Sharing Christmas Classics

Dear Em,
The holidays can be so busy. Who am I kidding? Any time of year can be busy for us (with me being the constant over extender of the family), but the holidays bring it to a whole new level. Typically, I start to feel a little burnt out with all the holiday festivities we squeeze in. This year has felt a little different so far. I think that's because we've made time for Christmas movies. Last week we snuggled together each night, just the three of us, to watch & relax to & enjoy Christmas movies.

We have a small collection of holiday movies, but in November I also set our DVR to record a ton of others (we've also been able to use On Demand for some I have missed). Since you watch non-cartoon movies now, it's really allowed Daddy & I enjoy the Christmas favorites we haven't seen in quite a while. Except these viewings are a little bit sweeter, because we're also watching you watch them for the first time. To see your eyes light up- to see you get excited & yell "I believe, Santa. I believe!" Sigh. It's one of the most precious holiday moments that I'm so unbelievably grateful to share with you.

Trying to fit in a 2-3 hour movie is pretty impossible on a week night, but many of the programs are one hour specials. Most of the claymation movies are an hour long, & I have been surprised by how many claymation movies there are. Daddy & I love sharing them with you, because we feel like we're sharing pieces of our own childhood with yours. For longer holiday specials, sometimes we just watch the first half of a movie & save the rest for the next day. This is how we've begun to enjoy some of my holiday favorites for the first time: Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, & Home Alone (I've been told that a Christmas movie can't be called a classic until it is 25 years old, which makes Home Alone one year away from classic status).

I know it's just TV. I know I'm supposed to be about less TV time for you. The things is, we spend so much of this season doing things. We are constantly running around. We bake & make crafts & decorate & go to events. We fill ourselves up with so many busy things, that sometimes I feel too busy to enjoy them. Sitting down together, snuggling in, & sharing these Christmas classics at the end of the day is exactly what we need. And it's starting to become on of my favorite things about this season.

I love you so,
Mommy

TBT: All I Want for Christmas is You

Dear Em,
This was Daddy & I just about five years ago. How was that already five years ago already? I was almost nine months pregnant, & I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt, all I wanted for Christmas was you.

When I was younger, I remember swearing I would never subject a child to having a December birthday, but having a child means losing control in most areas. At that point, I would have been quite happy if you shared your birthday with Jesus. I walked almost three miles a day. I rode on bumpy roads. I bounced on yoga balls. I let my brothers push me on the swings. I just wanted you out. I wanted to hold you in my arms & snuggle you each night.

Like most things in your life, you weren't ready until you were ready. I was still quite large & uncomfortable on Christmas day. My Christmas present didn't come until five days after Christmas.

You know what? You were worth the wait.

I love you so,
Mommy

What is Christmas all about?

Dear Em,

"How many presents will Nonnie get me?"

This is what you asked me last night, & I cringed inside. I know it's typical for children to be excited about receiving gifts, but I want you to know that this season is about so much more than what comes wrapped inside colorful paper. I want you to know this season is about family & friends & God. More than anything, I hope this season is all about love for you...giving your love to others & being grateful for the love that is given to you by so many.

I gave you a stern look, told you if you were going to start counting gifts I would cancel gift giving altogether, & asked you what you thought Christmas was all about. You begrudgingly & solemnly told me, "It's about love & being with family." I know that you were just giving me the answer you knew I expected to hear & not necessarily the answer you felt in your heart.

That's when Daddy stepped in. He told you about a family they were "adopting" at work for the holidays. He told you about how the family had been through really hard times. Instead of hoping for tons of toys, this family needed clothes & shoes & food. He asked you to think about how you never have to worry about if you would have clothes to wear or when you would be able to eat again. Daddy told you about how there are many children who have to worry about things like that every single day.

He asked if you would help pick out a pair of pajamas & shoes for a little boy who was your same age. You instantly became excited about helping. Just in that moment, the holiday became about what you were planning to give rather than what you were planning to get. I think that's a good place to start.

I love you so,
Mommy

Starry Light Centerpiece

Dear Em,
I LOVE the holiday season. I love the gatherings with family & friends. I love the music. I love the decorations. Of all the holiday decor, I think the lights that are my favorite. They bring a twinkle & warmth that I miss the rest of the year.

I saw a picture that inspired me to up our game light-wise this holiday season.

