PUMPKINS IN JANUARY

My husband and I bought the home we were living in when he passed about two years prior to his death. We took great pride in our home and had spent quite a bit of time and effort in the yard and making it look nice. We had originally moved in right before Christmas - and my husband had a lot of fun decorating the house with Christmas lights the first two Christmases. I loved our home.

The year he was sick, we just tried to get by. To get the things done that really needed to happen. I somehow found time around Halloween to get the kids pumpkins. We carved them and set them outside.

Some of the people in the neighborhood noticed that things were a little different at our home the last few months - but they did not know why. They were not aware how ill he was - but there began to be some 'whispering' among the neighbors when the New Year came and the Christmas lights had never been put up and the Jack 'O Lanterns were still on the front porch stoop... frozen and covered in snow.

There were a few things I did the day after Chris died. One of them was throw the pumpkins out.

Since then whenever one holiday passes to the other and the wrong decorations are up... it takes me back. Funny - how not wanting to relive those last few months motivates me to try and stay on top of things. I have also not put lights up outside on the house since he passed. My kids ask for it every year. Every year I say maybe. But there are some jobs I just don't want to assume. I just want him to do it. And, I guess there is only so much he can do from the other side... and putting up the Christmas lights is not on that list.

PUMPKINS IN JANUARY

My husband and I bought the home we were living in when he passed about two years prior to his death. We took great pride in our home and had spent quite a bit of time and effort in the yard and making it look nice. We had originally moved in right before Christmas - and my husband had a lot of fun decorating the house with Christmas lights the first two Christmases. I loved our home.

The year he was sick, we just tried to get by. To get the things done that really needed to happen. I somehow found time around Halloween to get the kids pumpkins. We carved them and set them outside.

Some of the people in the neighborhood noticed that things were a little different at our home the last few months - but they did not know why. They were not aware how ill he was - but there began to be some 'whispering' among the neighbors when the New Year came and the Christmas lights had never been put up and the Jack 'O Lanterns were still on the front porch stoop... frozen and covered in snow.

There were a few things I did the day after Chris died. One of them was throw the pumpkins out.

Since then whenever one holiday passes to the other and the wrong decorations are up... it takes me back. Funny - how not wanting to relive those last few months motivates me to try and stay on top of things. I have also not put lights up outside on the house since he passed. My kids ask for it every year. Every year I say maybe. But there are some jobs I just don't want to assume. I just want him to do it. And, I guess there is only so much he can do from the other side... and putting up the Christmas lights is not on that list.

A Christmas Poem (ish)

Twas the night before Christmas and cousins arrived,
The shocking thing only that Mom had survived.
The presents were wrapped, at least mostly, by then
And Momma was striving for Christmas-y zen.
The laundry was done; the house was quite clean
It really was such a picturesque scene--
As long as the closets and fridge were unseen.


Along with the cousins came uncles and aunts,
Grammy and Papa and Nana in pants:)
We sat down and feasted, then feasted some more
On roast and potatoes, and fresh rolls galore!
The salad was scrumptious, risotto divine
Fresh fruit was included so kids did not whine.

Then after dinner, with costumes on kids
We hopped into cars, headed off to the skids.
Not skids exactly-- I needed a rhyme--
We went to see old folks with plenty of time
On their hands, all alone on this Christmas Eve night.
To share with them music and scripture and Light.

Alas, Momma neglected her camera to bring
To capture the family who'd gone there to sing.
But each of the singers will not soon forget
The faces of those who beheld our small set
And sang along with us when they knew the tune
We knew that we'd come not a moment too soon.


Then home to new jammies and cookies set out
With milk and a note, then to bed with no pout.
For each child wondered, "Is it really true
That Santa will wait for my sleep to ensue
Before he leaves presents and stockings for me?"
Their parents assured them that thus it would be.


The poor parents bustled and bustled until
They at last went to bed with their hearts all a-thrill
At the thought of their kidlets' next morning reaction.
They restlessly tossed, tho fatigued, with distraction
Till six-thirty came and the children all raced
To see what in their stockings that Old Elf had placed.



M&Ms, toothbrush, and gyroscope too
Hexbugs and sunglasses, legwarmers blue
Candy canes, Legos, a little girl doll
Bakugan, Pez, oh, I can't name it all!
They stuffed in their mouths as much candy as fit
While we waited for grandparents over to get:)



Then we went to the tree, all the gifts to unwrap
My readers have no need to get a recap
Of each little thing, but with love we exchanged
Gifts with each other; no one was short-changed.
Then the Dads made us breakfast-- again we were stuffed
And Mommy remarked that her eyes weren't puffed.

