Christmas Jars

I'm slinking back sheepishly to the blog today because, well, there's ONE thing I do for the holidays that I am kinda proud of: Christmas Jars. It all started in 2006 when Tommy was 2 and Elliott was 6 months old. I'm not sure how the idea actually sparked, though I AM sure that it must have been stolen from someone else.

Anyway, each year I write a little review (with the boys' help now that they're older) of each kid's year. Then, we get a photo of the kid, glue it on a jar, decorate the jar, slap the year on it and - BAM! - an annual tradition that is really worth the effort. The real pay off comes after a couple of years where the kids can see how much they've grown (literally, from the photos) and socially/emotionally/intellectually (from the write ups).

Gabe's first Christmas Jar! Classic in-the-laundry-basket shot.

Tom chose the mouth-full pose. Seems fitting!

Elliott in a costume from "Gypsy". Durn cute!

Now that I don't have the daycare, I'm woefully short on art supplies. So, no paint this year, but confetti! That'll bring fun (read: mess) every year when we pull them out of storage. The gift that keeps on giving.

Six years of Elliott

Six years of Tommy

If you have little kids, I highly recommend starting this or some other similar tradition. It really will brighten your spirits and imagine how precious it will be when they are all grown up!?

Hope you're enjoying the holiday season. We are doing it pretty low key around here, which suits me PERFECTLY.

In case you are a runner-follower, yes, I'm still running. No, not as much as I'd like/should. But, I am LOVING having a BRF (Best Running Friend -Lauren) who lives a couple of miles away. We are keeping each other honest... at least on Saturday mornings. I'll be back to blogging about running soon. Plan on doing the Eastern States 20 in late March with Lauren as she is going to use it as a last long run before Boston. Yup, she's THAT good!

CHEERS!

Five Things Friday: Feedback Edition

1. Michael Pritchard visited our school district this week. Children in grades 2 - 12 had a chance to see him speak. He is a former probation officer, a stand up comedian and (now) a counselor. Tommy reported that he was hilarious. ("He does voices! And car noises!!") He also reported that he understood that some of the stuff Pritchard spoke about had to do with him. He's agreed he doesn't need to "blow out another person's candle" for his to be lit.

Wednesday night there was a chance for community members/parents to see him. He was really fantastic. I think he understands (more than many) that kids who hurt other kids are themselves hurt. Needless to say, Queen Hormone cried at least 5 separate times during the presentation. If you ever have a chance to see/hear him, I highly recommend it.

Who's the most inspiring speaker you've ever heard? Did the experience it change you for a few minutes? Days? Or forever?

This photo is clearly from a previous decade!

2. Lots of people are looking forward to a long weekend, but no Presidents' Day Holiday around here on Monday. Can't complain, of course, as our vacation is the following week and we'll be visiting my in-laws in Florida. Even though it's been a mild winter, it will still feel really good to get out in the sunshine with merely one layer of clothing on!

They live in a golf cart community not too far from Orlando called The Villages. Click on the link and the theme song alone will provide you with a chuckle. I've learned that everybody knows somebody who lives in The Villages!  

Who do you know that lives in The Villages?

3.  Both boys have opted out of the theater program they did this fall (one they both LOVED, by the way) and I am feeling compelled to insist they choose SOMETHING to participate in for the spring. Elliott has agreed to try instructional level baseball (shudder... I don't see that going well!)  but Tommy has yet to choose an outlet. 

Do you insist that your kids participate in some kind of extra curricular activity? (Those of you who have kids that want to do EVERYTHING, please keep it to yourselves. I can't handle hearing about how much more interesting/interested your kids are than mine. Sorry. This Mom is not prepared for feeling any more inept than she already is. Just a simple, "Yes, I would insist they choose something" or "No, they shouldn't be forced into something, it will only cause arguments" is what I'm looking for. Thanks!)

4. What's the deal with bananas? Why can we never buy the right number? This week, a huge surplus. So many that I can't even think about banana bread or muffins because it's just THAT overwhelming. Next week, we will be out by Tuesday morning. I understand this is a dumb "First World Problem" but it does baffle me.  

What do you always miscalculate at the grocery store?

