NYE

New Year's Eve, and I think back on 2015.......


I don't blog as much as I should because ___________.

A)     I'm busy

B)     I'm lazy

C)     I'm me

D)     All of the above


I'm busy.  Drive my kids.  Shepherd my kids.  Double check their schoolwork and backpacks.  Coddle them too much.  Teach them to do chores (and attempt to not re-do those things they do.)  Clean stuff.  Clean up after them.  Cook and shop.  Perform other duties as assigned.

I'm lazy.  Sweep only once a week (tops.)  Mop quarterly.  Clean bathrooms monthly.  Vacuum as needed.  Launder smaller loads more often or bigger loads less often.  Stalk Facebook and play solitaire daily.  Finish a new book within two days.

I'm me.  Get ideas and then forget them.  Worry about yanking someone's chain.  Wonder about even caring what others think.  Plan out things mentally.  Can't find some photo.  Endure PMS, the stalled-brain and the motivation shut-down.  Go to play rehearsal.  Spend sweet, comfortable time with Carl.


Isn't everyone, 365?

While Everyone Else Is Cleaning Up

I have many, many friends who have a compulsion to have Christmas put away before News Year's Day.

I put it off as long as possible.

I love the glow of my Christmas tree lights.  I love the tenderness of my creche.  I love the personality of my decorations.  I love the visual reminders to be kind.

While others have solid reasons for putting away in a timely manner, I shall put forth my reasons for waiting as long as possible.

I do not like to take down Christmas before January 6th, the traditional Three Kings Day.  With my play going into tech week not long after, I'll be too busy & preoccupied to do my efficient effort of packing away.

Christmas will stay up through the end of January.

Any longer than that, and I'll have to dust more.

Pin It

I accumulate Christmas pins.  And earrings.  I would say collect, but I don't hunt them down on the internet or shop in stores.  I mostly find them in the thrift stores.  I've fallen in love with their charms.

My first pin was a gift from my mom when I was in 4th grade.  A Hallmark pin of the happy little snowman holding a wreath and his little redbird friend.  I was impressed that my mom trusted me a piece of jewelry I was allowed to wear to school.  (My mom is a worry-wort.)  In high school, I got a few more as gifts-- teddy bears, enamel bells, and some Christmas earrings.  In college, my own Babchu bequeathed me her vintage Christmas tree pins, many she bought second-hand, too.

I finally realized that I needed a storage system.  The red box worked for many years holding everything; it swings open with four trays (that once held treats.)  Those boxes from the Santa Shoppe?  They have allowed me to easily see all of my earrings and tree pins.

My kids have taught me that life is too fun to wear boring socks.  I have a tin of Christmas socks.  Next year I plan to tote the purse my mom passed on to me.

Y'all, when I "deck," I "deck."

(Well, not all-out.  I'm rather picky with my sweaters......)

Avalanche!

My poor kids have it so, so rough.  They "had Christmas" with their dad's family in Ft. Payne on December 19.  They "had Christmas" from Santa at their dad's house on Christmas Day.  They "had Christmas" with my mom and brother in Decatur on December 26.  They "had Christmas" at our house on December 27.

Tons of stuff.

I'm grateful.  I'm grateful that the kids are so loved that they lack for nothing, even for things they don't know they want yet.

But, oh my! What a pile.....

Two Turtle Doves

If you count, today is the "Second Day of Christmas."

"Two Turtle Doves" you know.

So, Hallmark started a new "12 Day of Christmas" ornament series five years ago.  Carl's and my first Christmas was the second year of the series, and I just HAD to get the ornament for him.

He loved it!

(Even after I wrapped it in at least seven layers of papered boxes.  Which I did just to "grinch" him; he was proud of his impatience with waiting to open presents.)

We keep it out year-round, as I've mentioned before.

Our next year, we got lucky.  Hallmark re-issued "Day 1" and "Day 2" as a two ornament set for those late to the carol.  So I purchased the set and "Day 3."  We're caught up and I have a separate ornament just for Christmas.

