Tradition, tradition! Tradition!

"And how do we keep our balance? And that I can tell you in one word. Tradition!"

(If you want to hear more, click here. Its impossible for me to say or type tradition without that song popping in my head!)


Anyway...its hard to pass through this time of year without thinking about traditions - our own, our friends...so, I want to know your traditions regarding New Year's Day.

Tradition here, in PA dutch country, is to eat pork and sauerkraut for a good year. I wondered if that is a tradition anywhere other than here. So, spill it, what are your traditions? Inquiring minds want to know!! Feel free to even share recipes if you like!

Also, when the clock stricks midnight, does your town have something that drops? Like NY has a crystal ball dropping. North of us is a town that is known for bologna - guess what they drop? A bologna of course! Another town, near where my hubby went to college, has "dill" in its name and they drop a pickle (not real like the bologna though)! *LOL*

So, my curiosity got the best of me, and I just wondered if you would all share what your traditions are to bring in the new year.

As for New Year's Eve, we are just having another family over for some seafood - with our festivities ending around 10!! LOL!!

The new year will come in and I won't even know - unless I'm wakened again by some distant neighbor's fireworks!! :-)

Show & Tell: Ornaments

Its Friday and Kelli is hosting Show & Tell. Head over to her place to see more!!

I have always loved making things for family and friends at Christmastime. Last year, Quintin and I started making some ornaments. He asked in November if we were going to make them again this year. So I got our supplies and we were off. Elle was excited because she was able to help this year! I'm not sure you can appreciate the final project as well on these pictures, but in person - they look so beautiful. Quintin is much more patient than I am when it comes to swirling the paints inside the balls, he gets gorgeous colors with his! Enjoy watching the process to make them!

No Room

“No room for Him," the keeper said
That night so long ago,
"My inn is crowded, don't you see,
The rooms now overflow."

"It's just a Child," he must have thought,
"A family, poor and plain;
My inn is filled with paying guests,
How could I dare explain?"

And thus, he turned aside from One
Who chose a humble birth
To enter into human form
And save all men on earth.

But lo, the shepherds in the hills
Were called, the Babe to greet;
They followed then the brilliant star,
And worshiped at His feet!

"No room for Him," cry men today,
As through the world they plod;
"My life is crowded, don't you see?
I have no room for God.

How could I dare explain to all
My friends who question me,
That Jesus came to save my soul,
From sin, to set me free?"

0 God, forbid that we become
As keeper of the inn,
And have our lives so crowded
That we have no room for Him.

But now, may we, Thy children dear,

Unworthy though we are,
Become as shepherds long ago,
And follow now His star!

by Kathryn Slasor

I hope that each of you had a merry Christmas with loved ones and could feel God and His blessings. We had a wonderful, wonderful Christmas; full of love and laughter!

My prayer for the remainder of this year as well as the upcoming year is that I don't lose focus of Christ and push Him out. I pray there will always be room for Him in my life, my husband's and my children's. May God bless you in 2008 and may we seek to follow His star!!!

You say its your birthday!!

Today is a special day!

My good blogging friend Melodye is celebrating her 40th birthday! ;-)

She did that back to me in July, so I'm just returning the kind gesture!!

No, really it is her 35th!

She is a fellow mommy blogger with a HUGE heart! I've had the pleasure of speaking on the phone with her and she is such a joy and has such a sweet spirit!

If you have a moment, please drop by Song of the Morning blog and wish her a happy birthday!

1 Corinthians 13 For Christmas

An interesting adaptation of 1 Corinthians 13 for Christmas. Enjoy!

If I speak in the tongues of Christmas materialism and greed but have not love, I am only a tinny Christmas song or an out-of-tune choir.

If I have the gift of knowing what Aunt Agatha will give me this year and can even understand last year's present, and if I have the faith that I won't get yet more socks and ties this year but have not love, I am nothing.

If I clear out the house and give everything to charity and my credit cards are snapped in half but have not love, what can I possibly gain?

Love is patient when the fourth store you've tried doesn't have a bottle garden.

Love is kind and lets the couple with only a few items go in front of you and your bulging shopping cart.