5. I went for a long walk on Tuesday and felt like a total rock star. Musta injured myself patting my own back because my sacrum has been killing me for the rest of the week. When will I learn?


When's the last time you overestimated your physical capabilities? To what end?

Marvy Mom Monday: More Holiday Traditions

In last week's Marvy Mom post I shared a few holiday traditions my family enjoys. I asked readers to let me know what traditions you love (or tolerate!) to make this time of year special for your kids and you. The "bad" news? Even though I know ALLLLL of you have fantastic holiday traditions to share, only four of you did.The GOOD news: The four who shared get to have their gorgeous faces and complete ideas shared with my, ummm, dozens of readers. It's an honor beyond your wildest hopes, I  know!

Dede Hildreth, Marvy Mom to Thomas & Annie, said:

A Marvy Mom Holiday Tradition (started by MY marvy mom)......kids get to open ONE present on Christmas Eve. It's ALWAYS a book. It ALWAYS results in small children readin quietly. It's Christmas MIRACLE!!

Kelly Ward Spivey of the blog Kaetlyn's Korner and Grace's Place (and also one of the original Marvy Moms I featured) said: 

This is not such a Marvy Mom thing, more like a Dynamic Dad thing...every year, my Father, in the tradition of his Father before him, writes a letter to us. The letter is usually filled with good advice, poignant thoughts, challenges to go forth and make the world a better place, etc. Last year, I wrote one for Kaetlyn and intend to do this going forward for my girls. We always look forward to these letters and it's great to go back and review them as part of life's lessons from dear old Dad as you get older. (A few years ago, my Dad decided we were adults and didn't need the letters anymore...we staged a revolt and the letters have been forthcoming since!) Similar to your Santa letters, a fantastic tradition! Oh! And reading the Christmas Story on Christmas Eve. A must-do. Just sayin'! :) xo

Marvy Mom to Shelby & Phoebe (great name, huh?) Kimberly Atkins Swartz said:  

We always opened one present on Christmas Eve...it is always pjs so we don't look like ragamuffins in all of the Christmas morning pictures by the tree!

Dana of the blog Running Commentary said:

I LOVE the jar idea...too bad my kids are now 17 and 19!! We always get all the Christmas decorations out, play cheesy Christmas music while we put them all up and decorate the tree. We make hot coco, turn off all the lights, plug in the tree and admire our work. For some reason my kids LOVE this "event". We also make some cheesy ornament every year the first day of Christmas break. I also give them PJs every year which is the only present they are allowed to open on Christmas Eve (even though they know what they are getting, they love it!). I've learned one very important thing over the years--kids LOVE tradition and the first time you try to skip it there will be mutiny!

 

If it is your lifelong dream to be featured on my blog (and how can it NOT be?) send me your ideas and you'll be a Marvy Mom (or Dynamic Dad or Awesome Aunt or Caring Cousin or Fantastic Friend) is next week's post. "Don't miss out!"

Marvy Mom Monday: Holiday Ideas Edition

No, I haven't gotten my act together enough to interview, write up and feature a true Marvy Mom today. But, the holidays and coordinated traditions thereof have me thinking of how Moms (and Dads and Grandparents and Friends...) create memories for themselves and their kids. Today I'll feature a few I've seen or done myself . YOUR HOMEWORK is let me know the (preferably free or cheap) traditions you've created or maintained for your families. I would like to feature your ideas in upcoming posts.

The Elf: I talked about the Elf on Friday. You can read HERE about how he helps a mama out every December. And, important update: Our Elf has been located and is securely in place. (Thank you, Scott Giessler, for trekking into the cold, dark garage last night and tracking him down. I can't make any Y-chromosome jokes for at least a week  now since he was able to locate it and I wasn't!)


Special Christmas Tree: My friend Megan didn't really mean to start a tradition - and maybe it's just a one time event - but her 3-year-old son, Max, hardly gave her a choice this year! Way back in the summer, the family took a trip to Santa's Village in northern New Hampshire. Max saw Santa and asked him for a Christmas Tree for Christmas. Cute, right? Maybe he misunderstood the process, right? Nope. Since then, he has talked about Santa bringing him a tree whenever the subject arises. He really, really wanted a tree for Christmas... and it really, really needed to come from Santa!


