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Give Thanks Always
3 years ago
Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts
Monday, January 26, 2009
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Just in case you are curious...
I posted over on Lots of Kids today. Here's a copy:
Bittersweet Changes at the Funny Farm:
These past few weeks have flown by at warp speed. We received our official referral phone call at the end of Oct, even though we knew who our daughter was because we picked her from the waiting child list. Friday, we had our confirmed travel authorization and US consulate appointment, and we purchased our international plane tickets to pick up our new daughter in China. Scott and I will be leaving Dec 10 and arriving back home late Christmas night with our precious new daughter. The kids are all excited, and I just cannot wait to go get her. But, there is also a little sadness as I prepare to leave 4 kiddos behind. I think I am missing them already.
So, how do we prepare for the holidays and make sure it is all done before we leave? Good question. The answer seems like a comedy bit. First, I should disclose that we decorate like crazy for Christmas: full size Christmas trees in each bedroom, lights and garland on every bit of stair railing, a 12 foot tree in the living room, and a "winter scene" above the kitchen cabinets. It takes a good solid week to transform the house. But, before we can get to Christmas decor, there is a "fall scene" above the kitchen cabinets complete with hay bail, scarecrows and turkeys dressed like pilgrims.
Originally we thought we'd be traveling Dec 4-18, so it all needed to be done by Dec 1. Two weekends ago, we started putting up the Christmas decor, but it is not yet Thanksgiving, so I cannot take down the "fall scene" yet. This past week, our home has been caught in a home decor tornado. Christmas trees, garland, nativity sets, scarecrows, hay bales, and turkeys. It is kind of funny to look at, and I feel like we are in perpetual transition. I guess we are. This weekend, the scarecrows and turkeys will be replaced by snowmen and mini alpine trees. Thanksgiving turkey thawing in the fridge, and Christmas ham sitting in the freezer. Talk about holiday overload!
Christmas presents to and from family are all purchased, and the final gifts will be wrapped tonight. Santa has been advised that these kiddos are having a very special Christmas this year, and that they will probably be a little bit sad Christmas morning because they will have to wait all day to see Mommy and Daddy and sister. They will meet their new sister on Christmas night, so they must have been very, very good this year to get that kind of special gift. And, Santa knows that Mommy and Daddy will be very weary from traveling for 24 hours to get home in time to have Christmas with all five children together. Santa's elves have assured us that Santa understands, and he is sending his very best elves to make sure all the preparations will be taken care of just like we always do and that all will be ready for Santa to arrive on time. This is a very special holiday season indeed.
As far as blogging goes, for those of you who have been following our adoption adventure, I will try to keep the Funny Farm blog updated as much as I can while we travel and adjust to our new life as a family of seven. For our faithful (and new) Lots of Kids readers, I wish you the absolute best holidays this year, whichever customs you celebrate I wish you a season of thanksgiving and joy. I just wanted to make sure I said that now because Dec will be a different kind of world wind at the Funny Farm, and I can be forgetful at times.
OK, next time, we'll talk laundry. :-)
Bittersweet Changes at the Funny Farm:
These past few weeks have flown by at warp speed. We received our official referral phone call at the end of Oct, even though we knew who our daughter was because we picked her from the waiting child list. Friday, we had our confirmed travel authorization and US consulate appointment, and we purchased our international plane tickets to pick up our new daughter in China. Scott and I will be leaving Dec 10 and arriving back home late Christmas night with our precious new daughter. The kids are all excited, and I just cannot wait to go get her. But, there is also a little sadness as I prepare to leave 4 kiddos behind. I think I am missing them already.
So, how do we prepare for the holidays and make sure it is all done before we leave? Good question. The answer seems like a comedy bit. First, I should disclose that we decorate like crazy for Christmas: full size Christmas trees in each bedroom, lights and garland on every bit of stair railing, a 12 foot tree in the living room, and a "winter scene" above the kitchen cabinets. It takes a good solid week to transform the house. But, before we can get to Christmas decor, there is a "fall scene" above the kitchen cabinets complete with hay bail, scarecrows and turkeys dressed like pilgrims.
Originally we thought we'd be traveling Dec 4-18, so it all needed to be done by Dec 1. Two weekends ago, we started putting up the Christmas decor, but it is not yet Thanksgiving, so I cannot take down the "fall scene" yet. This past week, our home has been caught in a home decor tornado. Christmas trees, garland, nativity sets, scarecrows, hay bales, and turkeys. It is kind of funny to look at, and I feel like we are in perpetual transition. I guess we are. This weekend, the scarecrows and turkeys will be replaced by snowmen and mini alpine trees. Thanksgiving turkey thawing in the fridge, and Christmas ham sitting in the freezer. Talk about holiday overload!
