Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Think back when you were little.  Do you remember how magical Christmas was.  There were things/traditions you probably did that made it feel like Christmas.  I know my memories are vivid of the record player going non stop with Christmas Records, baking, baking and more baking, candy making with dad, decorating a live gorgeous tree (and the smell of it) and a fake colorful tree, the crackling of the real wood fire, HS choir concerts, Mr. Felts house decorated with all of the Disney characters, family Christmas parties, cherry 7-up, delivering goodies to friends, hay ride caroling, homemade gifts, the Christmas Carol and Rudolph on my dad's Record, Luke 2, my Dad's Candy Cane Pastry (Yummy), singing Christmas songs as a family to the guitar or piano.

Christmas was so magical, so warm, and happy.  I have always hoped to make Christmas as memorable and magical for my children as my parents made it for us.  But I will be the first to admit every year I have gotten overwhelmed and felt like I have failed them.  I had to let a lot of things slide this year, since my hands were full, life was busy, and Evanicio was gone.  I read a post from our adopted Grandma Mikie it couldn't have come at a better moment in my life.  I needed to know that what I was doing for my family was ok and that I wasn't failing my children.  In it she says "The memories of Christmas past, while treasured, are as gone as the people that graced our table. But some traditions still remain." I know it sounds simple but it is what I needed.  My kids can't have 'my' Christmas memories they are mine, but I can help them make new ones and some of the traditions that I remember can be theirs. 

I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year full of traditions new and Old!  

The Cousins make Homemade gifts for each other.  (I didn't get a picture of the gifts, but I think KK did!)

Mikey wanted Star Wars Legos from Santa.  I guess he was good because......

Santa thought he could use some Star Wars toys that weren't Legos as well (Star wars legos are all for 7 and up this kid is just shy of 4).  Mikey also asked for a book about the body, he is very interested about how things work. 

And Grandpa Poke Nose made Mikey Lincoln Logs!  Which were perfect for fortress building and landing pads.