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:)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The Gift List - by Tom
OK – I think I’ve got the list sorted out – Since we love having plants, both in and out of the house, I’m thinking of a multishelf planter for Sandy – one that will weather outdoors – have to find a lumber yard and see what kind of wood they have. I’ve taken some pictures of various planters I’ve seen while in stores or outdoors ( at Sarett Nature Center yesterday ) to help me figure out a design.
I do that a lot – take pictures, gather pictures, sketch pictures as I am mulling over a design of something – I usually find bits of each that I like and then kind of combine them – sort of like I cook. Take what you like from each recipe and get rid of the rest….Works for me.
I’m thinking of mosaics for the kids on a wood base – similar idea to what Sandy made for me with the table. Think I am going to do a picture of the lake/sky/beach/waves for Emma as she identifies energetically ( like I do ) with the lake and the muted, soothing hues of blues and greens. Got some pictures of this the other day while walking the dog on the beach.
Maggie’s is going to be a picture of the North Pier lighthouse – something with a little more vibrant colors as that suits her much more – Ever since she was quite small, she as loved bright colors – be it on her clothes or in her drawings or the way she decorates her room ( a watermelon motif of bright reds and greens ). The lighthouse has a big splash of red on it so that will suit. Need to get some pictures of it soon!
I chose both these ideas as a way to help turn the page to our new life adventure here near Lake Michigan. Wanted something to remember this year by as it was momentous, especially after being so firmly entrenched in the Detroit way of life for so long.
I’m helping the kids build an outdoor Santa decoration and a walking stick for Sandy ( It would make sense since the rest of us have them! ). There is plenty of cutting, sanding, painting, staining and assembly going on for these gifts, so they should be fun. As we like to decorate for Christmas ( happening as we speak, almost ) the Santa is a nice thought – He’ll even have a hat and scarf as well to help cope with the cold Michigan winters!
Back to school!
I do that a lot – take pictures, gather pictures, sketch pictures as I am mulling over a design of something – I usually find bits of each that I like and then kind of combine them – sort of like I cook. Take what you like from each recipe and get rid of the rest….Works for me.
I’m thinking of mosaics for the kids on a wood base – similar idea to what Sandy made for me with the table. Think I am going to do a picture of the lake/sky/beach/waves for Emma as she identifies energetically ( like I do ) with the lake and the muted, soothing hues of blues and greens. Got some pictures of this the other day while walking the dog on the beach.
Maggie’s is going to be a picture of the North Pier lighthouse – something with a little more vibrant colors as that suits her much more – Ever since she was quite small, she as loved bright colors – be it on her clothes or in her drawings or the way she decorates her room ( a watermelon motif of bright reds and greens ). The lighthouse has a big splash of red on it so that will suit. Need to get some pictures of it soon!
I chose both these ideas as a way to help turn the page to our new life adventure here near Lake Michigan. Wanted something to remember this year by as it was momentous, especially after being so firmly entrenched in the Detroit way of life for so long.
I’m helping the kids build an outdoor Santa decoration and a walking stick for Sandy ( It would make sense since the rest of us have them! ). There is plenty of cutting, sanding, painting, staining and assembly going on for these gifts, so they should be fun. As we like to decorate for Christmas ( happening as we speak, almost ) the Santa is a nice thought – He’ll even have a hat and scarf as well to help cope with the cold Michigan winters!
Back to school!
Let the fun begin - by Tom
Now that Thanksgiving is over, I can officially start panicking about getting my gifts completed in time. This year, with the recent move, made it difficult to start any earlier. I’ve done a lot of thinking ( like every year ) about what to do, and didn’t have any solid ideas until just a week or so ago. I’m still trying to finalize the list and then comes THE PLAN – when to work on them, how much they will cost, how long it will take to get them done, how to do it, etc. – this is still going on. I need to write this stuff down or I will forget something – not MIGHT forget, WILL forget. Guaranteed.
The kids have had their Mom ideas solidified for a long time. In fact, for the last month or so, the kids have been saying “Dad, we really got to get started on my gift to Mom – we really do” . And then we agree and then get on to something else and forget about it for a bit. They come up with some really clever ideas, but the gifts usually involve some cutting, drilling, sanding, etc. that requires my oversight. It has been a lot of fun to teach then how to use the various tools and pass along all the lessons that I had to learn the hard way!
Backtracking a bit, since the kids have gotten older ( happens every year – must be the water ), the gifts have gotten more complicated ( from painted ornaments to walking sticks, windchimes and jewelry boxes ). When they get an idea, they come to me and say “Dad, I’d like to make this for Mom. Do you know how to do that?” I, being the ever optimistic guy, say “I have no idea how to do that, but let’s give it a go anyway!” It’s the learning along the way that really is fun for me. Emma and Maggie have proven to be very capable problem solvers as inevitably we run into a bunch.
The kids have had their Mom ideas solidified for a long time. In fact, for the last month or so, the kids have been saying “Dad, we really got to get started on my gift to Mom – we really do” . And then we agree and then get on to something else and forget about it for a bit. They come up with some really clever ideas, but the gifts usually involve some cutting, drilling, sanding, etc. that requires my oversight. It has been a lot of fun to teach then how to use the various tools and pass along all the lessons that I had to learn the hard way!
Backtracking a bit, since the kids have gotten older ( happens every year – must be the water ), the gifts have gotten more complicated ( from painted ornaments to walking sticks, windchimes and jewelry boxes ). When they get an idea, they come to me and say “Dad, I’d like to make this for Mom. Do you know how to do that?” I, being the ever optimistic guy, say “I have no idea how to do that, but let’s give it a go anyway!” It’s the learning along the way that really is fun for me. Emma and Maggie have proven to be very capable problem solvers as inevitably we run into a bunch.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Cool new decoration - by Sandy
This is so cool! Tom bought a night light and replaced the bulbs with bubble lights then plugged them in around the house. It's great! Especially since that and the advent wreath are the only decorations so far. As soon as I can corral my family for the pre-decorating cleaning we'll be good to go.
