The Christmas When

2010 was the Christmas when Opa and Oma came to stay.  Oma treated the girls to pedicures, lunch and shopping.  Opa got up early to repair and wax all our antique leather books. (How many houseguests do that?!)  They spent lots of time loving their grandkids and no one wanted them to leave.

It was the Christmas when, for the first time EVER, our kids got to celebrate the big day with both sets of grandparents.  

How lucky am I?  My parents are healthy, happy and still in love with each other.  My in-laws are healthy, happy and still in love with each other.  Both sets of parents get along without a single bit of drama.  They all dote on their grandchildren AND make Brad and me feel like capable, successful adults.  I realize that we represent a very small subset of the population in this respect, but I am thankful.  It made for a merry Christmas.

2010 was the Christmas when Nana brought her world-famous Swedish tea ring for breakfast and helped us start a new Christmas dinner tradition. (And this recipe was perfect for an apres-bain repast.)

This was the Christmas when Santa's elves brought a hot tub just in time for some Yuletide soaking.  Mrs. Claus especially appreciated the hydrotherapy.

2010 was the Christmas when we brought our traditional Christmas Eve hot-dog roasting party out west.  Instead of old pals standing by the fireplace, we got to know some new friends as we sat around the backyard fire pit.  We discovered that the Christmas spirit isn't subject to temperature change.

This was the Christmas when everyone's favorite gift rolled into the backyard...

...and took away more than it left behind!

Come for a dip in 2011!

 Happy New Year and thanks to everyone who made our Christmas so merry.

Holiday Hacienda

Yay!  My laptop is alive!  The camera is a little blurry, but it would be asking too much for everything to function perfectly at once, right?  Anyway, here is a little peek into our desert Christmas.

Last month I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get into the Christmas Spirit without snow or cozy sweaters.  But it's amazing how 72 degree sunshine can put you in the ho-ho-holiday mood.  I love running all my errands without a bulky coat.  I love shooing the kids outside while I play Mrs. Claus indoors.

I love my Christmas cards!  Just looking at my photogenic friends and family puts me in the holliest, jolliest mood ever.  You know what I think when I look at this wall?  I think, If I died tomorrow, these are the people who would care.  Is that weird?  I find it vaguely comforting.  

Unpacking the Santas and little forest of Christmas trees, I felt like I was reuniting with old friends.  They help make our new house feel a little more like home.

The train is circling the living room tree, but I'm finding my little engineers aren't quite as captivated with the chugga-chugging this year.  Sad.

And the Tooth Fairy finally made a stop at Luke's pillow!  All he wants for Christmas is his two front teeth.  And a Bakugan.  And a plasma car.  And Rock Band.  And a puppy...

November Cleanse and List Day

November 1 was official Cleanse and List Day around here. I feel so much better. Some serious pumpkin-pitching, one manic trip to the carwash, a fast-acting Fiber One bar for breakfast and I am a whole new woman.

I also got my new yellow legal pad (mini-size) ready for the annual Christmas list.

Now I know there is certainly some higher-tech way I should be organizing my Christmas plans. I know there probably is some foolproof holiday app right at my fingertips. But, quite frankly, I enjoy keeping the holiday a pen-and-paper kind of operation, okay?

Besides, my kids will definitely find the list if it's hidden on the iPhone. But if it is out in plain sight, on the kitchen counter, on the same kind of paper that I use for the Saturday chore lists, they will avoid it like a green vegetable.

I have saved my Christmas legal pads for years all wrapped up in rubber bands. I think it's fun to go back and read what I gave everybody in 2008 (Phillies' World Series sweatshirts) and what the kids wanted when they were really little. (2010 will be the first Christmas in years with no Thomas trains under the tree. Sniff.)

At the back of my little trusty legal pads, I also write a post-holiday review and helpful hints to remember next year. Order more cards! Send packages before Thanksgiving! Neighbor cookie party= big hit! Reading notes from my former festive self actually energizes me and gets me right back in the holiday spirit.

Last year I wrote: Keep It Simple! No Homemade Anything!

Now, I am NOT trying to rush the Christmas season. I honestly became nauseous last week in Hobby Lobby's pine and tinsel aisle. (Seriously, how can anyone stomach Silver Bells and cinnamon pine cones when it is 89 degrees?)

