Christmas Memories

Can it be that each Christmas is better than that last? Perhaps because this one was so relaxed and so focused on exactly what it should be- family, simple traditions and the real reason for the holiday.

I made lots of alterations to my routine this year...I downsized, simplified and focused on my family and the things that we love the most. I made cookies, whipped up a batch of seasoning to use as a homemade gift for my teammates, neighbors and friends and planned easy meals so that I wasn't slaving away and could enjoy the togetherness of the day. Cooper and I decorated a gingerbread house and sugar cookies for Christmas Eve and a visit from some friends. I felt so prepared and so calm- able to enjoy the season and my family. Hooray!

Here are a few of the moments that we shared, and loved.



Merry Christmas to All!

Sick Chick

That's what my mom would always say when we were growing up and one of us was sick.

"we have a sick chick"

Well, we have a sick chick- and it's pitiful. Poor little thing. He's so sick that he's sleeping on the kitchen floor because that's where the dog is and she is the only thing that makes him feel better.



We thought he was faking last night (yes, I'm aware that I'm not winning any awards here). He thought that there was a program at school today and he wasn't quite ready to make his 1st grade stage debut. I assured him that the program wasn't until next week and he'd be fine but he still insisted that he didn't feel well. He ate some dinner and was on the sofa until it was time for bed. He asked me to carry him- ok, I'll play along....as we got to the bottom of the steps, he looks up and says- "go back, go back" and then...he got sick all over the place. I.FELT.SO.BAD.

We had a long night- that resulted in probably 3 hours of sleep for each of us (well- Jon slept soundly, as did Savannah). It's been a long time since he's been this sick.

No school for the Coopster- and 5 of his closest 1st grade buddies. Apparently, something is going around.

I'm hopeful that it's just a 24 hour thing....and so incredibly thankful for his general good health.

Save the Toys!

This made me so sad....and so I wrote to my congressman and signed the petition. I have such great memories of the very toys that will be no more if this bill is passed as it was initially written.

Save The Handmade Toys

Visit the above link, or this one and take a look.

What are the odds?

On Saturday my river friends came to the big city and we went to the Bizarre Bizaar. It's sort of an area obsession and if you can fight the crowds, they really do have a wonderful selection of gifts, Christmas decorations and things you probably won't find anywhere else. We had a super time (although they were lost for 30 minutes before I finally figured out how to get them there) and everyone came away with something special. My favorite purchase is a small snowman made from a 1930's quilt. He's holding a tree made from a piece of 1950's lime green chenille. LOVE IT! Anywhoo- this is not the point of this post.

After leaving the show, I wanted to show them some Richmond-ness and so we drove down one of my all time favorite streets- when Jon and I first got married, we looked at 2 houses on Seminary- and although I could have moved into both, we decided to buy another house in a different neighborhood. I never had any regrets about that decision but I still adore the street. As we were driving, I saw something out of the corner of my eye that seemed odd, and then it made me stop the car.

"Is that a white squirrel?" It was- a completely white squirrel- just minding his own business and gathering acorns for his nest! So- what could be better that this? A trip to the Biz Baz, a tour of Richmond and a white rare white squirrel- STOP THE MADNESS!



I forgot to tell Jon and Cooper about the sighting until I was taking Cooper to school on Monday. When I told him that I had seen a white squirrel the kid almost jumped out of the seat. He could hardly wait to tell me all about the "albino squirrel". I am not sure how he got to be such an expert- but his facts made sense.

I didn't get a chance to tell Jon, and last night at dinner he says- "You're never going to believe what I saw today in Chester....."
Yup- a white squirrel!!

What are the odds???
(after doing some research, there are pockets of "albino, or near albino squirrels" in the US- and a small group of them have been reported in Richmond!!)

Who knew?

Dear Santa....

This is the copy from the letter being written above (with exact spelling included)-

Dear Santa-

I have ben good this year. I wood like a double shooter NERF gun ....and a Star Wars battles droid ship. I wood like it brown. Also a Rubiks cube, some Army men and a model car (any kind).

Thank You! (the exclamation point is a thick bubble type deal)
Your friend,
Cooper


I love the magic of being 6!

They're Home!!

My parents are home and I'm SO thrilled! I do worry when they are gone. They had a fantastic trip- met wonderful people, ate good food and saw amazing sights. Cooper has been getting postcards from them for the past few weeks and it's really hard to fathom that the places that he's been obsessed with for the past year are actually real and they have been there. I can't wait to hear the details and see some actual photos.

I talked to my parents tonight for an extended time and had a conversation about Christmas gift ideas. This is an actual conversation between my mom and I.

Me: So, what is on your Christmas list? Anything special?

My Mom: You know, I've been thinking- I'd really like one of those tape recorders that you use headphones to listen to.

Me: (after replaying her response back in my head twice to make sure I heard her correctly) Mom, are you talking about a WALKMAN??

My mom: Is that what they're called?

Me: Yes, and they stopped making them like 25 years ago!! MOM- why in the world do you want one of them?

My mom: Well, I thought I could use it when I went to the Y. Everyone has one.

Me: MOM! You cannot have one- I simply cannot let you go to the Y with a Walkman. Everyone else has an iPod. Do you want one of those?

My mom: Oh no, that seems much to technical for me.

My dad: Yes, your mom really isn't technical at all.

Ya think?? A walkman- hilarious!!!

I sure do love those crazy kids (it will drive my mom nuts that I've called her that- but I simply couldn't resist.

Welcome Back Mom & Dad!!!