Valentine's Day Boxes 2012

Happy Day of Love, everyone! :)

I have always gotten excited over the big V-day, if you will. I think since it is so close to my birthday that it's always been special to me. Plus, I loved getting to deliver little envelopes to every one's little mail boxes.  Speaking of which, we made ours! I asked Heath, "Are you going to make Valentine's Day boxes with us?"

His response? "Well, I don't want to break tradition."

I had to laugh. I could tell her wanted to.

So, here they are. For Lucy, I kept my cute, little house Kleenex box from Christmas. For me, Heath kept a regular Kleenex box.

For himself, Heath saved a Welch's fruit snacks box. He never uses the Kleenex box opening anyway...

Heath worked on his, while Lucy and I did hers. I let her pick out all the patterns, colors, stickers, everything. I just helped her glue and tape. She put on all the stickers by herself though, and colored it! :) She had a blast.

Heath was done next. He wrapped his in white and added some cute letters from the newspaper.

The spot for putting in valentines was on top.

And, he even included a little picture of us that we had cut out from our wedding invitations.

I loved it Heath; but, your circle cutting leaves a bit to be desired. :)

I was in a rut and couldn't decide what to do. So, I decided to turn my Kleenex box inside out.

The shiny inside looked a lot prettier!

I then covered the top and bottom rim with satiny, maroon ribbon - also from our wedding invitations. Then, I added a few stickers, here and there.

We had a great time and had wonderful pieces to show for it!

I hope that we have started a tradition that we will continue for years to come! Again, Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you have a love-filled day!

Too Late?

So, is it too late to talk about Christmas? And, share our photos?

Well, if it is, sorry. I am awful about gathering pictures from our camera. But, I finally got a whole bunch - including Christmas! Here they are...

We started our kick-off to Christmas by going to see...who else, but Santa Claus?

Lucy had her new Christmas dress on.

She did alright. No tears! :) She was more interested in the candy canes than anything else. I just wish 'binkie' hadn't been in the picture. :{

It was a fun family night.

In early December, Lucy got her letter from Santa Claus. She was pretty excited to get mail, but otherwise oblivious about the content. However, when she gets older I think she will enjoy seeing these letters, marking her year's milestones and 'what to work on.'

We filled most of our evenings reading Christmas stories in front of the Christmas tree. Lucy loved reading 'Charlie Brown's Christmas' and 'Twas' the Night Before Christmas.' She even has two Hallmark books that her Mimi and Grandpa recorded for her.

I'll admit, by the end I was begging to read something other than Charlie Brown. I love it; but, boy, does it get old. Thirty nights of reading it is a lot! Good grief! ;)

We, again, spent Christmas Eve as a family. We made sure to take another family photo in front of the Christmas tree.

Once we got home, Lucy loved opening her stocking. She got a lot of goodies and some more, small books!

 

We left the camera out all night and Santa took a picture of the presents he left under the tree! Doesn't this photos just seem warm? :)

The next morning, Lucy was in a sleepy daze. She tried out her new recliner while we opened other gifts.

It was a wonderful holiday season. I am sad that it is again so far away. However, each year with Lucy is so exciting and new! I know we have many great years to come...

Now, onto Valentines! :)

Past Tree Experience

Thanks for the reminder to tell you a funny story about going to the Christmas tree farm.  Oh, you didn't remind me? Well, here it is anyway...

Back when I was in college, we would come home on the weekends for Christmas decorating and traditions. I would of course bring Heath along, as he slowly became part of the tradition as well. My dad still had an old work truck, with just one seat and two doors. The three of us would travel all over in that thing - my dad driving, Heath in the passenger's seat, and yours truly sat in the middle.

We used to break the tradition up into two parts. One weekend we would go pick out the tree and the next weekend, we would go get the tree. This particular year, when we went to go pick out the tree, it was wet. The ground was soggy and mushy. Tromping around, weaving in and out of possible Christmas trees was hard enough; but, the owner also had about seven dogs running around. They ranged from beagle sized to yellow lab size. I just crossed my fingers that they didn't jump on me.  Luckily though, we found a tree, marked it and told the owner we'd be back for it the following weekend. We made it out paw print free...

