Bayle asked me a couple of years ago how Santa was going to leave Christmas gifts under the tree if we did
not have a chimney for him to come down. And this made me start to make up a story about him having a magical key to get in through the front door, but then I thought that if Santa has all of this magic, we could make him a chimney to come down! And since then, we have been making one every year!!
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Saturday, December 20
One Tradition
Wednesday, November 19
MomDot Christmas of Dreams Day 6
MomDot Christmas of Dreams Blog Party is hosting a party for the next few weeks. Its so easy to get caught up in our own blogs, that sometimes we need to find a way to interact amongst each other.
Sponsors: Day Five Blog Party Question is Brought to you by Flying Colors Baby, Uncommonly Cute and Lollipop Book Club.
We would like to know what is your favorite holiday memory from your childhood.
I have two. :)
#1 I don't remember how old I was, but I was young, still in elementary school, and my parents were still together. My sister and I had the rooms upstairs and my brother had the room across from my parents on the main floor. The tree was on the main floor as well, so on Christmas morning, dad would carry by brother, with his eyes covered, by the living room and to the stairs that let to the top floor. The stairs were located in between the kitchen and the living room, so it was a perfect spot to wait. Mom and Dad would make muffins for breakfast and we would eat as fast as we can. Finally when we finished, we were allowed to walk into the living room to see what Santa had brought.
This particular year, when we walked down, I found a big cruise ship for my Barbies. I can't remember the exact name, but from one side you could see the outside of the ship and the other, all of the rooms. It was probably 3x3feet in size and I LOVED it!! I kept that thing much longer than even my barbies and well into my teens. :)
#2 Every year, my dad would take two of us kiddos out to buy a gift for the third one. This would teach us the gift of giving and the joy of watching the other open their gift. Anyway, I love Garfield, and my sister knew this so she had convinced my brother to buy a kit that she would sew and then put in a picture frame. And what made this gift extra special, is that she did spend her extra time sewing it together, for me. That just struck at my heart, and I still have it!!
Sponsors: Day Five Blog Party Question is Brought to you by Flying Colors Baby, Uncommonly Cute and Lollipop Book Club.
We would like to know what is your favorite holiday memory from your childhood.
I have two. :)
#1 I don't remember how old I was, but I was young, still in elementary school, and my parents were still together. My sister and I had the rooms upstairs and my brother had the room across from my parents on the main floor. The tree was on the main floor as well, so on Christmas morning, dad would carry by brother, with his eyes covered, by the living room and to the stairs that let to the top floor. The stairs were located in between the kitchen and the living room, so it was a perfect spot to wait. Mom and Dad would make muffins for breakfast and we would eat as fast as we can. Finally when we finished, we were allowed to walk into the living room to see what Santa had brought.
This particular year, when we walked down, I found a big cruise ship for my Barbies. I can't remember the exact name, but from one side you could see the outside of the ship and the other, all of the rooms. It was probably 3x3feet in size and I LOVED it!! I kept that thing much longer than even my barbies and well into my teens. :)
#2 Every year, my dad would take two of us kiddos out to buy a gift for the third one. This would teach us the gift of giving and the joy of watching the other open their gift. Anyway, I love Garfield, and my sister knew this so she had convinced my brother to buy a kit that she would sew and then put in a picture frame. And what made this gift extra special, is that she did spend her extra time sewing it together, for me. That just struck at my heart, and I still have it!!
Tuesday, November 18
MomDot Christmas of Dreams Day 5
MomDot Christmas of Dreams Blog Party is hosting a party for the next few weeks. Its so easy to get caught up in our own blogs, that sometimes we need to find a way to interact amongst each other.Sponsors: Day Five Blog Party Question is Brought to you by Baby Pop and Chic Covers
Today, make a blog post about what you do to give back during the holidays. Do you volunteer your time? If so, please tell us where. What do you do to teach your children the true meaning of the holidays?
I do try to teach my children the true meaning of Christmas. Growing up, my mother had a manger scene that we would put on the mantel right after Thanksgiving. As we put each piece up, she would explain their 'purpose' in the birth. A few years ago, she sent the manger to me and I have put it up every year since. Taylor and Bayle love to help place the figures as we discuss the story.
One thing that we are doing this year, is taking three of the kiddos out to buy a present for the forth. This way they can feel that they are participating by giving to others. My brother and sister and I did it while growing up, and I remember taking every second to find that 'just perfect' gift and then seeing them open the gift on Christmas morning!
A couple of weeks ago Bayle brought home a book order form and very quickly explained that this was not for him, but that he could get a book for someone else. So he definitely is getting the 'giving' spirit!
I do try to teach my children the true meaning of Christmas. Growing up, my mother had a manger scene that we would put on the mantel right after Thanksgiving. As we put each piece up, she would explain their 'purpose' in the birth. A few years ago, she sent the manger to me and I have put it up every year since. Taylor and Bayle love to help place the figures as we discuss the story.
One thing that we are doing this year, is taking three of the kiddos out to buy a present for the forth. This way they can feel that they are participating by giving to others. My brother and sister and I did it while growing up, and I remember taking every second to find that 'just perfect' gift and then seeing them open the gift on Christmas morning!
A couple of weeks ago Bayle brought home a book order form and very quickly explained that this was not for him, but that he could get a book for someone else. So he definitely is getting the 'giving' spirit!
Monday, November 17
MomDot Christmas of Dreams Day 4
MomDot Christmas of Dreams Blog Party is hosting a party for the next few weeks. Its so easy to get caught up in our own blogs, that sometimes we need to find a way to interact amongst each other.Sponsors: Bottlewise and Glow Mama
What is your favorite Holiday Recipe?
