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.!