New Years Eve Tradition

If you have been following my posts, you have probably figured out that we enjoy traditions. We can find a reason to celebrate just about anything and make the small stuff into big deals. My kids will flip over the simple parts to life, and that makes me happy. The simple, every day, living life. So here is another tradition.

Way back, I remember growing up with close friends who lived next door and we would stay up late together on New Years Eve. Munching on junk and hanging out in the front lawn or flipping from one basement to the next. Never getting into mischief, other than the occasional TP'ing of our other neighbor who had a good sense of humor and we knew would take the prank well.

Once married, New Year's Eve pre-kids were spent with our siblings, hanging out at a chosen house, staying up past midnight, playing games, eating, and making New Years Predictions. I was chosen the organized one and had to hold onto the predictions, promising not to peak, and bringing them back to the next New Year's Eve Party to unveil to the crowd.

The predictions were a highlight every year and were so much fun to create ~ adding celebrity predictions, NFL Super Bowl picks, and NBA and MBL stuff, and new fashion trend predictions, new invention predictions, and then personal stuff like who was going to get "pg" (aka: pregnant) that year, or who would purchase a new house or car, just random throw it out in the air type stuff to be scribed.

When the kids landed on the scene, we continued the tradition of getting together but it was much harder to stay focused among the bottles and feedings and diapers and sleepings. Eventually, we asked the Grandparents to have the Grandchildren, so we could step back into our adult time. The adults do their own events now, celebrating alone or with other friends, creating whatever it is that they want each year.

The focus for the past five years or so is that my children and my brother's children have a sleep over at our parent's house together, calling it a Cousins' New York New Years Eve Party (New York because we are West Coast, and if they celebrate East Coast time, then they can be in bed at a decent hour).

My parents know how to plan and throw a good party. Every year is a different theme ~ last year was The 70's complete with hanging beads, home made jean purses, a Hardy Boys Detective Kit (for the only boy, my son), and more that I can not even remember, but it was so unique and fun for the theme.

This year's theme? An invitation to The Academy Awards. Here is the personalized invitation created by my mom.What the kids do not know (shhh) is that they will be watching home movies of their Mom (me) and their Dad (my brother) on the good, old Super 8 machine and screen. They have never seen these before and I can imagine the laughter that will ensue when they see the '70's and '80's styles and decor. And what? No sound? Are you kidding me?! It should be a good time.

Stay tuned for photos tomorrow and more info about their night ... and enjoy a safe and fun New Year's Eve whatever you choose to do.

Breath of freshness

There comes a time in December when I can not wait to decorate for the holidays, and then there is a time equally as exciting to take down the decorations. I have come to that day. I had high expectations that I would get up early and hit the redecorating and house cleaning. I got the wake up early part, but the hitting the chores part I fell short. See, I got suckered into a new website that pulled me in faster than a good chick flick. If you are into dreaming about country life (dreaming because you don't live in the country but would love to try it out), then this site just might be for you. The Pioneer Woman.

I am embarrassed to say how long I was glued to my screen, but I managed to pull away and take my best four legged to Agility Class. After a two week vacation due to weather conditions, I admit that I was a little skeptical that today's exercise was going to be worth it. I figured a rowdy dog would be on my hands that would delight my peers with cute Beagle antics. Cora proved me so-wrong-thank-goodness! She ran splendid and it was so much fun! I love my girl dog ... not to be confused with my girl ... as I was quickly scolded by my one and only two legged girl soon after we got our four legged girl. I love my girl is only for her, with approval to say I love my girl dog when praising Cora. Fair.

After class I came home to redecorate. And I got it right this time, steering clear of my computer and all other forms of distraction. Our house feels bare in comparison to our holiday decor, but it is also a breath of freshness and we are ready to start the New Year! Yeah to 2009!

Cross Country Skiing

We ventured a new sport this weekend during our holiday escape vacation. We tried Cross Country Skiing and all four of us gave it a thumbs up!

I remember the days growing up doing the cross country ski adventures on Saturdays with my brother and parents. My mom would pack the ground roast beef sandwiches, a few oranges and apples, some Gorp (aka:hand made trail mix), and hot cider. Regardless of how bundled we were, I remember my toes and hands always getting so bitterly cold that it would literally hurt to bend them. Warming up for lunch at the ski lodge just added more painful tingle to the frozen limbs, but it was always a treat to get out of the snow to the muggy air of the inside.