Christmas presents to and from family are all purchased, and the final gifts will be wrapped tonight. Santa has been advised that these kiddos are having a very special Christmas this year, and that they will probably be a little bit sad Christmas morning because they will have to wait all day to see Mommy and Daddy and sister. They will meet their new sister on Christmas night, so they must have been very, very good this year to get that kind of special gift. And, Santa knows that Mommy and Daddy will be very weary from traveling for 24 hours to get home in time to have Christmas with all five children together. Santa's elves have assured us that Santa understands, and he is sending his very best elves to make sure all the preparations will be taken care of just like we always do and that all will be ready for Santa to arrive on time. This is a very special holiday season indeed.
As far as blogging goes, for those of you who have been following our adoption adventure, I will try to keep the Funny Farm blog updated as much as I can while we travel and adjust to our new life as a family of seven. For our faithful (and new) Lots of Kids readers, I wish you the absolute best holidays this year, whichever customs you celebrate I wish you a season of thanksgiving and joy. I just wanted to make sure I said that now because Dec will be a different kind of world wind at the Funny Farm, and I can be forgetful at times.
OK, next time, we'll talk laundry. :-)
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Tribute to my Father
This is what I shared as a tribute to my daddy, at his memorial service on Dec 31, 2007:
My Dad taught me a lot of things growing up. But the most important thing he taught me was that this life is not about the here and now. It is not about this earth. It is about eternity.
We just celebrated his last Christmas on this earth and I am thankful that my family was able to be here for it. My husband and I planned our trip 5 days before we left to drive out here. We knew that his condition was serious, and we decided at the last minute that I would take Family Medical leave to spend as much time as I could with him. Little did I know how close the timing actually was. We arrived on Saturday the 22nd. He was at home, and he hugged my children and smiled as he told them that he loved them and that he was glad they came to see him. God blessed my family that day with that one little visit. It was early the next morning when my sister and I rushed from her house to the hospital. Dad was in the ER.
This past week has been a flurry of activity, worry, and grief. But this past week has also been a week of God raining his blessings on our entire family. My grandma, mom, brother, sister, and I have been supported and loved by friends, family, and the wonderful hospital staff. We have laughed and cried as we have been reminded about all that dad accomplished in his 58 years.
We had our Christmas with Dad in a hospital room, and we celebrated the true meaning of the season.
Growing up, we never had a Santa decoration in the house. We had nativity sets. Every year we talked about the birth of our Savior, and the gifts the wise men brought. That is why we exchange gifts today.
I am thankful that my Dad taught me the true meaning of Christmas. But I am more thankful that he taught me about Easter. You see, Jesus was born in order to die for our transgressions.
I am thankful that he taught me that this life is not all we have. We have a heavenly father who loved us so much, He sent his only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but will have eternal life. We have a heavenly Father who is the awesome God of the universe. He is holy and majestic and he cares about us. He sees our hurt, our pain, our joy and our weakness. He accepts us as we are, broken and sinful. And when we have no strength left to give, he carries us so that in our weakness He can prove Himself strong.
My Dad used to do children’s messages with little “magic tricks” to show how simple God’s love is. It is so simple even a little child can understand. The Bible says if you believe with your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, you will be saved. The result of accepting God’s free gift of salvation is eternal fellowship with the One, True, and Awesome God of the universe.
We are all sinners, not one of us is holy. It is amazing to me that a holy God actually chooses to have fellowship with sinful people. He desires us so much that He provided the sacrifice once and for all for our sin. In Romans, we are told that while we were still sinners, Jesus Christ died for us.
I am grateful that my parents taught me that scripture, prayer, and faith are important in this life. Scripture is God’s holy word to us and prayer is our two way communication with God. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we cannot see. I cannot see my heavenly Father, but I know with all assurance, by His own word that He sent His son to be born in a stable and die on a cross to be the sacrifice for my sin; so that I can have eternal fellowship with the awesome creator of the universe.
My father taught me the importance of sharing my faith through the way that I live. By the fruit of our lives we are known. My father chose to serve God in his life and his career. Now, he is forever celebrating in the presence of the Great “I Am”.
