We started this little tradition a year or two ago....and I want to share it this year. We ask the children what they want for Christmas and video it!
What is interesting about their request............
1) Addison's (8yrs) list keeps changing. Everyday she changes her mind on what she wants. Kind of comical too.
2) Zander (7yrs) makes it simple..... Just the Wii. It only cost $300. Hope he isn't disappointed. We have prepared him for other gifts.
3)Gabe (4yrs) requested from Santa in person to get a new doggie for Zeke. You will need to read the blog about Ranger to understand more about this request. Funny thing is, he is good with the doggie and nothing else. But his birthday is 2 weeks after Christmas....check it out!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
When a Child is Sick....
What is it about a sick child? They are quite sweet and so lovable then! I know they are when they are well, too. It is just nice how appreciative and and QUIET they are when they are under the weather! HA!
And obviously I am not talking about something serious....just the typical bug or cold.
Around town and school right now we have had all kinds of bugs and sickness going around. Luckily, we haven't gotten the bad stuff yet. But we do get our typical snotty noses, allergies, and croupy coughs.
In the last week or so we have been experiencing all the above.......especially with my youngest, Gabe. So much so, that I kept him home from school last Monday. Which leads me to a few funny things that I have picked on about his "sickness".
First, on Wednesday morning, he was tired and said he was too sick to go school that he had germs on his "hands". HA! I knew better:)
Then on Friday, my daughter had a birthday party. When I went to pick her up she had a bag full of left over candy from building gingerbread houses. So when she got in the car, she was a very kind older sister and gave her littlest brother, Gabe, the bag of candy. Gabe LOVES candy and he was thrilled to have the bag. I told him he could have two candies and save the rest. Well, the night got busy and without acknowledging, Gabe would ask me if he could have more candy....I wasn't really listening but went ahead and agreed to more candy.....and did probably several times! ( WHOOPS) Finally, I noticed that his bag was getting empty and his mouth was full. Immediately I told him "Gabe, honey, you can't have any more candy! You're going to make yourself sick". Without skipping a beat, he responds quite well with "But mom, I already sick!" HA! HA! Good try though.
And last.......yesterday morning (church morning). He used his "I sick.....I gotta go to Grammy's". He knew that my husband and mother in law would give into that real quick! And they did:) But the cutest thing about that is when I went to give Gabe his breathing treatment last night, he immediately responded, very sure of himself with........"Oh, Mommy, I don't need that! I not sick anymore! Grammy made me all better! Real better!"
Now Gabe is CURED:) Got to love a 4year old's convincing mind!
And obviously I am not talking about something serious....just the typical bug or cold.
Around town and school right now we have had all kinds of bugs and sickness going around. Luckily, we haven't gotten the bad stuff yet. But we do get our typical snotty noses, allergies, and croupy coughs.
In the last week or so we have been experiencing all the above.......especially with my youngest, Gabe. So much so, that I kept him home from school last Monday. Which leads me to a few funny things that I have picked on about his "sickness".
First, on Wednesday morning, he was tired and said he was too sick to go school that he had germs on his "hands". HA! I knew better:)
Then on Friday, my daughter had a birthday party. When I went to pick her up she had a bag full of left over candy from building gingerbread houses. So when she got in the car, she was a very kind older sister and gave her littlest brother, Gabe, the bag of candy. Gabe LOVES candy and he was thrilled to have the bag. I told him he could have two candies and save the rest. Well, the night got busy and without acknowledging, Gabe would ask me if he could have more candy....I wasn't really listening but went ahead and agreed to more candy.....and did probably several times! ( WHOOPS) Finally, I noticed that his bag was getting empty and his mouth was full. Immediately I told him "Gabe, honey, you can't have any more candy! You're going to make yourself sick". Without skipping a beat, he responds quite well with "But mom, I already sick!" HA! HA! Good try though.
And last.......yesterday morning (church morning). He used his "I sick.....I gotta go to Grammy's". He knew that my husband and mother in law would give into that real quick! And they did:) But the cutest thing about that is when I went to give Gabe his breathing treatment last night, he immediately responded, very sure of himself with........"Oh, Mommy, I don't need that! I not sick anymore! Grammy made me all better! Real better!"
Now Gabe is CURED:) Got to love a 4year old's convincing mind!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Christmas Memories
I love Christmas! Always have and always will. I have been blessed beyond measure when I reflect on my memories of the 33 Christmas's I have experienced. Just a few that come to mind are....