Love does not envy your friend who gets mega-presents from everybody.

Love does not boast about the expensive bike, the PlayStation 3, the TV, VCR, and computer your dad gave you.

Love does not attempt to out-buy, out-wrap, and out-give the rest of the family just to impress.

Love doesn't cut Aunt Flo off your Christmas card list because she forgot you last year.

Love is not self-seeking and leaves a copy of your Christmas list in every room of the house.

Love is not easily angered when the young girl at the checkout takes forever because she is just temporary staff.

Love doesn't keep remembering how many times your mom forgets you don't like Brussels sprouts.

Love does not delight in the commercial bandwagon but rejoices with the truth of a baby born in the stable.

Love always protects the family from Christmas hype.

Love always trusts that the hiding places for presents will remain secret for another year.

Love always hopes that this year more neighbors will drop into your open house coffee morning.

Love always perseveres until the cards are written, the presents all bought, the shopping done, and the Christmas cake iced.

Toys may break, socks wear thin, but love never fails.

Where there is the feeling of the presents to guess their contents, and Mom going on about being good so Father Christmas will come, and searching through the cupboards to find your hidden presents, they will all stop.

For we think we know what we are getting, and we hope we know what we are getting, but when Christmas Day arrives, all will be revealed.

When I was a child, I talked with big wide-open eyes about Christmas, I thought that Christmas was all about me, I reasoned that Jesus should have been born more often. When I became an adult, I forgot the joy, wonder, and excitement of this special time.

Now we just hear about the angels, shepherds, and wise men; then we shall see them all the time. Now I know as much as the Bible says about the first Christmas; then I shall know just how many wise men there were and where they came from.

Now three things remain to be done:
- To have faith that the baby born in a stable is the Son of God.
- To hope that the true message of Christmas will not get discarded with the wrapping paper and unwanted gifts.
- And the most important, to have a love for others like the one that God has for us.

Copyright 2001 Claire Jordan.
Permission is granted to send this to others, but not for commercial purposes.
(Minor edits by GCFL.net)

An Advent Prayer

Father in heaven, we are now less than 1 week away from celebrating your Son's birth.

As the days get closer and the holiday rush comes upon us, help us to keep in sight the true reason for the season.

We love the presents, but we thank you for the present of your Son.

We love the lights all around us, but we are grateful for the Light of the world.

We love the decorations, but we are mindful that we don't have to decorate our life before we come to you; that you are more concerned with the internal decoration of having Jesus as Lord in our hearts.

The days are getting closer, so we pause again, to recognize you, our grown-up Lord and Savior.

Help us always to have room for you in our hearts.

In your name, Amen.

*Taken from The 25 Days of Christmas

Tiny Talk Tuesday - Holiday Edition - Part 3

We've been playing the local radio station's Christmas music all month now. With some of the songs, I wonder what the kids think they mean. Like, "I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus." Do they think their Momma is going to kiss Santa?

Well, after what I heard yesterday, I'm not sure if this interpretation is better or worse. I heard Quintin sing, "I saw Mommy kicking Santa Claus!"


Hmm, paints a different picture of me and the jolly ol' man, doesn't it?

Head over to Mary's to read more. This is the last Tiny Talk Tuesday of the year! See you back for TTT in 2008!

She's 3!

At 11:58 am, 3 years ago on December 16th, T and I welcomed our little girl into the world. She weighed in at 7 lbs, 3 oz and was 20 inches long. We headed into the hospital at 9:30 that morning for a scheduled c-section. The reason for a c-section (because I didn't have one with Quintin) was due to pl*acenta pre*via.

Noelle's due date was December 23, but because of having her c-section, we were able to schedule it up to a week early. Noelle shares her birthday with her cousin, Nicole - who is 12 today!


My dearest Elle,

Your smile, dimple and love for life can keep me going on my hardest days. You have a look that says "Its okay mom, I'm here to make you smile!" And you do. You are my sunshine, little girl.

In your baby book, I have "smiley" written all throughout it. As a baby, you would make noises just to get people to look at you so you could smile at them. You always smiled and giggled when you saw your big brother! And now, you are such a helpful big sister to your baby brother. Your smile lifts away the fog.

