December Thoughts

I've been reflecting a lot recently upon the value of charity my mother taught me while I was young. Being a single parent of 3 children and receiving no child-support made finances very tight. Somehow each year Mom was able to pull off Christmas gifts for us and always managed to do something for someone less fortunate than ourselves.

One year in particular I remember having to deliver some toys to our neighbors who lived behind us. A young couple with two small girls lived there (I now suspect the parents had some drug issues). I was mortified to have to go knock on their door and deliver the gifts. At the time I didn't particularly like the children who lived at that house and was feeling rather burdened by my mother's tender hearted gesture. In the end it was a simple delivery but obviously it turned out to be a tremendous lesson for me as I still remember and reflect on it each year as I contemplate what I can do for those who are wanting in my own community.

This year I wanted our own family Christmas to mean more. I was very disappointed last year as the children received so much "stuff" that they actually got bored of opening gifts and didn't take the time to appreciate each individual one. Christmas became very materialistic and made me very nauseated. As I contemplated how to still give gifts but have it mean more Mom told me of how it was when she was a young girl. She and her siblings would pour over the big thick catalog (the Sears catalog or some such massive monstrosity) and then picked one item to ask for. She said half the joy of the season was making that oh-so-tough decision and if you got "it" you definately cherished it.

This sounded like a perfect plan to implement with my own little ones this year and so I handed over a few catalogs and told them to pick out one item to request from Santa. Mr. B spent weeks memorizing his catalog and took it everywhere with him. He finally decided upon some "spy gear" and even went so far as to bring his catalog with him to show Santa exactly what he wanted. Though Beeb made her decision quickly she never wavered and stuck with it to the end.

The simplicity of it really made this season so much more meaningful to me. I was able to spend more time teaching my kiddo's about the true meaning of Christmas with books, videos and one fun FHE's where they got to dress up as Joseph and Mary while we read from the Bible; and I spent a lot less time shopping and worrying over gift selections just for the sake of giving them "more" than I got as a child. As it turned out I came to realize I have actually been giving them less of the past few years. Simplifying really enabled me to feel of the season, which I never expected, and brought the Spirit closer to my heart.

The nice side effect of our simplifying was the additional charitable contributions I was able to give this year. It was nice to give "more" to those who need it more and to start teaching my children that ever important value my mother taught me - Charity.

We've had a fantastic month - one of best yet. Here are some recent highlights:

During our many days of being stuck at home while it snowed, snowed, snowed, we put together a cute gingerbread house. Okay, really it was Beeb and AH who did all the work as Mr. B and I watched the Nutcracker ballet on PBS with an occasional quick trip to the kitchen to see the progress. Who knew Mr. B loved ballet more than a candy house?!


Of course Beeb had to sample the icing.


Ahhh, the finished product. It didn't last long; the kids started eating the candy off it right away and AH and I joined in as well (bad bad parents).


We got a surprise visit from Mr. B's morning bus driver, Chuck, who was out making holiday deliveries despite all the snow. His "Chuckleberry" jam only lasted a couple of days before we ran out. It was delicious! I adore Mr. B's bus drivers - they are the very best.


Christmas Eve found us having a nice dinner at AH's parents. Mr. B loves working with Grandpa on his trains. Grandpa started getting these from his own father in the 1940's and has collected them ever since. This is just a small sampling of his collection.






As part of the Christmas Eve program Grandma got out a little harp and had the children help strum it while she pressed the notes for some holiday songs. She was very popular.


It turned out to be a night full of music as Grandpa let Mr. B play his antique violin. I think the bow needs some work :-)


This morning after the chaos that is Christmas morning we had a couple of visitors. A sweet Doe and her fawn made their way through our backyard. Look at that snow on Christmas!


Mr. B was thrilled with his Christmas haul. He was so excited that Santa brought him his spy gear and new snow bibs but the pièce de résistance came from Grandpa. A few years ago our train buff decided all the grandson's need to have their own Lionel train collections and bought each one a set (or two). We have put off giving Mr. B his until he was old enough to properly care for this extravagant toy. This was Mr. B's year - oh what a Christmas he had!










