Christmas morning

Christmas morning was a blast!  Ethan is still young enough that he takes his time playing with his toys before ripping into the next gift.  His garbage truck from Santa was the real show stopper.  I will never forget the look on his face when he realized what it was.  His joy was so heart-warming, I am so lucky!

Andy surprised me with a special gift.  When we had Ethan he gave me a Willow Tree figurine depicting a Father, Mother and new baby called "Our Wish".  For Christmas he gave me a new figurine called "Mother and Son".  Of course it was perfect and brought on the ugly cry.  A wonderful end to the year, looking forward to 2013!

'Tis the Season

This is my most favorite time of the year.  Christmas is less than a week away.  I love all of the decorations and traditions.  I love the feeling of love and thankfulness and joy in the air.  It's always a very emotional time, happy and sad.  Christmas always makes me feel sort of fluttery inside.  It starts just after Halloween, when we realize Thanksgiving is only weeks away. Then, as the big day draws near, the worse the fluttering becomes.  It's a good feeling, an anxious feeling.  Almost like I am a kid again.  Spending time with my family...often it's the only time of year I see some of them, the special, yummy food, the love I feel when I think about why we Celebrate such a special time.  I think what I have found to be the best part of celebrating Christmas, is the wonder and fun my son has.  Sharing the traditions of making cookies and decorating our tree.  His anxiousness only fuels my own.  Counting down the days on Advent Calendar, making things for the ones we love...it's all a part of that celebration.  He is just truly learning about what makes Christ so special.  Finally beginning to understand how the birth of a boy in a manger more than 2,000 years ago could lead to such a wonderous occasion.  He still doesn't quite "get it"...it will be awhile before he does on a deeper level.  But he does understand that Christmas is special.  Of course, presents are a part of that.  What 4 year old doesn't love getting presents (or adult for that matter!)  But he is learning that there is more.  The traditions that go along with the Celebration are just the beginning. 

Merry Christmas to all of my family and friends.  Each is truly appreciated and loved.  May Christmas and the New Year bring us all a little Comfort and Joy!



Christmas Pageant

Last weekend was Ethan's Christmas Pageant, it was so adorable.  They sang "The Colors of Christmas."  They showed the birth of Jesus in the manger.  All of the kids did a great job, Ethan had been looking forward to the show all week.



Winter is Late, not that I am complaining!

December 1st is typically cold.  There may not be snow, but it is almost always cold.  Not this year.  This year on this day we spent the afternoon at our local nature center.  We took a wonderful hike in the woods.  We didn't get any close encounters with woodland creatures, but we did run into another family taking advantage of the 60 degree temperatures.  We took the Lowland trail all the way until it ended and hooked up with the Upland trail that lead back to the trail head.

Heading down to the Lowland trail.

Ethan loved being the leader! 

He pretended we were explorers, and marveled at our ancient discovery of an old "train car".  Which really is just an old metal trailer.  Still a pretty cool discovery though. 

We also "discovered" some ponds and rivers.  There were a couple of overlooks on the trail that were quite questionable.  Mommy was very nervous with Ethan climbing the rickety ramps up.  

Dock near the main pond

Ethan maintained his stamina pretty well until the near end.  He walked the whole way, roughly 2 miles.  It was a wonderful start to December.  I am convinced that this winter we are going to get slammed with snow.  I intend to enjoy every snow-free moment I can!

Thanksgiving Pies

Thanksgiving has come and gone...where did this year go?  We spent Thanksgiving with my parents this year.  I was in charge of making the pie.  Lexia's absolute favorite is Pecan Pie.  It's not really that difficult to make, but it does take awhile in the oven.  I have never made one before, but apparently I make an excellent one.  The recipe I found online did not use any karo syrup.  I think Lexia was a little skeptical when I told her that because traditionally pecan pie is made with karo.  It turned out delicious, though it will never be my favorite (it's overly sweet for me). 

 

I also made Andy's favorite, Dutch Apple.  Usually I will do a graham cracker crust and topping, but I decided to use a pastry crust and a standard flour/sugar/butter topping.  Another winner!

 

Lastly I made (and froze) a traditional apple pie.  We will be spending Christmas Day here at home.  This way I do not have to make another, or buy a mediocre frozen pie.

Our Thanksgiving was quiet, but wonderful.  Ethan got to watch most of the Detroit Parade.  We were looking for his uncles, who were fortunate to get to watch it in person.   The next day was a bit of a downer.  We were supposed to visit Andy's family at his brother's house, but Ethan decided it was a good day to get a stomache bug.  Luckily it wasn't too bad and only lasted the one day.

On Sunday, we got out the Christmas decorations.  Can't wait!