Tonight I will send-off the year 2010 with my family curled up on the couch watching the movie, How To Train Your Dragon and snacking on buttery popcorn mixed with peanut M&M's. If you would have told me, ten years ago, this was my future, I would have laughed in your face, but today I cannot think of a better way to ring in 2011.
This post wraps up my Daily December project. I must say I really enjoyed doing this project and will definitely do it again next year. I feel like I started out strong in the beginning and then started to 'fall off the wagon' a little towards the end.It is hard to document an entire month.I struggled with the stories I wanted to document and what I wanted to include in the album.I found myself wanting to include everything.Next year I will need a bigger album or at least a very expandable one.
Journaling Reads: All is calm around here, the gifts are wrapped, the groceries are put away and the kids are awaiting Santa’s arrival.Their excitement is priceless.Braden has watched Polar Express for the hundredth time.Brynn has been busy making Christmas gifts for G-ma, Grandpa and Uncle Aaron.In fact, the only people missing are G-ma & Grandpa Jerry.Brynn was disappointed to learn Grandpa had to work longer than planned today, so they will not be here until lunchtime tomorrow.
Journaling reads: This evening we enjoyed one of our favorite Christmas traditions, admiring the Christmas decorations throughout town.We have done every year as a family.Even before we had children, Danny and I would drive around at Christmas looking at all the lights.There are so many amazing displays to see.This year we actually heard about one not far from our house that was 'must see'.And I must say it was amazing.We even stopped to get out and walk the circle that included 11 houses.It was truly magical with Christmas music playing in the background and the story of 'Twas the night before Christmas' on a small billboard at each house.The kids were in awe.
Journaling reads: Today I wrapped gifts while Brynn and Braden were taking a nap.Normally Brynn does not take a nap, but she is coming down with a cold so I convinced her she needed the rest.Turns out, she did need the rest as she slept for three hours!
I know many people dread wrapping gifts this time of year, but I actually enjoy it.I would even go as far to say it is one of my favorite things about the holidays.When I was in high school, I worked in the customer service department at JCPenney’s and we provided a gift-wrapping service for customers.Whenever I was working, I was given this responsibility and I loved it.
Something about crisp and clean folded lines taking shape of various box sizes, with hidden edges and invisible tape makes me smile.And the paper selection, who does not love all that paper with so many colors, textures and designs.When I am making my paper selection, I am always thinking about whom I am wrapping for.I know it sounds crazy because it will be ripped to shreds in a matter of seconds, but I love how my kids know a gift is for then just by seeing the paper.It makes me smile.
Some people love Christmas music, I just happen to love Christmas paper.
Journaling reads: Today was spent recuperating and getting the house back in order after the past couple days.It is amazing how big of a mess can be created getting ready for engagements outside our home.I swear we have only been here long enough to sleep, switch out outfits and grab the appropriate bag for the next gathering.From the looks of our house, you would think the party was here.
Danny had to work again and the kids and I played hooky from church to get everything back in order.Danny got off at and when he got home, he took Brynn to do some Christmas shopping.Therefore, I took Braden with me for a few items I still needed to pick up.The crowds were crazy and traffic was heavy.I made a mental note to have everything completed early next year and stay as far away as possible from IKEA.
Around suppertime, we met back up at our new favorite place for burgers, Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers.It has actually been in CedarPark for a couple years now; but our first time stopping in was a few months back.I love their steak burgers, the skinny fries and the Chocolate Brownie Delight.And of course, we always have to get the chocolate brownie delight (at least I get the mini).Everything tastes so good I have made it a point not to check the calories on-line for this restaurant.
We settled back at the house around very full for a non-eventful evening.It was nice to have no lunches to pack, no homework to do and no backpacks to get together.
As we get closer to Christmas our days are getting busier and busier, but today was the busiest of them yet.The morning started out in the kitchen baking my candied pecans.I began making these seven years ago and giving them as part of our Christmas gifts.Now during this time of year I do not dare show up without them.