Ever the innovator, this year Megan - whose family already has the tradition of going to a cut-your-own tree farm - went out early to the site. She asked the owners if it was okay for her to choose a tree and decorate it a bit... and put a tag on it "To: Max; Love, Santa".

He found it! (Note the lack of snow... Odd since we had 12 inches for Halloween!!)

How sweet is that?? I think it was a totally Marvy Mom Move on her part. We'll see next year whether or not Max "needs" another tree picked out just for him by The Big Man himself!

Christmas Jars: I am a lazy Mom. And I know you're thinking "she runs marathons, no way she's lazy". But I don't mean I'm a lazy PERSON. I'm lazy about documenting my kids' milestones. Baby Book? What's a Baby Book? But, I have found a fairly easy and low-maintenance way to remedy this particular shortcomings that I highly recommend to all of you.

In 2006 (Elliott's first Christmas) I created Christmas Jars for the boys. It's insanely easy.

•  I get a jar and its lid (one for each kid) that was going to hit the recycling bin (pickles, tomato sauce, apple sauce, what-have-you).
• The boys and I paint the outside of the jar in the color/manner of their choosing. (Thankfully neither I nor my boys are terribly artistic so these look pretty crummy and we're all okay with that!) 
• We glue a recent photo of the kiddo on the outside. We write the year on the lid. 
• Then - and here's the part that will really mean something in years to come - I write a "review" of the year for that kid. The review is mostly a list of the stuff the kid likes (or doesn't like) to do, eat, say, play.... as well as big events like plays, potty training, skiing, etc. As the kids have gotten older they have had more and more input in this part. These reviews go inside the jar.
• The boys also get a personalized letter from Santa (whose point of view is strikingly similar to their mother's!) in their stocking on Christmas morning. That goes in the jar after it's read.

Elliott's jars (told ya they weren't fancy to look at!)

Tommy's jars (likewise a wee sloppy!)

The photos are great, especially lining them up and seeing how the kids have grown up over time. But by far the best part of this is re-reading reviews from past years as the boys have gotten older. So many things  you forget - even though you read it each year!  For instance, just before Christmas Eve when he was 18-months-old, Elliott starting using his own name. I never would have remembered it but Santa put it in his letter. I HIGHLY recommend you begin this tradition - or a similar one - with your kids. It will be fun this year and it gets better and better each year.

So, your turn! Please Flaunt Your Marvy and let me know the easy-ish and free-ish ways you make the holidays special for your family. I will share them in next week's Marvy Mom post.

P.S. Haven't done the boys' jars yet this year.... They, too, were only uncovered in the garage last night by Scott.

Five Things Friday

1. Production at PV-G Mucus Factory is exceptionally high right now. Not with my own kids (knock wood) but my two 2-year-old daycare kids are featured performers at Cirque de Booger Extraordinaire. I am not easily grossed out by bodily fluids like this, but it does get old wiping noses again and again and again. I'm sure it won't last... only through May or so. Sigghhhh....

If only they were capable of blowing their OWN noses. This skill is elusive up to age 17, as far as I can tell.

2. There is a fugitive on the loose in our county. He crawled over the razor wire at the county lock up during recreation time. Apparently he used clothing to help protect himself but it appears he was cut up pretty well anyway. This all happened late yesterday afternoon while the elementary schools in the area were being let out. All the traffic on nearby roads was stopped and cars were inspected thoroughly. So far they haven't found the guy. I have been living in a small state/small town for a long time now so this is VERY big news.... But I have a feeling it would be kind of big news any place. I don't know what the plans are at the schools in the area for today. They may put the kids on lock down... they may not. I tend to think the danger to the kids is minimal at this point but I just don't know where the Perceived Danger-o-Meter Needle needs to fall for the District to make that kind of call. It will be interesting to find out later today what they decided. (Late edition update: They think he may be connected to a stolen vehicle report in the area. Good guess!)

Is it wrong the most surprising thing I found in the case is that he was reported to weigh 135 pounds? I know you can't see his whole body, but this is not a lightweight we are looking at!