I enjoy giving my family at least one ornament every year, and they enjoy getting them.  For Carl, it's the "12 Days of Christmas."  For MLB, it's the "Season's Treatings."  For DLG, it's "Making Memories."  I've been collecting, for myself, the "Commemorative Glass Ball" and the "North Pole Helpers."  I use great restraint to keep my additional purchases to less than ten more ornaments.

But this post is about two sweet little birds with sheet-music wings.

On the Feast of Stephen

My daddy would have turned 75 today.

I still miss him.

Year and a half, and I do miss him.  I have to accept he lived his life the way he wanted, and if that meant dying sooner than I would have liked, well....    I remember and cherish all that was wonderful and amazing and loving about him.  What was fallible and fragile about him, however, I won't forget.  I won't forget, because it helps me continue to grow into the better person he hoped for me to be.

My daddy would have turned 75 today.

Carl & I & the kids drove over to my mom's house to "have" Christmas. Wow! my mom & my brother spoiled the kids.  I built a tower of gifts around me as they opened them.  My dad would have enjoyed watching them.  We ate "finger" foods like cheese and crackers, but not any cheese and crackers; even trying to do "simple," my mom served baked brie and gourmet crackers.  She made mimosas.  In memory of my dad, a tumbler half-filled with bourbon was at the head of the table.

My daddy would have turned 75 today.

While the kids played, my mom pulled out a DVD of our "old home movies."  I hardly saw my dad in any of them; he was the guy with the 8mm camera.  Even with him "missing" from the reels, I knew it was him with the camera.  He not only would film people, he'd film the scene. Many of the movies were from Christmases, and there were almost as many frames of the tree and the china and the furniture.

My daddy would have turned 75 today.

My mom would make a big deal of his birthday, since it falls the day after Christmas-- laments about him not getting a cake or presents as a kid. (His sister said otherwise, and my dad admitted it, but it made my mom happy to make a fuss over him.)  If we couldn't be there on Christmas, she wanted us there on the 26th.  She'd make him a cake he liked-- Carrot cake, German chocolate, Italian cream (things my brother wouldn't eat.)

My daddy would have turned 75 today.

He loved Christmas!  My mom loves the decorating and the cooking and the presents.  My dad loved the enjoyment.  My mom would make special foods, and he enjoyed eating them.  He enjoyed hearing people compliment her cooking.  He enjoyed watching us open the gifts.  My dad never wanted anything special for gifts; practical things like socks or wood glue made him content.  But my dad was a great present selector!  He wrapped them perfectly... or deceptively......  He enjoyed the music the best, and would sing with joy.  My dad had a strong and beautiful voice, and he gladly shared with everyone.  But mostly, he enjoyed the wonder and joy of KIDS at Christmas.  We tease my mom about "loving" her grandkids more than her kids.  But in his less-over-the-top manner, my dad adored and cherished his grandkids as much.  He was happy with them sitting his lap.  If the baby was fighting sleep, his warm embrace and his warm voice lulled them.

My daddy would have turned 75 today.

I'm afraid that my kids won't remember him.  I hope I have enough pictures and memories to remind them (especially for DLG) of their precious, short time with their Paw-Paw.

My daddy would have turned 75 today.

I love you, Daddy.

Merry Christmas!

We are waiting to "have Christmas" when the kids are back with us.

My Carl is a love, and gave me my special gift today.....

Hmmmm....
small artisan box....
Le Real......
le animale....

artisan bag....
is that a cat.....

No!!!
Not a cat!
A rabbit!
Not just ANY bunny......

My very own
REAL
Velveteen Rabbit!

Do you see
how he dances
for joy!

When the fairy
kissed him for
the last time,
he became real.








He loves me.  My husband "gets" me and he so truly loves me.  We are real.

All Is Calm. But Not Quite So Bright.

This year the kids are spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with their dad.

It's only fair.

Our first year separated, I stayed overnight on the sofa.  Scott sang at the night Mass, and I was there for the kids, and shared their joy in the morning.  The next year, Scott sang as usual, but the kids stayed with me at my house; oh, the joy Carl had in being a part of a kid Christmas!!  Later, Scott came to get them for Christmas at his house.  And last year, we did the same, but sadly Carl was flirting with pneumonia, and so HEMSI's "sleigh" carted him off to the ER for breathing treatments.  The kids and I had a muted, but loving, Christmas morning before Scott came to get them earlier than planned.