She'd managed to make it through Christmas this year
Without ever shedding a melt-downy tear--
That is, if you ONLY count Christmas Day morn
For meltdowns are common at Christmas, we warn.
Perhaps she did freak out a few times before
But nothing like she'd done in Christmas of yore.


And next year she swears to go simpler, my dear,
In order to spread out that Christmas-y cheer
To soak it all up with her kidlets and kin
And not let the stress and consumer-ness win;
But she's said that before-- she is prone to forget
And overdo Christmas for many years yet.

Hope you had a merry, melt-down free Christmas!

Christmas tips

To tip or not to tip? Who do you tip at Christmas? This year, we tipped the mailman. He made it kind of obvious, by leaving us a card explaining that routes were being rearranged, so that he would no longer be our mailman in 2010, and saying how much he’d enjoyed working our patch over the past however many years. I felt a bit obliged, but I didn’t mind, as he’s always been a fantastic mailman.

Christmas tips

To tip or not to tip? Who do you tip at Christmas? This year, we tipped the mailman. He made it kind of obvious, by leaving us a card explaining that routes were being rearranged, so that he would no longer be our mailman in 2010, and saying how much he’d enjoyed working our patch over the past however many years. I felt a bit obliged, but I didn’t mind, as he’s always been a fantastic mailman.

Christmas tips

To tip or not to tip? Who do you tip at Christmas? This year, we tipped the mailman. He made it kind of obvious, by leaving us a card explaining that routes were being rearranged, so that he would no longer be our mailman in 2010, and saying how much he’d enjoyed working our patch over the past however many years. I felt a bit obliged, but I didn’t mind, as he’s always been a fantastic mailman.

Then one bloggy Christmas eve(ning)

I wondered if there was something a bit sad about posting on Christmas Day. But I decided that there isn't (although Blogger is down, so I've had a frustrating time trying to read posts and leave comments, and who knows if this will make it onto my blog). The children are asleep upstairs, my parents-in-law and sister-in-law are retiring to bed downstairs in the basement, and it's as if I have the

Then one bloggy Christmas eve(ning)

I wondered if there was something a bit sad about posting on Christmas Day. But I decided that there isn't (although Blogger is down, so I've had a frustrating time trying to read posts and leave comments, and who knows if this will make it onto my blog). The children are asleep upstairs, my parents-in-law and sister-in-law are retiring to bed downstairs in the basement, and it's as if I have the

Then one bloggy Christmas eve(ning)

I wondered if there was something a bit sad about posting on Christmas Day. But I decided that there isn't (although Blogger is down, so I've had a frustrating time trying to read posts and leave comments, and who knows if this will make it onto my blog). The children are asleep upstairs, my parents-in-law and sister-in-law are retiring to bed downstairs in the basement, and it's as if I have the

Merry Christmas!

Having a wonderfully perfect day thanks to my darling DH!

Merry Christmas!

Having a wonderfully perfect day thanks to my darling DH!

Christmas traditions

For many years after I first came to the United States, I was often a guest in someone else's home at Christmas. When I eventually got married it was really nice to finally be able to celebrate Christmas in my own home and start creating some of our own traditions as a family.

Some things we do a little differently to when I was growing up. We leave the stockings downstairs, but Santa always delivers one present upstairs to each of the kids. Breakfast on Christmas morning is cinnamon rolls. (Although this year it may be banana blueberry muffins as they are already made!) Lunch is never turkey, as we have turkey at Thanksgiving and for some reason DH thinks it's too soon only a month later to have another turkey. Not really - we just choose to have something different. As DH had to work until the end of the day this Christmas Eve, he is not making beef Wellington as he did last year. There will still be beef though, and salmon for those of us who don't like beef very much. No Christmas pudding or Christmas cake. After my recent attempt at making mince pies, I'm thinking I should try making a real English Christmas cake next year and am hoping my mother still has the recipe she used when we were little. I do make a 'kid's trifle' - with jelly/jello instead of sherry, but mostly I'm the only one who eats it. (Trifle makes for a yummy breakfast on Boxing Day!) DH surprised me this evening by producing a box of English Christmas crackers - the kind that go bang and have silly paper hats in them.

I got the following via email from friends a couple of days ago:

1st Annual Christmas Day Open House
Friday December 25th, 12:00 noon -10PM

For Kids & Childish Adults ▪ Dress Exceedingly Casual ▪ Light Fare Served All-Day
Leave your present-opening mess at home & come mess up our house, instead!

Although we've always considered Christmas Day a family day, I think we will take them up on their invitation. There's room in the routine for a new tradition!

Christmas traditions

For many years after I first came to the United States, I was often a guest in someone else's home at Christmas. When I eventually got married it was really nice to finally be able to celebrate Christmas in my own home and start creating some of our own traditions as a family.