However turning 40 has led me down a path of increased self-awareness and I DO know myself pretty well after all these years. I know that I am an early bird....I get my best day's work done before noon, I get my best holiday cheer on before Thanksgiving. The longer I leave tasks undone, even fun yuletide tasks, the less likely I am to ever get them finished.

So today, I struck while the iron (and desert sun) were hot. I ordered a few gifts online. I planned a few holiday surprises. I threw out the Jack-o-lanterns. I walked off a couple Hershey miniatures. It felt good.

Holiday madness? Bring it on. My legal pad and I are ready.

For now anyway.

Flying South

Adios, amigos. We're outta here.

Trading snow boots for sunglasses and hot cocoa for hot salsa. Santa made an early stop at our house and filled the Christmas stockings with colored pencils and hand-sanitizer and bubble gum for the cross-country plane ride. We are ready for take off.

I love that the kids are excited for some new traditions. Brad can't wait to taste his mom's holiday cooking. I'm just hoping for peace and sunshine. Maybe a couple of really good books and some grapefruit picked right off the tree.

Merry Christmas, everybody. Will be back in twenty-ten.

My Children Want to be Jewish and Other Yuletide Reflections

This week just about everyone in our neighborhood is celebrating Hanukkah. Including us. We've lit the menorah and spun the dreidels. We've eaten the chocolate coins. But it is not good enough. My kids want presents. Eight nights' worth to be exact.

I keep reminding them that Santa will come soon and that, anyway, we believe in Jesus and want to open presents on His birthday. And, don't get me wrong, the kids love Jesus and Christmas. Of course.

But it's really hard to compete with the brand new air hockey table next door. Oy.

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Tonight I was helping Jake with spelling homework, thinking up sentences for his words. I like to kill two birds with one stone and throw in a little moral lesson with my sentences.

Word: Voluntarily
My sentence: The boy voluntarily let his sister have the first ice cream sandwich and made his mother very happy.

Jake's response: Yeah. Like when did that ever happen?


Word: Enviable
Jake's sentence: He had an enviable scar.
Me: Really? I don't think people envy scars, do they?
Jake: Mom, you've got to start thinking like a guy.

Duh.

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We are doing our annual Christmas card map and have received cards from thirteen different states! As well as Vietnam and Venezuela! Marking the map makes me very happy. So does reading the cards and looking at the photos. Thank you to everyone who has sent us holiday cheer.

We need more Midwest and Southern states represented, though. If you happen to live in those wonderful geographic regions and have an extra stamp, please send us something. A postcard is fine. Thank you.

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Tonight was Family Night. And, I am happy to report, no one was hurt during the game portion of the evening's activities. This is rare.

Luke, however, did need to excuse himself to apply several Go Diego Go bandaids in the course of Jake's (extremely hands-on) lesson about The True Meaning of Christmas.

He might be lucky and get an enviable scar.

Oy.

Santa's Workshop

Here are our kitchen craft cubbies. They usually sit against the wall and hold stuff.

Here is the kids' craft table. Usually covered with games or coloring papers.

But...at Christmastime, I fill the cubbies up with all sorts of crafting goodies.

Except for glitter...of course. Because it ruins my Christmas spirit.

Cheap toys, paints, kits from the dollar store.

Lots of envelopes, glue, tape (my kids are ADDICTED to tape).

And then, I move the cubbies and make a "secret corner."

And, voila! Santa's Workshop! The perfect place for little elves to get busy.

(Somehow, "Ooooh, go make a surprise in Santa's Workshop!" sounds a lot better than,

"Can't you just get out of here and leave me alone?!!")

p.s. My kids wrap all their presents in aluminum foil. Less frustrating. And no tape necessary.

Unless, of course, you are addicted to tape.

And We're Off...

The Sleigh Race--Currier & Ives

I always feel, the first week of December, that I am coming out of the starting gate to compete in some twenty-five day steeplechase. I don't know why. It's not like there's some great prize for the first one with lights strung or tree decorated or cards stamped.

And the obstacles on the course are self-made. Really. No one else in my family cares whether the ribbons on the banister garland are spaced evenly. Or if the nutcracker collection looks balanced on the mantlepiece. But these simple obsessions are pleasurable in their way and my little elves indulge me.

This year, the decorating plan was going to be Christmas Lite. Since we're flying south for the festivities, I had promised to leave the baubles in the basement. But ladies, you know, there is no greater motivation to pull out all the holiday stops than 65 of your closest friends coming over on Thursday for the Relief Society Progressive Dinner.