Help! - by Maggie
Help! I'm stuck for everyone. Can't find what I need for Dad. Don't know what the measurments are for mom's, need paint for emma's! HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!
Presents Presents Presents! - by Emma
Hi there! We are still collecting materials for Dad's gift, but we have kinda hit a wall. Where in heck are we going to find blue beer bottles? I don't know, but there's got to be some somewhere. I just hope we can find them soon! As in less than 3 weeks. :0
In other news, Maggie's polly house is going quite well. I just need a large piece of cardboard. Which shouldn't be too hard to find since the basement is littered with cardboard boxes! I think that Maggie is going to love this gift. I can't wait to see her face when she opens it!( I've been keeping her 'gift in progress' hidden in the basement.) I must've found a good hiding place, she hasn't found it yet! :)
While the other presents are in good progress, Mom's gift has stalled. Her gift is a walking stick, which I'm working on with Dad. Help help help!! Every day we mean to get started--but we never start! I need to get started-it's only 3 weeks until Christmas! Help! <:0
In other news, Maggie's polly house is going quite well. I just need a large piece of cardboard. Which shouldn't be too hard to find since the basement is littered with cardboard boxes! I think that Maggie is going to love this gift. I can't wait to see her face when she opens it!( I've been keeping her 'gift in progress' hidden in the basement.) I must've found a good hiding place, she hasn't found it yet! :)
While the other presents are in good progress, Mom's gift has stalled. Her gift is a walking stick, which I'm working on with Dad. Help help help!! Every day we mean to get started--but we never start! I need to get started-it's only 3 weeks until Christmas! Help! <:0
Monday, December 1, 2008
One Key for Creating My Heart Filled Holiday - by Sandy
Yesterday was Calendar day. We all sat down with a December calendar and penciled in the things we want to do. For me, this is a key in creating a Heart Filled Holiday. I need to know when things are happening and that we really have enough time to do everything we think we're going to do. I also like to know when the really good stuff is happening so I can enjoy the anticipation!
We put in all our favorite traditions like cutting down the tree, decorating it, making cookies and more. We also put in all the Holiday parties and any other big things. Sometimes it starts to feel overwhelming, and that's when we start looking at what is really important and what might we want to skip this year. Last year we didn't send Christmas cards and we changed our light decorating expectations (the kids helped Dad decorate bushes and things for an afternoon instead of Dad spending an entire day putting almost 1000 big lights on the huge pine tree). This year we are skipping one of the Christmas parties.
Sometimes we move things around because of weather, or somthing else that came up, but I love having the calendar because now I know there is time for everything. The other thing I love is the excitement it creates. My girls are excited because we are baking cookies this weekend. I've heard it 3 times already this morning and it makes me feel good. That's a huge part of the joy for me and this simple tool helps me create it.
We put in all our favorite traditions like cutting down the tree, decorating it, making cookies and more. We also put in all the Holiday parties and any other big things. Sometimes it starts to feel overwhelming, and that's when we start looking at what is really important and what might we want to skip this year. Last year we didn't send Christmas cards and we changed our light decorating expectations (the kids helped Dad decorate bushes and things for an afternoon instead of Dad spending an entire day putting almost 1000 big lights on the huge pine tree). This year we are skipping one of the Christmas parties.
Sometimes we move things around because of weather, or somthing else that came up, but I love having the calendar because now I know there is time for everything. The other thing I love is the excitement it creates. My girls are excited because we are baking cookies this weekend. I've heard it 3 times already this morning and it makes me feel good. That's a huge part of the joy for me and this simple tool helps me create it.
A Magical Experience - by Sandy
I haven't been able to decide on a gift project for anyone yet. I have actually had a couple ideas for each of the girls, but I'm being careful to balance my enthusiasm and ideas with the time I want to spend on projects this year.
One of my ideas for Maggie is to make a dream catcher. She has always liked them, and who wouldn't want to keep the bad dreams away? This is a project that would be a lot of fun for me and wouldn't take weeks to make. It would also bring in feathers from the beach, and I really wanted a gift for her that incorporated something of our new home. This is perfect! Or so I thought until the next time I went to the beach. It had gotten cold, and snowed, and thawed, etc. and there wasn't a feather to be found anywhere.
This was not a happy moment. While I have other ideas, I really want to make the dream catcher for her. I was thinking about it and kept seeing myself making it and giving it to her, the happy expression on her little face. This is what I want and I just couldn't shift my attention to another idea.
A couple days later, Tom and I took the dog to the same beach, and there were feathers everywhere! Big feathers, small feathers, different colors and patterns. It was absolutely perfect and a reminder of the magic of Christmas. Believe.
One of my ideas for Maggie is to make a dream catcher. She has always liked them, and who wouldn't want to keep the bad dreams away? This is a project that would be a lot of fun for me and wouldn't take weeks to make. It would also bring in feathers from the beach, and I really wanted a gift for her that incorporated something of our new home. This is perfect! Or so I thought until the next time I went to the beach. It had gotten cold, and snowed, and thawed, etc. and there wasn't a feather to be found anywhere.
This was not a happy moment. While I have other ideas, I really want to make the dream catcher for her. I was thinking about it and kept seeing myself making it and giving it to her, the happy expression on her little face. This is what I want and I just couldn't shift my attention to another idea.
A couple days later, Tom and I took the dog to the same beach, and there were feathers everywhere! Big feathers, small feathers, different colors and patterns. It was absolutely perfect and a reminder of the magic of Christmas. Believe.
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