I try to cook and bake, but it never really works out very well...meaning...not edible! Although my aunt always brings a 'special' dessert for Thanksgiving! Baklava!! Honey, and nuts, and so very messy...so yummy!!
Describe your Holiday Table?
Thanksgiving consists of 30-40 adults and 15 kiddos or so. We meet at my parents' home almost every year and bring dinner potluck style. Our family lives so close to each other during the year, it seems that we only really get together during the holiday's. And I love it. To see the kids running around and playing, getting to know each other again.
What is your biggest Holiday Cooking Disaster?
I do not cook...otherwise I would have a whole bunch of stories to tell here! :)
Friday, November 14
MomDot Christmas of Dreams Day 3
MomDot Christmas of Dreams Blog Party is hosting a party for the next few weeks. Its so easy to get caught up in our own blogs, that sometimes we need to find a way to interact amongst each other.
Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Do you budget for the holidays? Do you always stick to your budget? Share with us any budgeting tips you may have!
Between November 17th and Christmas, there are three kids birthdays and then...Christmas! We save all year for the last 40 days, so we have to budget. I try to start shopping early November but I still end up going to the mall on Christmas Eve to grab something that I overlooked. And do I stick to my budget...no...I like to think of it as a jumping off point. :) My husband has to pull me back.
Until tomorrow~
Thursday, November 13
Mom Dot Christmas of Dreams Day 1 and 2
MomDot Christmas of Dreams Blog Party is hosting a party for the next few weeks. Its so easy to get caught up in our own blogs, that sometimes we need to find a way to interact amongst each other.
I am joining in a day late...but here it goes!
Introduce us to your family and share Holiday pics or videos of past years (Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving)
Sponsored by: La Belle Toile and This and That
Let's see. There is my husband whom I married 7 years ago. I had a daughter of my own at the time and he had two from a previous marriage. So we started our life as a pre-made family. Nine months after the wedding came our youngest son. Amanda will be 16 this month, Tyler is now 13, Taylor will be 13 this month, and Bayle will be 7. We have two kitties, Wonka and Tipsy.
Taylor, Tyler, Amanda, Bayle, and the Hubby!
Just the kiddos Trimming the Tree
My brother Dusty, Amanda, Dusty's son Jacey, and the Hubby
Yeah...this is fun...come back tomorrow for Day 3 and if you would like to join, hop over to MomDot.com!!
Taylor, Tyler, Amanda, Bayle, and the Hubby!
Just the kiddos Trimming the Tree
Traditions
Thanksgiving is always spent with my Mom and Dad's family. We come in from all over the state to celebrate. The women are usually talking and helping with the feast and the men folk find themselves plopped on the couch watching football :) ! Although depending on the weather, they will step out to re-live some deep set image of each other playing professional ball! :)
My brother Dusty, Amanda, Dusty's son Jacey, and the Hubby
Christmas is a whole other story. It starts on the Eve when we pick up the kids and drive around to look at lights. There are a couple of neighborhoods that have little contests, and it's always a fun time to drive up and down to see the 'show'. After a few hours of this, we head home to make hot chocolate (with marsh mellows), make cookies, and read 'Twas the night before Christmas'. We get cleaned up and say our good nights and head to bed.
Although, this is where my night begins! I start by finishing the wrapping of the gifts. I know, I know, not really a tradition, but every year I end up with some to wrap, and I expect and plan for it, so there for, it fits under tradition. lol I take down our stockings and start to fill them with the various gifts for each child. The boys always get a Hot Wheel car as Daddy's signature gift. I try to buy the big candy canes that are filled with M& M's...but they get sold fast. Each get their favorite candy and assorted treats. And then Santa comes. The Hubby really gets into this part. Placing them just right so that everyone can see as they walk out. And we finally make it to be about 1am or so.
Christmas morning, our alarms go off about 6am. I will get out muffins or dognuts for breakfast and we wake the kids. We have the kids eat breakfast in the 'boys' room and about 7am make the long awaited walk to the living room. They will walk in order of hight and put their hands over the eyes of the kiddo in front of them. And then on a count of 3, they lift! We look at Santa stuff, grab their own stocking and claim a spot in the living room. I usually play Santa and hand out gifts. We open, say thank you, and then for the rest of the day...play.
Although, this is where my night begins! I start by finishing the wrapping of the gifts. I know, I know, not really a tradition, but every year I end up with some to wrap, and I expect and plan for it, so there for, it fits under tradition. lol I take down our stockings and start to fill them with the various gifts for each child. The boys always get a Hot Wheel car as Daddy's signature gift. I try to buy the big candy canes that are filled with M& M's...but they get sold fast. Each get their favorite candy and assorted treats. And then Santa comes. The Hubby really gets into this part. Placing them just right so that everyone can see as they walk out. And we finally make it to be about 1am or so.
Christmas morning, our alarms go off about 6am. I will get out muffins or dognuts for breakfast and we wake the kids. We have the kids eat breakfast in the 'boys' room and about 7am make the long awaited walk to the living room. They will walk in order of hight and put their hands over the eyes of the kiddo in front of them. And then on a count of 3, they lift! We look at Santa stuff, grab their own stocking and claim a spot in the living room. I usually play Santa and hand out gifts. We open, say thank you, and then for the rest of the day...play.
Yeah...this is fun...come back tomorrow for Day 3 and if you would like to join, hop over to MomDot.com!!
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