Needless to say it looks like an evergreen explosion around here. But I love it.

Now we are in full jingle at our house. The wreath is hung. The tree is lit. And seasonal music is blasting every chance we get. (Celine Dion and I sang a lovely duet--O Come All Ye Faithful--on the way to the dollar store today. Too bad you missed it.)

Am now looking forward to Christmas cards, candy making, cookie exchanges and collapsing in a heap on my in-laws' driveway December 22nd.

**If you want to see what my house looks like, click here. Add two years' worth of aging to everyone (except me, of course) and you will get the general idea.

**Coming Soon: The Carbface Report

Christmas '08...A Photo Essay

One Track Mind...

Merry Christmas!

May we enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Mrs. Claus One Year Later

Ever like to go back in your journal and see what you were doing exactly one year ago? I checked my blog to see how was feeling LAST December 20th and had to laugh. I feel the exact same way...tired.

It's not lazy to post this again, is it? Just call it tradition.

Mrs. Claus is tired tonight. She's had a long day shopping, wrapping, cooking, cleaning, laundering and adding those all-important final touches. Her in-laws' sleigh lands tonight, so she wants the North Pole to look just right. And the elves have not been so helpful.

While Santa gets the glory for all the big-ticket items, Mrs. C. sometimes feels picked on. Does anyone notice she has a big ole stingin' paper cut right between her thumb and index finger? Christmas card casualty. Does anyone care that all the teachers/coaches/bus drivers/neighbors have been remembered? With big jaunty bows and matching gift tags! Does anyone realize that all this Christmas magic has been generated by the Claus without the whiskers?! Ho Ho No.

This post is dedicated to all you Mrs. Claus-types out there. You, the unpaid masses, laboring in kitchens and classroom parties and dollar stores everywhere. You, who do your regular-every-day stuff and then tuck your children into bed so you can start in on the "holiday shift". You, who realize that Christmas is actually another full time job from Thanksgiving til New Year's Day. (Which, unfortunately happen to also be the shortest days of the year!) I salute you all.

Yes, Virginia. There is a Santa Claus. But there is also a Mrs. Claus. And tonight she's very tired...

I Really DO Like Christmas

Church Christmas Party...where else?

In spite of all my whining recently, there is a lot to love about December. The excitement, the music, the baking, the parties. Christmas cards in the mail. (We are doing our Christmas card map again this year...Pennsylvania and Utah are tied for first place, with Arizona right behind.)

And...just to make things cozy, Mother Nature sent a sprinklin' of snow.

Although it was just a dusting, hats, boots, snowpants and all manner of gloves were strewn throughout the kitchen and laundry room. Getting ready is half the fun, right? (And the other half is drinking hot chocolate with marshmallows, of course. Requisite apres ski refreshment. Even if one spends only 16 seconds outside.)

The trampoline was the only spot cold enough for snow to stick, so Em spent a good hour out there and even created a li'l bouncing snowman (not pictured). Somehow she caught pinkeye doing this.

The highlight of the twins' life was being invited to a gingerbread house party. Just for four-year-olds! No big kids allowed! One of the moms brought Juicy Fruit gum to use as decoration. I have not smelled Juicy Fruit in 20 years. It tastes different than I remember and looks different too. But the smell is exactly the same and it took me back to simpler times.

My favorite Christmas song is currently:

How can you not love him? He's got "garlic in his soul!" I love garlic!

Five Reasons Why I Cannot Be Trusted Around Chocolate Today

1. An entire morning spent at the pediatric dentist. The following words were used: Cavities. Overbite. Crossbite. Fillings. Orthodontia. Extractions. Return appointments. Payment Plans.


2. A Christmas card from a long-lost friend and her photographic family. She looks good. Really good. Better-than-high-school good. Am I a Grinch to wish that Santa would bring her a big lump of cellulite and a double chin like the rest of us?


3. Local law enforcement has decided that since my husband so enjoyed his Father's Day speeding ticket (delivered via wife), they would stop me AGAIN and send him another one. Merry Christmas, Babe!


4. The November tickle in my throat has turned into a full-scale December cough. My bladder is taking it personally. 'Nuf said.


5. Look at the calendar, people!

Going Dutch

Don't forget to put your shoes out tonight...

It's St. Nicholas Day tomorrow...our family's favorite way to kick off the season.

