Day 17: Lights!

Left Page -(Tags - MME Lost & Found Christmas & Elle's Studio, Date stickers via OA)

The journaling appears on the left page, but roughly says:

Today was all about lights and their magic.


 - Lights lights being strung on the tree in our front hard in a family effort.
 - Hundreds of trees covered in white and bright colored lights at Chesapeake
 - The lights of the Civic Center aglow as dancers graced the footlights performing the Nutcracker (and the light of Tracie and I's friendship and shared enjoyment).
 - Lights on our Christmas tree, the one onstage and the one in the lobby of the theater along with those around town.
 - Lights of traffic and cars backed up on Penn filled with Christmas shoppers.

I will add a page or two from our program in the middle of the spread - sadly no pictures in the program or in person.

Right Page - (OA paper with red ribbon)

4x6 on Right page - Maggie with lighted tree

4x6 on Right page - kids helping Brent string the lights

 

Day 12: My Girl

Dear Maggie,

Today,  I woke up to the sound of you softly crying/whining from your room.  I ran to greet you needing a hug from my girl after days away.  When I opened the door you started crying and we had to snuggle for awhile.  I'm not sure if it was that you'd missed me or that you were missing seeing your Daddy in the morning or were just waking up hard, but you were a sad girl.  You are such a big girl now that you are bigger than my lap already with legs dangling over and blond hair everywhere.  I held you for as long as I could as after a weekend with your big brother I know that all too soon you will be bigger still.

You made a very big-girl decision today. You decided you were ready to wear your panties to school for the very first time.  I was a little nervous, but you were sure (I asked many times).  You were right; you wore your panties all day to school with no issues even through nap time.  We are all so proud of you.  You were thrilled and so happy.  (We did have a teeny accident at home later, but we're getting closer).

I love that you love crafting and having your picture taken too.  This afternoon, you asked me to take your picture and wanted to use your "big smile."  You also wanted a picture with the Santa you'd stamped into your notebook.  Thanks to your love of pictures we have had several of these impromptu photo shoots lately and each is a treasure to me.  Next, you were off to stamp and make Christmas ornaments and your brother was soon convinced that this was great fun too.As soon as your ornament was set you were off and running outside inventing games of your own in the cold winter air.

This is just a sample of what days with you are like.  You are so bright, cheerful, talkative and full of life.  I love the joy you exude and bring to all of us.  You keep us up, moving and engaged throughout the day in the fun you create around you.  It amazes me what a little leader you are already, always ready to propose the next activity or invite others to join in your independent play.  You are a great little mom to your many babies and tell us all about them.  You love blankets, singing, books, and jingle bells.  You are starting to have opinions about your clothing and often ask for dresses and boots most days.  You love being outside regardless of the temperature and are just now starting to love some kids programs on TV (Sesame Street, WonderPets, Dora, and samplings of others).

As the day winds down, we tuck you into your bed filled with many MANY blankets, stuffed animals, pillows, babies, and cup of milk. We snuggle you in and sing "Maggie had a little lamb" before kissing you goodnight.  These days, you tend to sing and talk at least 30 minutes longer after bedtime.  You are so different from your brother, just as I am so different than your Dad.  We all compliment each other well, but I admit a certain joy in seeing a lot of my traits reflected in you.

I love you sparkle, joy, snuggliness and effusive love.  Thank you my lovely, smart, wonderful little lady for enriching our family and being your own charming self!

Love and hugs,
Mama

Day 9: My Boy

Friday, brought a very early start to our mother/son weekend adventure and prompted me to do my annual December Daily posting for B.

Dear B,
  You were so full of enthusiasm even as we started our trip at 4am.  I loved watching you experience air travel all over again, most especially our time on the plane.  You never asked for a toy or distraction.  Instead, you were all about the experience.  You had many questions that I attempted to answer as you pondered flight and boxed at the sunlight just peaking through the windows as we neared Saint Louis.  I am amazed and thrilled at how self-sufficient you are.  For the entire trip you were in charge of your bag and your stuff and a great help.  After arriving, we went to Target with Aunt Audra and my heart skipped as you ran jumping into my arms for a kiss.  You are not so prone to ebullient joy or random affection so the occasional moments like this are all the more precious.

  By afternoon, we were so tired from our already long day, and I knew you really wanted to just play with Zane and Aunt Audra, but that we'd all be better for some rest.  For the first time in probably years we lay down together to take a "rest" that stretched into hours of napping together on the couch.  I admit I watched you often as I wove in and out of sleep as in your sleep you seem much more my four year old than the older child you sometimes seem when you're awake.