1. Every Christmas Eve at my Grandparent's House: I have several fond memories of a lot of laughter, food, and fun. I loved sitting next to Granddaddy Lewis as he opened his gifts in his chair with his pocket knife! I loved running around the house in feeted pajamas that usually matched my cousins, and I loved watching my older cousins LITERALLY race to open presents (dangerous at times, but very entertaining). And as much as we complained about how "retarded" it was, we all sat in the living room year after year to sing carols....to our video cameras! LOL! Lame, but still an ongoing traditon that will never be given up! Sorry kids:)
2. Every Christmas Morning at my House as Child: My brother and I usually slept together on Christmas Eve night.......trying to stay awake to see Santa. We never ever saw Santa, either. But every morning, our parents would video record the whole event. They would record our every move, from coming down the hall, to opening presents and stockings, to eating breakfast and recieving phone calls from loved ones. It was a day of NOTHING but FAMILY! Oh how I loved it....even the huge mess we made! LOVED IT! Mom would make a late BIG breakfast and we would spend the day playing with the new toys....while mom and dad usually rested! Now I know why! HA
3. Candy Canes: Not only do I love candy canes, but they do make me remember my Grandmother Neill. I can still hear her laugh and giggle as the grandkids pulled the candy canes off her tree to separate and share. And her food was always HUM!!! I know where my mom learned to cook....YUMMY!
4. Christmas Lights: What is it about lights that make you so happy? All kids love them and it wasn't any different then...or now?? When I was old enough to drive, my girlfriends and I would take one Wednesday night after church to go tour EL DORADO Estates in McKinney. We would spend a couple of hours EWWing and AWWing over the lights together. Great girl time and wonderful memories!
5. Special Parties: Who doesn't like parties? Everyday and every weekend in Decemember seemed to be filled with special events. If not a party, than a program, or an outreach of some kind. As a kid, it can't get better than that! Never bored and always on the go!
My list can go on and on.......
As an adult, the excitement of Christmas still lives in me. However, the busyness usually gets in the way of the glory of it all. So much to do with such little time! However, what I do realize as I write this is........really, the presents don't matter. As I listed my memories, not once did a present actually come to mind as something I will never forget. It was the time spent with family and friends!
1. Every Christmas Eve at my Grandparent's House: I have several fond memories of a lot of laughter, food, and fun. I loved sitting next to Granddaddy Lewis as he opened his gifts in his chair with his pocket knife! I loved running around the house in feeted pajamas that usually matched my cousins, and I loved watching my older cousins LITERALLY race to open presents (dangerous at times, but very entertaining). And as much as we complained about how "retarded" it was, we all sat in the living room year after year to sing carols....to our video cameras! LOL! Lame, but still an ongoing traditon that will never be given up! Sorry kids:)
2. Every Christmas Morning at my House as Child: My brother and I usually slept together on Christmas Eve night.......trying to stay awake to see Santa. We never ever saw Santa, either. But every morning, our parents would video record the whole event. They would record our every move, from coming down the hall, to opening presents and stockings, to eating breakfast and recieving phone calls from loved ones. It was a day of NOTHING but FAMILY! Oh how I loved it....even the huge mess we made! LOVED IT! Mom would make a late BIG breakfast and we would spend the day playing with the new toys....while mom and dad usually rested! Now I know why! HA
3. Candy Canes: Not only do I love candy canes, but they do make me remember my Grandmother Neill. I can still hear her laugh and giggle as the grandkids pulled the candy canes off her tree to separate and share. And her food was always HUM!!! I know where my mom learned to cook....YUMMY!
4. Christmas Lights: What is it about lights that make you so happy? All kids love them and it wasn't any different then...or now?? When I was old enough to drive, my girlfriends and I would take one Wednesday night after church to go tour EL DORADO Estates in McKinney. We would spend a couple of hours EWWing and AWWing over the lights together. Great girl time and wonderful memories!
5. Special Parties: Who doesn't like parties? Everyday and every weekend in Decemember seemed to be filled with special events. If not a party, than a program, or an outreach of some kind. As a kid, it can't get better than that! Never bored and always on the go!
My list can go on and on.......
