Decorating the Christmas Tree

On Thursday evening, after the Thanksgiving meal, and after the naps, the girls, Tyler and Mom were at the house and the kids decorated the Christmas tree. What a hoot. They don't do it the way I would, but oh well, it gets done and they have fun. We have to keep Tyler on track though. You'll notice a nontraditional topping on the tree in some of the pics. It was only there until I discovered it and insisted that it needed the star instead. After the trimming of the tree and snacking, we watched Tyler's pick of Christmas movie which was Home Alone 2.

A Very Happy Thanksgiving

Why was it a Very Happy Thanksgiving? Why am I so thankful? Here is the reason. All my people together! Jim's girls! Our kids! You don't know, or can't even imagine, how wonderful it was to have all the girls, and Tyler too, with us for the day. These are "The Sisters". This is my mother, Cookie, and her sister, my Aunt Janice. They are responsible for all the DELICIOUS food. They fix the meal, and the rest of us just bring desserts. We all gather at Pete and Janices for the Thanksgiving Meal. Jim snacking at the table before lunch. We ALL do it, but I only got a picture of Jim. Everyone enjoying the meal, outside on the new deck. Pete had enclosed it in plastic and had portable heaters set up around the room. It was so nice and comfortable out there. Plenty of room to eat and visit and laugh and tell stories. Just what I look forward to every year. Four generations enjoying each other. (I feel the need to let people know that the bottle on the corner of the table is root beer.)

Just a few of the desserts. Janice's apple dumplings. YUM! YUM! Jim enjoying the end of the day his favorite way.

The One That DIDN'T Get Away

On Wednesday, November 26th, Jim and Maci went hunting on Dad and Mom's property in Kenna. After about two hours of hunting, Maci made the kill. She bagged a 5 point all by herself. Right in the lung she tells me. Oh well, I guess it was pretty exciting. Jim was pretty proud! They are busy making jerky as I type.

My Dear Deer Hunters

Jim and Maci have hit the woods hunting everyday since Monday. Sunday night Jim spent the night at the cabin on Dad and Moms property. Dad, Jim, and Fred built this hunting cabin years ago and this year decided to spend the night there. Fred, his brother-in-law, Shorty, and Jim settled in Sunday evening. Jim on the top bunk, Fred on the bottom, and Shorty on the floor. I don't know how much hunting they did, but it sounded like they had a very good time. Early Tuesday morning, Jim, Maci, and Justin (Jim's buddy) headed to Braxton County where they hunted all day long. Today Jim and Maci are back at Kenna in the woods. No one has had any luck as of yet. Oh well, they are building memories and having a good time!

A Christmas Decorating Project

I have sent out Christmas picture postcards of either the girls or the whole family since 1998. Before that time, when there was just Molli and Morgan, Granny had sent out cards a couple of times to her friends with just their pictures on it, but I don't have any of those. Also, when Dad unexpectedly passed away in 2006, I just didn't have it left in me to send the cards. Partly because Maci always wrote a Christmas letter with them, and I just didn't know what to allow her to say in the letter. Well, anyway, beginning this year I decided to send the cards again, but Maci refused to write the letter. Everyone really looked forward to her letters because they were hilarious and very, very, truthful (out of the mouths of babes). Anyway, these cards were just in a file and I wanted to display them, but didn't know how. I thought of this idea with the cards strung on string over the fireplace. The cards are attached with clothes pins hidden with Christmas themed cutouts with the year attached. Molli and Tyler drug out all of our scrap booking supplies (in Morgan's purple room) and began designing, cutting, and gluing. I think that they did a great job. Thanks guys!

My 'New' Iron Bed

I have wanted an iron bed forever. My Uncle Kenneth and Aunt Aletha recently moved into their dream farm house at Staats Mill and didn't have room for their iron bed. They have always been so, so good to me. They offered me the bed, which I immediately said I'd love to have. I went with Kenneth, one day after work, to their storage unit and loaded it in to his truck and he brought it to the house where he and Jim put it in the garage. It was a greyish, blue that matched Aletha's decor perfectly, but I wanted to paint it black. I painted it, and painted it, and painted it out there in the garage till I finally got the color right. Just last night Jim moved it in to our room and we slept on it for the first time. I got up at about 4am to go to the bathroom and ran right in to the foot board post! It about scared me to death. I put the Christmas quilt on it this morning, and I love it. Just thought you might like to see it for yourself. Thanks Kenneth and Aletha!!!

