Jackie's First Christmas

Right now, I cannot stop eating Andes candy mints.  Thank you Aunt Chelle and Grandma Marie for getting us ADDICTED!  I'm enjoying the last of the Christmas sweets and treats while I can, and working hard so that it will all be gone when it's will-power time.  Phil and I are already working on our 2013 New Year's Resolutions--which include better eating and more exercise of course!  We are just trying to get healthier because soon we will have a little guy who can crawl.  And we'll need to chase after him, as I can tell already he's going to have quite the giddy-up-and-go! Speaking of the little guy, today is his HALF BIRTHDAY!  Man oh man! 

Though sometimes days can last and last,
A half a year has already passed! 
Our sweet little love keeps growing each day,
And making us prouder in every way.

 

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day went by so fast!  I wish I had taken more pictures of the gift unwrapping pandemonium, but I seemed to be doing something every second.  The strange thing was that at 8:30 on Christmas morning, both Phil and I had been awake for 2 hours, but our 12 year old and 6 month old were still happily snoozing.  We enjoyed the calm morning and then the rest was sort of a blur.  But we all got some wonderful gifts and enjoyed our time with family and friends.  Jackie got a "jack-in-the-box," an old fashioned top, and some great new learning toys and bath toys.  Kayleigh got some new clothes, a Derek Jeter autographed picture, some books, gift cards, slippers, and jewelry.  Philly got me lots of really nice gifts, including a gold mother and child locket.  :)   

 This was our fridge, thanks to all our photo Christmas cards.  Thanks friends!

 What do you expect, not every single moment of the day can be merry and bright... 

 This was my White Elephant treasure!

 My new apron from Grandma Marie.  She tells me I can go "out" in this and do the Cha-cha-cha. 

 

Hope everyone's Christmas was wonderful! 

We are looking forward to ringing in the New Year!  2013 promises NOT to be dull as it will grant us new and exciting learning adventures with a teenager and a toddler on our hands!  Hang on, buckle up, and enjoy the ride! 

Christmas Countdown

Earlier this evening, as I eased the stroller into the driveway after our walk, I noticed my little angel had fallen asleep. So I did what any smart mommy would do...I gently pushed the stroller through the front door, and let him sleep in the entryway.  Gotta take those breaks when you can! 

P.S. He woke up about 10 minutes later...

We have been busy little elves over here, trying to get ready for Christmas.  Glad none of you can see my house right now.  The preparation is OVERWHELMING when you have a little one to take care of.  All of a sudden, my baby--who USED to nap during the day--quit on me! Boo.  But we do have a baby that sleeps pretty much through the night.  Yay!  This being said, during the day I miss phone calls, texts, forget to go to the bathroom, and pretty much feel like a chicken missing my head.  Sincere apologies to all my friends, family, instagram pals, and wordfeud buddies if I've been "unavailable," but man, this is a busy time of year. 

But I truly cannot complain.  Since hearing of the unthinkable tragedy that disturbed a quiet Connecticut town, I've been sort of introspective.  Having been a first-grade teacher, I cannot even begin to imagine what those innocent eager learners and dedicated educators had to have gone through.  I can only hope that the bonding, strength, prayers, and faith can help their grieving families get through this terribly difficult time.  Our hearts are with them as they pick up the pieces of their lives.  We never know how long we have with these precious angels.  May God bless each of those children and their brave teachers and hold them all in His care.     



    

Who said we could go out? The Boss said!

Last night, Philly and I got to enjoy our first night of freedom since June 26th.  We had an absolute blast seeing Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band!  They sure know how to give an outstanding show!  From touching tributes to his native New Jersey, to folk-inspired tunes, to his heartland rock-n-"soul," and even a little "Santa Claus is comin' to Town," he definitely made our night!  After 5 months of being homebodies, this was an AWESOME way to "break out!" 

This was our 2nd time seeing Bruce, and this go-around he seemed so much more into it, singing and "Dancin' in the Dark!"  He was pulling little kids on the stage, and letting them sing with him--one sweet little girl helped him out with "Waiting on a Sunny Day" that made your heart melt.  He even body surfed back to the main stage!  Not bad for a 63-year old guy! 

The horns, piano, harmonica, sax, accordion, and the bongo drum, and of course--guitar, made for some unbelievable music.  Some call his concerts "religious experiences" and when you've seen him perform, you understand why. 

Here's a little tid-bit: In the late 1960s, Bruce performed with a trio called Earth.  Playing gigs in clubs in New Jersey, Bruce acquired the nickname "The Boss," as he took on the task of collecting the band's nightly pay and distributing it among his bandmates.  He wasn't fond of the name (due to a personal dislike of bosses {ha!}), but he eventually gave it his tacit approval.  (He was formerly nicknamed "The Doctor.")


Great show, terrific night, and tremendous thanks to Aunt Mary for taking such wonderful care of our little darlin' while we were in Glendale! 





 
I was tired at the end of the show, I'm not gonna lie! 

Bruce played for over 3 hours! 

