The 13th Birthday Nine Months Late

 Yes, yes I know I am posting March in December.  It's ok. Really. I am not even sure if anyone reads these, but it doesn't matter. It's documented. I have done well. I miss reading others who use to share and write about their lives and adventures.  Now they show reels and photos...quick and easy.  I do that too.

My excuse is we had another busy year. We have been renting here in Illinois since moving from Alaska and we finally found a house we love, moved again and now settling in. It's ok that it has been months,  because I like documenting here in this nostalgic way. I like posting in this slowly becoming extinct form of social media. Or is it?

Amelia wanted a record player this year for Christmas. Actually she said a "vinyl player" ... what?  Why? She wasn't sure was her answer. I bought her one. I love it. What does that say about me? It says ... here is my post from her thirteenth birthday :)  

She loves horses and softball, reading and drawing. She has moved on to teal and aquamarine as her favorite colors, but macaroni and cheese will always be her favorite food along with strawberries. 

She is just getting interested in makeup, but not too much. 

She loves clothes, but splashes fads here and there in her wardrobe. She has a keen sense of style.

She loves her stuffed animals, her American Girls, her Breyer horses. 

She will always love them.  

She is a cowgirl at heart. 

So when I asked her what kind of birthday party she wanted, she said "I just want to go to the barn". 

Done. 

Her trainer and the fantastic folks there had a small party for her and it was absolutely perfect. 

Since she was carrying her helmet in the bag it came in, her trainer got her a proper one. 

The next day we headed to see an exhibit that included her latest art work.  

How appropriate to who she is. 

Can't love her enough. 

Her birthday falls on Spring Break, so we will always celebrate with a trip. Last year it was to family in New York. This year...Texas to visit our friends from Alaska who moved just when Amelia was born.  

All our adventures will be in the next post. 

Hopefully, in the next day or two...but no promises and that is ok.

Valentines Day

 Ever since Amelia was born, I tried to find exciting ways to bring on a holiday.  Adapting traditions that have been with us for a decade or more.  

At Christmas we have 24 days of stockings, legos and candy advents and we celebrate her german heritage with St. Nicholas Day.  

When her 5th Valentine approached I thought why not do a 13 day advent for this holiday as well!  

Making the bags you can see here:

 http://www.polarnotes.com/2015/02/making-valentines-and-valentine-pop.html 

Ever since then she is treated on February 1st with a heart bag to open every day til the 13th. Filled with a little gift and a message on why we love her.

We made chocolate strawberries this year. 

And before school on February 14th, she was greeted with a basket of goodies. 

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Next...the 13th Birthday.

Christmas 2022 "The Spirit of Christmas"

 

I had just nodded off, at a quarter past four

when the Spirit of Christmas stepped in thru my door.

With a great show of sparkles, he decked all my halls

in tinsel and twinkles and bright, shining balls.

He spoke to me and then in a whisper of wings.

"There are gentle things the season brings."

That's when the Spirit of Christmas smiled.

"Remember, this all began with a child.

Because it took nothing but love to begin it,

it's not really Christmas if love isn't in it."

Your tree may be large as the room will allow

with a big yellow star on the uppermost bough, 

but of one thing I'm certain, 

I'm sure of one thing.

It is love that makes the angels sing. 

And so then, my darling, wherever you roam, may 

you always be safe...

may you always come home.

For as long as the world still spins and still hums, 

wherever you are, and no matter what comes, 

the best part of Christmas will always be 

you beneath my Christmas tree.

Christmas Prep

 *My Christmas Posts were in my drafts and never posted for some reason.  Better late than never!

Lots of prep work and activities for the big day.  Traditions are so important at our house. 

Here are a few of the highlights:

Christkindlmarket at Wrigley Field

Gingerbread Houses

Decorating

Including a Lego Tree and a decorated American Girl House

Christmas Cookies

Painting Christmas Ornaments

Lastly, our Christmas Card.  

Each year I have done a photo that represents the year, but this year I just couldn't get one I really liked.  One morning I asked Amelia, "Do you think you could draw something for our Christmas Card this year?"  Maybe an hour later she handed me this. 

The original she is giving her train loving dad for Christmas. Thus a new tradition begins.

Christmas is coming.!