Beeb asked Santa for a microphone and stand. He came through not only with a microphone with stand but it also amplifies and has music. She is our own little rock star now. Grandma's gift of a swim Dora (who has flippers too) was a big hit. Beeb asked me if she could take a bath after Grandma and Grandpa left and I told her she could. Then she proceeded to ask me "when will they leave?" over and over again. They didn't even make it into their car before I had the bath water running.


This year I also simplified my own gift list. There was just one item on my agenda and I was so happy to unwrap it. I can't believe I never saw the value in this before but after using my sister's recently I definitely had to get one.


We let the kids enjoy their gift indoors most of the day and then had to literally drag them outside for some supreme sledding on our fresh new powder (we have awesome hills in our neighborhood). We got several of the neighbor kids and parents out as well and had a really fun time sledding, snowboarding and talking. This was one of the best Christmases I've had in a long time (actually best December) and I am so thankful for all I've been blessed with.

Snow. . . FINALLY

After several days of promised snow, only to be disappointed each day with rain, it finally snowed. Hallelujah!

Beeb Logic

Today while listening to her favorite song, "I Collect Rocks" (which I can't find on the Internet anywhere or I'd post it for you all to hear), Beeb said to me:

Beeb: "Mommy, sometimes I like to collect rocks, but not when there are scorpions on them."

More Baking and Christmas Preparations

With my kitchen nearly complete (waiting for back splash tiles and painting) and finally being able to use my new convection ovens I have discovered that despite all those years where I thought I was a terrible cook (burned edges, raw middles), I am actually a great cook who had a horrible oven. I have been on a baking frenzy this week with a little help from Beeb.



Reindeer Cookies!


On Friday AH stayed home from work and got a lot done around the house (really a lot of projects were completed - thanks babe!) and even put up the Christmas lights. Mr. B and Beeb were excited to help.



The great thing about living in a small town is that we take care of each other. On Saturday a local shop had Santa for a visit, FREE pictures with Santa (digital, no Polaroids) and huge candy canes for the kiddo's. I brought my own camera (and nobody balked!). I love our little town. :-)



Santa was truly impressed that Mr. B brought a picture of exactly what he wanted this year. These types of visual aids really help Santa to bring just the right thing.

Tis The Season . . . To Make Cookies (and for lice)

This past Saturday AH and his brother took off for an afternoon of paintball and so my MIL, SIL and her children came to pay a visit. We decided to make sugar cookies and let the kids decorate (and eat) them. (I know, I'm totally crazy)









Do you think she's got enough toppings on her cookie?




Since there were no cookies left over from Saturday's extravaganza AH asked me on the way home from church if I could make more. He wanted to take them to the people he home-teaches and I thought it would be a great way to take some to the kids primary teachers as well so it was a win/win situation.







After a great Thanksgiving and wonderful weekend to kick off the holiday season I got a call Monday morning from my MIL with the news that my nephew (who'd played at my house all day Saturday) had lice. Oh joy! After inspecting the my own kiddo's heads I proceeded to strip their beds, gather their stuffed animals (and anything else I could think of that lice might cling to) and have been washing ever since. So far my kiddo's have passed inspection but my poor nephew got a new haircut:

(photo courtesy of him mom)

Self Portait

A few weeks ago I was out trying to get a few shots of the kiddos for our holiday card at a local park. On one of the play structures was this cool fish-eye type mirror so I had to play.

Thankful

A week before Thanksgiving Mr. B's class had a harvest party. Each child brought in a piece of fruit that was made into a fruit salad. Then the kid's got up and shared their "I Am Thankful For" picture stories. I am tickled pink that the very first thing Mr. B was thankful for was his mom. It was one of those great pay back moments we mom's live for.



Immediately following this tender moment with Mr. B I cut out of town with the girls for a long weekend getaway. A few of my friends and I spent a nice long weekend enjoying a cozy guest cottage in Long Beach, WA.



