McMenamins

Christmas vacation has yielded a lot of movie watching. One day we headed to McMenamins in Centralia for a showing of Polar Express. The kids and I had a blast! If you've never visited, it's a wonderful old renovated building frosted with character out its ears. I love it!

The theater shows adult movies in the evening and kid friendly shows during the day. Your bum rests in mini sofas or chairs and you can order food in the theater.

Check it out!
http://www.mcmenamins.com/451-olympic-club-home

a fart machine and 2 flamingos

I love to laugh. I, like some I suspect, am willing to go the extra mile to bring a laugh to my own face as well as others. When I recently heard of a couple who had fallen victim to a fart machine while staying in the guest room of some friends, well, I had to get myself a remote control fart machine. After all, my mom and step dad were coming for Christmas.

We planted the fart machine under their aerobed, a few nights into their stay. You know, we wanted them to feel comfortable and homey so we wouldn't be immediate suspects. Late at night and from our bedroom we pressed the remote repeatedly. The farting device has 2 settings I like to call oops and oh my goodness. We pushed both buttons a lot. We heard whispers, but no one came out. In the early morning, before our guests woke, I pushed it a few more times. All woke and nothing was said.

We ventured to Mt. Rainier for some sledding that day. In the car, my mom explained that she needed to tell me about some odd going ons during the night. She preceded to explain and describe the unknown sounds from their bedroom. Her husband thought maybe the bed was filled with too much air so he tweaked it again and then again. My mom said it was an unusual coincidence to when I gave her a wool blanket for her feet, "that's when the noises began" she said. She went on and I was smiling the whole time almost peeing my pants. She then shared that she prayed a hedge of protection around their bed and the noises stopped. "It was like there was someone in bed with us." she said.

When we returned home from the Mt. the kids were put to bed and the adults stayed up to watch a movie. I re-planted the device under the couch. I pressed the button. Ted was on the couch and the rest of us in the kitchen. Ted said, "excuse me". My mom looked at me and said that was the noise from last night. Maybe it was Ted! I filled her with a cover of him not feeling well and needing the plunger the night before. She replied, "poor thing". Ted glared at me from the couch and I gave a couple extra hits for good measure.

We sat to watch the movie and I hit the oh my goodness button repeatedly. They sat wide eyed as we about peed our pants in gasping explanation. Then, when we calmed we explained and all of us had a good laugh. We got 'em!

My mom and stepdad left for the airport Wednesday night. They drove themselves and on departure Ted and I stood on the porch waving our goodbyes. You know, like good adult children. Once we got inside, they (unknown to us) drove on back and stuck 2 plastic flamingos in our driveway. I didn't make the discovery until the next evening. Oh goodness did I laugh. My mom has always LOVED plastic flamingos. As a young teen, she got a set from my aunt. I paid the neighbor kid 5 bucks to make them disappear, and he took the job. I confessed, as an adult of course, to my mom. So, those plastic pink birds always bring a chuckle and ironically, now I have my own set.

Christmas envelopes

My daughter Natalie wanted to decorate Christmas card envelopes this year and I thought that was a great idea. I love the result. Now, I should preface that every single envelope may not have Natalie B. art work gracing it. We did lots of cards this year. But let me give you a sampling of what I found on the envelopes after she went to bed. (She did about 45 tonight!)

A purple unicorn, a musk ox, a hot dog, plankton, the aurora lights (I asked her to tell me this one), igloo, lots of penguins, a shark eating a fish and many other delightful creations that are simply one-of-a-kind.

As she worked she explained "This is a big job. I hope the little kids sleep in so we can all get our rest after all this work." I love it, but it would be a Christmas miracle if those bundles of blessing slepped in!

I LOVE this season! Merry Christmas

Sledding at Mt. Rainier

We love sledding. It's in our blood. I am from the great state of ND and my sweetie is from Minnesota. Growing up in the Midwest instills a love for playing in the snow.

On this particular day in WA, 7 families we know came out to sled together. It was a perfect day but it did begin a bit rocky. As we drove to The Mountain, which in WA refers to Rainier, there were down trees and power lines frequently, but the lane we traveled in was always clear. Upon entrance to the park, a gigantic orange sign read Paradise closed. NO SLEDDING all season. What?!?!?! We had researched this and today was supposed to be the first open day. Others were coming, what were we going to tell them? Ted remained calm and asked the ranger what the 411 was. She explained the road would most likely be cleared and that if it was, sledding could happen and they would take the sign down. Back in business!!! We drove to Longmire where we met up with the other families. We put our chains on and then the gate opened. Hallelujah! We traveled to Paradise and spent 4 hours sledding plus an hour break for Coco in the middle.

My kids were super sledders! Our youngest, 4, was carried up the hill only twice. Otherwise, she hoofed it like the rest of us. She preferred to ride solo. Our other 2 walked all on their own and had so much fun sledding with friends. Ted and I got lots of runs in too. One of our friends brought giant inner tubes (tractor tire tubes) and those seemed to work best. We decided we need to contact my farming uncle and see if he can hook us up with some tubes! So fun! We will remember this day with family and friends always.

Handels Messiah

Last night Natalie and I attended a free sing-along of Handel's Messiah performed by SOGO at the Washington Center. I don't know that I have the words to describe how amazing this was. The music truly took my breath away and as I followed along in my score, the words brought tears. Natalie was mesmerized. She had never seen a live orchestra performance. We sat together and her hands mimicked that of the conductor's. I will forever remember this night with you Natalie!

Ornaments

Three special ornaments, each and every year.

In our family we have a tradition of giving each of our kids an ornament that in some way represents something about them for the year.

