Family traditions

One thing that I have been thinking about over the holidays is various family traditions. What would my boys remember from each holiday season? What do I remember from my childhood? There are many things that stand out to me, but one thing that I think makes my family unique.

Every year there are various articles about "how much to tip whom" for holiday "bonuses." 35% (conservatively speaking) to your hairdresser, babysitter, accountant, etc. Something to those individuals that make your life easier. However, I have never seen an article address those individuals that REALLY do make a difference to our lives.

My mother each year would make up a batch of goodies for our disposal man (aka the trash man), mailman and newspaper man. I have proudly taken up this tradition, and let me tell you it is more rewarding than many of the other gifts I give throughout the holiday season. I watch out the window (when I can) to see them get their little present (it really isn't much, usually homemade cookies and candy in a tin). I am never disappointed in the smile. What has been happening the last couple of years, is that I get a note in return wishing me happy holidays and many heartfelt wishes and greetings. That note carries such a positive energy that it is placed up with all the other greeting cards we get. I KNOW that we have made someone's day.

Our trashman earned his cookies this year- all the diapers! The postal man- many more cards (and bills). The recycling man- so many toy boxes. The newspaper man- he still brings the weekend reprieve. And you must admit, these individuals NEVER let you down. These things always get done. Unfortunately, I don't see many others who have joined in on this tradition. I hope my sons someday want to trot the mailman's present out to him. So, I challenge you to do what you can. And really, as you see, it doesn't take much. The holiday week is still upon us!

Merry Christmas to all!

We woke up to beautiful blanket of white (BG's last white christmas was 1995). But then it was time to get up! We has french toast with strawberry syrup for breakfast.




Translation: We want to open presents!

"See I told you I could be good until Christmas."

Even Eli got into the action.

Elmos galore!

The Hokey Pokey Elmo kind of frightened them, but I think they will warm up to it.

Footballs ,

Basketballs and

Soccer!

Puzzles and blocks.

And then we even got our special present- sledding!

We spent dinner time at Aunt Mary's and Uncle Steve's (mom forgot her camera). We had a great time! We wish all of you a happy holiday week!

Christmas eve

It is snowing here in BG. The boys' second Christmas will be very white (over 3" on the ground and more expected) and very fun! We had a bowl of "Santa Claus soup" (chicken vegetable), opened a present, sang jingle bells, listened to "A Night Before Christmas" as read by grandma F and took our first bubble bath (that is something we will have to warm up to). We are patiently awaiting the morning to open everything else and have a wonderful french toast breakfast. Tomorrow we plan a day of sledding and hopefully the roads will be clear enough to go to Auntie Mary's and Auntie Emily's for dinner. We pray for everyone a peaceful evening and and wonderful tomorrow! Miles and Camden 2010

Pillow pets from cousin Jeramy.

Love to all on this cold snowy evening!

Santa!

Our second annual Santa visit went really well. Both boys were a little apprehensive, but no tears were spilled. We took a ride on the mall's carosel. Miles loved it, Camden is taking a while to warm up. Miles is walking well enough to walk around the mall (with Mommy close by of course) and Camden can walk across the family room all by himself. The holiday season has been great fun so far, and if we get a little snow on Christmas... all the better!

Going for a stroll

Yet again the boys prove how different they are. Camden has taken his time walking- in other words he didn't fall a million times like Miles. He is sooooo proud of himself. He does a little each day. I'm sure before I know I will be one of those Mom's chasing kids running in opposite directions- at least that's what everyone says.

The boys also really like Curious George (they love Elmo, but curious george will at least get their attention). So this is a back pack that looks like Curious George and it gets some giggles!

Both boys are also crazy about trucks. They stare out the window waiting for any truck to go by. We're anxiously awaiting Christmas- it should be fun!

Let it snow!

We have made it! Finals week it here and the semester is almost over. It has been crazy busy around here getting ready for Christmas and New Year's (and Spring semester too). We are looking forward to a little family time together.

All the kids (even the furry one) are playing with a laser pointer we bought last year for the cats.

"What do you mean I have to be good until Christmas?"

Bowling Green is currently under a winter storm advisory and we are expected to get around 3". A phenomena around here. I have been looking for sleds for weeks. Very difficult to find in the south (I guess). I found 1 at Walmart (and yes it was just 1).

Miles' first sled ride!

Whee!

"You people are crazy."

"NO. I am not going to smile. And yes my father is crazy."

"Thank God I survived!"

Miles enjoyed it a bit more the second time around. We only had one spill and it wasn't too bad, but too bad these things don't come with seat belts.

"We get to go inside! Yay!!"

Post sledding hot chocolate.

It is still snowing now and we are wondering what tomorrow's forecast will be. We may get to try a "mini" snowman. It takes us as long to get dressed as we are outside. It is quite a feat to get them ready to go, but hopefully they are having some fun!

Miles has popped out two more teeth and doesn't take bottles anymore (unless he steals Camden's).

Both boys will eagerly tell you how a truck goes and look for trucks out the window.

Camden walks!

I don't have a picture yet, but Camden walked for the first time today. What a big boy!!

Christmas shopping

We were out doing a little Christmas shopping this weekend. It was cold! It is snowing here today and getting harder and harder to get out with the boys. We get them bundled up as best we can, but it is quite a process. This picture is from Sam's club- one of the only stores in BG with "double-wide" carts. It is a treat to go and both get to sit in the cart. The boys really enjoyed it, especially when they got to share some ice cream and cookies. And you should have seen the smiles when we showed them an Elmo birthday cake. How cute!

Something cute

I was giving the boys their pre-nap snack and today I chose Ritz crackers. Miles ate them up! As soon as I would give him one, he would bite into it. Camden loved them too, but his approach was different. He licked and turned the cracker over and over, nibbling at it, but never breaking it. Eventually, I started breaking up another cracker and feeding it to him. That was fine, but he would not let me have the intact one. Well, Miles had eaten 5 and it was getting really close to nap. Camden was still licking his first one. So we started to read our naptime story and the cracker finally broke in two. Camden just cried and cried, like he lost his best friend. I tried to feed it to him now that it was broken, but he wanted nothing to do with it. So, I gave him another whole one- and he was happy.
Don't know what it is about the cracker, but it sure was cute!

Happy Birthday Mom!!

Mommy's birthday was great! Cake for everybody!It looks like Miles is thinking, "That is A LOT of candles."
Miles thought the best present was the wrapping paper.

Happy Birthday Mommy!