The purpose was to rejuvenate and relax. I came home rejuvenated, relaxed and exhausted! We stayed up into the wee hours of the nights talking and sewing and then proceeded to wake up early each morning as we are still on "kid" hours and none of us could sleep in (so not fair).



We did commemorate the occasion by making very 70's retro aprons. (I'll post pictures later) Next time we need to stay for 4 or 5 days so we can completely relax to the point of being able to sleep in!

I then came home with just a few days to get ready for Thanksgiving. We literally moved back into our nearly done kitchen on Wednesday just in time to host the holiday for my family. The day went off without any glitches (whew). The orange rolls (recipe from AH's mom) turned out fabulous (thanks sis for making the dough!) and the turkey was cooked to perfection. I had a great time especially with my mom and sister as we spent the day cooking and baking together!

It has been a crazy couple of weeks but I've thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!

The "Man Brain" Continued . . .

Today AH decided to stay home today and get some projects done around the house. Here's a conversation we had this morning.

Me: "Would you mind watching Beeb for an hour this afternoon while I go take pictures of Mr. B's class party?"

AH: "You can't take Beeb with you?"

Me: "No."

AH: "Okay, I'll watch her."

Me: "So do I need to give you multiple reminders between now and then so your Man Brain doesn't forget?" Snicker, snicker.

An Explanation of the Male Brain

Tonight my husband explained to me how a “man’s” brain works. Keep reading, this only gets more interesting.

This afternoon while talking with our plumber AH mentioned how he would be home early on Friday. I look at him with raised eyebrows and respond with, “You’ll be home all day. I’m leaving for the beach at 8:30am.” “You didn’t tell me that.” he says. Oh yes I did.

After the plumber leaves he says, “So I’m supposed to take Friday off? I thought you were leaving Friday afternoon.” Of course my reply was, “I told you when I made the plans that you would have to take Friday off. That it was a long weekend away, which I am sure you will be taking one or two of this winter so you can go skiing.” End of subject, or so I thought.

When I got home tonight AH finds me and takes a moment to explain to me how a “man’s” brain works. He tells me it was my duty to remind him several times of the plans and because I didn’t do this it is not to be expected that he will remember. Essentially he cannot be expected to remember the plans, even though they didn’t change at all from what I originally told him, because he’s a man. (These are his words – which he repeated several times) Forget that for weeks I have been talking about this trip, planning the details and that it is on our family calendar. Apparently it is a woman’s responsibility to remember everything the first time and a man has to be told repeatedly before he is to be expected to retain any of the information (per AH, literally).

My response? Honey, I am sorry the male brain is inferior to the female but you still have kid duty all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

(Wait till he remembers there is no school on Friday - ouch!)

Code Adam

I forgot that today was Veteran's Day and so I hadn't planned any activities to keep my kiddo's entertained. However, I did luck out that my mom decided to pay us a visit and showed up on Monday and left this morning. Of course the kid's were excited to see Grandma but even more excited to have her dog, Paddy, come along too. Poor Paddy (a teacup poodle) was chased, grabbed and held so much he was completely exhausted by the time the kid's went to bed.

The excitement of having the "dog" visit carried over to this morning and so my mom and her pup were out the door early on to visit their next friend. This left me the rest of the day to keep these two very excited children busy. What to do? Head off to the Seattle Children's Museum!

This was a great plan. I even timed it so that we got there at lunch hour hoping the masses would be out eating followed up by napping. This left only a few hundred kids to wade through to have our turn at the Mr. Potato Head exhibit.

Mr. B spent all of one minute trying out the MPH exhibit before passing it over in lieu of the fire truck and gear. He planted himself there for most of our three hour visit.

Now anytime you go to a place this size with children who are younger but not young enough to want to hang with you it is very hard to keep track of them both. I definitely make it a priority to keep a close eye on Mr. B but it was Beeb who I lost . . . first. It took me about 5-7 minutes of walking around before I spotted her. The first couple of minutes I wasn't too worried but after I checked every place and didn't see her I felt that little bit of panic induced adrenaline hitting my system. I was greatly relieved to spot her and have no idea how I overlooked her the first time.