Your desire to make everything fun keeps our family from becoming too serious! I love you, little peanut. Happy 3rd B*i*r*t*h*d*a*y!! Love, Mom

All dressed up with...

...somewhere to go! Last night we had the Christmas banquet for T's work. We had a great time! I even remembered to have a picture taken before we left. I know I don't post many pictures of us, so here you go!! (and yes, I'm wearing heels!)

A White Weekend?

From our local news channel:

Another winter storm is moving towards the area. Between snow, wintry mix conditions and rain -- it's going to be a close call.

What's one to do?

Go to the store...but not for eggs and milk. Just ask T. If there is a storm coming, his wife is not going to the store for milk and eggs but Pepsi and Doritos, of course!!

What are your last minute items you pick up when a storm is coming?

We're off to the store!

Christmas Tour

Heidi Jo is hosting a Christmas Tour of Homes. I didn't want to be left out of the fun! Welcome to our home! (Well, parts of it...the cleanest parts anyway!)

O Christmas Tree...

Angels We Have Heard on High...

O Holy Night...

Up on the Housetop....

Deck the Halls...

Frosty the Snowman...

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas...

We Wish You a Merry Christmas...

Tiny Talk Tuesday - Holiday Edition, Part 2

Lots of tiny ones talking in our house again!

Dad: Are you tired Elle? (It was about an hour and a half past her bedtime as we picked her up from the sitters...she was just wondering through their house)
Elle: What are yooooouuuuuu talking about?

Quintin was up front at church this past Sunday for the children's story. T's dad was leading the story. Grandpa was asking the children what they wanted for Christmas and he called on Quintin. While we couldn't hear Quintin, we heard Grandpa say "2 cannons and a pirate ship." Now, you have to understand my in-laws have a touch of PA dutch accent - where pirate sounds more like parrot. To all our surprise, Quintin didn't correct Grandpa (like he usually does, lol) but when he came back to sit with us - he made sure we knew he wanted a pirate ship and not a parrot ship! Quintin was dissapointed that he couldn't tell Grandpa everything. He said, "But I didn't get to tell him I want a row boat for the pirates and...." I said "You didn't have to tell him everything, he's not Santa!" And Quintin just looked at me and with a little chuckle said, "Nooooo!"

This video is after several attempts - something kept happening to make us stop - like the camera stopped recording. :( Therefore, the answers have lost their 'first response' take and have more of a 'why are you still asking me these questions?' take. I think you'll enjoy it anyway! :)

Before the video, I wanted to share one that didn't make the cut! ;)

Mom: How does Santa get to all the houses?
Quintin: He's a super hero!

And, now, on to the video!



FYI: I am in a small bells choir at church and we play this Sunday...Elle's birthday!

If you'd like to read what other tiny ones are saying, head over to Mary's!

What's my holiday mood?

Saw this over at Susan's!



And then, I started doing more quizzes...



So, what character are you and what's your holiday mood?

My Top 5

Top 5 Reasons Why I Read Just Mom's Musings...

5 - She has a very pleasant blog template! ;-)

4 - She has become a great friend and I look forward to what piece of her life and family she is going to share. She can learn from the ordinary daily mom tasks and even invites us in to read her private thoughts about motherhood.

3 - I enjoy reading her 'take' on life - Whether its things that send her over the edge or having an 'aha' moment - she makes us all feel like we are right across the kitchen table...talking as friends.

2 - Not only is she an awesome writer, but she's a superb photographer and she's down-right hilarious too - it all makes for a great combo!

And my #1 reason why I read her blog:

1 - I like to stalk her blog to get her heart racing when she checks her blog stats at sitemeter!

In honor of your blogoversary, JM, I did do a vlog of me singing Happy Blogoversary but I couldn't get it to upload - boy, what a disappointment! HA! And if you believe that, I'll tell you a few more!!!

Happy 1st Blogoversary Just Mom!! Do I win the contest now? ;-)

A Special Day

I'm in denial about today being December 7. It can't be! This past year went way too quickly - it should only be about....say, March 7. Yes! That would be much better...on me....but I have a little guy here that is turning 1 - and I'm sure he'd rather be 1 than 3 months old....Do any other 3 month old children crawl?