But, this year, Scott wanted Santa to visit his house, and it's only fair.

It's quiet without the kids.  I have time to catch up on laundry, on blogging.

Carl and I have spent the day eating nothing but snack foods.  Can't do that around your kids.

I called, and they were happily decorating the tree, playing with their toys from Ft. Payne and planning a visit with some neighbors.

What's best for the kids, for others, that's only fair.

The kid in the manger tells us it's so.

Christmas Eve Eve

So, I offered up "50 Days of Christmas."

So, where are the other 15 days?

What happened to the last 2 weeks???

Um, life, kids and hormones?

Yeah.

(But I have the goods, they're just not committed.)

Winter Solstice

Here upon our shortest day of the year, and the longest night, let me amuse you with a few more year-round Christmas touches.

Joy!  This is important to me.  As a picked-on kid, my life lacked joy, except when I was walking in the woods or riding my bike.  I didn't know it was joy that I lacked.  I just knew I was unhappy.  As a teenager, I kinda "found" who I was, found groups of friends I could be myself with.  And, every now and then, I found myself surprised by a happy, bubbly feeling in the very core of my self.  I wondered what it was.  I wondered if a shoe or two were about to drop and stomp that feeling away.  Nope.  To say I found joy would be incorrect.  I'd found a place in me where I could relax, be free and let joy find me.

My "favorite" JOY,
made in college
from repurposed ornaments

A smallish, but increasing flock of penguins have settled here.  I would say Opus, from a colligate crush, was my first, but he's Opus, man, not just a bird.  Penelope is actually my first, acquired after she bit me, Miss Preen, in "The Man Who Came to Dinner."  I also acquired several penguin Christmas ornaments that year as cast gifts.  Still not penguin-mania, but the stage is set.

We don't know why MLB loves penguins so.  Maybe its because they are an adorable blend of science & cartoon. Maybe it's because, as he was practicing walking, the toddler-sized Penelope was a great target.  But when DLG was in 4yo-Pre-K, she personally chose and bought her brother a penguin, at the same time he was buying himself one at his school's Candy Cane Lane shop.  He fell in love, and Pengu has been a constant companion since. The one he bought was named Anonymous, and they have been joined by Sparkle the baby Gentoo and little penguin themed things.  His sister has a couple of penguins as well, Waddles and Little Penelope.  Yes, I might have to rename our home "The Rookery."

Cats and Christmas go together.

The music box my beloved Babchu let me play with. Artfully hidden so my kids don't play with it.  (I'm surprised it survived me!)

Vintage Shiny-Brite ornaments.  They remind me of my childhood-- both of my grandmothers had these, my parents still used their "our first christmas tree" ones.  Their gentle patinas are comforting.

Finally, our "Two Turtle Doves." My first gift to Carlos.  It's us. Love-come-down is the reason for the season.  I'm glad Carl and I can shine that love to each other.

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Christmas is almost here.  Soon the season of waiting will be over, and the Gift of Gifts will be God with us.

Where will the Christ be born?  The Prophet Micah says Bethlehem.

The Psalmist proclaims that the shepherd of Israel will rouse from his heavenly throne, will be the right hand of God.

St. Paul writes to remind the Hebrews that Jesus came bodily to do the will of the Father, as told in the scrolls.

St. Luke shares with us Mary's visit with her kinswoman Elizabeth.

Magnificat.

Date Night

STAR WARS:  THE FORCE AWAKENS!

BEST.  MOVIE.  IN.  YEARS!!!!!

(I loved it, can you tell?)

JJ knows his stuff and his audience.  Great Xmas gift to those of us who were all of an impressionable nine when we saw "Star Wars" for the first time.

But since this has little to do with our actual winter holiday, here's your moment:

Trimming Out the Tree

Would you believe this Christmas nut did not get her tree decorated until today?

Yeah, I guess I haven't been THAT busy.  But the kids have been, and I wanted them to help.