As an adult, the excitement of Christmas still lives in me. However, the busyness usually gets in the way of the glory of it all. So much to do with such little time! However, what I do realize as I write this is........really, the presents don't matter. As I listed my memories, not once did a present actually come to mind as something I will never forget. It was the time spent with family and friends!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Welcoming Ranger
During the Thanksgiving break, Gabe was able to meet and talk with Santa for the first time in his life. He was not shy by any means. And when Santa asked for Gabe's request, Gabe responded with that he wanted another dog....for Zeke, our black lab. You see, Gabe has only known our household with two dogs: CJ and Zeke. But about 2-3months ago, our CJ of 10 years had a cyst that turned into a bleeding tumor. Needless to say, we had to say our goodbyes to our dear friend and put CJ down one late night. We all mourned the loss of our friend and family member like any other family would........but Gabe was different. Yes, he cried just like us and talked about CJ during every prayer time (and still does). But it wasn't because he missed CJ so much, but because he knew his other dog, Zeke missed CJ.
Gabe has been concerned for his good buddy, Zeke, since then. He has made Zeke cards and pictures with drawings of his two dogs. He would give Zeke extra hugs and kisses and tell him how much he loved him. He would make a nice cozy sleeping spot and curl up beside Zeke from time to time. He has just been super sweet to Zeke.
Zeke was very sad too. He cried and wimpered for days and just was really depressed. At first he didn't eat or play much. In the last month or so, Zeke has been very clingy, always underneath our feet and not leaving our sight for anything. And he won't stay out and play like he used to.
After Gabe's request we thought alot about how it was true! Zeke was needing a friend....and so did the rest of the family:)
Well, the next dilemma was how do you get a dog on little money and time it right for Christmas morning??? Well we talked to our elf and Santa and it was suggested that we start looking now because Santa only makes TOYS. Now don't get me wrong, Santa said he would find and bring one for Christmas but it was going to be extra hard with family coming in. How was he to bring presents to ALL the Turner grandkids and find a dog??? So he gave us special permission to start looking.
I have been looking online to adopt a dog. Found several but most were pending adoptions and $200. Saturday we went Petco in Sherman to pick up some things for Zeke. Lucky for us, a shelter was bringing in their dogs. We saw Ranger, who was an absolute stinkin' mess.......but we liked him and so did the boys. So a few minutes later, and $65 later, we brought Ranger home. He is a super cool dog and seems to be adjusting great! I like him alot too:) OH, he cleans up very nicely!
Gabe has been concerned for his good buddy, Zeke, since then. He has made Zeke cards and pictures with drawings of his two dogs. He would give Zeke extra hugs and kisses and tell him how much he loved him. He would make a nice cozy sleeping spot and curl up beside Zeke from time to time. He has just been super sweet to Zeke.
Zeke was very sad too. He cried and wimpered for days and just was really depressed. At first he didn't eat or play much. In the last month or so, Zeke has been very clingy, always underneath our feet and not leaving our sight for anything. And he won't stay out and play like he used to.
After Gabe's request we thought alot about how it was true! Zeke was needing a friend....and so did the rest of the family:)
Well, the next dilemma was how do you get a dog on little money and time it right for Christmas morning??? Well we talked to our elf and Santa and it was suggested that we start looking now because Santa only makes TOYS. Now don't get me wrong, Santa said he would find and bring one for Christmas but it was going to be extra hard with family coming in. How was he to bring presents to ALL the Turner grandkids and find a dog??? So he gave us special permission to start looking.
I have been looking online to adopt a dog. Found several but most were pending adoptions and $200. Saturday we went Petco in Sherman to pick up some things for Zeke. Lucky for us, a shelter was bringing in their dogs. We saw Ranger, who was an absolute stinkin' mess.......but we liked him and so did the boys. So a few minutes later, and $65 later, we brought Ranger home. He is a super cool dog and seems to be adjusting great! I like him alot too:) OH, he cleans up very nicely!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Our Homemade Santa
Yes, we get a bit bored here on Preston Glen. Seems that every Christmas season Zander will make his own Christmas outfit to share. Last year he was WRINKLE, our elf. This year he became Santa.
He will hate this for me later.......but right now, he will never know:)
He will hate this for me later.......but right now, he will never know:)
WINKLE is Here, AGAIN!!