OK, so I'm sucking up my selfish anxieties and letting my baby turn 1 today. Why does it have to be so hard...9 months of pregnancy and a year have gone by already?

At 5:30am a year ago, T and I walked into the hospital for a scheduled c-section. At 8am, we had an 8lb, 1 oz baby boy. Colin's original due date was December 21 and then it changed to December 12 after my first ultrasound. We could schedule his c-section up to a week prior, and today was the day my favorite doctor was in!

Everything went fine and even though it was the third time around, it is just simply amazing. Such a tiny little baby. He was, and still is, a great baby. He sleeps and eats great! His brother and sister just love on him all the time - as do his dad and I.

Dear Colin - You are my baby...and you're turning one already! I love when I get you out of the crib after a nap, you continue to snuggle against me and keep your head on my shoulder. Even when hearing the voices of your siblings, you stay tucked against mommy. As much as I want to keep you a little baby, you are growing up into a little man. Your brown eyes remind me of your daddy and your brother and sister. But, you did get your momma's dimples - one in each cheek! You have a twinkle in your eye when you smile and even when you are about to drop another cracker on the floor for the dog. Your crawling so fast, walking a little along furniture and I know it won't be long until you're running. I love you my little man and I hope you will always run back into your momma's arms...even when you are too big to snuggle on my shoulder.

Happy B*I*R*T*H*D*A*Y* Colin!!! Love, Mom

Edited to add:

Quintin came out of his room this morning and asked, "Where is Colin?"

"In his room."

"Is he 1 now?"

"Yes"

"Can I go in and see him?"

"No, he's sleeping."
"But, I wanna see how big he got!"

Be Still

Tiny Talk Tuesday - Holiday Edition - Part 1

These are some of the TTT questions, answered by Quintin, age 5 1/2.


To read more, head over to Mary's!

1. Why do we celebrate Christmas?

"Because its Jesus' birthday."

2. What is your favorite food/treat to eat at Christmas time?
"Candy!"
*Yep, he's my son!


3. What would you like for Christmas?
"Well. I want 2 cannons, and they roll and they have cannonballs. A big treasure chest. And, then...I want a skull ship and then...what else did I want?"


4. What is your favorite Christmas activity?
"Decorating the Christmas tree."


5. What is your favorite Christmas decoration in our house?
"The lights on our Christmas tree."


6. What is the best part about Christmas?
"Baby Jesus and presents"


7. Why do we give presents?
"Because its Jesus' birthday."


8. Why do we have a tree to decorate?
"The tree reminds of the cross that Jesus died on and the lights remind us of stars in the sky."
*Someone was paying attention to our advent devotional! LOL


9. What songs do you like to sing at Christmas time?
"Jingle Bells"
"Hark the Herald Angels Sing"
"Away in the Manger"


10. What are some of the special things we do during Christmastime?
"Christmas tree and nativity set"


11. Where are some of the special places we go during Christmastime?
"To the mall to see Santa!"


12. Do you know where the presents are hidden? Did you peek?
He doesn't know there are presents hidden in the house, so it went like this.
me: When do the presents come?
Q: Christmas morning
me: Are there presents hidden in the house?
Q: That would be funny if presents were hidden in the house...giggle...
*phew, we're safe for another year!


13. Tell me about your favorite ornament and why it is special.
"I like that ringing bell (Polar E*xpress) and the ornament I painted the inside of last year - because I like painting."

14. What should daddy buy mommy?
"Special things, I don't know.....a sword...I don't know...."
*Ok, his future wife will be loving this!


15. What should mommy buy daddy?
"Telescope."
me: Does daddy like telescopes?
"No"


16. What does mommy want for Christmas? Daddy? Elle? Colin? Riley?
Mommy - ornament?
Daddy - camo backpack
Elle - something that spins around like crazy (that would be a sit n spin)
Colin - boy stuff
Riley - A dog bed


17. Why was there no room at the inn?
"What? At the inn? All the houses and hotels were full."


18. What gifts did the wise men bring?
"Gifts!"



Yeah, these are the times you feel like you're really reaching your child!!!