Just like my mom did for my brother & I, I divided the ornaments evenly between them.  Same number, same types.  Limited squabbling.

As MLB gets older and taller, he does better and better with distribution.

DLG, bless her, still clumps.

When finished, Carl topped the tree with the angel.  Which he didn't understand, since he could have done it earlier this week without risk of toppling over a tree full ornaments or accidentally brushing a few off.  It's tradition, duh.  (Though some traditions might need re-examining and changing.)

Another tradition is Mom not being able to stand it and rearranging ornaments after the kids leave with their dad for Ft. Payne.

Come on.  You do it, too.

Last Day of School

It's the last day of school before the "Holiday" Break.  Normally, I would pick the kids up after school during "my" week, but today they went to "After-school Labs" to join in their Christmas parties.

I wouldn't have thought of it, but two weeks ago, MLB & I hung out at DLG's school before ballet class.  (Someone had a load of homework to finish before his sister's Christmas Dance.)  While I was there, the Lab teachers asked if DLG would be at the party.

Hmmm, sure.  Why not?

So DLG got to have a party in Sunday School, two birthday parties, a ballet party, an Accelerated Reader party, a classroom party, a Grinch party AND this one.

Poor MLB is in Middle School now.  I think they had a party in Sunday School, but getting a turn at selecting a gift required a correct answer in a study game.  (So Mr. Professor comes up the first right answer and selects a penguin Pez dispenser.  Figures.)

It wasn't until this week that it even occurred to me that a party at MLB's After-school Lab would happen.  In for a daughter, in for a son.

You would not BELIEVE how quickly MLB woke up this morning, ate breakfast and got ready for school.  All with a smile on his face.

His school serves good snacks.

So the boy came home with a few treats left and a tummy full of pizza (and ready for more.)

The girl still had cupcake frosting on her face, and brought back gifts-- a game and a smaller caramel-colored bear that looks like it could be Mr. Bear's little sister.  And so Miss Bear is.

Days like this are what I do miss about being a kid in school.

The Little Touches

I want to wait to decorate the tree until the kids have undistracted time.

But I can add a few touches here and there.

Some special ornaments: the 12 Days of Christmas (1-4), mini ornaments,
an ornament for Carl, an ornament for me, my favorite joy

Our annual BSA wreath and a mini

Little Frosty and Friends!

This year's "new" ornaments.
I began this last year, so I could enjoy them!

Joy! And a sweet pair.

The Bearringers of Victoria Circle, and of course, Santa and company

And Done!

Kinda' thrilled, here.  I'd gotten ALL of my Christmas shopping done by December 5th.  Except for the Wilton "Cookie Tree" kit to go with MLB's ornament this year.

Wouldn't you know it, that THIS is the year they discontinue it.  Which is why I haven't found it in the stores, oh these long months.

If Wal-mart can't help Santa's helper, then Amazon Prime will!

Package arrived, and presents wrapped!

Hi-Ho, the Lizzie-O! A Thrifting We Will Go!

I spend way too much time at thrift stores.

I can't say "too much money," because everything is priced to sell, and my money goes to support community causes like animal rescue, addiction recovery, economically disadvantaged and unsheltered.

I'm shopping local.  That's good.

I'm "recycling."  That's good.

But boy! I have to watch myself, or I'll run late to pick up the kids or get to the grocery store before dinner.

Then there's the use and storage of my "treasures."

That's why-- use & storage issues-- I tend to buy certain types of items:

Books
Kid clothes
Kitchen tools
Crafting
Christmas Decor


Man, really cool Christmas stuff shows up. Even before Christmas.

There's the holiday glassware...

and books.....

but also ornaments!  I get some that are unique.  Like Miss Bianca, here.

Some that are old.  Antique Shiny Brite!  Retro Lucite!  Vintage Mirro!

And new....  I'm starting to find some Hallmark ornaments!

 Or how about this:

I've named her "Liv."  Really.  You doubt me???


"Oh, Liv, the udder reindeer."

A Party with Friends

DLG's second party to attend was Sunday afternoon.  The invitations were, as usual, delivered at school.