My Holiday Schedule

At the risk of exposing my OCD diagnosis (although, if you have ever lived in the same house as I do, are someone I consider a good friend, or have worked with me, I'm sure that you made the same diagnosis long before a professional MD), I'd like to share my schedule for enjoying the Holiday season. I began using this time frame about 1997, when I reentered the workforce after my "retirement" to stay home with our babies. I hear people bemoaning the fact that they "have" to put up a Christmas tree, or "must" purchase gifts for people they love, and it takes every ounce of strength to keep my mouth shut. I simply LOVE Thanksgiving and Christmas! I DO know that things can get stressful, and thus began my Holiday Schedule so that I won't become stressed and worn out, and miss the joy of spending this special time with my family and friends, and making memories for Jim and the girls. You don't have to work outside the home to use this schedule either. I took another "mini-retirement" between the years of 2001-2004, and because this worked so well, continued to stick to this schedule. Well, hope that this helps you and allows you to spend some extra time this season in God's word, enjoying your family, and making memories.

Lucinda's Holiday Schedule

Mid October: Decide on Christmas picture theme, purchase clothes (if needed), and let everyone know what to wear, and when the picture will be taken. I still have to start this early to give me time to talk the girls into going along with the plan. This gets harder and harder each year, and I guess next year, I'm going to have to convince Tyler also. Hard work!

End of October: Take Christmas picture, and write rough draft of Christmas letter. Also, prepare your Christmas shopping list and Christmas budget.

First week of November: Finalize Christmas letter, have Christmas postcards printed. Also, in the past, on the first weekend of November, two of my closest friends and I would go out of town for the weekend and I would do ALL of my Christmas gift shopping. I don't get to do this any longer, but it sure did help when the girls were much younger.

Saturday before Thanksgiving: Start playing Christmas CD's in the car and in the house. Put away all the Fall decorations, clean the house and move the furniture where it needs to be for the placement of trees (yes, I said trees! I like to have three: one in the family room, one in the living room, and one in the kitchen) Also, wash flannel sheets and Christmas quilts for the beds.

Monday before Thanksgiving: I begin putting up the Christmas decorations. I do it in spurts. I purposely pack up everything the year before so that I can get it back out in this order. One evening we put up only the Christmas trees (no decorations this year because we are waiting till Morgan comes home). The next evening, I put up all the garland. I put lighted garland over the fireplace, over the kitchen cabinets, on the piano, and on the bookshelves in our bedroom. As I remove the items on these surfaces, I place them in the boxes the garland came out of and store them back in the garage. The next evening, I unpack and place all the Christmas decorations such as the nativity scene, the candles, Christmas books, pine cones, Christmas pictures, etc. Then this year, we will decorate the trees on Wednesday when Morgan comes home from UT. I don't know what I'll do when we all can't be here to decorate the trees together, but I'm sure I'll survive. One evening, I also wash up all the Christmas dishes, mugs, serving platters, and such because from this time on, we only use Christmas dishes to eat or drink out of. I also start baking some of our Holiday Only snacks. I'll post them at the end of this blog.

Thanksgiving Day: We head out to my Aunt Janice's for turkey, tons of good food, and the closeness of my dear family! And, when we return.........we're ready for Christmas!!!!

Lots of people try to criticize this schedule and say that I just skip over Thanksgiving. If they just knew!!! Never do I feel more thankful and think about how very blessed I am than in the quiet of the evening, with the lights out, the Christmas tree sparkling, the fireplace crackling, a mug of cappuccino in my hand, and a prayer in my heart and on my lips to God. I spend most evenings during the whole month of December like this with tears in my eyes for Gods goodness and mercy.

Friday after Thanksgiving Day: We head to the Mall! The girls and I love to shop!!!!! We usually don't even buy anything that day, we just like to be a part of the hustle and bustle. Also, I put a Christmas ringtone on my cell phone.

Saturday after Thanksgiving: I address the Christmas postcards and attach the stamp. They are ready to be mailed on December 1st. Also, beginning this year, I'm going to go in to work and decorate my office so that I'm all ready on December 1st.

This schedule allows me to truly enjoy the Christmas season. I can attend all of Maci's many programs. Two church programs, the RHS Band Concert, the RHS Chorus Concert, Maci marching in the Ripley Christmas parade, Maci playing flute at the Grand Illumination Ceremony at Cedar Lakes, spend time shopping with the girls, bake our Holiday Only snacks, and watch Christmas movies. This schedule really does keep me less stressed and allows me to truly enjoy the season.

Each year, I purchase one new Christmas CD, and the Christmas movie of the year. We rewatch these movies year after year.

