Christmas Books

Every year, I love to see the look on Madeline's face when she opens the large container containing all the children's Christmas books we have accumulated over the years.

She opens the box with a smile on her face, finds herself a comfy spot next to the container and begins the process of shifting through the books. Her eyes light up when she pulls certain books out of the box, as she sorts them into two piles.

The first pile is one with books she just wants to scan, but not necessarily read. The second pile is the books she wants to place in a large basket and keep them out for the Christmas season.

As she sorts them, she comments and laughs about the books. You can see the excitement on her face when she finds the book Christmas is Coming and she giggles as she reminds me she use to keep the book out year round in her bedroom. Of course, there is The Crippled Lamb, The Tale of Three Trees, A Wish to be a Christmas Tree, Arthur's Christmas, Merry Christmas, Biscuit, Winnie the Pooh's Christmas and many other books.

I think I raised a daughter who loves to read.

A Sweet, Thoughtful Gift

Today I received the sweetest, most thoughtful, gift from Benjamin.

When I picked him up after school, he told me he made me a gift, and would like to give it to me today. I asked if it was a Christmas gift because he could put it under the tree for me.

He said, "No, it is a present I want to give to you today."

When we arrived at home, he asked, "Can I give it to you now?"

"Sure, as long as you don't want to wait until Christmas..." I responded.

With a proud smile on his face, he held out in his hands, a mouse pad. As he turned it around so I could see the front, I was so surprised to see a picture of me as a little girl!

"I made the border olive green, Mom, because I know it is your favorite color."

Tears welled up in my eyes. I reached out, pulled him close and hugged him. It was truly a sweet, thoughtful gift.

My Sister

Today is my sister's birthday.

Kimm is my older sister and only sibling, separated by fifteen months. Growing up, my mom dressed Kimm and I in similar clothes, and we were always playmates. Even once we reached our teenage years, Kimm and her friends welcomed me into their group of friends.

We each had our own bedrooms on the second floor of my parent's house, yet I spent many nights sleeping in her bedroom. Once, we actually made her walk in closet into a "bedroom" for me - who knows how long I slept in the closet! I remember around Christmas time going into her bedroom to wrap Christmas presents, and how could I forget the many times she would have me lay on her floor and apply make-up to my eyes!

Kimm has a wonderful laugh (even if she snorts some times)and when we are together, we always find something to laugh about. Sometimes the things we laugh at are so inappropriate, yet that makes it even funnier.

I am so thankful for my sister.

Broken Hearts

As short lived as the romance was, my youngest son now knows the feeling of a broken heart. A note appeared in his locker today, ending the relationship that started a week ago.

When he showed it to me after school with tears in his eyes, I felt so sorry for him. Knowing that nothing I could say, would make him feel any better, I looked at him with tears welling in my eyes and said "I'm sorry. I know it hurts."

He looked back at me and nodded his head.

Christmas Sweaters

Down to the twelve days of Christmas.

Madeline and her friends have been searching for the ugliest Christmas sweaters they could find since the summer months. This morning she came downstairs wearing a red turtleneck with candy canes and a navy blue button down fleece cardigan decorated with a snowman.

What I thought was so funny, I know her intent was to look silly, but reality was she looked adorable!

Christmas Spirit

I need to remind myself during this Christmas season to enjoy the spirit of the holiday. Just take a deep breath, step back and let the wonder of the season fill my heart.

Christmas Cookies

This weekend, I was fortunate to do some Christmas baking. I remember growing up, my mom would always pull out her copy of the The Complete American-Jewish Cookbook at Christmas time for cookie recipes.

My family is not Jewish, nor do I have any Jewish relatives. I have no idea how my mom came across the cookies recipes in the book.

I can't say I use any of the cookie recipes from the book, but every year when it is time to bake cookies, I always think of my mom. She would sit in the kitchen and make a list of all the cookies we would bake.

Now, I ask the kids what cookies they want, and I go to my favorite recipe binder for the recipes. If I can't find the recipe in the binder, in just a few clicks of the mouse, I can always find what I am looking for online.