Once in the truck, my dad mentioned that he was trying to avoid stepping in dog crap, that was undoubtedly out there. Oh, yeah. I hadn't even thought about that. I was thinking of dirty paws. But, now that he had mentioned it, I did smell a hint of poo with the soggy, wet earth smell.

Noted.

The next Saturday, we pull up to the tree farm. My dad says, "Now, let's all be careful not to step in any dog poop. I don't want it tracked into the truck."

Heath and I agreed and nodded. We would be careful. Luckily the ground was a little harder and more frozen than last time. I specifically remember watching the ground as I avoided anything 'mud-like'. I was tip-toeing and skipping from one grassy patch to another. About fifteen minutes later, we were on our way. We were all very careful not to step in any dog poop.

Not even out of town yet, Heath says, "I smell dog poop."

My dad replies, "Hmm, nope. I don't smell it."

I agree, "I don't either."

Not even a minute goes by and Heath insists, "I smell dog crap! Someone stepped in it!"

I will never forget the next image I saw. It will forever be ingrained in my mind. I looked down at my dad's foot on the gas. He hadn't just stepped in a pile of dog crap. He stepped in that yellow lab's dog crap - the mother load. A huge pile was stuck to the bottom of his shoe and had squished up and curled over the side. Heath leaned over me, pointing toward my dad's foot. Immediately we all began to laugh.

How had Heath, the farthest away from it, smell it? And, my dad and I hadn't.

My dad pulled over on the side of the highway. He jumped out of the truck, mumbling what we can only assume were phrases including cuss words. Heath and I watched as he drug his leg along the grass of the ditch. He then leaned on a tree, trying to scrape his foot up and down the bark. Lastly, he used the tree to balance himself as he poked at his Adidas Superstar with a stick.

In the truck, there was nothing but tears and laughter. It was like watching a movie.

Once he felt that he had cleaned enough off, he got back into the truck. A few more miles down the road, we finally calmed down from laughing enough to let the truck fall silent.

"I still smell it!" Heath exclaimed.

This time, I checked my shoes. Smaller pile, but I was guilty too. My own shoe was embedded with poo. This time we didn't even bother stopping. Heath rolled down his window and threw my shoe in the back. My poopy shoe rode home with the Christmas tree.

Now, I have to be honest. I am literally laughing so hard that I'm crying while typing this. The story goes straight to my giggles. It is the single, most hilarious story that I can recall in my lifetime, thus far. The irony...the foreshadowing...the awesomeness...

It is a story that we talk about almost every year that we go to get our tree. This year was no different. We recalled the dog poop trip and laughed all over again. THAT is what memories are made of! :)

I only hope someday Lucy can have her own dog poop story. :)

Christmas Tree

We have had our Christmas tree up since the Sunday after Thanksgiving. It took everything I had to not go get it earlier though. "Go get it?" you ask?

Yes. We kill trees. Christmas trees, to be exact - of the pine persuasion.

I don't feel bad either. Have you ever read that book, "A Wish to be a Christmas Tree"? It is what they were planted for. It is what they want. It's their time to shine! The tree that doesn't get to be a Christmas tree is the sad one...see he's crying...

Anyway, on with it. Heath and I have always had a real Christmas tree. Heath, my dad, and I would go to the patch every year and pick it out. Then, we would bring it home. Heath and dad would watch football while I decorated. It was a lovely tradition. Last year, it included Lucy. And, as time changes all things, this year my dad was in Texas. Heath, Lucy and I decided to continue our "real tree" tradition. Going to pick it out and bringing it home is half the fun! It is a tradition we hope Lucy gets excited about year to year.

Oh, remind me to tell you about some of the funny stories from Christmas tree traditions past.

This year, we didn't have my dad's truck. We decided, like the Griswolds, we could strap that baby to the roof of our SUV. Why not? They have twine. (Is anyone thinking about the Mayhem commercial right now?)