3. Tomorrow is my Mom's 69th birthday. That's just nuts. As you may know from my original Marvy Mom Monday posts, she is simply the best person I know. Even at the height of my adolescent tantrums against her, I knew she was the greatest mom going. So, having raised Rebecca, Heather, Bill, Jon, Heidi, Phoebe, Kwasi & Yaw... and having had a very large impact on the upbringing of her grandchildren (David, Kate, Emily, Jacob, Tyray, Abby, Annie, Sophie, Tyra, Jonny, Asia, Tessa, Tommy, Calvin, Elliott, Zyir, Mia, Baby Boy Giessler, and Baby ? VanScoy)... and welcoming so very many nieces and nephews and cousins and friends into her home for occasions joyous and heart-wrenching... and having done all of that almost always with a smile on her face... she sure deserves an amazing birthday! If only I had the resources to give her the kind of gift she deserves. (Full time masseuse? Permanent house cleaner? Beaming technology so she could get from grandchild to grandchild without all that pesky travel? A few weeks in Hawaii?... )

Who Could Ask for Anything More?

4. December 1st  marks the start of the Christmas Elf season at our house. This tradition was begun  by Mom in 1967 (Rebecca's first Christmas with my parents).. Told ya she was Marvy! The Elf arrives on the morning of December 1st and gives out small toys and treats to good girls & boys. This fella is Santa's Helper and reports back to the North Pole how things are going. This is a very powerful parenting tool that has stood the test of time! UNFORTUNATELY... our Elf is MIA. I cannot find him for the LIFE of me. So, we have a fill-in (Gus) who brought the boys a couple of things. The Elf was kind enough to send a note explaining that was was "stuck at the North Pole" but would be here soon. I'm hoping he appears in the next couple of days - or I'm going to have to buy ask Santa for a new one.

This is the "Elf on a Shelf", but he looks JUST like the original one my mom had in 1967. Just a little less "loved".

5. It's not for me, obviously, but if any of my readers are living in the 603, smart, funny, active, single men about age 50, give me a shout. Have I got a lady for you! She's BACK and she's ready for you.

Thankful Thursday

My family of origin is gi-normous. By association, my extended family is gi-normous times a jillion. A small fraction of us gathered at my sister Heather's house today to eat, drink and be merry. There will be a much larger gathering of family and friends at my parents house on Saturday evening (we're talking 60 or so people!) and I know I'll never capture every face at that shindig. But, today we were not too many in number so I was able to get a decent-ish shot of everyone here.

My nephew, David. Age 20. I'm thankful he's so kind to all of his cousins. He's the eldest of a LONG line behind him!

My Dad, Richard. I'm thankful he is able to observe and smile through all of the chaos we bring... and offer dry and witty commentary if you are smart enough to listen.

Scott. Totally exhausted and naseous, believe it or not. I'm thankful he was able to Lazerous his way out of bed and be part of the day.

My niece, Kate. Age 19. I'm thankful she is so scary-smart but still willing to be ridiculous with her aunts! I'm also glad she found her wallet - which had her whole life in it - and was lost today on a fun-filled romp to the playground!

My sister, Heather. The hostess (doing her best Martha Stewart). I'm thankful for her generosity, hospitality and humor, which have no bounds.

My brother-in-law's Mom. We call her Nona. I'm thankful she doesn't call 911 with all the nonsense that goes on at her house!

My brother-in-law, Ross. I'm thankful he found my sister and is the perfect Yin to her Yang, Sonny to her Cher, Felix to her Oscar....

My niece, Asia. Age 8. I'm thankful for her beautiful artistry and her willingness to ALWAYS help out.

My niece, Sophie. Age 9. I'm thankful that this TINY, premie, twin baby has become one of the funniest and kindest kids you could know.

My mom (Gungah), Hope. I'm thankful she keeps trying and believing in all of us. Not sure if it's incredible faith or untreated mental illness, but I'm thankful for it!

My niece, Tessa. Age 7. I'm thankful for her Disney-Channel-Ready kooky-ness and beyond-her-years sense of humor.

Elliott. Age 5. I'm thankful for his palpable joy and delight. Oh, and his unending supply of snuggles.