It is humbling to think that we have the privilege to serve God. He can accomplish His plan without us. I am honored that my father’s service to God has led many others to fellowship with Christ. I am humbled to speak with so many wonderful Christian leaders who were touched by my father’s life.
I am comforted to know that I will see my father in heaven and we will worship and praise our Savoir for all eternity.
For my dad, I’ll be missing you here on this earth, but I will see you again on the streets of gold.
WELL DONE, DADDY.
*****************************************
This is what I said on the Lots of Kids Blog today:
A Christmas Like No Other:
This Christmas was like none other I can think of. Two weeks before Christmas, we were told that my father was very ill, and there was a possibility that he would not survive until Easter. My husband and I decided to spend my father's last Christmas with my family, so we packed at the last minute, and drove half way across the country to be here in time. We arrived on Sat Dec 22nd, and he was at home, tired but smiling. The next morning he went into the hospital and he passed on to be with the LORD on Dec 28th.
This year, I sobbed on Christmas day as my father was taken into the ICU. I grieved for my children when they came to the hospital to tell him "Merry Christmas" and "We love you, Grandpa" even though he could not respond.
My New Year's Eve was a memorial service for my father. We celebrated his life and his service to God as a life long career minister. It was humbling to see the collection of amazing Christian leaders gather to celebrate how my father's ministry touched their lives and helped to develop their own ministries.
This year, I begin a New Year grieving my loss, but rejoicing for his gain. This year, my mother will learn how to be a widow in stead of a wife. This year, we will learn a new kind of "normal."
This year, I am cherishing the gift of my family.
Here's to a year of no regrets.
My Dad taught me a lot of things growing up. But the most important thing he taught me was that this life is not about the here and now. It is not about this earth. It is about eternity.
We just celebrated his last Christmas on this earth and I am thankful that my family was able to be here for it. My husband and I planned our trip 5 days before we left to drive out here. We knew that his condition was serious, and we decided at the last minute that I would take Family Medical leave to spend as much time as I could with him. Little did I know how close the timing actually was. We arrived on Saturday the 22nd. He was at home, and he hugged my children and smiled as he told them that he loved them and that he was glad they came to see him. God blessed my family that day with that one little visit. It was early the next morning when my sister and I rushed from her house to the hospital. Dad was in the ER.
This past week has been a flurry of activity, worry, and grief. But this past week has also been a week of God raining his blessings on our entire family. My grandma, mom, brother, sister, and I have been supported and loved by friends, family, and the wonderful hospital staff. We have laughed and cried as we have been reminded about all that dad accomplished in his 58 years.
We had our Christmas with Dad in a hospital room, and we celebrated the true meaning of the season.
Growing up, we never had a Santa decoration in the house. We had nativity sets. Every year we talked about the birth of our Savior, and the gifts the wise men brought. That is why we exchange gifts today.
I am thankful that my Dad taught me the true meaning of Christmas. But I am more thankful that he taught me about Easter. You see, Jesus was born in order to die for our transgressions.
I am thankful that he taught me that this life is not all we have. We have a heavenly father who loved us so much, He sent his only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but will have eternal life. We have a heavenly Father who is the awesome God of the universe. He is holy and majestic and he cares about us. He sees our hurt, our pain, our joy and our weakness. He accepts us as we are, broken and sinful. And when we have no strength left to give, he carries us so that in our weakness He can prove Himself strong.
My Dad used to do children’s messages with little “magic tricks” to show how simple God’s love is. It is so simple even a little child can understand. The Bible says if you believe with your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, you will be saved. The result of accepting God’s free gift of salvation is eternal fellowship with the One, True, and Awesome God of the universe.
We are all sinners, not one of us is holy. It is amazing to me that a holy God actually chooses to have fellowship with sinful people. He desires us so much that He provided the sacrifice once and for all for our sin. In Romans, we are told that while we were still sinners, Jesus Christ died for us.
I am grateful that my parents taught me that scripture, prayer, and faith are important in this life. Scripture is God’s holy word to us and prayer is our two way communication with God. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we cannot see. I cannot see my heavenly Father, but I know with all assurance, by His own word that He sent His son to be born in a stable and die on a cross to be the sacrifice for my sin; so that I can have eternal fellowship with the awesome creator of the universe.
My father taught me the importance of sharing my faith through the way that I live. By the fruit of our lives we are known. My father chose to serve God in his life and his career. Now, he is forever celebrating in the presence of the Great “I Am”.