  Throughout the trip there were moments like these that are the treasures I was hoping our weekend would bring.  Quiet "I Love Yous" as we fell asleep chatting in the hotel.  Fighting bubbles after the wedding.  Sitting with amazing patience through the reception.  Complete comfort as you paddled through the hotel pool so thrilled to be in the water again.  It was wonderful to watch you with Zane, to hear you talk video games with Zach, to nap again the last afternoon in preparation for a late night.

In fairness, there were some less ideal moments too like when you wouldn't talk to people, or pouted about the end of game times, but overall, it was a joy to be with you, to get to focus on you, to be together. You are growing up quickly my son. With another sibling coming into our house, I know our special dates will be fewer than we'd wish, but know that I cherish every minute.  I love you just how are with those quiet echoes of your father and the sweet, kindness.

Thank you for all the joy today and the richness you've been bringing to my life for five years now, my sweet B

Love,

Mama

JYC: Day 10 - Paper

Today's Journal Your Christmas prompt encouraged reflection on the role of paper in Christmas traditions. As Shimelle note, when you think about it paper is everywhere in Christmas from wrapping paper and Christmas cards through paper garlands and other decorations. This was the first time I had been drawn to notice the connection between the beautiful papers I use to craft and all the beautiful papers that can be part of Christmas.

I, sadly, am not one of those that has great skill or fascination with fabulous package wrapping. Brent's mom makes gorgeous packages and I feel lucky to receive them. However, the paper story I remember most with Christmas, or any wrapping gift occasion is that of my Grandma Dotter. Grandma Dotter, as with most of her generation was indelibly marked by life in the great depression. Those marks would appear in odd places throughout her life. On the one hand she would make a ziplock bag last forever. On the other, she would buy fabulous jewelry and expensive scarves later in life as a Doctor's wife. I love her love for beauty and try to absorb some of the use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without mentality....to varying degrees of success.

She, more than anyone, was of the school that very carefully unwraps packages using a knife to cut the tape, and saving every piece folded carefully to be used year after year. This was hard for kids to handle, as it was a slow, careful process. Looking back though there was some charm in seeing paper repeated over the years. This paper care was a little thing, but an image of her, and to a lesser extent my Dad who tried this at times too. Small, but now very precious and warm in a Christmas season that neither of them is here to celebrate with us.

What are your "paper" memories?
Ps. Dec Daily is probably going to wait until Monday, but I am collecting the stories as we roll down e interstate this morning.

(Note: This will also appear as Day 12 in my December Daily). 

Day 8: City Scape

Left Page 4x6

My rough plan for Christmas fun today was Popcorn and Christmas movies with the kids.  The movies weren't as cool as we'd thought, but luckily a new plan emerged.

 

 

 

Left Page 4x6

Journaling:   Happily, Uncle Able invited us to visit OK CityScape with him this evening.  CityScape is a Lego Block creation of downtown Oklahoma City.  Ticket sales go to help support disadvantaged OKC kids via Educare.  This year, it included some accidental alien visitors as they explored the city.  I think the kids most enjoyed the build tables, and happily kids and grown-ups all had a wonderful time. We wrapped up the evening with some shared sushi and plans for the great voyage tomorrow.

The resulting design:

Above photos will go on the left here up to the edge of the paper.

Journaling on the right - edged again in Brick Wall Liquid Chalk

Full spread with overlay between.

 B and I are leaving early tomorrow for Saint Louis so I'm not sure when I'll post next, but am bringing a small kit so I "might" keep at least the journaling up while I'm away.  I'll be back to typing on Monday, if not before.  Have a lovely weekend!

Day 7: Books!

Left page 3x5

Left page 3x5

Left page 4x6

Left Page - 3 photos

Another multiple picture day. I loved capturing them opening their first wrapped gift above and just needed this pictures that are so them in the book.  I also wanted to capture the "reading" and joy of book day so I'm including the group shot as well.  All on the Left page - the first two will go across the top 3x5ish and the group shot near the bottom left 4x6. (The stars are Jillibean Soup ones that I rubbed with Brick Wall fluid chalk and spritzed with  Perfect Pearls Mist - Sunflower Sparkle, the star is from Maya Road, and the tag is Ormolu).

Right Page - "books" below will go in the pocket with this tag from the gifts.

Journaling: Books are an important part of everyday and every celebration in our family. Grandma B brought a book for each little one today, carefully wrapped which added to the fun.  She read each one, accompanied by M on the drum and B on the cowbell.  Then they shared one more favorite before Grandma said farewell. 