Some things we do a little differently to when I was growing up. We leave the stockings downstairs, but Santa always delivers one present upstairs to each of the kids. Breakfast on Christmas morning is cinnamon rolls. (Although this year it may be banana blueberry muffins as they are already made!) Lunch is never turkey, as we have turkey at Thanksgiving and for some reason DH thinks it's too soon only a month later to have another turkey. Not really - we just choose to have something different. As DH had to work until the end of the day this Christmas Eve, he is not making beef Wellington as he did last year. There will still be beef though, and salmon for those of us who don't like beef very much. No Christmas pudding or Christmas cake. After my recent attempt at making mince pies, I'm thinking I should try making a real English Christmas cake next year and am hoping my mother still has the recipe she used when we were little. I do make a 'kid's trifle' - with jelly/jello instead of sherry, but mostly I'm the only one who eats it. (Trifle makes for a yummy breakfast on Boxing Day!) DH surprised me this evening by producing a box of English Christmas crackers - the kind that go bang and have silly paper hats in them.

I got the following via email from friends a couple of days ago:

1st Annual Christmas Day Open House
Friday December 25th, 12:00 noon -10PM

For Kids & Childish Adults ▪ Dress Exceedingly Casual ▪ Light Fare Served All-Day
Leave your present-opening mess at home & come mess up our house, instead!

Although we've always considered Christmas Day a family day, I think we will take them up on their invitation. There's room in the routine for a new tradition!

It's Beginning To Taste A Lot Like Christmas

Christmas at our house means Christmas Cookies! Here we are making a family favorite. Click here for the recipe.

Margaret helped from her favorite location-- strapped to me in the Baby Bjorn, swiping at cookie dough and candy.

Later that day, we went over to Nana's for more baking. Bronwen helped us clean up after dipping the macaroons.

Today is Christmas Eve. We still have our sugar cookies to roll out and bake before I put the roast in. I guess I'd better get off the computer and back to the kitchen.

Hope your day is merry!

Joyeux Noël everyone!

It’s Christmas Eve and the excitement mounts. Father Christmas is on his way! Hooray!

To whip you into a further frenzy of giddy joy I am posting a photo of our Christmas tree (wow!) and two videos of the Snowman and Dog singing Jingle Bells.

This was a gift from Sir Pete Wyndlashed, the master captain of the Buccaneer's Delight who purloined this family favourite on one of his sorties in the frozen north a few years back.

Gribouille, aka Gribbers, Princess Perfect’s hamster, makes a guest appearance.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my bloggy buddies!

Where is Mr Kipling when I need him?

Mince pies are not easy to find here in the US, and when you do find them they are often quite expensive. Most Christmases I just go without, although occasionally I do find some imports and decide to indulge in a box. This year, inspired by Karen, I decided to try making some.

I'm not sure when the last time was that I made mince pies, if ever. I think I need to practice. The store-bought mincemeat was acceptable, but the pastry left something to be desired. They did look quite nice though:


Maybe if I master making mince pies, another year I'll try making a real Christmas cake.

Where is Mr Kipling when I need him?

Mince pies are not easy to find here in the US, and when you do find them they are often quite expensive. Most Christmases I just go without, although occasionally I do find some imports and decide to indulge in a box. This year, inspired by Karen, I decided to try making some.

I'm not sure when the last time was that I made mince pies, if ever. I think I need to practice. The store-bought mincemeat was acceptable, but the pastry left something to be desired. They did look quite nice though:


Maybe if I master making mince pies, another year I'll try making a real Christmas cake.

Peace at Christmas?

Most people will tell you that the Christmas season is their favorite time of year. The beautiful lights and decorations, the festive music playing everywhere, the parties, the food, the presents, the time spent with family—indeed, there is something magical about Christmastime.

For some of us, particularly mothers, Christmas is also the busiest time of year. We make lists and check them twice, then three times. We fuss about the decorations and lights; we schedule the parties we want to throw and those we want to attend; we bake more than any other time of year for events at church, school, and work, for our neighbors and friends; we plan, shop for, and wrap countless gifts; we plan activities for our families to soak up the season; we do something special for those less fortunate. All this service to our family and others should be richly fulfilling, and yet we often end up feeling exhausted and let down (and a little relieved) when the season wraps up. That’s not what Christmas should be about. There is no peace in the running ragged that I catch myself doing in December in an attempt to do it all.

Today I wanted to focus on bringing peace to our season of celebration. The angels who sang at the birth of Jesus proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!” (Luke 2:14) Centuries before His coming, the prophet Isaiah wrote, “And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). And during His earthly ministry, Christ taught his disciples, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace” (John 16:33).