Getting the kids and myself ready in between batch rotations, we headed out the door at for Brynn's Girl Scout troop to sing Christmas songs at the HEB in Leander at .Several girls were not able to make it, so the parents had to jump in to sing as well.We sang Away in a Manager, We Wish you a Merry Christmas, Have a Holly Jolly Christmas, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer and Here Comes Santa Claus for 30 minutes straight.
After the girls were finished, they went to see Santa who was at the store.Brynn sat on his lap and asked him if he got her letter.Braden had no interest in talking to Santa or even getting within 10 feet of him.
We got home in time to meet Danny who was just getting home from work and then to go to Uncle Johnny and Aunt Mary's house for a family get together.The majority of the family was going to be there to enjoy enchiladas and playing games together.Brynn and Braden love seeing all their cousins and getting to play with everyone.They had a blast and were exhausted by the time we got home.There were no bedtime complaints to night.
Again, I added a Christmas card we received, this one we did not actually receive on the 17th,but I wanted to add it today because we were spending our evening with these very dear friends. I also wanted to do something a little different with the date, so I used a clear acrylic page I had in my stash and went through my number stickers repeating the seventeen. One thing I love about this album is the flexibility.
The journaling reads: Today was the last day of school for both Brynn and Braden until 2011.They came home with goodies bags from school filled with candy, books and Christmas crafts and were both were exhausted.Braden was so tired he fell asleep on the couch watching Polar Express for the second time this week.I was fine with his late afternoon nap since we were heading to Tommy and Veronica's tonight for dinner and a gift exchange.Matt and Darlyne were also going to be there.The kids were excited to see Maddie and Riley and exchange gifts with them.It breaks my heart that this will probably be their last Christmas with them, since they will be moving to New York in February.
Today we received several Holiday cards and I decided I wanted to start adding them to my book. I will probably go back and add all of the cards we received this season. I like the idea of including them, I only hope I have enough room in the album. I didn't photograph them all, just the first page.
Since I have several days to post I decided to post them individually. To read the journaling on this one you can click on the photo to enlarge it. It's about Braden and his new obsession with the movie Polar Express.
As we are getting closer to Christmas things are getting busier and busier as I am sure many of you are feeling the same way. At the end of this post, I am posting several videos of Braden's Christmas program at school. Ignore the amatuer filming, I was using Danny's camera which I am unfamilier with. They are pretty funny. Enjoy!
Day 12 - Gingerbread House & Picture w/ Me-maw & Papa
Day 13 - Giving Back
Journaling reads: Brynn had Girl Scouts tonight.We met at our regular time, but tonight's meeting was a little different then our past meetings.The girls were having their own little Holiday celebration with special snacks.Brynn was excited about bringing white chocolate covered popcorn with M&M's.
The girls worked on making Christmas cards for recipients of the "Meals on Wheels" program.Their troop leader wanted a project for the holidays to give back to the community and I think this was a wonderful idea for them.They had a blast working on the cards and they turned out so cute.
I have to admit when Brynn first mentioned to me she was interested in joining Girl Scout's I was a little hesitant.I did not know much about what they did or stood for.All I remembered from when I was younger is they wore green dresses covered in patches and you could not have paid me to wear a dress back then.
After speaking to several friends who have daughters in Girl Scout's it sounded like something we should try.Our troop is brand new troop and we currently have eight girls.Three of the girls are actually in Brynn's kindergarten class and that is nice.Byrnnis enjoying the experience and I have learned more about the Girl Scout Organization and really love what they stand for (kind of makes me wish I wasn't such a tomboy growing up).I am glad we get to do this together and am hoping we stick with it for a long time.
Day 14 - Braden's Christmas Program
Journaling reads:
Braden,
Today was the Christmas program at your school.Dressed in the super-cute reindeer t-shirt Ms. Dee and Ms. Julie made for your class you to wear we headed out the door this morning singing Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer.
The Christmas program started at and Daddy was taking a long lunch to be there to see you sing.We had some of the best seats in the house with a table right up front.The first song was Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer and you enjoyed every minute singing your heart out and dancing away, but that is where your excitement ended.
