Traditions

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Well, now that we’ve that out of the way, I thought I’d share some of our Christmas traditions. The first thing that we love to do is go see The Nutcracker. It’s beautiful music, a fun story, and just a really great time overall. This year and last year we went to see the ballet in The Land Of No Internet, in a beautifully historic theatre. Isn’t it pretty?

 

 

 

See? It’s a lovely setting for the whole experience.

We also usually attend a Christmas Eve service. The past few years we’ve gone to the service at a Lutheran church, which is different than what I’m used to, but nice nonetheless. It’s even better if the service includes candles!

Cookies are a favourite too. 7 layer bars, Mexican Wedding Cakes, Whippersnappers, Rolo Cookies, and of course Mum’s world-famous chocolate chip cookies! Mum and Dad also each have a party mix they make; Mum makes a white chocolate one, and Dad makes a savoury one.

Usually we spend some time driving around looking at the crazy Christmas lights people put up on their houses. You know, like the stuff I posted last year. Our town has whole streets that try to outdo each other in the light departments, which makes it fun for us.

So, those are just a few of ours. Do you have traditions? Feel free to share them in the comments, and have a very merry Christmas!

Memories

It’s interesting just how many memories one picture can bring to mind. This photo reminds me of my dad. It’s part of his childhood backyard…and though I don’t always enjoy physically being there, I do love the memories.

This picture reminds me of the times Dad and I wandered around the woods, looking at different trees, examining fauna, and finding the tree he carved his initials in so many years ago. See that old bird feeder? That used to be the first thing I’d beg Dad to do: help me get out the MASSIVE bag of birdseed and set it out fresh. It always takes the birds a few days to find the seeds, so minutes are of the essence.

We would watch squirrels too; watch them try to climb in the feeder, watch them fly from branch to branch, watch them chase each other for hours. Always, always entertaining.

So, thanks Dad for all the memories…here, there, and everywhere. Love you!

Happy Father’s Day

x38

The year is 1972.

The month is December.

The day is the 17th.

The place is a small chapel in a small town.

He was an Air Force fighter pilot recently returned from Vietnam.

She was freshly graduated from college with a degree in teaching high school English.

They were getting married.

They would spend the next 20 years living in countless states and three countries with the military.

They would spend the 18 years after that building up a life in an unexpected part of the country after retirement.

They would survive external challenges that would destroy weaker marriages. They would mentor people. They would become involved in dozens of churches. They would positively affect countless lives.

They would become my parents.

I, for one, count myself unbelievably blessed to have them for my parents, friends, role models, and confidants.

Happy 38th Anniversary, Mum and Dad…and many more to come. Love you guys!

Happy 38th Anniversary

An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow.  ~Author Unknown

HMD!

Dear Mum- Happy Mother’s Day! You are the absolute best, and I’m so glad that you’re my mum. :) Best friends forever…. -Emma