From here.

When I first saw this picture, we weren't even sure where we would put our Christmas tree. We've always put it in the living room, but a tree was no longer going to fit in the same place with the configuration of our new furniture. I just couldn't imagine our kitchen & living room without Christmas lights. I decided I could recreate this picture (the centerpiece at least, the chandelier wasn't going to happen), & it was going to make my heart happy throughout the holiday season.

I bought a set of battery operated candles with a timer function. Then I  & ordered starry string lights that were also battery operated with a timer. Next, I headed back to Michaels to look for greenery. I wanted something simple & natural. While I was at Michaels, I picked up a few more odds & ends. I really shouldn't be allowed in craft stores with a credit card.

I started just playing around with the greenery first. I cut off the long stems & wove the branches together. I tried to use a glue gun to make it stay exactly the way I wanted, but it was hard to do without a backing (which I didn't want). Without glue to keep everything permanently in place, the greenery looked a little imperfect, which enhanced the natural look. 

After I had the greenery mostly the way I wanted, I started to weave in the starry lights. While I love not having to plug in the starry lights, the battery pack was going to be a little tricky to hide in my centerpiece. I placed it in the middle, under the thickest area of greenery.

I placed a tall candle on top of the battery pack, put two more candles on the sides, & wrapped a vine of berries around each candle. While not exactly the same as the original photo, I love our natural & festive centerpiece.

It makes my heart so happy when the lights twinkle on each evening (all by themselves).

I added a champagne sequined table runner underneath the centerpiece. We ended up fitting our Christmas tree in the dining room, which means there is sparkle & shine throughout our living/dining area. It's all pretty much my favorite. I'm going to be so sad to take it all down in January.

We might have to leave our twinkling centerpiece out...you know, until it's summertime again.

I love you so,

Mommy

Thanksgiving Recap 2014

Dear Em,
Wow. We had one whirlwind of a long holiday weekend. Although we weren't technically traveling this year, we only spent one day at home. Midway through the weekend, we all found ourselves a little exhausted. Everyone seemed to have a grumpy moment (or two or three), & I realized we had overextended ourselves (again). Daddy put his arms around me & said, "at least we're overextending ourselves with wonderful things." He was right. In the midst of overtiredness, we chose to be thankful for our busy itinerary & enjoy these precious moments with family & friends.

While we typically celebrate Thanksgiving with Daddy's family, this year Uncle Jared joined us too. He came to visit us on Monday & we were excited to celebrate his birthday with him. By Wednesday night, we were all in the middle of Christmas crafting & house decorating. We always wait until after Thanksgiving to start decorating for Christmas (Daddy has strict rules), but with our schedule being what it was, we started early this year. I didn't sit down that night until well after you went to bed, but it made me smile to see Christmas lights twinkle in our house again.

We woke up on Thanksgiving morning excited about watching the parade together. I had stuffed mushrooms to prepare, & you updated me on what was happening with the parade until I could join you (you love the Broadway musical performances). I am so thankful to have a parade watching buddy & enjoyed every moment snuggled in with you as we watched the floats go by & listened to the music.

While we couldn't be in North Carolina with my family, I'm so thankful we got to see & chat with them all via skype. We took a quick Bixby family photo before heading to Daddy's Aunt's house for our holiday gathering. Including children, there were more than 30 of us. Conversations were buzzing throughout the house while yummy food smells filled the kitchen. You had a blast playing with your little cousins. As we stood around the buffet table full of food, holding hands to say grace, I was so incredibly thankful to enjoy that tradition with our big, amazing Rhode Island family. Our day had been filled with music & food & laughter. I was so thankful to be surrounded by family & love & happiness. It was such an amazing holiday.

Friday morning, we joined Grandma & Papa for brunch at T's Restaurant to celebrate Papa's birthday. You were hungry & tired & cranky, but playing a game of telephone kept a smile on your face as we waited for our food. We had fun celebrating Papa together.

Next, we went to Shartner Farms to cut down our Christmas tree. This was the fastest we've ever picked out & cut down our tree, & I was thankful for that because we were all feeling tired at that point. We brought the tree home, & Daddy put the lights on the tree while Jared worked on the lights outside. We had planned to put ornaments on the tree, but after multiple cranky outbursts, you put yourself down for a nap.