Not as usual, the invitation was delivered by a small stuffed bear who requested, not only DLG's presence, but the presence of her favorite stuffed animal as well.

Our new friend is now named "Mr. Bear."

We brought Mr. Bear and Baby Cheetah to the party.

Again, this was a party where adult family members and parents of guests outnumbered the kids, which is all well and good.  "Mom" loves to have fun parties with a theme, and this was no exception.  The theme was "stuffed."  Stuffed animals, games involving stuffed animals, finger-foods "stuffed" like fried cheese, pizza rolls and sandwich cookies.  We were hosted at the home, and we all felt very at home.  One of their hobbies/sources of income is vintage "recycling" and home decor.

Definitely my kind of place.

Here are the kids waiting for the next game to start.

Nothing was fussy!  They used their own stuffed animals for decoration (see them peeking out everywhere, including the Christmas tree?)  DLG was one happy guest, and I am thankful.

I must admit, DLG is going through school with a great bunch of kids with really cool parents.  I hope she (and her family,) can bring something good to their lives as well.

3rd Sunday of Advent

Gaudete Sunday!  Light the rose candle!

The Prophet Zephaniah says: "Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!  Sing joyfully, O Israel!  Be joyful and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!  The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love!"

The Psalmist sings: "Cry out with joy and gladness; for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel!"

St. Paul reminds his brothers and sister in Philippa: "Rejoice in the Lord always.  I shall say it again, rejoice!"

St. Luke tells us of the preaching of John the Baptist; the multitudes came to receive a baptism of forgiveness, and repentant, they asked how to change their ways.  He preached the good news to all who would hear.

Always, let us choose the way of joy and light.

Skate Party

So.  DLG got invited to not one, but TWO birthday parties this weekend. Me? I didn't grow up attending all sorts of classmates' parties, and I never had anything larger than a few friends over, but times are what they are.

She was excited about this party, because it was going to be held at a roller-skating rink.  She went skating with her kindergarten class last year and thought it was fun.

When I asked DLG what she wanted as gift for her friend, she quickly answered, "Build-A-Bear gift card!"  (Yes! That's my girl!  And Costco sells a handy discounted 4-pack!!)

The party was fun.  Only four other kids attended (holiday events and all,) but it's never about the quantity but the quality.  I think the party qualified as ENJOYED, by kids and grandparents and aunts and uncles and us parents!  I did what I do better than small-talk; I helped out with set up and clean up.  (Didn't grow up with parties, but have been to a few since I had kids, and I know that parents appreciate the help so they can get back to enjoying the day with their child.)

The birthday girl likes anything "Frozen," so we had plenty of Elsa, Anna and Olaf.  How can snow-magic not be Christmassy???

I'm usually the play-with-the-kids mom, but I really did't feeling like donning a pair of quads.  DLG wanted me to help her skate, or rent her a PVC "stabilizer," but I want her to truly learn to get her balance, falls and all.  I told her that once she learns to not be afraid of falling (it will happen to everyone,) then she'll feel more comfortable skating.  Her friends were mostly wobbly, too, and several parents (and one grandparent) were skating themselves.

Here's my little being helped by an aunt.

Sweetness, isn't it.

But in case a vague reference to Christmas isn't enough, here's something festive from around my house:

Warm footwear that won't roll.

Santa Shoppe

Just call me "sucker."

No, don't.

I wanted to help guide DLG when she did her Christmas shopping at school.  Instead, I found myself volunteering to help most of the kids.

The mom who was chairing this year's Santa Shoppe had so much to deal with.... there were incorrect dates in the newsletter, she first got an incomplete list of teachers, the classes began all sorts of standardized testing that week so schedules were constantly being rearranged....

I merely came in to ask when DLG's class was scheduled, but the secretary hadn't been told.  Claylie asked if I could help Thursday morning, as they were short on volunteers.  I said sure, why not.

Turned out for the best!  I had a great time.  I met some other 1st-grade moms I hadn't met yet, and got to hang out with moms I've known since Pre-K days (GS-MMO & MtG).  It was, when we weren't swamped, quite the "hen party."  (Carl'd never heard that term before!)

