Christmas 2011

As we've gotten ready for Christmas, I feel like a little kid again.  I can hardly wait to see this special day through the eyes and experiences of a two year old.  He has been asking for a Buzz Lightyear toy for months.  I am dying to see his reaction when he receives the gift tomorrow.  (I hope he's as excited as I've pictured him to be in my head).  

Listening to Christmas music is always a favorite of mine.  W has fallen in love with the Frosty the Snowman song.  He about jumps out of his seat when we hear it on the radio, and his excitement turns to frustration when the song ends and a new one begins.  Today, we were all talking in the kitchen and Christmas music was on in the background.  Over all of the noise W shouts, "Listen!" and puts his finger to his mouth.  We all quieted and, sure enough, Frosty the Snowman was on.  He was thrilled.  

I have loved reading books about Christ's birth, and seeing W pick out "Murry" (Mary), Joseph and Baby Jesus.  He knows the shepherds and their "sheepies."  He knows the wisemen brought prizes.  W knows Jesus was born in the city of David ("Hey, that's my daddy!") and He grew to be a good man, Jesus Christ. 

My favorite moment this season was just a few days ago.  Like many, each year D and I identify a family who could use some extra help to meet their needs; families whose burdens could be lightened a bit.*  So we found this certain family and put some things together that would be special for the kids and needed by the parents.  One night, we all loaded into the car and drove to the family's apartment.  I left the bag of goods on the porch, knocked on the door, and ran to the car.  We zipped away just in time to go unnoticed.  I was nervous.  D was focused.  And W was just plain excited.  On the way home, we were trying to explain to W the details of the deed.  What it came down to was a simple way to show Winston what Christmas is; it's a time for us to remember Jesus Christ and share the love he has for us with others.  We celebrate Christ by doing what he would do.  It was a special night for all of us.

*I hesitantly share this strictly for journaling purposes.  

I am already looking forward to next Christmas and this one hasn't even happened yet!  

Christmas-ing 1

The big day is tomorrow.  Since W hasn't quite gotten the hang of the advent calendar or the Little Elf (named "Elf") just yet, we did special activities at random to get in the Christmas spirit.  

We got a Little People nativity set for the first day of December so W could learn all the traditional figures involved in the story of Christ's birth.  From there, we found lots of fun and special ways to spend time together in preparation to celebrate Baby Jesus' birthday.

{visiting Santa at the Toys-for-Tots party}

{wanna-be gingerbread house making}

{masterpiece}

{playing with toys of Christmas past}

{baking -- complete with mis-match socks (that are Mom's)}

Christmas-ing 2

Some more Christmas prep.

{lights at Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park}

{luminary prep for Christmas Eve}

{building forts while I strip beds and wash sheets}

{exhausting trips to the mall} 

{more baking -- cookies!}

Photo Series: Light Magic

Playtime with camera + kids + Christmas lights.

So fun.

Everybody clap your hands

And she's clapping.

Photo Series: Bathtime Baby

 These just make me smile.

EVR: Eight Months

Happy eight months, baby girl!

• You are crawling at light speed.
• You curl your legs under and roll up on your little toes to stand up.
• No one makes you smile more than your brother.
• Your hair is thick!
• You have eight teeth:  four on top and four on bottom.
• Your crooked smile is to die for.
• You like to eat.  A lot.  
• You've tried out the sippy cup.  It's just OK.
• You love your cozy blankets and bunny when you go to bed.
• You're wearing mostly 12-18 mo. clothing.
• You are so tall!
• You discovered that you love to smile.  We figured that out over Thanksgiving.
• You are quite giggly, too, especially when we tickle your back and neck.
• You're a hoot in the tub.  You become a giddy little girl who can't control her excitement.
• You love fiercely.  You prefer to pull hair, bite faces and poke eyes to show your affection.
• You snuggle with Daddy.  Not with Mommy.
• You babble and say "Huh!  Huh!" like you know exactly what you're talking about.  
• You're just such a good baby!
• Sleepy time and naps are getting a little better.

I'm so lucky to be your mom.
Love you!

Wassailing

Dave and I hosted the inaugural neighborhood holiday party last night.  It was a hit.  Phew!  I'm glad the stress of it is gone.  

In true Waterfall fashion, I served up some hot wassail to our guests.  I'm not a big fan of it myself, but everyone else always seems to like it.  However, last night's was actually pretty good, if I say so myself.  I mean, it was really good.  

Here's the little-bit-of-this-and-that recipe.

2 bottles of apple cider (2x64 oz)

2 oranges, sliced

2 lemons, sliced

1/2 can orange concentrate

1/2 can lemonade concentrate

~2 cups water

6 cinnamon sticks

~1 T whole cloves

Combine all ingredients in stock pot.

Cook thoroughly until it's almost boiling.  

Turn down heat and simmer for several hours (4+ hrs).

Best served piping hot (in my opinion).

Enjoy!