I want to thank all of you who have been so supportive and who have been following this blog. Many of you were wondering what happened to the blog, and to us. Well, life happened. People got sick, a great-aunt died, and we just couldn't do everything we had originally planned for the holiday.
We were sorry to miss out on sharing the Fowler holiday with you, but are grateful to all of you who have been a part of our season. We hope you enjoyed the blog entries that were posted and we wish you a very happy and blessed holiday season!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The First Christmas Special - by Sandy
Popped popcorn and watched one of the old Christmas specials together this evening. There's something magical about catching it on tv instead of popping in a DVD. Must just be nastalgia or something since it can't be the commercials:)
Bummer - by Sandy
AARRRGGHH! Went to the tree farm but it wasn't open yet (yes, we forgot to check hours). Bummer Looks like we'll do some house decorating instead.
It's Tree Day - WooHoo! - by Sandy
WooHoo! I'm off work, kids are almost done with school and then we're off to get our trees. I'm so excited - I love Christmas trees!
This year we are getting 2 trees. Emma loves little things, including little Christmas trees, and everyone else loves big trees. Therefore, she never gets the tree she wants. Well, in our new house I would love to have a small tree in the living room, soooooo, we told the girls they can pick out trees for the family this year. Emma's picking a little one for the living room and Maggie's picking a big one for the family room. Personally, I'm going to enjoy watching Tom try to persuade Maggie to get the tree he wants. This ought to be good.
This year we are getting 2 trees. Emma loves little things, including little Christmas trees, and everyone else loves big trees. Therefore, she never gets the tree she wants. Well, in our new house I would love to have a small tree in the living room, soooooo, we told the girls they can pick out trees for the family this year. Emma's picking a little one for the living room and Maggie's picking a big one for the family room. Personally, I'm going to enjoy watching Tom try to persuade Maggie to get the tree he wants. This ought to be good.
Progress!
Finally! Woke up this morning feeling much better and ready to get some work done for the Holidays! I made a little progress the last couple days, but still felt awful. Tuesday was the worst – I was Scrooge-like all day and would have gotten coal in my stocking had it continued any longer!
As is the case with me, nothing is permanent, including gift ideas. What started out as a plant stand has morphed into a lap desk as I was never 100% sold on the planter idea. You know the feeling – when something seems fine, but there is a little niggling voice in the back of your head that says it’s not the best you can do. Saw a catalogue with a lap desk and immediately felt much better about this idea.
Started looking at woodworking sites to peruse various plans, styles, etc. until I found one I liked. Of course, now I have to reassemble my woodworking tools ( jointer, drill press, etc. – packed for the move ) to get started. Feel much better about this idea. I have all the wood I need – just need to get going.
Tuesday, walking around Lowes in a cold-induced haze, I did manage to get some bits for the walking stick Emma would like to make for Sandy. I also saw some pieces ( not sure how to describe them ) that I thought would be neat for Maggie’s jewelry rack that she wants to make for Sandy. Will have to get her over there to see what she thinks. I thought it would be cool, but it is her gift so she has final say.
Kids are also working out a list/plan for the little wooden snowmen that they want to make for Mom. I need to do some of the cutting for them, but they need to put the plan together for materials, etc. These will be fun.
Yesterday I did some of the painting to which I alluded earlier. I went to a place called “Gotta Go Pottery” in town where they have all sorts unfinished ceramic pieces. The idea is you can paint them and the piece will be fired and, voila!, you have a personalized piece of ceramic. In my case, I painted two cups ( actually one cup and one large mug ) for my kids. The like hot chocolate and tea so I thought their own mugs might be neat. The smaller cup is for Emma for Christmas – she has always liked small, delicate things so thus my choice. I painted it in lady bug motif as she has always loved that. The larger mug is for Maggie on her birthday which is the day after Christmas. I painted it a plum color on the outside and a bright lime green on the inside as she has always loved bright colors. Hopefully these turned out cool – will find out next week.
Feel a bit relieved that I was able to make some progress on gifts. I seem to forget that, in years past, IOU’s have been given because a project was not completed in time – and that is OK. It’s the effort that counts – I will try and not sacrifice the quality of a gift by rushing through it. If I keep plugging away, I should be good, though.
