Monday, November 27, 2006

One Very Excited Girl


No sooner were the Thanksgiving leftovers consumed in the Peanut household, than we were dragging down the Christmas decorations from the attic. Mr. and I look forward to Advent every year, and we were eager to have everything in place in order to begin our celebration next weekend. For the first time, this year, we allowed Miss to stay up late in order to trim the tree with us. She was beside herself with excitement. She ooed and ahhhed over every ornament, and dutifully asked if it was made of glass in order to ascertain if she might put it on the tree herself. She helped us place our candles in the windows, and gave advice on where to place other decorations around the house.

She was most excited at the appearance of her very own nativity scene, which she remembered well from last year. She lined up all of the animals, shepherds, wise men, Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and the angel, and (of course) began a conversation with them. She then escorted the group to her bedroom, and carefully placed them by her bed, so they could be near her as she slept.

It was great fun to see her excitement, and it was amazing to realize that she has reached the age of being able to help with and really enjoy these activities. She is no longer just a perpetual, living photo opportunity in front of the tree. She knows what Christmas means, and she remembers our family traditions. What a gift this year's time of anticipation will be for all of us, because we have her to remind us of the wonder of it all through this little girl's eyes.

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Thanksgiving


Overheard today:

Daddy, do you know what I'm thankful for?

What, honey?


Thanksgiving!

We are indeed thankful for our Thanksgiving Day. We had a quiet morning at home, watching the Macy's parade. They quiet was only occasionally interrupted by screams of glee from Miss, who was completely enthralled with the huge balloons *and* the Broadway performances.

Our pastor and his wife kindly hosted us for dinner, and we had a great time. The food was wonderful, and we had some good conversation. I discover more and more that we have in common with them every time we are together. A very nice day, and a very good opportunity for reflection on all of our blessings.

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Reason to be Thankful


It suddenly dawned on me today that Thanksgiving is but two days away. I have not had much opportunity to think about the approaching holiday, because of a sick boy who has decided that he cannot live without my physical presence throughout the *entire* day. Yes, little Master has contracted some sort of nasty virus, and will only play for very short periods of time before staggering over to me, crying, and falling head first into my lap. He would not eat a bite of lunch today unless my hand was acting as a resting place for his little cheek. It is oh-so-sweet in many ways, but oh-so-exhausting in others.

Trying to keep the little guy afloat, while also trying to pretend to be "Cinderella's Daddy" (Miss thinks that all of the princesses in her Disney video are dancing with their daddies) is a tricky proposition.

But, now that the house is quiet, I am reminded that even this time is a blessing. Having a little girl who loves to pretend with me, and a little boy who needs my touch and reassurance is surely a brief chapter in life. I regularly read a blog written by a woman with older children. This week she is bemoaning the fact that her boys are grown and will not be home for Thanksgiving this year. It reminds me that I have reason to be thankful in these circumstances. And, I hope that when I am in her shoes, I can remember that I will have reason to be thankful then, as well.

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Forgive me for the extended absence . . .

Time has somehow gotten away from me over the past few weeks, and blogging has gone by the wayside. I will be attempting to rededicate myself to regular posting. In the meanwhile, here is a summary of our recent activities:

Election day came and went. Master expresses his happiness about the end of the campaigning.
The last of the leaves have fallen. We now await snow.
We had one 70 degree day. Master decided to play some ball.
Grandma and Papa visited from California. Miss was filled with glee.
We went to the Minnesota Children's Museum with Grandma & Papa. Miss got to be a part of fine art.

Master enjoyed seeing the sights.
Miss enjoyed, most of all, taking the stage and making her own music video.
Master continued to be his normal, cuddly self.
Miss shared her first carousel ride with Master. He enjoyed it quite a lot, as did his sister.

All in all, we have had a lovely few weeks, and we are now excitedly anticipating Thanksgiving, Christmas, and a trip to California in January. So much awaits us.

Thursday, November 02, 2006

A Princess, A Chicken & 30 Degrees

Our first Twin Cities Halloween was fun and *cold.* We went to a church festival, Miss had a blast playing games and participating in "Trunk or Treat" in the parking lot. Master was still feeling under the weather, and was somewhat less than thrilled with his chicken costume. He enjoyed the sights and sounds of the festival, though, and was mighty cute.