 In the evening, as we sat down for book time, I surprised them with two more wrapped books.   We read the new books and two others before tucking them in for book-filled dreams.  


The tag pocket above was fun to make.  I used more of the liquid chalk to turn the tag colors, then spritzed with the Sunflower Sparkle.  It was so quick and yet a complete transformation from the plain manila tag.  The Canvas star is from Jilibean and as with many of the goodies today just arrived in the mail! (Other Supplies: Tag is Elle's Studio, Number 7 is from Crate Paper, Tap is Amy Tan for AC, and I again used Mister Huey In Estate Green to color my stamps).

Will be cropped into "books" and added into pockets on the right

To be cut apart and added to the pocket on the right page

The books we read today: (Amazon Affiliate links)

Ten on the Sled, The Gingerbread Girl Goes Animal Crackers, Drummer Boy, A Pussycat's Christmas,Swim, Little Wombat, Swim!, The Jolly Christmas Postman, Fireman's Safety Hints

The two page view - Day 7

Day 5: Hot Cocoa!

Left page (back of Day 4)

Journaling: The high today was 37 degrees F with a low of 22 and winds gusting to 20 mph (= wind chill of 17).  The best thing to do on the first truly cold day of winter in my mind is the snuggle at home with hot cocoa.  So, of course, I intruduced our kids to this tradition.  I enriched it a little with lots of left over cookies.  We each had our own spin on cocoa: 1) Maggie - cold chocolate milk in her sippy cup; 2) B - warm chocolate milk, crazy Sonic straw, and marshmallows; 3) Me - Godiva Hot Chocolate with gooey marshmallows-- each based on our individual preference and each delicious.  Maggie loved her side of marshmallows even more than the cookies!  We all felt warmer and happier after our quick chocolate snack.  Welcome to Winter!

Supplies: Title and sticker via Crate Paper's Peppermint line; Old Cosmo Cricket mitten and snowman embellishment from Evalicious--- although no real snow has appeared yet!

6x8 photo Top right page - my cuties!

See how patiently they are waiting for their cocoa while I snap away? Such pros at this by now.  You can see each of our glasses of hot cocoa, cookies and their adorable smiles.

 The photo will be printed 6x8 and attached at the top of this page (Echo Pak PP). I added the border strip at the bottom, but may leave it off so the patterned paper can show as most of it will be covered by the photo. I can always use it elsewhere, right? It features one of the Ali Edward stamps from last year as well as kraft cardstock misted with Perfect Pearl Sunflower (makes gold flecks).

 This is what the full spread will look like with the Hambly lace transparency between the two pages. I might add some trim to the edge of the transparency, but this evening didn't find anything that fit. (Some new supplies are arriving soon so perhaps I'll find something later.

Thanks to all the new commentors and visitors this week.  We love having you and hope you are enjoying the project as much as I am!

December Daily: Day 1

I love a parade!  Yes, I was that band nerd from grade school well into college and the sound of a drum line still holds a very special place in my heart.  I also think parades can be magical for little children and want mine to share in the music and spectacle. Today, my little family, Grandma B, Uncle Able and Katie all braved the cold for the Edmond Electric Christmas Parade.  (Ok it was only 44 degrees, but it is early winter for us.) The wait for the parade might have been longer than the parade itself, but it was worth it.  There were high school marching bands, a couple floats, fire trucks, police vehicles, military vehicles, twirlers, old cars, a horse, and Santa--- all covered with lots of electric lights.  A perfect parade recipe.  The joy in the faces of these two generations over a 15 minute parade, on a street filled with lights, on a cool winter evening was a great way to begin our holiday season.

Tonight's Book:  Christmas At The Zoo

Ps.  We attended this parade two years ago--- here is what our little lady looked like that night. Same beloved blanket, snugly pink ear flapped hat, but so very much smaller.

Crafting Note:  I am going to print the top photo 8x8 and add most of the journaling below it by hand.  I will try to upload the facing page soon, but will likely not print the photos for awhile as I do that off site.  I am not remotely sure that I'll have enough control to do only one photo per day, but today I only truly loved this one and it told my story so bonus all around. 

JYC: Manifesto

Journal Your Christmas with Shimelle begins today as well.  One portion of today's lesson was her Christmas Manifesto for the year.  We are encouraged to write our own, and maybe I will, but I wanted to share the class one with you as well (with her permission) as it is wonderful:

We were also asked to fill in this card before beginning our own thoughts on a Manifesto.   My initial, gut responses are below and interestingly track much of my One Little Word 2011:  "Savor."