It is humbling to think that we have the privilege to serve God. He can accomplish His plan without us. I am honored that my father’s service to God has led many others to fellowship with Christ. I am humbled to speak with so many wonderful Christian leaders who were touched by my father’s life.
I am comforted to know that I will see my father in heaven and we will worship and praise our Savoir for all eternity.
For my dad, I’ll be missing you here on this earth, but I will see you again on the streets of gold.
WELL DONE, DADDY.
*****************************************
This is what I said on the Lots of Kids Blog today:
A Christmas Like No Other:
This Christmas was like none other I can think of. Two weeks before Christmas, we were told that my father was very ill, and there was a possibility that he would not survive until Easter. My husband and I decided to spend my father's last Christmas with my family, so we packed at the last minute, and drove half way across the country to be here in time. We arrived on Sat Dec 22nd, and he was at home, tired but smiling. The next morning he went into the hospital and he passed on to be with the LORD on Dec 28th.
This year, I sobbed on Christmas day as my father was taken into the ICU. I grieved for my children when they came to the hospital to tell him "Merry Christmas" and "We love you, Grandpa" even though he could not respond.
My New Year's Eve was a memorial service for my father. We celebrated his life and his service to God as a life long career minister. It was humbling to see the collection of amazing Christian leaders gather to celebrate how my father's ministry touched their lives and helped to develop their own ministries.
This year, I begin a New Year grieving my loss, but rejoicing for his gain. This year, my mother will learn how to be a widow in stead of a wife. This year, we will learn a new kind of "normal."
This year, I am cherishing the gift of my family.
Here's to a year of no regrets.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Christmas is almost here...
The tree in my room...
Meet Frosty...
Better watch out, the nutcracker army is in position...
Living Room tree...
Jackson's tree...
Jacquelynne's and Jenna's tree...
Joseph and his tree...
Meet Frosty...
Better watch out, the nutcracker army is in position...
Living Room tree...
Jackson's tree...
Jacquelynne's and Jenna's tree...
Joseph and his tree...
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Dining with Jenna
For those of you who have not had the experience to go out to lunch with Jenna, let me tell you what to expect. For a little background, remember that Jenna is the youngest of four, and when it is her turn to have one on one time, she is a show stealin' little, fun lovin' little super star. Alright, here's the plan:
1. Choose someplace that SHE likes; one that plays peppy music is a plus. For example, Rancho Grande Cantina has these kid sized mini tacos, that are the perfect size for Jenna. Oh, and forget the healthy side dishes, chips and salsa will do just fine.
2. When one of her favorite songs comes on overhead, and she says "Hey, it's the Shrek song!!" as you are walking to the table... forget going quickly, and don't bother to correct her about the song's title. She really doesn't care who Smashmouth is or what he originally named the song... it is "the Shrek song" from here on out so just deal with it.
3. Of course you are headed to the very back of the restaurant, and you are walking past everyone in the restaurant, but Jenna needs her dance time. So, expect this half skip, half boogie all the way to the back. Hands flying in the air, curly head bouncing back and forth, eyes half closed, singing along... Just smile at all the people who cannot help but grin at this little bundle of energy.
4. Next, position her booster seat perfectly in front of you. She gets ALL your attention for now. Also, scoot the booster seat all the way back against the back rest of the booth. Boogie time isn't over yet.
5. Jenna needs her own dipping bowl of salsa. No other options here. This 31 pound five year old can inhale salsa by the gallon.
6. Don't bother offering any other lunch options. You are here for mini tacos.
7. When another catchy song comes on, get ready for Jenna's version of salsa dancing. She tries really hard to be careful and not spill, but it is a challenge when rocking side to side in a booster seat, nodding her head and shaking her shoulders to the beat. Keep napkins on hand.
8. You may be in a hurry to move on to your next task, but Jenna eats at her own pace. She enjoys every bite, and you are not going anywhere until she has finished her bowl of salsa.
9. Sit back and relax. Realize that you rush through too many things in life. Just enjoy the moment, she will grow up too fast, and soon, she'll be more concerned with being cool than dancing through lunch.
