Christmas Traditions

With Christmas comes tradition...and all families have those special things that they do, year after year. As random as they can be, no year goes by without the excitement that goes along with that tradition. I do not know how ours started, but it's been going on for at least 20 years (probably more). I remember so fondly getting together at my Grandma's house. She would take such care in making everything so special. Year after year Christmas Eve was such a special time. Our menu NEVER changed, we have Chicken Ole' (like an enchilada casserole...only 100x better). Now I know what you are thinking, not very "Christmasy", but that is what we did. Not only did we have Chicken Ole', but raspberry jell-o with raspberries in it, green (lime) jell-o salad, olives, pickles, rolls and green salad. Before the meal...there was plenty of homemade fudge, beef stick, cheese log with crackers, and my Grandma's favorite...peanut M&M's. As we kids got older, lives got busier, but that tradition NEVER changed, although the location did, the menu didn't.

Christmas time ALWAYS reminds me of my Grandma. Its been a couple years since my Grandma has passed, but the thoughts of her tradition keeps going. I often think about my grandma and since having Brody, I find myself thinking of her more and more. I watch my parents with Brody...the love in their eyes for him, I can see just how much my Grandma loved me. I know she has already met Brody, she has already held him in heaven, I can picture her rocking him in her arms, telling him all about his family, stories of me when I was just a baby, cherishing that special time knowing that soon she would have to let him go...send him perfectly formed, from heaven to earth to meet his parents. I know she is watching us...laughing at her great grandsons, proud of her children for carrying on the role of being a perfect grandparent, proud of her grand-kids for making family a priority. I know she is beaming as she watches from heaven the family that she worked so hard for, still to this day, laughing together, making time to be together and carrying on the traditions that she loved so much.

This year was no different. Although with families growing and the responsibilities of life, the traditional "Christmas Eve", was moved up. Last Saturday, December 19 was "Christmas Eve". We gathered for Chicken Ole, raspberry jello-o with raspberries in it, lime jell-o salad, cheese balls, beef sticks, fudge and a bowl of peanut M&M's. My family gathered together to celebrate Christmas. Although some vital parts of the family was missing, this was such a special time. I remember looking around the room, thinking about how much the roles have reversed and quickly life had changed. When once I enjoyed the Christmas time as a little girl, with my grandma, aunts and uncles...there I sat with my son and husband. Watching my parents...being that same grandparent that I so fondly remember. Brody is still so young, but I cannot wait until he truly can understand the love and devotion of family. Until he can remember these memories and truly enjoy these traditions.

Pappy, Grandma, Uncle Ryan, Auntie Des, Eli, Uncle Sam, Aunt Jill, Troy, Lana, Auntie Jan: Thank you for being there for this tradition, for sharing the love of family during this special time. For being a part of Brody's first Christmas!!!

Scott and Ashley...you were not forgotten!! You were so very missed and more than anything we would have LOVED for you both to be with us. Denver will be UNFORGETTABLE!!!!





Eli (left) and Brody (Right)...they are going to be TROUBLE!!!


Aunt Jan...happily watching her great-nephews


Brody LOVES Lana!




Eli opening presents!


Brody showing off his new bib!


Eli gets a bib too!


Grandma sharing her water with Brody






Merry Christmas from the Simpsons!!!!
We hope you make wonderful memories!

Santa Comes Early

This year the family opted not to do gifts for the adults in the family, however they all pitched in to get the babies something really fun (which worked out well for us):) !!

A special "THANK YOU" to Grandma, Pappy, Uncle Ryan, Auntie Des, Uncle Scott and Auntie Ashley for making Brody's first Christmas gift so fun!!!


SPECIAL DELIVERY! Grandma and Pappy are here to make the drop.


FUN!!!!


Grandma will help you go up! (And the EVER PRESENT Thor)


Pappy will be at the top!


SUCCESS!


And now he thinks he's a pirate!


Going down!


...and the box is just as fun!





All that work...deserves a snack!

Thanksgiving (well "leftovers" anyway)

Although Halloween was Brody's first "Holiday", Thanksgiving was his very first meaningful family holiday. It was great to be together with the WHOLE FAMILY (minus Uncle Scott and Auntie Ashley...who were EXTREMELY missed). For those of you who don't know Brody, he LOVES food! Whether it be stuffing, jello, mashed potatoes or turkey...I just lay it on his tray and allow him to just go for it. Fitful after fistful he shovels it into his mouth (sometime having a little better aim than other times). My motto..."he's washable...and he's having fun". Drew, on the other hand, cannot bear to watch Brody eating with food all over his face.

I am sorry to say that I forgot to bring my camera to the actual Thanksgiving day, however I did get the following pictures of him eating leftovers.


Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole and cranberry salad!


"What are you looking at?"


"I'm funny....I know"


"mmmmm Turkey is good"


Yes...that IS a piece of cranberry in his ear!


He sat...he ate...he conquered!