Here's the Latest

The "Guitar Hero"

Jake got this idea in his Bear Scout book. With a little help from his social worker, he put it together and has been strumming it for days. Jake wants a pet or a Nintendo DS for Christmas. He knows he is not getting either.

Maybe Santa will bring more boxes so he can build a paper puppy and a cardboard game system.

The "Sports Enthusiast"

Brad and his all-girl soccer team finished the season with a bang. It was a successful fall. Coach B-Rad showed patience, diplomacy and tact when dealing with the players...and even more important, with their parents.

Brad survived the annual church Turkey Bowl without injury. Yay! Unfortunately, he dislocated his thumb the following Saturday in a friendly basketball game with his buddies. Bummer, dude.

The "Love Machine"

Sam loved Thanksgiving. Sam loves Christmas. Sam loves counting.

I went to Sam's first preschool teacher conference and was informed that Sam is a delightful child with a real passion for numbers. Interestingly, he still has not decided whether he is right or left handed...kinda like his dad.

(Note: Being ambidextrous is a good thing. Especially if you dislocate your thumb playing basketball!)

"The Crazy Lady"

Guess what I did last weekend? Same as all you other crazy ladies...cleaned, cooked and shopped for Thanksgiving. Then cleaned it all up and put out the Christmas decor.

The best thing I did last year was post these photos of my house at Christmas time. It made decking the halls so much jollier and hollier this year!

"The Slider"

Luke has entertained himself all week with a pair of slippery track pants and the main-level floors. It's cheap, fun and my hardwood is gleaming.

At Luke's PreK conference, his teacher called him independent, coordinated and cooperative. Luke wants GeoTrax and a drawing kit for Christmas. I'm pretty sure Santa will deliver.

"The Beauty"

Emmie finished up soccer just in time for basketball season. She was delighted to be featured as the class Star Student this week.

Em helped all the boys in the family email Santa their Christmas lists at emailsanta.com and is saving her money for the school holiday shoppe next week. She is a charming little elf these days.

"The Christmas Outfits"

More photos to come...

Legacy Toys

Which are your family's legacy toys?


You know, the ones your kids really love. The ones you really love. The toys that you hope to save for your grandkids.


During this season of shopping, I am looking for quality not quantity. Gifts that are worth the investment because they will bring hours of enjoyment and creativity. I would love to hear your suggestions, and, in turn, I'll share our family faves.

#1--TRAINS--The train table Jake got eight years ago is still in use. Almost daily. Boys love it, girls love it. Dads get creative with it. It's a good thing.

A friend introduced us to GeoTrax last year and they are perfect for the two four-year-olds in my life. They play with this for hours. I like the sturdiness of the track which means I don't have to fix it every five minutes.

#2--AMERICAN GIRL DOLLS--An investment, to be sure. Still, I think every girl needs at least one really special doll. Em is not a big dolly girl, but she does love Emily and Molly. The books are well-written and make history fun.

#3--WII--I know. I know. I don't like video games either. But when it gets dark at 4:15 pm and your kids are stuck inside during the long, cold winter, options are limited. I like the Wii because it is somewhat active (unlike TV) and I choose the content (unlike online games).

#4--DRESS-UPS--Hands down the messiest area in our basement. Two trunkfuls of old Halloween costumes, random accessories, and a big square mirror hung at kid-level. A hippie, a soldier, a dragon or a superhero. You just never know who'll show up for dinner.

#5--BUILDING TOYS--My sister introduced us to Wedgits and they are wildly popular. Bristle blocks, Legos, Magnetix, Lincoln Logs and good old-fashioned wood blocks. The kids have so much fun with them, they don't even realize they're actually problem-solving and improving fine motor and visual-spacial skills. Good toys are sneaky like that.

#6--TOYS WITH WHEELS--Bikes, scooters, roller-blades. This year Jake's even getting a unicycle for his birthday! What can I say? This gang needs to move.

#7--TRAMPOLINE--If our family could have only one toy for the rest of our lives, this would be my pick. Rain, shine, snow or heat. Someone is on it just about every day.

Jumping in the rain

I know it can be dangerous...but, let's face it. I have three boys. They make Jell-o dangerous. Besides, you hear a lot more about childhood obesity than trampoline injuries these days. Like my grandma once said, "Better a broken leg than a broken spirit."

Please share your legacy picks. Mrs. Claus needs some inspiration...