Feast of Saint Nicholas

Though not observed nationally, cities with strong German influences celebrate St. Nicholas Day, or St. Nick's Day, on Dec. 6.  Much like children on Christmas Eve, little boys and girls celebrating this holiday put one empty shoe or sock outside their rooms and hope to find candy and small presents in them the next morning. If they have been naughty, they meet the same fate as Santa’s naughty list: A big lump of coal.

But who is this mysterious St. Nicholas that reminds so much of Santa Claus?

According to ListVerse.com , St. Nicholas, who was the bishop of Myra during the third century, was a real person who was well known for good deeds that we associate with the holiday season.  Nicholas is said to have worked as a sailor or fisherman, though it was likely that his family owned a business in managing a fishing fleet.  When his parents died, Nicholas received his inheritance and is said to have given it all away to the poor.  He was also known for coming to the defense of those falsely accused and helped to prevent their execution.  Early on he was viewed as a saint by others.

A well-known and unusual deed St. Nicholas is recognized for is described in a legend about a terrible famine that struck the island of Myra. The legend says that a malicious butcher lured three children into his house and killed them to put their remains in a barrel to cure, planning to sell them as ham. St. Nicholas is said to have seen this horrific crime and was able to resurrect the three boys from the barrel.

The legend of St. Nick that has remained most popular is that of a poor man and his three daughters. Legend says that this man's daughters would remain unmarried because he did not have enough money to pay a proper dowry. When St. Nicholas heard of this man's sorrow, he wanted to help.

When nightfall came, St. Nick went to the poor man's home and filled the daughters drying stockings set out by the fire with money. This was thought to be the origin story of why we hang our stockings by the fire with care around this time of year.

St. Nick is known for gift-giving, but always wanted to be secretive due to his shyness and to save the pride of those he helped.

Today, the generous St. Nicholas is celebrated by many with a feast on Dec. 6.
So if your little girls or boys leave their shoes somewhere they shouldn’t tonight, a new tradition could be made by putting a small present in them… or a lump of coal.

This is a cute story taken from germanfoodie.com

When our daughter was very young, around five or so, she thought that the shoe thing worked so well, she would try it again the following night. I was of course endeared to how much the child believed in this, so the next morning she again found a little treat in her shoe. As children are WAAAAY to smart for their own good – or their parents’ – true believer that she now was, she put the shoe out AGAIN. And St. Nick started to get a little nervous. But how cute that she should believe in this so implicitly, right? So she found another treat that next morning. And consequently put the shoe out again that night. The business model worked for her, so why not pursue it?
I decided it was time for an intervention.
The next morning, instead of a treat, St. Nicholas had written her a short note, thanking her for her efforts and explaining that he needed to save some treats for the other children. He also promised he would be back the following year. As I nervously read it to her, I thought she would take it to heart, start crying or something. Instead she just matter-of-factly stated, “OK.” Shrugged and proceeded to do something else.
They grow up way too fast.

*********************************************************************************************************
Philly and I both celebrated this holiday when we were little and we continue the tradition today. The funny thing about Philly (as I learned from my mother-in-law) is that he too, understood the "more is better" concept a little too well. On the eve of St. Nicholas day, it has been reported that when my husband was a little lad, he put out EVERY.SINGLE.PAIR.OF.SHOES.HE.OWNED--including boots.  I guess he had high hopes that, hey, while you're here, jolly old fella, you may as well fill em all up. 

Don't forget to put your shoes out tonight!

Happy St. Nicholas Day Eve to all who celebrate!

Christmas Spirit

Baking cookies, stringing up lights, 
Sipping cider on chilly dark nights.
Snuggling warmly on sofas or beds,
Kissing sweet little sleepy heads.
Wearing your slippers, lighting a fire,
Giving a hug to someone you admire.
Singing carols, staying up late,
Remembering why we anticipate.
Hanging mistletoe, wrapping the gifts,
Sending cards to loved ones you miss.
These are the sights, the smells and the sounds,
Telling us Christmastime is surely around!

 

 

 

Out and About

Well, we finished up November with a bang.  Kayleigh has been busy with school and being an excellent Mama's helper with Jackie, Phil has been very busy at the businesses, and I've been busy with the little guy, and getting the house ready for Christmas.  We also celebrated Grandma Sue's birthday on the 30th, and had a delicious dinner at the Olive Garden. 

 

First Pack of Baseball Cards...

(or just another thing to chew on)

 

Video: Jackie Jumperoo

 

Video: Cracking Up with Kayleigh

 

Some of his expressions just leave me in stitches.

 

And here we are comparing his thumb to mine and Phil's.  He likes rolling things and flicking things using only his thumbs, it's quite hilarious to watch.  And he is already practicing to beat us in "thumb war." 

With Mom's Thumb




With Dad's Thumb

 

The employees at the bank were wondering

if this was part of the deposit.

 

 

 Grandpa Time

 

Happy Birthday, Grandma!

 

With Auntie Sherrie

 

 

Just Strollin'