You can adjust this schedule to meet your needs. I know that this schedule adjusts each year to meet our needs. I remember when the girls were small, it included shopping for Christmas dresses to wear on Christmas Sunday. It also included a new outfit for Jim that matched our dresses. He always complained, but he looked so, darn cute and handsome that I still get him a new outfit to wear, and he still complains. But, tradition is tradition!

As promised, here is a list of Holiday Only foods we gobble up each Holiday season:
*Party Mix
*Hot Fruited Tea
*Pumpkin Roll (only Jim can make this, and it's delicious)
*Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
*Homemade Pepperoni Rolls (with cheese inside)
*Grape Juice and Ginger ale in Christmas champagne glasses (this is from when I was a little girl, my mom made this for Fred and I)
* Kettle Corn (This is a new one beginning a couple of years ago. My sister-in-law makes this and it is to die for.)

I hope that this bit of advice helps you to fully enjoy the Thanksgiving and Christmas Season. I hope that it gives you more time to spend with God and your family.

Spend your extra time praising God for his most wonderful gift of his Son, and truly enjoy the Season. Merry Christmas!!!!

If there is anything that you do to help make the Holidays more enjoyable, I'd love to hear about it. We sisters have to help each other out you know.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow (until I have to drive in it)!

On Monday, November 17, I was home during the day and it started snowing, big, big flakes that quickly covered the deck and hillside. I love the first snow of the season! I immediately fixed myself a cup of cappuccino, got a warm blanket, my book I was reading, and sit by the door to enjoy the snow. By the time that Maci got home, there was quite an accumulation on the ground. As much as I LOVE the snow, I HATE driving in it. Jim came home and agreed to take Maci to piano (thank goodness, I thought we might just cancel). By the time Tuesday morning came, I wasn't so much enjoying the snow. It was slick! Maci and I headed out at 6:30am to Ripley. I had her praying all the way to town! God answered our prayers, we made it safe, although my knuckles were white from squeezing the steering wheel so tightly. Who hasn't caught snow on their tongue? How fun!

Molli's Engaged

On Friday, November 7th, I got a text message at work (along with Morgan, Maci, and lots of others) that Molli was engaged. How exciting! Tyler proposed while they were bow hunting in a tree stand. Lucky for us, he had it videotaped. CaSandra and I immediately were on the phone trying to get questions answered (apparently, you can't talk on the phone while you're hunting). Ty and Molli stopped in the office around 2pm to show me the ring. You can only imagine the wait from the time of the text at 8:01am till 2:00pm. CaSandra and I called each other no less that 5-6 times. The first time I called CaSandra I asked about the possibility of doing an announcement, because she does such cute ones for Kensley. I no more than said announcement than she said she was already on it. Great minds think alike! By the time Molli and Ty stopped in the office, the draft and plan was complete. CaSandra took the pictures and she and I tweaked the layout. Molli was so kind to let us enjoy the excitement!

***This is so exciting, but I must say, I'm a little freaked out about being a mother-in-law, but it will be nice to say I have a son.***

The Engagement Announcement These are just some cute pictures that were taken, but not used, for the announcement. These two are both just so photogenic that it was hard to decide on just one picture.

Because Tyler proposed while he and Molli were in a tree stand bow hunting, I thought I'd include these cute pics.

Twenty Wishes

I recently read a book in which a group of friends decided to each write their twenty wishes. These wishes are things that can be achieved through goals and planning, and some that are just fun things I would like to do. The wishes are not things in which we really have no control over such as to live a long, healthy life with my husband, or to see my girls walk down the isle, graduate, or hold my grandchildren. These wishes are things that continue to present themselves over time. Well, here goes....These twenty wishes are in no particular order, nor do I have twenty at this time. I will add to them till I reach twenty. Also, I will let you know when any of the wishes come to fruition.

Lucinda's Twenty Wishes

1. Go to Hawaii on a week long vacation with Jim

2. Take a girl I love to the American Girl Place and purchase her a doll and clothes

3. Water ski

4. Start my own business

5. Take a photography class

Sleepovers

The only evidence that remains after the sleepover.

Maci and her friends, Lexie, Sarah, Ashtyn, Emily, KayLee, and Mollie take turns spending the night at each others house after each football game. I love to have these girls here. It keeps me young. They snack, watch movies, snack, play games, snack, and then sleep anywhere that they can find an empty space. Jim and I go to our room, put the earplugs in, and sleep while they have control of the house. On the Friday before they come over, I always get a grocery list. It includes: 2 pepperoni pizza's, 2 cheese pizza's, peanut M&M's, cheetos, doritos, mountain dew, dr. pepper and two or three scary movies. They are such good kids! Someday, all too soon, I'm going to miss having all these friends at the house.

