A Trip Down Memory Lane

Today Xander and his friends got together to go roller skating. This was Xander's first time EVER on roller skates! He made me promise not to take pictures or video. I almost peed my pants laughing so hard with tears streaming down my face at the trip and falls and SPLITS that accompanied this learning. I wasn't necessarily laughing at him I was also remembering my learning how to skate and how many falls it took to get it right! He wanted to give up at first, but thankfully his friends encouraged him on and his "sticktoittiveness" and desire to get it right lead him forward and sometimes to his knees, but he persevered and GOT IT in the end!

Oh that was a great giggle, cry and trip down memory lane! I can still remember Friday nights at "Skateland" as a teenager. The wind whipping through my feathered hair as I went around in circles as fast as I could in SKIN TIGHT jeans. The boys, the loud music, the friends, the songs dedicated, the hopes that I would get picked for boys choice, backwards, slow dance, couples only...so many memories both happy and embarrassing. It was fun to revisit those feelings today at the rink, but I am SO glad I am not a teenager again!

1. great friends to create memories with

2. Alyssa having a fun play date too

3. All of Christmas put away and GONE until next year...

Favorite Boston places and faces

Last supper

Tonight for our last dinner together before Grandma Barbara and Uncle Michael go back to sunny California we had a delicious last supper. I made baked ziti, salad and "circle bread." I am always hesitant to make bread since sometimes it turns out and other times well.... but tonight it was DELICIOUS! Yum! We call it circle bread since after you roll it out you cut it as you would biscuits, dip one end in butter (margarine for those who are butter impaired), stack it in rows sideways in a bundt pan and it comes out looking like a rosette and tasting wonderful! So glad to be able to share a great dinner with a great family!

1. chinese food for lunch

2. snow falling

3. my bread being a success

Christmas 2009

What a great day we had with Grandma Barbara and Uncle Michael here to celebrate Christmas. The kids loved all of their gift and the top prize goes to their brand new ATV.

At first I was worried because Xander didn't seem too interested in it. He said, "Mom I told you that you didn't have to spend all that money on an atv. I feel bad." I told him to let us worry about how much money we spend and that he should just have fun. And fun was had by all!

Even Grandma Barbara got in on the action!

The next in line was their snowboards.

They have been asking for these for a very long time.

They realized that it takes a lot of work to get back up the hill with one foot still attached, but loved it still.

It was warm enough to take a walk in the woods and enjoy the sunshine and temperature over 32 degrees. A real heat wave for us lately. I loved having a white Christmas and family to celebrate and enjoy it with.

Lola is lovin' having all these extra people to play with and get love from!

1. Christmas will not come for another 364 more days! Hallelujah

2. my new "real" camera

3. the endless picture possibilities yet to come

Breath of Heaven

Here is my favorite way to get into the Christmas spirit! It is our tradition to play this every year on Christmas Eve. It has the church's nativity video and Amy Grant's song Breath of Heaven. Hit play, sit back and feel the true spirit of Christmas. You won't be disappointed.

Little things

Paul picked up this Charlie Brown Christmas tree a few weeks back. He just LOVES it! When he first got it every time he would walk into the room he would smile and express joy over having it. He even tried to convince the kids that we didn't have to put up the "other" tree and we could just use this one. Thankfully we have both. I love the little things in life that bring great joy! It feels good!

The Christmas Spirit

After I finished all of my running around today trying to find stocking stuffers, return items not necessary and helping a friend I came across this video The Christmas Spirit . This is what Christmas is REALLY about. I love it!