You were not interested in singing the last five songs of the program instead; you choose to sit on the bottom step quietly.You did jump up and twirl around at one point and then asked your teachers several times if it was over yet.I had to chuckle to myself as this whole thing seemed a little painful for you, just as it would have been for me.I do not think choir or musicals are in your future and I actually do not blame you, I am not a huge fan of singing in front of large crowds myself.
You make us laugh little man and we love you dearly.
Love,
Mommy
Here is the first video. Braden is on the bottom row.
Here is the second video...he is sitting down in this one, praying for it to end. Lol! (The little boy next to him is a hoot to watch too. They are so funny at this age).
I am playing a bit of catch up with my December daily project and wanted to get the pages I have completed posted for those of you following. We had a busier than normal weekend since Danny had the entire weekend off.
Day 9 - Quality Work
The journaling reads: When we got home today after picking up Brynn from school, we settled into our usual routine of unloading pack backs, checking for homework and empting her lunch box. Today she quickly pulled a picture out of her folder and held it up for me to see. I could tell she was proud of it, so I immediately told her how well she did staying in the lines and how beautiful her work was. Her response was "I know mom, it is perfect quality work, don't you think?"
Day 10 - Getting out the Christmas cards
The journaling reads: I finally got around to completing our Christmas cards.I am feeling a tad bit behind this year.I ordered 75 cards this year and will be using every one of them.A few years back I started using the 4x8 silmline cards and feel in love with them.It is just the right size to drop a family photo in and add your greeting.In the past, I always added a year-in-review letter with them, but this year the letter didn’t make it in.Maybe I’ll get back to that tradition next year.I know I love getting the yearly reviews from our friends and family who we do not always get to keep up with on a regular basis.
Day 11 - "The New City" & Zilker Tree
The journaling reads: This afternoon we went downtown (or to the “new city” as Braden refers to it) to ZilkerPark.We had beautiful weather so we decided to ride theZilker Zephyr and Braden was in heaven.He loves trains.We also stayed for the lighting of the tree Zilker Christmas tree, an Austin tradition since 1967.This was actually the first time our kids have been to this event and we definitely started a new tradition for our family this year as we all had a great time, not to mention the fantastic kettle corn we ate.
The journaling reads: Brynn was happy to learn she was going to be writing her letter of Christmas wishes to Santa Claus. Being in Kindergarten this year, she has become obsessed with writing, spelling and learning to read. She wrote her letter to Santa and then proceeded to write Braden's for him. I love how she switched colors for each item listed. I am sure Santa will love these letters.
Day 7 - Charlie Brown Christmas
The journaling reads:
A few nights ago, I was searching the TV guide for holiday shows, specifically looking for Charlie Brown's Christmas and became super excited when I found it on ABC.I knew immediately that we would be planning an evening around this little 30-minute classic.I watched Charlie Brown's Christmas every year when I was little and I wanted to share it with Brynn and Braden.To make the evening extra special for them I made hot chocolate.
At they were front and center on the living floor with mugs in hand, Braden's overflowing with tons of marshmallows while Byrnn kept it simple and took it plain.As we set and watched Charlie Brown's Christmas, Braden immediately wanted to know how old Linus was.When I asked why, he responded, "Because he still sucks his thumb."(I think it was an attempt to justify his thumb sucking since we have been on him about it lately.)Brynn could not believe there was a kid named Pigpen and gasped every time Lucy said the word "stupid."
Danny and I found ourselves laughing more at our kids than anything.They may not have completely understood the message and I know it's not totally "PC" in today's world of children's cartoons, but it is staying on my favorites list.
Day 8 - A down day
The journaling reads: Today was a 'down' day as far as the month of December goes. Braden and I ran a few errands and stopped at Target to pick him up a few pair of jeans. Where else can you find cute jeans for under $10.00? Danny took the day off and volunteered at Brynn's school. Brynn was so excited to have him there.
Amazingly enough I am managing to keep up with my December Daily and still enjoying the process. I think the hardest part for me it figuring out what stories I want to tell. On Day 3, we had several different highlights (and 'low' lights in some cases), so I decided to title it "Noteworthy Happenings". I am sure I will use this a few more times through the album.I hope you are enjoying the posts, I know it is a little different from my normal posts (as well as more frequent).
