First Christmas

I love the sounds of Christmas, the music and carols, the HO HO HO's and Merry Christmas's, the laughter, and on every street corner the sound of silver bells, along with all the FA LA LA LA's.

The sounds of our Christmas' changed when our children came along. It's different seeing and experiencing the holiday through the eyes of a child. Their joy and excitement is very contagious. Their view is always fresh, it's seeing things with new eyes. It was wonderful during the Christmas of 1981 when my daughter, Elizabeth, celebrated her first Christmas. It was so much fun starting new family traditions.

 Playing with new toys

 

Why do we have a tree in the house?

Santa had to bring lots of toys in 1984.  Kate and Jessica were a month old and had no idea it was Christmas, but they were our gift under the tree that year.  Don't you think they look like elves?

Kate's not sure if she likes the hat and Jessica's in denial

They actually had a memorable Christmas that year.  I had tucked them under the tree in little infant seats, while we had dinner.  All of a sudden, we heard a SWOOSH!, looked over, and the tree had fallen over right on top of the sleeping duo.  They didn't even wake up with all the excitement.  It's a story we tell every year.

Thought I would add one more first Christmas picture.  Do you know who or when?  She sure is cute!

The sounds of Christmas have changed over the years as everyone has grown up.  But who knows, someday maybe there will be the giggles of children once again.  If not, I'll just have to sing FA LA LA LA LA.

Until Next Time-Kyle

Jingle Bells

Do you hear them?  It's December 4 and it's time to be jolly!  It's time to get into the Spirit.  I haven't done any decorating yet, but I have done a bit of shopping. With the snow and cold weather we have had the past few days, it definitely makes you realize Christmas will be here soon.

The Christmas song " I'll Be Home for Christmas" makes me remember the first Christmas I was not home for the holidays.   Ed and I were just married and we were living in Fort Collins.  Ed was working on his master's degree and we lived in married student housing on campus.  We lived on $300 a month and there wasn't much extra $ to be able to fly home.   Driving home wasn't an option. So we weren't able to be with our family and friends that first Christmas, but we were with them in our hearts.  It was a hard time.  Long distance calls were expensive, there was no email, or any other instant communications.  So we made the best of it and started our own family traditions. My mom sent us a small canned ham in the mail for Christmas dinner!  We have not made that a family tradition!

Now that my own family is grown and out on their own, it makes me wonder what my mom was feeling when we apart during that first holiday.





Fortunately, my family will all be together this holiday.   Kate will be flying in from Florida, and Jessica and Martin, the newly weds, and Elizabeth and Don, will be coming up from Denver.  I will count my blessings having  them all here together one more time for Christmas.  Soon they will be starting their own family traditions. I probably won't send them a canned ham!

Until Next Time-Kyle

The picture of Ed is the only picture we took during that first Christmas and the only Christmas picture we took for many years.  I guess film was expensive too.

Viva la Friendship

If anyone was at Lucille's Restaurant yesterday for breakfast, you might have noticed there were several groups of women celebrating their friendships. There was a very large group in the back with lots of presents, another larger group of young professional looking women eating and talking, and several tables with just two women sharing breakfast together. But, also, there was a delightful foursome laughing and sharing and celebrating a dear friend's birthday. (We don't keep track of which one specifically anymore)

My friends, Becky, Julie, and, of course, the birthday girl, Debbie, were at Lucille's throwing a party.  It was Debbie's birthday. And we wanted to let her know how special she is to us.

At a birthday party, we aren't there to celebrate an accomplishment, but to celebrate the fact that, we're all thankful that, that person was born, and is an important  part of our lives.

Our long term friendship has allowed us to celebrate MANY birthdays together. Thanks, Debbie, for being a sparkle in my life. Joyeux anniversaire! 

I made the title French, because Debbie loves Paris and has been there 4 times!!! :)

Until Next Time- Kyle