My nephew, Calvin. Age 6. I'm thankful for his incredible athleticism, which doesn't intimidate my boys but does encourage them to take small risks.

My Mystery Boy, age -20 weeks, give or take. I'm thankful for all that potential wonderfulness.

Tommy, age 7. I'm thankful for his success in school and the delight he takes in time with his cousins.

My niece, Annie. Age 9. I'm thankful for this "big" premie twin's stylish hat(!) and love of my boys.

And just for giggles... a couple of unexpected  visitors came by.

Squanto made a Wompanoag costume in Kindergarten.

Miles Standish also made a costume in Kindergarten.

Pumpkins 2011

In a small step towards not being the worst parents in the world, we did manage to get "secure pumpkins" off of the to do list this weekend. 

While our trip to Moulton Farm was amusing, I've yet to find any place that compares to Iron Kettle Farm in  my hometown of Candor, NY. Every fall this place becomes the Disney World of Upstate New York. People literally travel from hours to enjoy the clever pumpkin displays (lots of nursery rhymes, movies, etc.), hay rides, corn maze, baby farm animals... It's an amazing display and even more meaningful this year, I'd say, given the terrible September flooding in the area. If you've never been or never heard of it, click on that link and check it out. Pretty clever and very reasonable prices for their special activities (browsing the pumpkin display is free).

Tommy was drawn to the beer bellied guy; Elliott had no problem being the.. Olive Oil?... character.

In front of the corn maze, which read "No Farms, No Food". Good point!

We chose not to pay the $16 it would have cost us to walk the maze. Given that we bought almost $40 is produce, I don't think the farm suffered much from our cheapness.

Hooping the pumpkins.

Tommy managed to ring the 20-pointer, but none of us witnessed it. (Note Dad in the background dealing with a work situation).

Pumpkin bowling....

The boys did up their pumpkins on Sunday while I was at a performance of Little Shop. Tommy went for a Angry Birds theme and Elliott had a (accidental, I think) droopy-eyed guy. I wish they had carved them and not painted them, but they insisted. Saved a lot of trouble/stress/mess, I suppose. These boys take after their mother in the "let's just get this craft thing over with" arena.

It was a very successful opening weekend of Little Shop of Horrors. I will have to hijack someone's photos and share them soon! Have a good Monday, if that isn't too much of an oxymoron for you....

Happy, positive post #4

I have something I'd really like to be doing today. But, there's this blizzard, see... and we have no power.... and the snow is coming down if fat flakes.... and there's over a foot right now.... and there'll probably be 4 or 6 more inches..... So we are home.

But this is still a happy, positive post because we have a generator. We have the pellet stove. We have plenty of leftovers. We (now) have bottled water and plenty of fuel for the gas grill, snow blower & generator... (Scott made the treacherous trip to town where they DO have power, lucky stiffs!). So, we are hunkered down for one more day. Thankful and lucky is the word of the day.

Tomorrow I will get to do the thing I really want to do... And it will lead to another happy, positive post, I'm sure!

(Also... yesterday I ran 12 miles and I didn't feel horrible afterward and I only had to pee in the woods once and I didn't even have to have a bowel movement until I got home which was, let's say, a real crap shoot given what I had consumed the day before.... so that's great news of a completely different nature and totally, I think, blog-worthy!!)

Happy, positive post #3

It's Christmas Day! I have 2 boys in my house who are thrilled at their bounty... despite not receiving a DSI or the Rudolph book or the dozens of other things on their wish lists that were not to be this year. They are mostly independent, mostly happy, mostly healthy and mostly just the greatest.

Garlic soup is simmering. Asparagus is going in the oven. Modified stuff shells (did you know you actually have to have SHELLS to make stuffed shells??... DUHHHH!) are done and cooling. Starting the carrots now. Pumpkin chocolate pie is done and promises to be the death of me and my girlish figure. Man, I love food!

AND, I got not one but TWO "Run Like a Mother"-inspired shirts from my fella. Looking forward to 2 long, slow hours on the roads tomorrow.

Life is Good. Merry Christmas. Here's to 365 "Happy & Positive Posts" in 2011.