Three years ago after arriving home from school, my children noticed a package(that I had already gone through before their arrival) at the front door. We tore open the package to find a book that was called, The Elf on the Shelf. The book gives a great story about how an elf found his way to our home and will stay there all day, every day, until Christmas, to watch your children's behaviors and actions. The elf then uses his magical powers to fly back to the North Pole to report good and bad behaviors to the boss man, SANTA! The elf hides in a new spot every night.......that is IF he had a chance to sneak away back to the North Pole that night... And trust me, sometimes the elf has nothing good to report and must wait a day or two! HA!
We named our elf WINKLE. And we must be very very careful not to touch him or he could lose his magical powers.......which means he could not report to Santa. He looks so much like a toy, but that is because he needs to not frighten others.
WINKLE has been a great friend to us since he has come into our lives. He has been known to bring in snow with him before. He has written and responded to a few letters left to Santa, and knows alot about us. We love welcoming him to our home every year. And we love showing everyone WINKLE when we get a chance.
On Tuesday of this past week........WINKLE made it back to our home. He was hiding in our antiques above our kitchen cabinets. Today he is behind a Texas Welcome sign above our front door. Where will he be tomorrow??? I am not sure. But I am certain you will hear more stories about WINKLE in the next few weeks!
We named our elf WINKLE. And we must be very very careful not to touch him or he could lose his magical powers.......which means he could not report to Santa. He looks so much like a toy, but that is because he needs to not frighten others.
WINKLE has been a great friend to us since he has come into our lives. He has been known to bring in snow with him before. He has written and responded to a few letters left to Santa, and knows alot about us. We love welcoming him to our home every year. And we love showing everyone WINKLE when we get a chance.
On Tuesday of this past week........WINKLE made it back to our home. He was hiding in our antiques above our kitchen cabinets. Today he is behind a Texas Welcome sign above our front door. Where will he be tomorrow??? I am not sure. But I am certain you will hear more stories about WINKLE in the next few weeks!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
More Than Just an Award
Today I witnessed my middle child, Zander, receive the Tiger Award from his teacher, Mrs. Driskell. At our elementary school, at the end of each grading period a student from each class is awarded a Tiger Award for outstanding work, behavior, or improvement. Zander was chosen this time around. When a child receives this award the principal reads a letter from the teacher that explains WHY they were chosen.
I admit, my children do usually get these awards often. They may skip a year here or there, but I have heard alot of letters before. But something in this letter stood out above the rest.
Mrs. Driskell addressed in her letter how much of a loyal Tiger fan Zander is to the local high school teams. She also mentioned how he loves The Dallas Cowboys, The Texas Rangers, and any other team he belongs to. What Mrs. Driskell was trying to award Zander on was his loyalty and his support to others. The note did not conclude there. She noted how he was a great fan of his very own class and classmates. But what really made my heart rejoice was the part where she metioned, "He is a true fan of our Creator, which he doesn't mind talking about!" WOW! A first grade little boy who is strong enough and is couragious enough to let others know about his God! If a first grader can do that, why can't we as adults???
Our world is changing! I try very hard to protect my children from the dangers of society, but yet, I also want them to be able to adapt and make a difference in the world in which is very "worldly". I know my Zander is far from perfect and I know that Todd and I are far from the perfect parents. But to hear these words from a person on the outside of our family sure does give you the confidence that God is with us! He is with me as a parent. And he is with my children as they learn to live in this world that we know as home......for right now that is:)
I admit, my children do usually get these awards often. They may skip a year here or there, but I have heard alot of letters before. But something in this letter stood out above the rest.
Mrs. Driskell addressed in her letter how much of a loyal Tiger fan Zander is to the local high school teams. She also mentioned how he loves The Dallas Cowboys, The Texas Rangers, and any other team he belongs to. What Mrs. Driskell was trying to award Zander on was his loyalty and his support to others. The note did not conclude there. She noted how he was a great fan of his very own class and classmates. But what really made my heart rejoice was the part where she metioned, "He is a true fan of our Creator, which he doesn't mind talking about!" WOW! A first grade little boy who is strong enough and is couragious enough to let others know about his God! If a first grader can do that, why can't we as adults???
Our world is changing! I try very hard to protect my children from the dangers of society, but yet, I also want them to be able to adapt and make a difference in the world in which is very "worldly". I know my Zander is far from perfect and I know that Todd and I are far from the perfect parents. But to hear these words from a person on the outside of our family sure does give you the confidence that God is with us! He is with me as a parent. And he is with my children as they learn to live in this world that we know as home......for right now that is:)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)