Once at the farm and freezing our buns off, we decided on a 7 foot beauty. If you ask me, it looks taller though. Heath and I asked each other several times, "Will this work?" We were referring to the car of course. The tree farm...guy, for lack of a better title, suggested trying to put it IN the SUV. Okay...laying the seats down...hmm....okay...let's try it!  And, this is what happened to Lucy.

The needles would touch her arm occasionally. She was sure to let us know all about it. It was a little invasive, space wise. However, I was more concerned with the overwhelming pine smell that filled the car. It was crazy! Sneezing ensued.

I had to laugh. We always manage to get ourselves into these types of situations. It just wouldn't be our family tradition is something like this didn't happen.

And, remembering that in my freezing, numb state, I forgot to get a family picture, we took one. The tree was horizontal this time; but, it worked.

Lucy loved the day. She even liked helping Heath clean up needles, during "installation."

Approximately six hours later, we had the finished product.



I've never seen a Christmas tree more proud!

I hope your tree is up and that you had a wonderful time decorating! Our family did. Continue with your Happy Holidays! :)

I don't go by "Strawberry Shortcake" anymore...

...call me "Shorts" or just "Straws-B!"

Let me explain...

I was recently sent an article from my friend about how toys are changing, evolving, if you will. Girl toys are apparently becoming more sexy and flashy.  You can read the article too, here, on MSNBC, if you want.

I read it and these were my initial reactions: 1) Yes - I can see them somewhat updating the dolls. 2) Hmm...I don't really remember Tinkerbell dolls. 3) Why are Bratz Dollz not on here? Sorry - I may be off on the 'Z' placement, instead of 'S'. Stupid. Anyway...they're awful. And, 4) Strawberry Shortcake got a makeover? I'll have to google her!

I am apparently completely out of the girl toy loop! Where have I been? Take a look at some of these changes! Although they aren't all 'sexy' changes; I just had to investigate.

Strawberry Shortcake
When I played with her, she was petite and had an enormous head. She had semi-crazy, boy-hair, and big eyes. She was so out of proportion that she couldn't even play with Barbies...she was just too odd. This is what they have now!

When you say Strawberry Shortcake, I think of two things: Enormous head. Gone. The smell of strawberries. This is still TBD.

Polly Pocket
When I played with her, she could actually fit in your pocket! She was microscopic almost. Face details? Who needs a face, when you are that small and all you do is stand in little circles? All I knew was that she was blonde and occasionally wore a pink shirt and jeans. Period.

Is this a barbie? The face looks exactly the same. Again, why is Polly so big? I could NOT fit all of those things in my pocket. And, since when does Polly wear skirts? And, change clothes?

My Little Pony
Although they still sell the 'My Little Ponies' that I remember; they are making new ones too. The ones I remember were short and stocky. They looked young and little sheepish.

This is apparently 'My Little Pony Princess Celestia'...?  Why is she so lanky? Is it because she is a unicorn? Those are some pretty fancy 'shoes.'

Rainbow Brite
This was it; the one that put me over the edge. Rainbow Brite had yarn for hair. She had cloth legs and was unable to stand on her own. The only part of her that was hard was her head, which resulted in some major top-heaviness. She had these crazy hairs that stuck out the side of her ponytail; it made me feel even more connected to her. haha.

Who the heck is this impostor? I refuse to believe that she is really Rainbow. I refuse to believe that she is the Uncle Fester that went to the Bermuda Triangle, lost her memory, and showed up 10 years later. It simply isn't her.

At least I was comforted when I saw that Raggedy Ann was still her same old, hobo self. Whew! :)

As you can see, many changes have been made. I am not sure I am completely on board with the changes being 'sexier'. I do think that they are becoming flashier and the dolls appear to be wearing makeup or more of it. I always thought of these dolls as young. Now, it seems like they are all older...which makes me sad. Little girls should NOT be in any hurry to grow up. Hopefully, parents are relaying that message (as if that really works though, right?).