It was fun, but sometimes heartbreaking to help the kids chose gifts.  The company that creates & ships this concept has seriously over-priced this dollar-store-type merchandise.  But, you pay for convenience and for labor.  I doubt anyone is getting rich on this.  Some kids looked so disappointed when they had to rethink what they thought were the best choices for family and friends.  Yeah.... all us moms did "slip" some kids a buck or two, or several quarters, to help out.

Then there were the kids with adequate money and determined to spend every last quarter!  (I say adequate; for some it was "lots," like $20--$40, since it saved mom a trip to the store; for others, it was enough to get everyone gifts, even if the gifts were only $1 each.)

All and all, it was fun.  Next year, and yes, I likely will help next year, we hope we can ask the company to provide more items $2 and less and nothing over $8-$10.  Not sure if we have an option, but we saw what did work.  We'll also have to schedule it for more days with fewer classes each day (the younger they were, the more likely they were to shop the $2 and under merchandise, while the older kids either had adequate money or gladly didn't participate.)  With more standardized testing, we will HAVE to pin-down the testing days to be able to have a solid schedule.

Sigh, Lizzie-the-mostly-organized is on the case.....

Oh, and I'm very proud of DLG.  She only bought 2 things this year (I try to do the shopping for them, for my sanity's sake....)  She bought a cute rubber duck for her teacher.  And a surprise for me!

I cannot wait for Christmas!

A Christmas Dance

My daughter loves her ballet class.  As a treat to the parents, each class performs a Christmas Dance for us.  She was so excited to show us how well she could "Jingle Bell Rock"!  Like I was, she is quick to learn the routine and be on mark & cue.  She still working on the do-not-think part of dancing, but she'll smile more and more as the years go on. This is only year number two.

When they showed off their jetés, sautés and classical walks, we noted that DLG kept herself in alignment-- head to neck to shoulders to back to hips to knees to feet.  Ah, she is becoming a wonderful dancer!  We are glad she enjoys it so!

The Second Sunday of Advent

It is now Wednesday of the second week of advent.  The holiday preparations are ramping up.

The first reading for the Sunday was from the Prophet Baruch, another one who told Jerusalem that the days of mourning were over and to put on the splendor of the glory of God.

I had the joy to proclaim the second reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians.  He comforted and encouraged those of Christ by saying, "I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus."

The gospel continued from St. Luke.  In the third chapter, he historically sets this account of wonder by recounting who was in power at the time. Amidst all of this jurisdiction, a voice cries out in the wilderness to prepare a way for the Lord.

Just Because.....

Jolly Old St. Nicholas

Growing up, I and my family didn't celebrate St. Nicholas' Day, even though I'd read about all sorts of "old world" customs like it, St. Lucy's Day and Three Kings' Day.  A friend of mine added it to her kids' celebrations, to encourage their more spiritual side.  But, nope, not here.

And then my kids were asked to put their shoes outside the doors of their Sunday School classes.

Boy, did they get hyped up about St. Nicholas visiting!  The RE Director got a teenager to dress up as the good bishop.

The younger kids receive this prayer card ornament.

The back of it tells the legend of St. Nicholas with what facts are known. 

Now MLB & DLG look forward to this every year, even at my house.

St. Nicholas wants to help my kids look forward to the coming Christmas Day.  He usually brings each a book about the spirit of the season.  Often times, he brings an ornament/decoration to hang on the family tree or to keep near in their rooms.  Of course, he brings a sweet treat.  Last year he brought them peppermints like my dad would give them, and those plush gingerbread people holding little mints, as well as pairs of large jingle-bell stars, all to let them know that St. Nichols was keeping an eye on their Paw-paw in heaven.

This year's visit brought fun:

Hallmark has developed their own North Pole tales, so we now have welcomed little Snowby bear, and books about he & his friends.  There's also little "stationary" sets for their creative side, and more Charleston Chew than they have teeth left to pull.

They tripped over each other putting their shoes out the night before, but MLB was sweet enough to let his sister wake up before collecting his treasures Sunday morning.  They've both read each book at least twice.

What a sweet part of the season.