Country Roads Take Me Home.....

Isn't this breathtaking? The trees are just so beautiful. Every morning on the way down the hill, I say to Maci, isn't this just breathtaking. Now I just say, Oh Maci, and she finishes with I know, this is just breathtaking. Although she says it somewhat sarcastically, I still answer, "yes, Mace, it certainly is." I prefer to live in town, while Jim prefers to live about 100 miles away from the nearest neighbor, so we compromise and live about 5 minutes out of town. Which is very fortunate because there are days that I make about five trips in to town and back. Although I prefer a city dwelling, I just could not imagine not taking in this beautiful scene everyday. Each morning, along with the proclamation of isn't this breathtaking, I also sing (out loud) Country Roads Take Me Home till Maci turns the radio up loud enough to drown me out. Oh well, with beauty like this all around, how could you not praise God all the way down the hill? The scenery, being able to take Maci to school, having a warm house and a gorgeous husband to return to at the end of the day, plenty of food (too much actually), great friends, and family close by, it does just take my breath away. It really is breathtaking!

Indiana Oiler?

Isn't he just yummy? This hat caused me great stress for a while till I finally just gave in and let him wear it. He loves this hat. Dad and Mom got it for him three or four Christmases ago. I've come to love it too. Just because it makes him happy! For Halloween, in his treat bag, he got the fourth Indiana Jones movie, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The girls had gotten him the first three Indiana Jones movies for Father's Day. Needless to say, we watched it shortly thereafter, him in his recliner and me on the couch. What a GREAT evening. I love this man!

Ghosts, Goblins, and Cute Kids!

Trick-or-Treat!

I had such a good time preparing "treat bags" for these kids. I had forgotten how much fun it was. I used to make them all the time when Molli, Morgan, and Maci were in grade school. But now I get to make them again because I had to mail a "treat" to Molli at Marshall, and Morgan, Dustin, Austin, and Sarah at UT. I also made one for Jim, Maci, and Tyler. I go to Mom's house in Fairplain to hand out candy with her. My friends bring their kids there, and the kids from GLBC come to see Mom. My cousin, Paula, came and handed out candy with us. We had such a good time! Maci, and friend Kaylee, were a little old for Trick-or-Treating, so they along with about five other girlfriends, went to the house of Emily's grandma, Jill "Giddy" Canter to hand out candy on the avenues. I know that they had a GREAT time because when these girls get together, they are a hoot!

Morgan and Samuel Pierson, children of one of my best friends, Melanie, showed up first for their loot. I can't believe how fast these kids are growing up. I remember Jim and I having these two in Preschool Church.

My Little Pony, Kensley. How adorable is she? I love to see her many expressions. Her father, Rob, works for the City, and her mother, CaSandra, has become a dear friend. They are such wonderful parents! Kensley is one fortunate little girl. I am so blessed that they have allowed me to share in their joy. Kensley gives me my "baby fix" every so often, and I love to shop for little girl things (brings back memories).

Ivy and Walker Shouldis are two very special youngsters. I babysit them from the time Ivy was two years old and Walker was a newborn. For a time, Walker even called me "Mommy". How sweet is that? Ivy has grown into such a fine young lady and Walker is all funny boy. Their mother, Christie, is one of my dearest friends, although we don't get to spend much time together at all anymore. These two entertained us most of the evening.

A group of kids from Dad and Moms Kenna neighborhood stopped by. Edwin Stover, Tory Scholl, Laine Stover, Ivy Shouldis, Walker Shouldis, and Tobias Scholl. Tory and Tobias' dad, Toby is in the picture also. I used to babysit Toby and his brothers what seems like not too awfully long ago. These kids also go to church with Mom and she just loves them.

Cousins Darby "the old woman" and Dane "the pirate" Petersen, along with the Pete's Hot Dogs mascot came next. The old woman had some good news, she had just won the Fairplain Elementary School spelling bee.

Congratulations Darby!

My brother Fred's grandson, Luke, came as the Incredible Hulk, although I thought he was the Green Giant (I only had girls and not a one of them ever wanted to be a super hero so I'm kindof lost on boy things). He got his treat bag and took one to his brother, Matthew, who had football practice and couldn't trick-or-treat. This little guy has the most gorgeous blue eyes.

After all the trick-or-treaters there was still alot of candy left, so Paula and I had to help get rid of some of it. It was so nice to get to see, and spend time with, these cuties. They are ALL so, so funny and fun to be around!

There were no TRICKS this night so the TREATS must have been OK!