We woke you up, loaded into the car, & headed to Worcester to have dinner with some of my family. When we arrived, we were so surprised to see how many people were there. A room was filled with my aunts & uncles & cousins that we hadn't seen in a long time. We ate & talked & laughed. You decided you were a bunny & "burrowed" yourself under the table. At that point, Daddy & I were happy that you weren't screaming or crying & let you enjoy the night half under the table & half being our very own photographer. We got home late that night & carried your sleeping little body from the car & into your bed.

We woke up early the next morning. We would be hosting Thanksmas Swap that evening. There was cooking & cleaning & more decorating to be done. You were happy to help. You decorated the back doors & chalkboard wall. You & I hung the ornaments on the tree while Daddy baked the turkey. You were so excited when our guests started to arrive. This year's group was smaller than most years, but I think smaller is exactly what we needed. We're so thankful for the support & love of our friends, & it was so nice to enjoy time spent with them this holiday season.

On Sunday morning I think we all could have laid in bed all day, but we all had adventures ahead of us. We said goodbye to the last of our guests. You, Jared, & I headed to Patriots Place, & Daddy left for a concert. We had two goals. We were going to meet Santa, & we wanted to show Jared around Gillette Stadium where the Patriots play. They were actually taking pictures with Santa on the field. How freaking cool is that?! Except that when we got there, the line was wrapped around the stadium. I guessed it was a multiple hour line & there was no way we were going to stand in it. We wanted to enjoy our time at Patriots Place, not spend the whole day standing in line. We headed to Bass Pro Shop instead, & they immediately handed us a card to come back at 5:30pm...almost four hours later. Whomp Whomp.

At least we wouldn't have to wait in line for four hours. We changed you out of your dress clothes & took Jared to the Patriots Museum. I love that museum. It's so interactive & fun. You & Jared kicked field goals, pretended to be linemen, jumped as high as you could, & stood in a Patriots huddle (where you hugged Tom Brady tight...you are so your father's daughter). It was an awesome afternoon.

We had a blast, but you were all over the place. Your "listening ears" were pretty much non existant. You were running every which way except for the direction I told you to. We went to grab some dinner, but I worried you wouldn't make it to 5:30 for your meeting with Santa. Luckily, Bass Pro shop was running ahead, & we only had to wait in line very briefly. You had a tiny tantrum in line. I couldn't really blame you. It had been a long, long holiday weekend. We were all a little exhausted. Luckily, you pulled yourself together in time to meet Santa. You & he had a nice chat. I got a nice photo. Everyone was happy.

I listened to the Patriots game on the radio while you fell asleep on the way home. Daddy had been right. It was a truly wonderful overextended weekend. It was spent with family & friends & food & a little bit of adventure. I was exhausted, but I wouldn't have traded any of those moments for a few more hours of sleep. Plus after a marathon of holiday celebrating, we have very little planned for this upcoming week (other than the typical work & school). I plan to do a whole lot of relaxing, listening to Christmas music, enjoying Christmas lights, & snuggling an adorable almost five year old who will never be almost five ever again.

I love you so,
Mommy

love letters

Dear Em,

"Sittin' here tonight, by the fire light.

It reminds me I already have more than I should.

I don't need fame, no one to know my name.

At the end of the day, 

Lord I pray, 

I have a life that's good.

Two arms around me, heaven to ground me,

and a family that always calls me home.

Four wheels to get there, enough love to share,

and a sweet, sweet, sweet song.

At the end of the day, 

Lord I pray, 

I have a life that's good..."

- A Life That's Good from The Music of Nashville

As we spend time with family & friends this holiday weekend, I can't help but look around & be reminded that "I already have more than I should." I'm so thankful & so very blessed to spend this beautiful life with people I love so dearly. On this holiday season of thanks & every day after that, I wish you "a life that's good."

I love you so,

Mommy

Throwback Thanksgiving

Dear Em,
This was you on your very first Thanksgiving. I'm pretty sure you only ate mashed potatoes but then ate a whole slice of carrot cake for dessert (some things don't really change). Look at those toes! I just want to eat them up.

Oh & just for funsies, here you are shopping on Black Friday that year. What can I say? You have always done everything in style.

We have so much to be thankful for today & every day. Wishing our friends & family near & far a Happy Thanksgiving. 

I love you so,

Mommy