Taking Down the Tinsel

I simply cannot believe it has come and gone!  We had the very best Christmas this year, filled with family, fun, and lots of good food.  I can't even begin to describe to you the diet I will have to adopt after the first of the year (and since I'm not really ready to think about it, I won't attempt to go into details).

On Christmas Eve, we attended an afternoon candlelight service at a nearby church.  Afterwards, Steve's parents and brother came over to celebrate, open gifts, and - of course - eat.  I made chili, and we had a variety of sweet and salty finger foods.  When TBS began the 24 hours of "A Christmas Story" at 7:00, we tuned in and enjoyed.   

Sara was thrilled to finally open the presents she'd been eye-balling under the tree for weeks.  In fact, by Thursday, the temptation had simply become too much and while Steve and I weren't paying attention, she planted herself by the tree and started opening.  We stopped her before she got in too far, but it was a good thing Christmas Eve came when it did ... she just couldn't wait any longer.  Sara opened her gifts, tossing aside the clothes in favor of the toys, and then helped the rest of us open ours. 

Taking a short break with Papa ...

Sara did a good job of passing out some presents to Uncle Mark.  I can always rely on Mark to buy me wine for Christmas, and he came through again this year.

 

 Helping Ma-Mas open her gifts ...

Steve was so excited to receive Batman cologne and golf-ball-finding glasses.  Christmas isn't Christmas in Steve's family without the purchase of at least a couple of gifts that are meant for no other purpose than to bring laughter and teasing.  I can assure you that there was plenty of both.

  I was especially excited to be able to surprise Steve with an iPad.  I had debated it for a while, but made a last minute decision to just buy the device in order help launch my loving husband into twenty-eleven in style.

 It was fun to wake up at home on Christmas morning.  Sara knew that Santa would be coming, and had left him milk and cookies the night before.  When she woke up, she wandered into the living room.  And what to her wondering eyes did appear?

 A Thomas tent!  Joy!

 Later in the afternoon on Christmas Day, my parents flew into town for a short visit.  Sara received an easel from them, which has become her own personal little work space.  She's been busy working on the names and colors of all the letter magnets.

 During the visit from Grandma and Grandpa Todd, Sara got to sit on the kitchen stools for the first time.  She'd never been interested before, but felt very special when she was up high next to Grandma.

 Over the course of their visit, we enjoyed some shopping, long walks, tasty food, good conversation, and, of course, cigars.  These were big-dog cigars, and I think every house on the street may have had the pleasure of enjoying them, too.

 Sara received "Toy Story 3" from Ma-Mas and Papa, and enjoyed watching it on the couch with Grandpa Todd.  Shortly after starting to watch it on this particular day, Sara went down for a nap.  Instead of turning it off, my parents, Steve, and I sat and watched the entire movie ... it was really good!  I had heard people say so, but had to see for myself.  Even if you don't have kids, it'd be worth a couple hours of your time to watch TS3.  It's a crowd-pleaser. 

 I was able to snap one picture (with my new Nikon from Steve!) of Sara, Grandma, and Grandpa Todd before they left.

It was really special to be able to spend Christmas with both of our families this year.  The rest of our pictures from the month of December (many you've seen on previous posts) can be found at my Picasa site. Melissa and Adam couldn't make it because they were in Steamboat visiting Adam's mom.  We missed them, of course, but were also a little jealous to hear about their skiing and snow-shoeing adventures.  I hope to see them in February, as Sara and I are tentatively planning to head to MN for a weekend family event.

Now we're looking forward to a quiet New Year's Eve celebration at home, just the three of us.  We're going to do some grilling, pop a bottle of Korbel, watch bowl football, and simply enjoy each other as we reflect on 2010 and ring in 2011.  Happy New Year!

Still Reading ...

It's been a while since I've shared my latest reading endeavors (which have been few and far between, but efforts nonetheless).

A couple months ago, my book club read Gabi's pick, Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout.  This book is made up of a series of intertwined short stories.  The common thread in each story is, of course, a woman by the name of Olive Kitteridge.  I loved her character because at times, I despised her.  Maybe that doesn't make a lot of sense.  I guess I'll just say she was so well written: very vulnerable and real.  At certain points during the book, I was disappointed that I wasn't given more information about particular short stories, but I had to remind myself the the point of the smaller stories was to tell Olive's larger story.  I hope I'm not confusing you.  Pick up this book; you'll read it in a couple of sittings.

To pass some time, I read a brainless - yet enjoyable - book called The Godmother by Carrie Adams.  I bought it because it was $4.98 at Half Price Books, and although I knew what I was getting into as far as little depth to the content, it turned out to be worth the $4.98.  The book takes place in Britain, and I enjoyed the language and humor that is different than our American wit.