**********************************
My Thanksgiving post from Lots of Kids:
Happy Thanksgiving:
I don't cook turkey. I cook side dishes and pies. But, I don't cook turkey. Fortunately for me, my husband can cook a fabulous turkey. My father-in-law apparently was king of the turkey prep while my husband was growing up, and I guess it rubbed off on Scott during his youth. He actually LIKES to cook turkey. It is a whole production. All of the kids are involved somehow, from mixing and cooking the stuffing, to stuffing the bird and basting. Scott and the kiddos cook the turkey. Works for me.I have to laugh about how different we are. I grew up with a mom who preferred that my dad made pork chops cooked on the grill to spending hours cooking a turkey; so my family usually had grilled pork chops for Thanksgiving. We lived 1000 miles from my extended relatives, so it was just my family of 5 around the table growing up. And, I didn't have homemade cranberry sauce until I was an adult and married. My first year and a half of marriage, I lived near my grandmother, aunt and uncle, and cousins (my mother's side of the family). My grandmother makes amazing cranberry sauce, and now I make it too.My husband grew up with Thanksgiving meals of a huge turkey and all the fixings to go with it, and lots of extended family around to share it. I learned from my husband and my children that it is not about the end result that creates the quality family time. It is the entire family in and out of the kitchen all day, kids climbing over each other to help. The meal is always good, and the littlest kids pass a turkey leg between them like at a Renaissance Festival.Last year we hosted a bunch of friends who were all in town for the holiday. This year it is just the six of us. And, over the weekend, after the turkey induced coma wears off, we will transform the house into a winter wonderland of Christmas cheer. That is our plan for the weekend. May your holiday be blessed with friends, family, and good food (turkey or not). God Bless.
***************************************************
And one more from my Lots of Kids posts today:
When Daddy's Away:
My poor hubby. He doesn't travel as much as many husbands do, but he does go out of town for an overnight a couple of times a month. Problem is that we tend to have these "little emergencies" when he is gone. Two weeks ago one of the parakeets died while he was gone. Tonight, Joseph had hives that caused his face and toungue to swell. He is ok now... I loaded him up with Benedryl, put all 4 kids in the car, and hauled them into the emergency room. By the time we got there the swelling had gone down, and they gave him a steroid to keep it down. The doctor and all the nurses said I did the right thing with the Benedryl before coming in, and we were in and out of the ER in under 2 hours.But, my poor hubby was 4 hours away, wondering if he needed to be on his way home. Had things turned out differently than they did, I would have asked him to come home. But, everybody is fine now, we have more medicine on hand, and I will be checking in on Joseph all night long.It is hard enough to be around when things go crazy. I cannot imagine how hard it must be for him to be gone and things go crazy. Well g'nite all. It's time for me to go check on my boy.
1. Choose someplace that SHE likes; one that plays peppy music is a plus. For example, Rancho Grande Cantina has these kid sized mini tacos, that are the perfect size for Jenna. Oh, and forget the healthy side dishes, chips and salsa will do just fine.
2. When one of her favorite songs comes on overhead, and she says "Hey, it's the Shrek song!!" as you are walking to the table... forget going quickly, and don't bother to correct her about the song's title. She really doesn't care who Smashmouth is or what he originally named the song... it is "the Shrek song" from here on out so just deal with it.
3. Of course you are headed to the very back of the restaurant, and you are walking past everyone in the restaurant, but Jenna needs her dance time. So, expect this half skip, half boogie all the way to the back. Hands flying in the air, curly head bouncing back and forth, eyes half closed, singing along... Just smile at all the people who cannot help but grin at this little bundle of energy.
4. Next, position her booster seat perfectly in front of you. She gets ALL your attention for now. Also, scoot the booster seat all the way back against the back rest of the booth. Boogie time isn't over yet.
5. Jenna needs her own dipping bowl of salsa. No other options here. This 31 pound five year old can inhale salsa by the gallon.
6. Don't bother offering any other lunch options. You are here for mini tacos.
7. When another catchy song comes on, get ready for Jenna's version of salsa dancing. She tries really hard to be careful and not spill, but it is a challenge when rocking side to side in a booster seat, nodding her head and shaking her shoulders to the beat. Keep napkins on hand.
8. You may be in a hurry to move on to your next task, but Jenna eats at her own pace. She enjoys every bite, and you are not going anywhere until she has finished her bowl of salsa.
9. Sit back and relax. Realize that you rush through too many things in life. Just enjoy the moment, she will grow up too fast, and soon, she'll be more concerned with being cool than dancing through lunch.
