Christmas Countdown

Well, it's December, so I guess we'd better start getting ready for Christmas. One family tradition that we have is to buy the kids these cheap advent calendars. There's a door for each day leading up to Christmas. Behind the doors are little chocolates with pictures impressed on them. I usually find these calendars at local grocery stores. The kids can hardly stand it until it's time to each their little chocolates. Last year, Dylan got a hold of his calendar and went through about four days at once. We're trying to keep a better eye on him this year. My favorite thing is when the kids accidentally forget their calendars for a couple days--then they're so excited to "catch up" on being behind.

I love little Christmas traditions, and I've noticed the kids like them, too, and enjoy talking about them and reminiscing. Hopefully, once I finally get the house all decorated, I'll be able to post more Christmas stuff.

Have a great December!

Erin

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Oooh, I hope everyone's Thanksgiving goes a little smoother than that!

I have come to love Thanksgiving. When I grew up it didn't seem like Thanksgiving was that big of a deal, but Dale's family LOVES it. They love the tradition of it; they love being with family; and they love the food, especially turkey. Dale's mom makes some of the best turkey I've ever had. She not only made me really appreciate turkey, but inspired me to do it myself, too. It is so fun to be with Dale's family at Thanksgiving. It's amazing how we all get along so well. Being from a small family, I love to have nieces and nephews and cousins, etc. all around. I think my kids really enjoy it, too.

One thing Dale's family does not enjoy is the shopping afterward. That I have to do by myself (although I've talked Jesse into going the last couple years.) The funny thing, though, is that I'll go out, hit all the sales, and make it back home before any of them even wake up. A lot of times they don't even know I've gone and come back. Guess what they don't know won't hurt them. And then isn't Thanksgiving vacation the perfect time for a couple naps?!?!?!

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving and know how truly thankful I am for such wonderful friends and family like you!!!

Happy Birthday Cookie Monster!!!!

Well, good ol' Cookie Monster turned 39 on Sunday, November 2, 2008. (He's almost as old as I am.) Happy Birthday, Cookie! You've made better cookie eaters out of all us. I, for one, am profoundly grateful.
And in honor of your birthday.....

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES for everyone!!! Yay!!!! (And in honor of Jesse, we made "puffy" chocolate chip cookies, not "flat" ones.)