Our current pick, made by Allison, is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.  I haven't made too much progress yet, but I am far enough in to say that if you haven't read this classic, it's time.  I don't know how I avoided it all these years.

I'm on the docket for next month's pick, and I already have my book selected.  It came upon recommendation from one of my former KC book club friends and teaching partner, Christine.  Sorry, but I can't divulge the title here before I reveal it to the book club girls over breakfast in a few weeks!

Merry Christmas!

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men. Luke 2:14

Wordless Wednesday: Holiday Edition

 

 
 
 

Christmas Links You'll Love

A parent at school sent me a couple of links she thought we would enjoy using with Sara this holiday season.  If you have little ones or even big ones, check these out.  They are so much fun!

At Portable North Pole, you can ask Santa to create a video message especially for your child.  Once it's completed, the message will be sent to you via e-mail, and your child can watch it over and over.  You can see Sara's special message from Santa here.

At the NORAD site, you'll find a countdown to Christmas, and you can check in to see what Santa's elves have been up to in preparation for the big night.  On Christmas Eve, we'll all be able to watch live as Santa travels around the globe.  We'll know when he's getting close to our houses!

I have always loved the Christmas season, but the magic of it seems magnified with a two-year-old in the house.  I hope you'll enjoy these sites as much as we will!

Here We Come A-Caroling

I've had my radio tuned to The Christmas Station for a month now, and there is nothing that will make me change the station until the carols cease after Christmas.  In the meantime, I thought I'd share with you a few of my favorite Christmas songs that I crank up and sing along with when they come on the radio.  If you have a few minutes, I recommend clicking on the links and listening (and if you're in the comfort of your home, sing along!).

O Holy Night by Josh Groban - I really love this song period, but I think his voice just makes it perfect.  This has long been on the top of my list ... dating back to Christmas Eve services at St. Andrews in EP.  Though my truly favorite part of the service at any church on Christmas Eve is - and always will be - the singing of Silent Night with candles lit, O Holy Night is my favorite Christmas song. 

White Christmas by Bing Crosby - I could also watch the movie daily between now and Christmas and not get sick of it.  Bing's voice when he sings this song is soothing to the soul.

A Baby Changes Everything by Faith Hill - I first heard this song last year around this time, and my intial response was, "You're tellin' me."  Then I really listened to the words and began to understand that the song is about the Christmas story, primarily Mary and, of course, her baby.  I think it is so beautiful, and I get choked up every time I hear it.

Christmas Canon by Trans-Siberian Orchestra - I would love to see the TSO live; I think it would be breathtaking.  I feel the same way about Mannheim Steamroller.  I love both groups' renditions of any Christmas song.

I could go on and on, but will stick with my top four for now.  What Christmas songs are your favorites?

A Very Happy Birthday & a little plug

Sara's birthday turned out to be a really fun day for all three of us. Instead of spending lots of money on gifts, we'd made arrangements to ride The North Pole Express in Grapevine, or as Sara referred to it, Big Thomas. She had been talking about riding Big Thomas with Santa Claus all week, and we hoped our ride would live up to its hype. It did, indeed.  I took fewer pictures than I had hoped to, but still captured the essence of the event.

We started with a stage show portion of the event, complete with carols and plenty of spirit, and then walked through the "snow" to board the North Pole Express.

 Sara got her first glimpse of Big Thomas.  All Aboard!

 It truly is an old vintage train.  Steve rode on it for a work event over the summer, and because the weather was nice, all the windows had been removed.  The train also has a fully-equipped bar, which was not operating as part of the NPE, obviously, but would be fun for many occasions.

 This is a view from the inside -- very old-timey with many Christmas decorations.

 Here comes Santa Claus!  It was almost as exciting for the adults as it was for the kids.  I wasn't sure what Sara would think of him ...

 ... but she willingly gave him a hi-five, and then stared at him with wonder in her eyes.  So much power in that red suit.

 We had such a fun time on the train ... I love a birthday full of memories.  I hope we'll continue to partake in birthday events such as this in the years to come.  It's so fun to watch Sara experience new and exciting things.  (I don't know why I have scrunch-nose in this picture. Darn it.)

After we got off the train, we enjoyed walking around festive Downtown Grapevine, and stopped for lunch at a local establishment.  We then headed over to Steve's parents house for cupcakes and presents.

Daddy helped Sara blow out the TWO candles.  My mom always made us homemade treats for our birthdays, and so far I'm two-for-two on doing the same.  I plan to continue that tradition.

 Sara got a Thomas boat from Uncle Mark, a jewelery box from neighbors Kerry and Debbie, an Elmo country music sing-along video from Leigh, and a little laptop from Ma-Mas and Papa.  Although she loved all of her new toys, Sara was most disappointed when the actual opening of gifts was over.  She really began eye-balling the presents already under the tree, but we told her she'd have to wait (not long, though).

