A Traditional Latte

It's Christmas Eve, that means that we're getting ready for our traditional Christmas Eve bowling outing. Technically this is only the second year that we've gone, but it's a tradition in the making. The kids will also get to open their traditional Christmas Eve gifts tonight - pajamas, a book, and a new ornament. With 3 kids each getting a new ornament each year, I'm going to need a second Christmas tree soon. Tomorrow I will break out my fine china for the annual Christmas brunch, a sausage, egg, cheese casserole with fruit and ham on the side. Grandparents, Aunts, and possibly great-grandparents will join us for that portion of the day. It's the one time of the year that I use the fine china. And one of the few times that I cook if the truth be told.

These are all traditions that I have created and for my little family. None of my kids actually eat the brunch casserole that I make each year, and Mason would rather pick the gift under the tree of his choosing to open instead of pajamas on Christmas Eve. My dishes have to all be washed by hand. Still, I'm hoping that these traditions will continue. Maybe one day my kids will start to like my holiday food. It's possible that they will grow up with a different view of our holiday family traditions than mine, and that's alright. I'm trying to be flexible (it's not always easy - but that's another story).

For now, I'll just say - traditional or not - enjoy your holidays! I thrive on the chaos of Christmas, and love that it's an over-the-top kind of day for us. Some people enjoy a quiet day or a nice vacation from it all. Now I'm off to find an outfit that goes well with bowling shoes!

A Status Latte

This is isn't a superior latte by any means. Although, I did have an exceptionally good non-fat vanilla chai latte from my favorite local coffee spot, Octane, today. They make their own vanilla, yum! Today's latte is actually about my status, specifically my status updates on Facebook for the year. Let me start by saying that I have been home with sick children for over a week now. I'm getting a little stir crazy, and, as usual, spending more time than I should on my laptop.

As a rule, I ignore all of the applications, games, etc on Facebook, but I could not resist this year-end one that I saw on a friend's page. It creates a collage from random status updates (somehow chosen by this app) which you have posted over the course of the year. I enjoyed my look back so much, that I decided to post it here since some of 3 or 4 readers do not spend any time on Facebook. Here is a latte to go along with this, take a moment (or a week if you're home with sick kids) to reflect on your year. Look at old pictures, journals, or status updates, and appreciate all you and your family have done...

My Year in Status Updates:

loves that it was nice enough weather to stay outside for a while after school before the low 40s and rain move in for the end of the week and weekend once again * Why does Valentine’s Day feel like the new Halloween at school? We really don’t need all of that candy. * “There’s something about the Southland in the springtime...” * Orange bandana for my Grounded Kid - if you know my kids you can guess which one that is. *might be developing an ebay habit, don’t tell Rob * my 7 year old used air quotes to emphasize a sarcastic remark to me. He actually used them correctly, too. * Starbucks should offer delivery to people who are stuck at home with sick kids and who have broken espresso machines. * Mason quote of the day “I love April Fool’s Day! You can tell lies all day and not get in trouble.” * June 2006 - the wait began; Summer 2009 - #62 on the waiting list; Summer 2010 - we’re in. Venetian Pool, here we come! * Mary Jane to me at 10 this morning, “Mommy, I didn’t just eat a cookie. It looks like a cookie and tastes like a cookie, but it’s not a cookie.” * We made it - 4 adults, 3 children, 2 laptop DVD players, 1 top carrier on the rented Tahoe. Houston and back in less than 5 days, Uncle D is now a married man! * Is it ok to recycle Corona bottles with the lime stuck in them? * They call it the Magic Kingdom for a reason! Great trip but the bar has now been set pretty high for summer fun, and we’re only 2 days into summer vacation. * “Way up on Lookout Mountain, there’s a camp that’s really swell...” * Back from a weekend at a place that might be more magical than the Magic Kingdom! * MJ and I just looked through Mason’s baby book (volume 1). I realized 2 things, 1. I’ve got to get a baby book put together for each of my girls one of these days & 2. Sadie was a huge dog (75 pounds) to have next to such a little guy for his first few years. * Thinks I might just stay in Sea Pines forever. And I just said goodnight to my 7 year old little boy for the last time, he’ll wake up as an 8 year old. * You know you’re a grown-up when you get really excited about a new vacuum cleaner * If the chocolate is from Whole Foods, does that mean it’s a little healthier? * Surprise tickets to the opening night of Cirque de Soleil, a great way to celebrate 10 years of marriage! * DHHS grads - we’re everywhere! * Considering I’ve been house bound all week with a sick child (2 sick children today and one more who is still sleeping), I’m thinking my house should be much cleaner than it is.