**********************************
My Thanksgiving post from Lots of Kids:
Happy Thanksgiving:
I don't cook turkey. I cook side dishes and pies. But, I don't cook turkey. Fortunately for me, my husband can cook a fabulous turkey. My father-in-law apparently was king of the turkey prep while my husband was growing up, and I guess it rubbed off on Scott during his youth. He actually LIKES to cook turkey. It is a whole production. All of the kids are involved somehow, from mixing and cooking the stuffing, to stuffing the bird and basting. Scott and the kiddos cook the turkey. Works for me.I have to laugh about how different we are. I grew up with a mom who preferred that my dad made pork chops cooked on the grill to spending hours cooking a turkey; so my family usually had grilled pork chops for Thanksgiving. We lived 1000 miles from my extended relatives, so it was just my family of 5 around the table growing up. And, I didn't have homemade cranberry sauce until I was an adult and married. My first year and a half of marriage, I lived near my grandmother, aunt and uncle, and cousins (my mother's side of the family). My grandmother makes amazing cranberry sauce, and now I make it too.My husband grew up with Thanksgiving meals of a huge turkey and all the fixings to go with it, and lots of extended family around to share it. I learned from my husband and my children that it is not about the end result that creates the quality family time. It is the entire family in and out of the kitchen all day, kids climbing over each other to help. The meal is always good, and the littlest kids pass a turkey leg between them like at a Renaissance Festival.Last year we hosted a bunch of friends who were all in town for the holiday. This year it is just the six of us. And, over the weekend, after the turkey induced coma wears off, we will transform the house into a winter wonderland of Christmas cheer. That is our plan for the weekend. May your holiday be blessed with friends, family, and good food (turkey or not). God Bless.
***************************************************
And one more from my Lots of Kids posts today:
When Daddy's Away:
My poor hubby. He doesn't travel as much as many husbands do, but he does go out of town for an overnight a couple of times a month. Problem is that we tend to have these "little emergencies" when he is gone. Two weeks ago one of the parakeets died while he was gone. Tonight, Joseph had hives that caused his face and toungue to swell. He is ok now... I loaded him up with Benedryl, put all 4 kids in the car, and hauled them into the emergency room. By the time we got there the swelling had gone down, and they gave him a steroid to keep it down. The doctor and all the nurses said I did the right thing with the Benedryl before coming in, and we were in and out of the ER in under 2 hours.But, my poor hubby was 4 hours away, wondering if he needed to be on his way home. Had things turned out differently than they did, I would have asked him to come home. But, everybody is fine now, we have more medicine on hand, and I will be checking in on Joseph all night long.It is hard enough to be around when things go crazy. I cannot imagine how hard it must be for him to be gone and things go crazy. Well g'nite all. It's time for me to go check on my boy.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
My kid thinks I'm cool...
Yesterday, I was the "coolest mom in the world!" Yes, I know, this was in between being the "meanest mom," and dealing with the bouts of "I wish I didn't have a brother!" But, for just a moment, I was "cool." Wanna know why? This week I finally got the fall decorations up. Over the last few years, I have slowly been building my seasonal decor, and this years' focus was fall. Mind you, tight budgets don't allow for a lot, but it forces me to stick with stuff I really like so it is a good thing. Hobby Lobby had fall stuff 50% off, so I added a few little odds and ends to get it the way I wanted, and I got our dining room nook done yesterday. We now have a little pumpkin patch complete with fake leaves, pumpkins, scarecrows, pilgrim turkeys, fall colored flowers, and a hay bale. I pulled out the fall dishes; and I put a scarecrow wall hanging by the front door, little ceramic pumpkins by the fireplace, and a fall garland on the front living room window. It may seem cheesy to some, but I love this stuff. Anyway, last night, and then again this morning, my 11 year old son said, "I love that you made the whole house look like autumn. You are the coolest mom ever." Now, all of my kids noticed the decor, and laughed at the silly scarecrows and turkeys, but Jackson really appreciated that I went out of my way to decorate the house. There aren't a whole lot of times I get thanked for being a mom, or doing the routine stuff around the house. In the past, I have decorated for me. It is something I love to do. It gives a whimsical, homey feel. It is a visual adventure to look at the little details, and smile at silly turkeys dressed like pilgrims. I have been warning Scott for a long time that eventually, I'd love to be able to decorate for each season like this (except for Christmas, which takes a week to put up all the decorations, and takes over every imaginable space in the house, but that's another story). Jackson's comments just reinforced to me that I should keep it up. Sure, it is a hassle to pull everything out of totes, set it up, clean it up...etc. But, it makes our house a fun, creative place to be. And, I wouldn't have it any other way.
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