Christmas Preparations

 When I was younger the Christmas Tree was real, the lights were old school hot, and trees didn't get decorated until about a week before Christmas to ensure that they were fresh and didn't catch on fire. 

As a parent, thanks to the kids excitement for the holiday, the day of decorating has moved earlier and earlier each year. I've given up the delay and just accepted that the decorations go up as soon as Thanksgiving is over. The kids have even added a couple traditions into the mix which I welcome - such as a Cherry Pie after we decorate the tree and so many lights outside - colored lights. We even got a second tree last year for the front room. 

I'll admit, I love Christmas as a season and the decorations. 

This year the kids took the lead outside due to David and me having limits to climbing and lifting thanks to our backs and knees. I am thankful seeing them grow and take on these roles. I think they did a nice job too. 

Clair took the lead on making this year's Cherry Pie. She even learned to weave the crust like my Grandma used to do. 

We decorated both trees by Nov 30th and enjoyed the delicious pie together. 

Gramma hosts another Thanksgiving

 I'm thankful for my Mom! She's strong and kind and thoughtful and busy and loves to take care of her family. She's been hosting Thanksgiving for over 20 years now; honestly, I have no idea how long. The kids enjoy going to her house for thanksgiving and she doesn't want to give it up. 

My siblings and I are grateful she has invited my father to join for many years. This helps us enjoy family time without feeling sad he's missing out. Thanks Mom! 

We are thankful for another year hosted by her with a delicious traditional Turkey dinner with all the trimmings!

Ellie turns 18

 I've been a parent for 18 years and I am blessed with this amazing adult whom I will struggle to see as a grown up forever. I think that's probably normal for a Mother and child. But who knows, maybe that will evolve. 

The one sure thing in my life has been that I wanted to be a parent. Ellie was God's gift to me achieving that wish. I remember bringing her home from the hospital, nervous, excited, and convinced I would not have anymore children. I sat in the back seat of the white highlander with her whilst David drove us home. I was recovering from a c-section and we had spent the first 4 days at Holy Cross Hospital getting to know one another. The challenges were there from day 1 with nursing and just trying to make things "right."

18 years later I've learned there's no such thing as perfectly right. We work the best each day to be who God wants just to be; to honor him through using our gifts to further His Kingdom. This focus was not always there for me. I hope that it stays a center for Ellie forever.

To celebrate her day we took her and her boyfriend to dinner in downtown Frederick. She opened presents. We had a cake from a new French Bakery. I think she enjoyed her day. She did not have ny classes today and it was a free day for her to enjoy as she likes. She went on a walk and spent a lot of time relaxing in her way. 

Here are some picture from the day. 

Ellie - we love you today and always! We are proud of you; we are proud of your accomplishments to date; you are compassionate, kind, smart, artistic, thoughtful and determined. Go get it!

Halloween 2025, a shift in parenting era

 I've always required all 3 kids to trick or treat at home. They are allowed to invite friends, but must stay in our neighborhood. This has worked well to avoid running all over and feeling some level of safety for the kids on Halloween. 

This year, as Ellie approaches 18, after a long discussion and back and forth, we agreed to let her go to friends in another part of the county to enjoy time with her friends and trick or treating. It was a little hard on me. 

All 3 kids also went out at different times and so I didn't get the traditional picture of the 3 of them together dressed up. It makes me sad. I hope that when they are older they remember time with their siblings on halloween. I believe that relationship is one of the most important in a lifetime. 

Ellie and her boyfriend were skeleton cowboy/cowgirl. Ellie demonstrates her artist skills with beautifully applied makeup for the occasion. She also puts together great outfits with minimum bought pieces. 

Max was a Banana again. He didn't really care much about the outfit, just going out with his friend to collect candy. I was happy not to buy another outfit, so I didn't push for something new. 

Clair came up with a creative idea and how to execute it. She was "The Candy Monster."  This was a variation on the Cookie Monster, inspired by her brother's consistent candy theft over the years from her stash. I helped a little with the build, but It was largely her. I simply sewed the pillowcase inside upon her request. As she trick or treated, she collected candy in the mouth of the monster- eliminating the need for a bag or bucket. I thought that was pretty genius. 

Here are some picture from the festivities, including pumpkin carvings and customs. They are in reverse order, starting with the aftermath of candy counting - 176 pieces for Clair.