Christ offers us peace if we will but turn unto Him. We often think of turning to the Lord for peace during times of trial and suffering, but we can and should look to Him every day for peace in our lives.

In my own life, I have seen a direct correlation between me making the effort to seek the Lord’s guidance and spirit through prayer and scripture study and the peace I experience in my daily activities.

Galations 5 teaches: “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance . . .” As a mother, I desperately need those things in my life, and yet when life gets hectic, the simple acts of calling on the Lord and seeking to know His will are sometimes neglected. Instead, I race from one thing to the next, snapping at my husband and children because I feel overwhelmed with all I have to accomplish. Later, when I find myself on my knees, begging for the Lord’s assistance as I struggle to cope with my day, he gently reminds me that I rushed up and out that morning, plunging right into my to-do list and responsibilities without first seeking Him. Again. Why must we learn the same lessons over and over?

Christ has said, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come into him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelations 3:20). Are we too busy to hear him knocking? We believe in Him, but are we opening the door and letting him in to sup with us?

In these final days leading up to Christmas, I want to challenge myself and each of us to set time aside each day to ponder the great gift of our Savior; to read of His birth, His life, and His marvelous atonement; and to pray to our Heavenly Father, offering thanks for the gift of His Son. Then, we will have his peace in our hearts. Then we will be better able to give of ourselves to our family and friends. We will be better equipped to choose wisely how we spend our precious time and energy. We will feel true joy, happiness, and peace that can come only from the Savior of the World. As Christ taught His disciples, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14:27).

I know that He lives and loves us. I know that He desperately wants to give us the peace that He promises, that our hearts may no more be troubled. I know that He is the Savior of the world, without whom all would be lost. I am so grateful for His willing sacrifice so that we might have eternal life; and that, though I stumble and make mistakes constantly, He continues to stand at the door and knock for me.

I Need a Sponsor!

Dear Land of Nod,

Do you need a mommy blogger to help you with your advertising? I would be so happy to have you as a sponsor. It would be easy for me to go on and on about your quality children's furniture, your cute little names for things, and your stylish new baby gifts and gear. But the real reason I want some free swag in exchange for my endorsement? I want oodles of your toys under our Christmas tree this year.

The only thing I can't gush about is your prices, which could be a bit more budget-friendly for this mother to five. And yet, unlike so many toys in the big box stores, these aren't made of poisonous, lead-laden plastic and paint. They don't light up or make arcade noises. These toys don't talk back to your kids, allowing them to use their own (gasp) imaginations and to invent their own dialogue. They don't have any heavily merchandised characters that induce my children to swear their loyalty to a movie or brand. And that may save me some money in the long run!

So, just in case you had me in mind for such a gig, I'm attaching my wish list for Christmas. If Santa could come early in the form of a gigantic gift card from your lovely store, I would really appreciate it. Until then, I will try to be content with a few of the less budget-killing items and watch for a sale.

For my boys:

"Do you hear what I hear?" is just the kind of eavesdropping device my little Harriet-the-Spy wannabe would flip over!

And it coordinates perfectly with this "Secret Agent kit", an item which happens to be on Kimball's rather extensive wish list this year. (I wonder where he gets it?)

My little nephews would be over the moon to get this fire engine or "If I had a hammer and workbench" from Aunt Michal.

For my Girls:

"Thank heaven for little girl dolls" and coordinating pillow pals are sweet, indestructible, modest, and don't push my girls into the teeny-bopper stage too soon. Can I just grumble for a moment about how much I hate most of the dolls out there for little girls? Grumble grumble.


Cutest little "Starter house perfect for first time owners". Love it. Too bad the family and all the furniture are sold separately. This Santa's helper wants them all.

One of the many accessories that I love to go with the kitchen at the top. We might end up with the cookie set, but sadly, we'll have to make do with our plastic hand-me-down kitchen without an LON sponsorship.:)


This stylish stacker is perfect for the baby who already inherited everything from her older sibs. As is the vanilla flavored teething ring (not pictured). What a great idea.

These adorable blocks almost make me want to sit down and stack them up. And there were several other equally beautiful block sets.

These are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to educational toys and games for all ages. I think Bronwen may get a few of these under the tree to keep her busier during "school time".

In short, please have your people call my people. On second thought, you'd better email me. The background noise of my life is too chaotic for any official phone calls! I'm sure that we can arrange a mutually satisfactory situation! I'll brag all about your wonderful toys and furniture, and you'll send me one of everything! Deal?

I Can Find the Lord

I read about the birth of the Savior this morning, snooping around You Tube- I found a video that I really liked: click here.