Today is the Christmas tree expedition! – or should I say trees. Think we are going to get two – each of the kids will pick one. One will go in the den downstairs and one will be in the large living room window for the neighbors to see. Sun is shining so I am very excited to go. Can’t wait to see what they pick.
As is the case with me, nothing is permanent, including gift ideas. What started out as a plant stand has morphed into a lap desk as I was never 100% sold on the planter idea. You know the feeling – when something seems fine, but there is a little niggling voice in the back of your head that says it’s not the best you can do. Saw a catalogue with a lap desk and immediately felt much better about this idea.
Started looking at woodworking sites to peruse various plans, styles, etc. until I found one I liked. Of course, now I have to reassemble my woodworking tools ( jointer, drill press, etc. – packed for the move ) to get started. Feel much better about this idea. I have all the wood I need – just need to get going.
Tuesday, walking around Lowes in a cold-induced haze, I did manage to get some bits for the walking stick Emma would like to make for Sandy. I also saw some pieces ( not sure how to describe them ) that I thought would be neat for Maggie’s jewelry rack that she wants to make for Sandy. Will have to get her over there to see what she thinks. I thought it would be cool, but it is her gift so she has final say.
Kids are also working out a list/plan for the little wooden snowmen that they want to make for Mom. I need to do some of the cutting for them, but they need to put the plan together for materials, etc. These will be fun.
Yesterday I did some of the painting to which I alluded earlier. I went to a place called “Gotta Go Pottery” in town where they have all sorts unfinished ceramic pieces. The idea is you can paint them and the piece will be fired and, voila!, you have a personalized piece of ceramic. In my case, I painted two cups ( actually one cup and one large mug ) for my kids. The like hot chocolate and tea so I thought their own mugs might be neat. The smaller cup is for Emma for Christmas – she has always liked small, delicate things so thus my choice. I painted it in lady bug motif as she has always loved that. The larger mug is for Maggie on her birthday which is the day after Christmas. I painted it a plum color on the outside and a bright lime green on the inside as she has always loved bright colors. Hopefully these turned out cool – will find out next week.
Feel a bit relieved that I was able to make some progress on gifts. I seem to forget that, in years past, IOU’s have been given because a project was not completed in time – and that is OK. It’s the effort that counts – I will try and not sacrifice the quality of a gift by rushing through it. If I keep plugging away, I should be good, though.
Today is the Christmas tree expedition! – or should I say trees. Think we are going to get two – each of the kids will pick one. One will go in the den downstairs and one will be in the large living room window for the neighbors to see. Sun is shining so I am very excited to go. Can’t wait to see what they pick.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Need a tree farm - by Sandy
Looking for a new place to get a Christmas tree. Living in a new town means finding a new tree farm. Got 2 recommendations - the first is for a farm that cuts it down, hauls it out, shakes it, wraps it and loads it into your car. Definitely going for the second place so we can watch Dad crawl around on the ground, under a tree to saw it. Then we get the adventure of getting it on top of the truck and tying it down. This year we'll add to the excitement by getting 2 trees. Where on earth will we put 2 trees? I guess if we can get 4 people and an 8 ft. tree into a Mini Cooper we get 4 people and 2 trees home with an SUV.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Gingerbread Christmas - by Emma
Mom and I went gingerbread-house building today. This little project was at the library. It involved graham crackers, icing, candies and imagination. They gave you a house made from posterboard, some candies and icing, and let you do the rest! This bread-house building was probably the most fun out of all the programs the library has ever done. And I got Mom to myself for a change, which made it even better. Basic equation: Gingerbread house building + Mom time = FUNFUNFUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)
Gingerbread houses = fun time for everyone!
Gingerbread houses = fun time for everyone!
Daily Fuss - by Sandy
Aarrggh! The daily fuss about blowing out the candles on the advent wreath. Makes me wonder if it's really worth it sometimes.
Blaahhhggg - by Tom
Feeling like warmed over meatloaf that's been left on the counter for 2 days so you won't hear much out of me until I feel better (and handmade's going to take on a whole new meaning like "hand made by WalMart" if I don't start feeling better pretty quick)
Oops -by Sandy
Phooey! We just realized we were going to decorate the house yesterday. Guess it's a good thing we're flexible. Family house decorating day just got switched to "lay boxes out in the living room and anyone can grab stuff and put it out".