Day 3 - Nothworthy Happenings
The journaling reads: Today's Noteworthy Happenings (in random order)
1.It's warm outside again.
2.Byrnn completed seven laps in the Silver Shoe walk at her school today!
3.We went to Kerby Lane for dinner.The kids had pancakes, I ate migas and Danny got an avocado cheeseburger.We love Kerby Lane!
4.We went to Target as a family. Brynn and Braden picked out their gifts for the Angel tree at church.
5.Brynn lost a tooth at school today and brought it home in a tiny pink treasure box.
6.Braden got in trouble for peeing on the playground at school.
Day 4 - A Letter to my Kiddos
The journaling reads:
Dear Brynn and Braden,
I want to thank you for helping mommy have a better day.The weather we had today is exactly why it has always been so hard for mommy to 'get into' the Christmas spirit.Being that it is December 4th, 76 degrees outside and I literally raked the leaves in our front yard this morning wearing flip-flops kind of makes me sad.I know we live in Texas by choice and I should not complain, but during this time of year, mommy misses living up north.I miss the freezing cold weather that keeps you locked inside for days, the fluffy white snow falling from a perfectly gray sky, the smell of burning fireplaces when you walk outside, but most of all mommy misses having a real reason to drink hot chocolate.
Today you both made me forget about the weather (besides you Brynn, who complained about being hot....I know you would love the snow) and gave me a reason to put my best foot forward.Since daddy was working, we were a team of three, but a powerful three we are.You both were a great big help with helping me pull out the rest of the Christmas decorations.Seeing your little faces light up as we unwrapped them was priceless.Hands down you, Brynn were most excited about finding the outside lights.You love driving through the neighborhoods looking at all the Christmas decorations.You have been asking about decorating our house since the day after Thanksgiving when the neighbors put their lights up and today was the day.We managed to wrap the two trees in the front yard and the column before daddy got home from work to finish the rest.The only thing lacking according to you both is a big blow-up decoration that just might be worth a trip to the store.
Love, Mommy
Day 5 - Family Portriat
The journaling reads: Today was the day for our annual family portrait at Blockhouse Creek. Here is one of the few photos everyone was actually looking in the direction of the camera. It will probably end up on our Christmas cards.
Here are my first two completed pages for my December Daily album. I did alittle 'tweaking' to my original Day One page to accomadate the photo I choose to use. I am sure this won't be the only time I do this. It is really nice to have the album made beforehand.
Day One: Welcoming the Advent Calendar
The journaling reads: This is our first year doing an advent calendar and I must admit I am just as excited as Brynn and Braden are about it.I cannot wait to see their faces light up each day as they remove a box containing a special treat for them both.Some days are filled with candy, some with little toys and others with notes about building ginger bread houses, baking cookies, watching Christmas movies and other fun activities I intend for us to do throughout this holiday season. I have always had a hard time getting excited about the holidays living in Texas due to the weather being so warm.I miss so many things about up north this time of year and I am hoping this new tradition will help me focus on what really matters which is being with my family.
Day Two - Decorating the tree
The journaling reads:When Brynn walked in the house after school today and saw the naked Christmas tree in our living, she asked if it was our tree.I told her yes and asked her why she was asking.She responded “don’t you think it’s a little small?”I had to laugh at her comment because it is small.In fact, the last several years I keep making the statement we need to buy a new tree, but every year we keep dragging this same tree down from the attic.
I am not sure what it is about this tree that makes me reluctant to replace it.As she said, it is small, really small.We have more ornaments than it can hold, so I created an ‘ornament rotation’ box. It's pre-lit and can be set up and decorated in less than two hours (how many people can say that?).Therefore, I guess it just works.It also holds a bit of sentimental value since it has been around since the beginning of mine and Danny's marriage.
I am sure some day we will get a bigger tree and maybe even a bigger house and when we do, our little tree can go in an extra room.As for today, it turned out to be the perfect tree to decorate with Brynn and Braden.