This year, Natalie received an ornament that is made from the sheet music of Good King Wenceslas. This will remind us all of her first year of piano and her very first recital.

William's ornament this year was a Lego bi-plane which he had to put together. We thought this very appropriate since this is the year William really discovered a passion for Legos and building.

Lydia's ornament this year is an image of angels surrounding the baby Jesus. It was made from a postcard produced in the early 1900's. It is beautiful and has special significance. Earlier this month, Lydia had a seizure, although it wasn't apparent at the time that was what it was. We had to call 911 and were seconds from performing CPR on her. It was traumatic for all of us. We believe that God sent down his angels to protect her and make her well again. This ornament will remind us each year of the blessing of Lydia.

When we decorate the tree, it is all excitement from the family. It's also a precious time of story telling as each child wants to hear why they were given that particular ornament. Often, they tell the stories and share their memories. Unwrapping each treasure is like discovering an old friend for me. I love it. I love traditions. I really believe they are glue in a family.

This year, each child received their own ornament box to house their ornaments. Someday, these will move on with them. Until then, I enjoy a tree adorned with many ornaments. I think back to my first year married and how piddly our tree looked with a few glass bulbs freshly purchased from Target. And yet, the tree we have today couldn't have been created any other way. It has taken time and in that time memories are made and that is what I cherish. For each ornament represents a memory.

Giving!

Christmas is such a great opportunity to love on others and show your appreciation. My oldest is in lots of classes and so we've been baking and making up a storm to show our appreciation and affection to many great teachers. These women pour into my daughter and I love the opportunity to say Merry Christmas and Thank you! With that, I understand budgets can be tight, so here are a few ideas for giving to others, despite your bank account.

Custom decorated cookies. Taking piano lessons? Cut out a piano and music note in cookie dough and ice them something fancy. Wrap in Saran wrap and tie with a bow. You could also wrap them in Saran wrap and then use sheet music as wrapping paper. Found at Goodwill, you can pick some up for very little.

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Hand make a coupon for a night of babysitting. Follow up with the couple a week or so after Christmas to set the date. So often I have offered to watch kids, but haven't initiated getting the date to the calendar. Go the extra step to insure it happens and the gift can be enjoyed.

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Dig into the depths of that craft closet! What could be created with what you have? I recently went on a soap making frenzy and have been joyfully blessing people with bars of handmade soap.
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Button rings! http://ayearwithchickens.blogspot.com/2010/10/buttons.html
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Dollar store frames are inexpensive and make a great base for attaching crafty things. Glue music paper on the wood frame for a music teacher, bird seed or small shells for the nature lover in your life. Use what you have and don't be afraid to experiment! If you have a glue gun, there is no limit to your crafting power!

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Use craft paper and custom make stationary or cards. Assemble cards into a set of 6 or 8 and tie with a bow.
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Homemade delicacies are always appreciated. If you make a mean loaf of banana bread, then share it! Do you love your grandma's pie recipe? Pie up your kitchen and give away for others to enjoy. Did you can 500 pounds of peaches from a trip to Yakima ? Grace a jar with a ribbon and give!
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Create a on-of-a-kind piece of artwork for a friend. Pencil sketch a sweet memory for a friend. Outline in black felt tip marker. "Matte" with colored paper and place in a small frame.

Be a GIVER and have a very Merry Christmas!

Piano Recital

Natalie did AMAZING at her first piano recital. I would estimate about 100 people in the audience and upon walking in, MY tummy began a full on Olympic gymnastic routine! Natalie, however, was calm as a cucumber. Her choice, she sat in the front row with the other students before and after her song. She was third in line to play. As she walked on the stage she was all business and any nerves she may have had were invisible. She played Good King Wencelas beautifully. I was amazed by her! In front of my very eyes, Natalie grew up. I am one proud Mama!

lefse

Lefse is a family tradition at Thanksgiving and Christmas. My Grandma, Lorraine, made it from scratch when I was a child growing up in the great state of ND. Although I have never made it myself, I very much enjoy eating it. Lefse is a Norwegian delight. It is made from potatoes, milk, and flour. The dough is put out on a lefse griddle and turned with long sticks. A spike rolling pin is also used to flatten and texture the lefse. I eat lefse by spreading a thin layer of butter and then sprinkling sugar on it. Next, I roll it up and my taste buds then have a party. I have found good lefse is hard to find in WA. Thankfully, my dad mails it to me each year. He includes enough for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Today, my kids and husband await that package as eagerly as I do.

wrapping paper

I am anti gift bags. Now if you have ever, or ever do give me a gift in a gift bag let me assure you, NOT TO WORRY! My LOVE for gifts far surpasses my lack of fond affection for gift bags.

I love wrapping paper. It doesn’t have to be out of control unique, although that can be fun. I just think the very nature of tape and paper adds an element of anticipation and surprise that is unmatched by the gift bag experience.

Recently, I went on an excursion with a friend. Upon entering her car she handed me a present. This was completely unexpected. I literally squealed aloud. And although squealing comes natural to many females, it does not to me. Not only was it a present, it was wrapped and a to/from graced the top. My endorphins began a pool party. Then, I started opening it and guess what? Hold your breath, the paper was double sided. A pure nirvana state was entered upon for my mind. Seriously, why is ALL wrapping paper not double sided? It is just way too delightful I tell you. And did I mention the Christmas design was on the inside? The outside was solid red. A double unexpected treat. Well, all this joy and the box wasn’t even opened yet! What was inside? An ADORABLE owl ornament. I have a thing for owls and ornaments. I also have a thing for buttons and felt, the very materials this lil guys was made of. What an unbelievable start to a fun day with my friend.

Double sided wrapping paper, I love you.