finished up the tree and Daisy got end her birthday putting the star on top. The thrill of the day.

There is something special in glow of a Christmas tree.

Thanksgiving 2014

This Thanksgiving we drove down to Tuscon to spend the day with my older brother Pete and his family. My other older brother Tim and his family came too. It was a small Thanksgiving, but a good one. It was nice to have low key day, with good company, and good food. I didn't snap to many picture though, just these gems.

Aaron and I.

Brittany made a delicious meal, with lots of leftovers.

Cousins played all day. Dash was stealing food off of Rocky's plate, he wasn't too pleased to not be eating.


Overall it was a good Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for. Every night when I watch my kids sleep, I am just so thankful for their healthy bodies and that we have a safe home for them to grow. I can't ask for much more than that. I do...But truly I am so thankful that the Lord has seen fit to bless us with so much. We are blessed.

You've Had Birthday, Shout Hooray!

Daisy is a kid now. She told me. I really liked three. I enjoy her getting older. I like her independence and the way her mind works right now. I think Daisy is smart. She puts two and two together pretty fast. So when I asked her if she wanted to have a birthday party this year, she automatically knew what that meant. I made the mistake of asking about a month before her actual birthday. Its amazing how often an almost four year old can talk about a birthday party. I don't think she was disappointed. I didn't set the bar very high on my side. I am no party planner extraordinaire, but I did my best and she and her little friends had fun. She was bursting with excitement as you can see in the pictures below.

Her actual birthday fell on Black Friday this year, so we didn't venture out to far. We did go get doughnuts for breakfast, then she got to go pick out a balloon. She has been asking for a balloon for her birthday since July. Most of the day was spent at Grandma's playing with cousins. I think it was a good day. She seemed happy.

This is how she woke me the other day after her party. She got some princess accessories and must not have been able to not put them on.

I didn't have the heart to tell her that's not how we wear earrings. 

I am so thankful for my girl. The last four years have made me a better person, and mostly because this little girl made me her mom. I love her so.