It's also a good thing my girls taught me to lighten up on the decorating scheme a few years ago. I used to want everything out a certain way. I had to have the mantle just so and lights on top of the wall unit set up with snow and the whole Christmas village and all that jazz. Then of course certain areas had certain themes (the living room and dining room were red, gold and crystal while the family room and kitchen were "family decorations" and traditional red and green stuff). Well, a few years ago, when I was starting my real estate business, I came home to discover that my girls had pulled out all the boxes and decorated the whole house! It wasn't what I would have done, but it was wonderful and they were so proud of themselves for helping Mom that I could only be thrilled. In that moment I learned that what matters is how my family feels about the decorations, not what they look likel.
It's also a good thing my girls taught me to lighten up on the decorating scheme a few years ago. I used to want everything out a certain way. I had to have the mantle just so and lights on top of the wall unit set up with snow and the whole Christmas village and all that jazz. Then of course certain areas had certain themes (the living room and dining room were red, gold and crystal while the family room and kitchen were "family decorations" and traditional red and green stuff). Well, a few years ago, when I was starting my real estate business, I came home to discover that my girls had pulled out all the boxes and decorated the whole house! It wasn't what I would have done, but it was wonderful and they were so proud of themselves for helping Mom that I could only be thrilled. In that moment I learned that what matters is how my family feels about the decorations, not what they look likel.
Cookie Day - by Sandy
Cookie day was great! The girls and I tried 2 new recipes this year. One is actually meringue, not a cookie, but they loved watching the egg whites fluff and thicken and they enjoyed mixing in the food coloring. Although, I think one of their favorite things was whacking the bag of candy canes (both recipes called for smashed candy canes and we all enjoyed creating those). I don't know if they like eating these as much as we like eating chocolate chip or oatmeal, but we had a great time making them.
Cookie baking day was interesting to me because I saw my little girls growing up. They really don't need me for this activity any more - they are more than capable of making all the cookies on their own. And what's wonderful about this realization is the one that follows - they want me to be part of this. It's not about needing my help, but wanting my company. Now there's a warm fuzzy holiday moment to treasure.
Best of all is that we still have more cookies to do so we get to spend another day making sugar cookies. Woo Hoo!
Cookie baking day was interesting to me because I saw my little girls growing up. They really don't need me for this activity any more - they are more than capable of making all the cookies on their own. And what's wonderful about this realization is the one that follows - they want me to be part of this. It's not about needing my help, but wanting my company. Now there's a warm fuzzy holiday moment to treasure.
Best of all is that we still have more cookies to do so we get to spend another day making sugar cookies. Woo Hoo!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Curses..foiled again - Tom
Had high hopes of yesterday making some inroads on the presents and woke up with a cold - nothing spectacular, but a cold, nonetheless. The relentless coughing does not allow me to do the mosaics I'm planning, or the painting ( just thought of this idea recently! - more later ). So, anyway, I have been taking my vitamins, hydrating, sleeping as much as possible ( woke up on downstairs couch this a.m. as I did not want to wake Sandy with midnight coughing fit) only to be serenaded to wakefulness by Maggie's guinea pigs, Mickey & Squiggles, alternately banging on the water bottle and knawing on the metal hay manger - When they're up...everybody is up! Oh well - hard to get mad at these guys - they're cool little pigs. So, just resting as much and trying to kill this thing quick before it turns in to something serious.
Besides, I'm a rotten patient, so my family wants me to get better, too. I tend to get......grumpy, when I'm sick - makes me mad.
So, I'm going to spend the day making some lists of all the materials I need for all the gifts I'm making,all the stores I need to visit and start putting time estimates to them ( these are funny, really ). Still have to factor in school with the kids during the week, as well as meals, shopping, cleaning and such - yes, ladies - a real life Mr. Mom. I do not, however, wear the cute black and white maid outfit, if anybody is thinking that ( I really hope not ). Think Michael Keaton ( from the movie of the same name ). I also do not dust.
Meanwhile, it's cookie baking day for the girls - they always have a lot of fun doing this and I always end up eating dough for eight hours - guess my immune system is going to take a major hit today...or...I show some intestinal fortitude and ignore the dough temptation.
Right.
Besides, I'm a rotten patient, so my family wants me to get better, too. I tend to get......grumpy, when I'm sick - makes me mad.