And, I realize that all toys have to change, "to keep up with the times", if you will. But, again, it makes me sad. I hope Lucy can stay grounded and cherish her youth for as long as possible. I guess I should start working on my spiel.

Which one shocked you the most? Have you seen any toys that have shockingly changed?

All photos were from Amazon.com.

Our Christmas 2010

I had a recent request by one of my readers to share some of my Christmas traditions, now that it has passed. Specifically, the reader wanted to know about Lucy's Christmas and Santa's visit. I realize that we have all moved past Christmas and it is now just a pleasant memory, as we move toward 'warmer' thoughts. :) However, I like reflection and memories...and I am not one to disappoint a reader. So, here is a little bit about our Christmas.

First, we usually kick off our Christmas celebration with Black Friday. We don't get too crazy; but, there are some pretty great deals! The Saturday following we go to pick out our Christmas tree. We have been going to the same patch for 10 years (me and my dad, before Heath came along :)). This year was so exciting, being able to take Lucy. We even took a picture as a family in front of Lucy's first Christmas tree!


You may think that a real tree could cause some issues with Lucy; however, it didn't! It was so poky that it would hurt her hands; so, she left it alone! :) Sad.....I know. It only took a couple of pokes though for her to figure it out.

The first weekend in December, we go pick up our tree and decorate. If the weather is nice, Heath will even put up our Christmas lights. We go with simple, white lights for our tree and house.

Throughout the month I wrap presents as they come in from our online orders or shopping ventures. I work on getting our cards out as soon as time permits. And, about a week from Christmas, Lucy got her letter from Santa! I am very excited for the day that Lucy can write him first. :)

On Christmas Eve, we spent the evening as a little family. It was wonderful! We got dressed and ready to go out to eat and then to church.

A Christmas tradition that my family had was to open our stockings (from mom and dad) after church on Christmas Eve. I guess it was something to hold us kids over until morning. Stocking gifts were never big; but, they were still fun. I remember getting new toothbrushes, nail polish, jewelry, candy, gel pens, etc. I cannot wait to do that for Lucy too.

This year she got a plastic snow globe, yogurt bites, a Christmas book, some hair bows, new mittens, colorful socks, an 'L' ornament, leg warmers, and more.

Heath took some pictures of our tree afterward. We sat with Christmas music on, just enjoying the moment. Christmas Eve is always a time when I try to just soak in the moment and be thankful for my many, many blessings.

These were just the gifts for other family members; Santa hadn't visited yet!

We didn't set any cookies or milk out for Santa this year. Lucy doesn't understand yet; so, we will wait until next year. However, that doesn't mean Santa didn't eat some of my homemade peanut butter and chocolate cookies that night. ;)

Heath took a snapshot of this ornament too - Lucy's first Christmas ornament.

The next morning, Lucy woke us up bright and early. I cannot wait for the days that she runs into our room. However, her standing in her crib yelling did just fine. :)

Santa had come! He left lots of gifts too (all the green ones).

Lucy and I cuddled to open them.

She loved to open them and actually liked the gift MORE than the wrapping paper! As soon as she would see the toy, she'd start playing with it. Santa was smart though and took all the toys out of the wrappers, undid all the twisty ties, etc., and put the toy back in the box. So, Lucy could start playing with it immediately.

Lucy collected so many toys that we are considering making our basement a playroom, sooner than we originally thought! I cannot even name all the things she got - a rocking horse, tennis shoes, pea coat, a see-n-say, a sled, books, stuffed animals, a horse on wheels, an emergency vehicle, cars, stacking cups, clothes, and the list goes on...

We had seven family Christmases in all! That is what we get for having divorced parents, I guess. So, she made out very well.

I know that was just a quick overview of what all we do; perhaps next year I won't be as busy in December and will be able to share more along the way. I think so! :) Christmases are going to just get better and better, the older Lucy gets.

Hope you had a great Christmas too. And, here is to 325+ days until it comes again!