This time around, with my own family, we packed sandwiches for lunch out of the complimentary breakfast buffet at the hotel. I was surprised to find cold cuts sitting on a tray at breakfast time, alongside the bread, as if a hint to all the skiers and sledders staying at their place that it was okay to pack a lunch too. So we did. We too heated ourselves at the ski lodge mid afternoon, buying hot chocolate, apple cider and tea to go with our complimentary lunch. The cabin was so adorable, I could have stayed many more hours enjoying the decor and outdoor scenery peering through the windows. It was gorgeous!!
Renting the ski equipment was a piece of cake and finding the ski resort equally easy. We trekked on a track labeled "easy" but it had enough challenges of hills that went up and hills that went down to add the full experience of Cross Country Skiing. Surrounded by woods and mountains and a river, the view was breath taking. The peace of quiet was so thick; it was beautiful. The trail was endless, and we spent many hours enjoying the different routes.The kids did fabulous, never placing foot on skis before. They fell, but laughed. They struggled getting up, but let us help, and then eventually found their way up on their own. They encouraged each other, and took turns going down the hills so they wouldn't cream over their sibling. It was a fabulous, most cooperative new adventure that we've had in a long time.

Christmas Snow

We had snow falling on Christmas Eve. It lasted the entire day. It was so beautiful and added a marshmallow feel to the already formed snow that fell days prior. When we woke on Christmas Morning, it was still snowing and it snowed all day again. My first ever, truly White Christmas.

After our afternoon Christmas sledding adventure, we joined my husband's side of the family at my parent-in-laws house on Christmas night. Enjoying our time with his sister's family, the kids jumped into their snow gear for a late night romp in the snow together.

This snow man was built rather quickly with five sets of childrens' hands at work and Grandma's artistic additions. Their backyard snow does not even looked touched due to the volume received to pick from. The snowman building soon turned to snowball fighting once Grandpa came on the scene. It was all out fun and laughter; cousins versus Grandpa.

The girls came in with Grandpa, while Grandma stayed out with the two boys. Perhaps a bad choice, as the boys ganged up on Grandma and got her good!! We have video, but not sure yet how to load it yet. Let's just say Grandma got a snowball that landed behind her glasses and stuck. Thankfully, the boys have one young Grandma who could take the rough housing and got them both back with much laughter and snow.

The boys and Grandma came in dripping wet from head to toe. It was a fun Christmas Night for all.

Lefse

All my life I have enjoyed the taste of Lefse on Christmas Eve. I used to make it with my brother when we were growing up. We didn't have all the proper tools to make the best, but it was the best we ever knew. However, by the end of the making, my brother and I would be frustrated because the dough would either have stuck to the cutting board, or torn upon transfer to the skillet. We would make enough for all of us to enjoy, but not plenty. Many unused rolled forms would be thrown away; we had had enough!

Made out of potatoes, there are many variations on how people enjoy their treat. We are simple with just butter and sugar, after my Grandfather's tradition and how my mother was raised. Although, my mom was also raised by a German mother who enjoyed her Lefse with Ketchup, which just drove my Grandfather crazy, the story goes. Regardless, it has always been a favorite yum, and now my children enjoy it too!

When my husband joined the family, my mom upgraded to the real Lefse board, stick, and skillet to make it all work like a pro. My husband then took over the makings, and it has grown into a Father-Daughter tradition. My daughter calls herself the "flour girl"; the one responsible for rolling out the potato dough with talent; getting enough flour on the board so the dough does not stick. My husband then is in charge of lifting the uncooked Lefse off the board with the Lefse stick and transferring it to the dry skillet. They have their routine down and make plenty all perfectly made! I enjoy taking these pictures every year.It is a real Christmas Eve treat.

White Christmas Sledding

As I type, the left side of my neck is stiff and my body weak. I am trying to decide if I am coming down with a cold, if my lack of sleep has caught up to me, or if I tweaked it sledding on Christmas Day.

Regardless, I will survive just in time to head off for a two night vacation tomorrow to .... more snow. Our annual holiday break vacation tradition is to travel 2 hours to a cute Bavarian Village in the middle of the state's mountain range to enjoy sledding, cross country skiing, horse drawn carriage riding, shopping and eating in the cute village. We can't wait to begin our adventure from one snow park to another.