So, I'm going to spend the day making some lists of all the materials I need for all the gifts I'm making,all the stores I need to visit and start putting time estimates to them ( these are funny, really ). Still have to factor in school with the kids during the week, as well as meals, shopping, cleaning and such - yes, ladies - a real life Mr. Mom. I do not, however, wear the cute black and white maid outfit, if anybody is thinking that ( I really hope not ). Think Michael Keaton ( from the movie of the same name ). I also do not dust.
Meanwhile, it's cookie baking day for the girls - they always have a lot of fun doing this and I always end up eating dough for eight hours - guess my immune system is going to take a major hit today...or...I show some intestinal fortitude and ignore the dough temptation.
Right.
Friday, December 5, 2008
It's beginning to look a bit like Christmas - by Sandy
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....Snow is falling, our wreath is up, it's starting to feel a little bit like Christmas. I hope the kids feel like decorating inside this weekend. I really need some decorations and carols to get my mind off work and into holiday mode.
Right now, just looking forward to a relaxing evening with the family and maybe a fun book.
Right now, just looking forward to a relaxing evening with the family and maybe a fun book.
Is it selfish? - by Sandy
Two things happened yesterday that got me thinking. First, I was interviewed for ReclaimU Radio yesterday (you can hear the interview on the home page at Heart Filled Holidays) and second I went to the store. In the interview the host asked me what a heart filled holiday is. Then, when I went to the drugstore,the cashier had some problems and the people in line had to wait a long time. I spent my time thinking about the fun weekend plans with my family so when I got up to the front of the line and she was feeling bad and apologizing I was honestly not upset, and in fact was quite happy and telling her how it was no problem, don't worry about it etc. That mood caught on and the next couple people in line chimed in, adding the same comments with big smiles on their faces. As I took my package and left, there was a whole group of happy, smiling people.
Staying in the true spirit of Christmas and focusing on the great things happening for me let me share that loving spirit with others. That makes a difference. Creating a Heart Filled Holiday is about creating warm fuzzies for yourself, and it's about enjoying your holiday. That may seem selfish, but all that joy and love spills over and makes a difference in other people's holiday too. So if you're looking for a way to make a difference this holiday, start with yourself and let your joy spill over.
Staying in the true spirit of Christmas and focusing on the great things happening for me let me share that loving spirit with others. That makes a difference. Creating a Heart Filled Holiday is about creating warm fuzzies for yourself, and it's about enjoying your holiday. That may seem selfish, but all that joy and love spills over and makes a difference in other people's holiday too. So if you're looking for a way to make a difference this holiday, start with yourself and let your joy spill over.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
YAY - by Maggie
figured out the details for dad's present!! i'd love to explain it to you but i have no idea how, it's so weird:):)
Cold, dead pictures - Tom
Pictures...Went to the beach this a.m. for a walk with Sandy and Griffin in the "crisp" morning air, brought camera for some reference shots of the lighthouse - couple of things come to mind as I thaw out: 25 deg. and 20mph wind is not "crisp" - it's "COLD". After walking towards the North Pier to get said pictures, the half of my face facing the lake was numb, despite the two sweatshirt hoods, wool hat and coat hood. Hands were nice and toasty until I took the gloves off to get some shots - I've never tried so hard to take a bunch of photos so fast before my fingers fell off - ouch. Anyway - packed up dog and drove to North Pier to get some shots from close up and higher up on a dune. Great plan, had the perfect shot.....and the camera battery was dead....Cool ( so to speak ).
Looks like I need another trip....At least I know where to go straight away to get the pictures I want.
Looks like I need another trip....At least I know where to go straight away to get the pictures I want.
Anticipation - by Sandy
Posting what's happening for Christmas is kind of interesting. We have all agreed not to read each other's blog entries so now my friends and family know more about what's happening in our house than I do! I'm wondering what the kids said on-line because then they got phone calls from their uncle and suddenly there is a shift. Hmmm....
I'm excited about baking cookies this weekend. I've been really busy with work and I can't wait to have some girl time. We'll blast Christmas carols, sing along, sneak dough, and just have fun. Then, of course, we have to test the cookies too. It's a tough job but someone has to do it:)
I'm excited about baking cookies this weekend. I've been really busy with work and I can't wait to have some girl time. We'll blast Christmas carols, sing along, sneak dough, and just have fun. Then, of course, we have to test the cookies too. It's a tough job but someone has to do it:)
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