At this point I decided the kiddo's would both have to stay near me despite their independent nature. Quickly Beeb was bored and so I thought a change of scenery necessary. I gave Mr. B his two minute warning that he would have to leave the fire truck (much to his resistance) and we moved over to the Cogs and art area.

These areas seemed perfect; smaller rooms and only one exit. Mr. B immediately got past his whining when he saw the cogs and headed in to take it over (literally, the poor kids inside didn't stand a chance to have a turn). Beeb explored it for a while and then fluttered around me before I directed her to the art studio to paint. This gave me my first opportunity to sit down on the bench directly in front of the cog area and work on making a hat (with the circular loom - so easy!). Beeb soon called for my assistance and I was gone for about 90 seconds helping her get paper on her board so she could paint. When I got back to my post Mr. B was gone. I didn't panic at all because this is Mr. B and whereas I panic over Beeb, who doesn't find trouble on an hourly basis, Mr. B does and so my response rate is much slower (hoping someone else will find the mess first and clean it up before I get there).

I figured he either went back to the firetruck or would come running by momentarily. After a few minutes Beeb finished her art and we went in search of her brother. After going through the entire museum I started to get a little worried so I enlisted the aid of the staff. I really like their system. You tell them you need help finding your child, they take the child's description and radio it out to the other staff and then you get to sit on a bench lounging while you watch all these adults with hand radio sets run around for you.

Of course during all this you want to appear to be the worried parent so I decided it would be a dead give away if I continued to work on my hat. Every few minutes someone would come by and assure me that they would find Mr. B to which I would reply, "You might want to check any area that is off limits." only to be assured that everything was locked up or had an alarm. Yeah right.

It took about 20 minutes and six adults but he was finally located in a restricted area that was pitch black dressed as a fire fighter. Ah yes, who knows best? That would be "MOM". You could see the relief on all the employees faces. They actually thought they might have "lost" one, which made me giggle. Mr. B wasn't going anywhere and there would have been one heck of a fight if anyone tried to removed him from his precious fire truck before he was ready. As he told me repeatedly, it was his "job" to keep the girls away from the firetruck.

Pineapple Express

Today I got a call from AH at about 1:30pm with the news that he was headed home early from work. Was he sick? Not physically, just sick in the head.

You see, he came home early so he could clean the gutters out. Last night on the news they talked about the 3-10" of rain we are expecting over the next couple of days and it must have just bugged him all morning (while it was a raining buckets) to know his gutters were potentially over pouring. So he lost the battle, packed it in and headed home (his dad will be so proud - seriously). AH spent from 2:00pm - 5:30pm with the pressure washer cleaning gutters, decks, patios and our driveway. When he was done he was completely soaked down to his ankles. Luckily he has really nice Sorrels that kept his feet dry.



He is one tired hubby tonight. Good job babe!

A Procrastinator to the End

Yesterday I realized that I had better tackle Mr. B's October homework. Even though I didn't look at it until last night we luckily did his homework assignments without realizing it. Yeah for kindergarten simplicity. Whew!

I also decided we had better do better this month since his folder came home stuffed with things due in November. So for FHE we decorated, as a family, his paper turkey with feathers, pipe cleaners, colored pasta and of course colored it with markers. It was a fun little project and it isn't even due until this Friday!

This morning Mr. B and I filled out his chart about himself since he is being honored as the student of his class all this week. Of course I misread the original letter and sent him to school yesterday with nothing but the teacher politely sent the reminder back to us again. So today he and I picked out pictures, wrote in his favorite ___________ where appropriate and drew a picture of Fort Casey (his favorite place) and a motorcycle (if he could have one wish). Only a day late, not too bad!

Next we have to work on writing the letters they are studying this month and read for 400 minutes so he can earn the Mariners Pencil Pouch. The reading is cake, we do that every day. The writing will be a challenge since he hates it and I hate fighting with him over it.