But how amazing was our time on Christmas afternoon!! A wonderful time as a family sledding on the hill that rests behind our cul de sac. A short trek through a trail to this wondrous, safe hill. Santa brought a new sled for the children and ski goggles too. We had to try them out before showers and dressing up for a family gathering later that day.

Taking turns sledding and photographing, here is a glimpse of our Christmas Day:

Dogs of Christmas

To pass the post until I have time to organize the hundreds of pictures taken in the last 48 hours ... here are some cute pictures of the dogs in our lives at Christmas time.

Cora with her new ball from Splash. You can hide a treat inside and watch the fun as the dog tries to figure out the puzzle to get the treat:

Splash with his gift bag that had a motion sensor activation allowing Santa to talk ... the "No Peeking" bag from Hallmark had a stuffed animal Christmas Duck inside.

Gracie, my parent-in-laws dog, enjoying the evening's celebration with cute Christmas Bow attached all night.

Softly The Night Is Sleeping

Softly the night is sleeping on Bethlehem's peaceful hill,

Silent the shepherds watching their gentle flocks are still.

But hark the wondrous music falls from the opening sky,

Valley and cliff re-echo glory to God on high.

Glory to God it rings again,

Peace on earth, goodwill to men.

Come with the gladsome shepherds quick hastening from the fold,

Come with the wise men bringing incense and myrrh and gold,

Come with our hearts of sunshine and sing the angel's song

Glory to God tell out again,

Peace on earth, goodwill to men.

Wave ye the wreath unfading, the fir tree and the pine,

Green from the snows of winter to deck the holy shrine;

Bring ye the happy children for this is Christmas morn,

Jesus the sinless infant, Jesus the Lord is born.

Glory to God, to God again,

Peace on earth, goodwill to men.

Anon (20th century, Sussex traditional)

WISHING YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS FULL OF AN ABUNDANCE OF PEACE, LOVE, JOY, AND HAPPINESS!!!

Twas the night before Christmas ...

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Penguin ~ Snow Duck

My children made this penguin and a small igloo beside it last week when the original snow began to fall. My husband snapped a photo and turned it into Thank You Notes for us to use after the holidays. I love the crisp, winter feel to this photo. My husband prefers calling it a Snow Duck. I tend to agree.

Brrrrrr .... warm me with a cookie, please!

What amazes me about this series of pictures the most is that all the snow used to build the igloo came from our backyard, and the grass continues to hide!! With the help of their friends and their cool dad, the igloo became complete today. Their friends had to leave before it was finished, but they will be back tomorrow.

Once the three are dried off and warmed up, we have plans to trek to the grocery store and then home to make Christmas Cookies. YUM! If the kids are too tired from their day outside in the freezing temps, we may shift the cookies to tomorrow.

Two Days Worth of Pictures

We spent the day at my parents yesterday enjoying some early Christmas festivities with my brother and his family. There is nothing better than seeing the cousins play and truly get giddy about being together. That goes for both sides of the family ~ they are true friends who enjoy each others unique personalities. We are very glad that our children get along so well with their cousins and have each other to grow up with sharing memories together.

The snow fell for twelve hours yesterday, you can imagine the depths accumulated. It was a bitter cold, fluffy, and purely white country drive in the dark, arriving home close to midnight. With the only cars on the street being my brothers and ours, it was very beautiful and calm.

Today, more snow fell and continues to fall with predictions of more throughout the night and tomorrow. We feel like we have been transplanted to Alaska.

Here are some pictures of our last 24 hours. What festive fun to be surrounded in white leading up to Christmas; a view we rarely see.

Splash ~ my parents' Portuguese Water Dog, 6.5 months old with a very! very! adorable! personality!Family ~ getting together for Christmas Cheer at my parents house (dressing up playtime, holiday BBQ, boy captured by girls).

My parents and their house ~ Thank you for everything yesterday!!! xo

Sledding ~ on our golf course hill today (noticed after the fact that my daughter stands in 4th Position Ballet in snow boots!).

Cozy ~ our house this evening. Gusts of wind have been blowing the snow; bushes can be seen in some parts, but not others. Snow arrived under our covered porch.