  We can't believe our baby girl is two, and we just can't believe how much our love for her continues to grow.  We've discovered that parenthood is rewarding, difficult, humbling, delightful, tiring ... you name it!  We are so blessed to be celebrating our third Christmas season with Sara.

Before I sign-off tonight, I want to give a little plug for my wonderful friend, Leigh.  I've told you about her before: she's a talented radio DJ on 103.7 KISS FM in Milwaukee who gets to meet lots of famous people and basically just be cool all the time.  I wonder what that's like.  Anyway, her station is tracking which DJ's station blog gets the most hits ... check hers out and drive up her numbers.  Maybe she'll win something exciting.  Or maybe not.  I'm not really sure what the incentive is ... but check it out anyway.  It'll be worth your time, especially if you're needing a laugh!

Before.

"Before you were conceived ...

... I wanted you.

Before you were born ...

... I loved you.

Before you were here an hour ...

... I would die for you.

This is the miracle of life."

-Maureen Hawkins

My love for you is so deep, so high, so wide; it's simply immeasurable.  Happy 2nd Birthday, my beautiful Sara Noel!

My Cousins

For the longest time, there were seven Wenck cousins.  Then numbers eight and nine came along, but they were - for a long time - considered too young to participate in certain activities with us older seven.  Of the seven, I was the oldest, and therefore, the perceived wisest.  I was going to grow up and become rich and take the top seven to Hawaii.  I can't recall exactly where that idea came from, or whose brainchild it was.  But the idea was well received by the bunch and lived on in many a conversation. 

I did grow up - of course - and, as you know, I'm not rich.  As my cousins know, the trip to Hawaii didn't happen (yet).  And because things change, I'm not necessarily the wisest anymore (not sure I ever was) even though I'm still the oldest.  I'm not upset about losing that spot; my cousins are doing great things and certainly deserve the top honor: Molly is about to be a doctor.  Emily is about to be a mother.  Jenna, who has spent the last couple of summers exploring Alaska, just graduated from college.  Nick is in college, and Rose (#8) will be after she graduates from high school this year.  My sister, of course, is one of the seven, and she's wonderful for a million reasons that I don't need to list here because you've met her many times before.  The cousin I want to highlight in this post, though, is Aaron.  He has traveled all over the world for work and for study, and he's become an amazing photographer along the way.  If you haven't already checked out his site, which I added to my sidebar a couple of weeks ago, please do so now.  He's captured some brilliant and breathtaking scenes from places all over the globe.  I'm so proud to be able to introduce you to Aaron and his work.  Maybe he'll be taking us to Hawaii.  You know, when he grows up and gets rich, since that's apparently the way it's supposed to work.

Wordless Wednesday

76 Trombones

Yesterday morning we got up and headed to the train station, where we proceeded to hop on the DART and ride downtown to the annual Children's Medical Center Holiday Parade.  We had pre-purchased bleacher seats, which happened to be a wise decision.  We didn't have to fight for any prime sidewalk real estate (starting in the wee hours, I might add), and we had a great view throughout the entire parade.  If you've never been downtown for the parade, I highly recommend it.  I can see us making an annual tradition of it as a family.  I took more pictures than I imagined I would, so while a few of the highlights for us are posted below, you can check out all of our pictures on our Picasa Web Album under "Holiday Parade 2010".

Dad ran into a nearby 7-11 for chocolate donuts to snack on while we waited for the parade to start.

 Just minutes after the parade had started, Batman himself came riding down the street atop a fire truck.  And would you believe that he waived right at Sara?!  She could have left at that moment and been completely satisfied with her parade experience.

Ian Kinsler, Rangers baseball player and local hero, made an appearance on a car way out of my price range.

 There were so many great bands, including the Hardin Simmons University Cowboy Band.  They do all sorts of singing, dancing, and special moves in their chaps while they play.  Very entertaining!

 There were also all sorts of dancers, including these two-steppers.  They did lots of flipping and twirling! 

 Sara was a fan of the drum lines.  She pointed out the drums that were just like Grandpa Todd's!  This particular group had lots of rhythm.

 Scooby Doo ...

 ... and The Berenstein Bears.  So many fun characters. 

 Spiderman was pretty cool, too. I was impressed with the poses he could do on top of a moving truck.  I guess that's why he's Spiderman, and we're just mere mortals.

 When The Grinch came by, Sara kept saying, "Bad guy, bad guy."

 They saved the best for last, of course, which was a float carrying Santa Claus himself. 

If we weren't feeling it already, we've definitely got the Christmas spirit now!