Not My Christmas List

This evening, the kids shared their Christmas list ideas.

It is always interesting to hear what gifts they would like for Christmas, and it is fun to laugh with them over some of the items they include on their lists. Madeline and Andrew's lists usually includes many movies, books and CDs. Benjamin traditionally has a difficult time, but always seems to have some type of live animal on his list.

This year, after the presentation of lists, Andrew asked me what I would like for Christmas. Madeline started listing items she believed would be on my Christmas list, as Ben promptly made a written list. The list included work out pants, a zumba skirt, nipple and navel piercings, a tramp stamp and a bible. Andrew and I were laughing so much we both had tears streaming down our cheeks.

Now, I wonder what Santa will bring me for Christmas?

The Great Christmas Tree Hunt

Ever since the kids were little, we have always gone and cut down a fresh Christmas tree, and this year was no different. We have been going to Waldock's Christmas tree farm for quite a few years. Although every year, we have a conversation about if it is the year for an artificial tree.

So far, tradition wins. Many of years, we trod over fresh snow, or at least frozen ground, searching the fields for the perfect Christmas tree. This year was different, for as we ventured out to the tree farm, the weather was unseasonably warm. No need for hats, mittens or even winter coats.

Traditions stayed the same. We found a tree. I gave final approval. I take a photograph of the three kids in front of the tree. Kids and Ben discuss who will cut the tree down. Multiple people lay on the ground, attempting to cut tree with saw. Tree falls. Usually on a person. Tree is dragged to pick up area. We have donuts and hot chocolate. Tree is tied to roof of car.

All the while, I smile and am thankful the kids enjoy the tradition of the search for the perfect Christmas tree.

Madeline, Andrew and Benjamin

Every day my children amaze me, and I am so grateful to be their mom. I have been blessed with wonderful, gifted, talented and beautiful (on the inside and out) children.

I am so thankful.

Thank You Andrew

Today was a successful Thanksgiving. I tried a few new recipes, and I was pleased with all of them. The kids spent time with their grandparents, and everyone seemed to enjoy dinner.

However, I think the best part of the day, was just a few minutes ago, when Andrew said to me "Hey Mom, thanks for making Thanksgiving so special for me."

I gave him a big hug.

Ruth

Today I went to the funeral of my sister-in-law, Ruth. One of her friends read a poem at the cemetery, and I thought it was very beautiful. When I looked it up on line, I found it was the poem read by Gregory Peck at the funeral of Frank Sinatra.

Ruth was always soft-spoken, and I loved talking with her about museums and travel. I will miss her very much, but find comfort knowing she is no longer in pain.

To Those I Love
If I should ever leave you,
Whom I love
To go along the silent way. . .
Grieve not.
Nor speak of me with tears.
But laugh and talk of me
As if I were beside you there.

(I'd come. . .I'd come,
Could I but find a way!
But would not tears and
And grief be barriers?)

And when you hear a song
Or see a bird I loved,
Please do not let the thought of me
Be sad. . .for I am loving you
Just as I always have. . .

You were so good to me!
There are so many things
I wanted still to do. . .
So many things I wanted to say
to you. . . Remember that
I did not fear. . . It was
Just leaving you
That was so hard to face.

We cannot see beyond. . .
But this I know:
I loved you so. . .
'twas heaven here with you!

-Isla Paschal Richardson

Gratitude

I don't think a day goes by in my life, when I am not thankful for my friends and family. It is like celebrating Thanksgiving all year round. I hope I never lose site of gratitude.

Alice's Grand Adventure

One day, I will write the story of how Alice, the cat, came home with Benjamin, but for today, I have to write about her adventure.

She is a small, gray cat, who has the cutest meow and the softest fur. Today, I am not sure how it happened, but sweet Alice, had an adventure.

When Madeline and Andrew came home from school, they decided they wanted to take some photographs of each other outside. Madeline called me and asked where I put my collection of cute winter hats. Our foyer has two separate coat closets, and I told Madeline the hats were in the non-kid coat closet in a basket on the floor.

When I arrived home, Madeline shared the story of how she opened the closet and reached in to get the hats, and found Alice, sound asleep, curled up in the basket. I had noticed earlier in the day, I didn't see Alice much, but thought she must be sleeping somewhere in the house. I tried to remember the last time I was in the closet, and I think it was about five hours before Madeline found her.

This evening, the coat closet was closed, yet Alice was laying in front of the door. She must have wanted to get back in and enjoy the peaceful quiet of her basket nest filled with my winter hats and mittens.