Now that we have that cleared up let me refresh you on the last couples months...
Aaron finished up his first semester of classes and was very excited to have his first real Christmas break. I had to make all the preparations to host my very first Christmas. Cleaning my very disorganized and messy house was a daunting task but with the help of Aaron we managed to get it done. Sadly it didn't last due to our little family hurricane we refer to as Brookelyn so when we greeted our guests they had to graciously step over toys, clothes, moldy sippy cups and cheerios ground into the carpet. I was embarrassed because I had a high standard to follow.. My mother! She was such a good host and I remember the house being SPOTLESS and all the food was prepared ahead of time. When guests arrived they were greeted with snacks and coffee and they were able to sit in a CLEAN living room withs floor that still had the scent of Pine-Sol lingering on them. When it was meal time the table would be beautifully set with matching table cloths,napkins dishes and center pieces. All the food prep would be done and we would enjoy a nice warm meal. Well maybe except her.. I think she had her share of cold meals which she graciously ate without complaint. Having all these memories, I was determined to do the same and show her I was just like her. To my disappointment.. I am not! As you know from the state of my house that was one strike. Strike two- I used paper plates, cups and napkins for our Christmas dinner (And because I didn't plan ahead, half were Christmas and the other half were Mickey Mouse because the stores were all sold out of Christmas stuff due to my shopping on Christmas Eve at 9pm) Strike 3- your feet stuck to my floor.. I could go on but lets just sum it up to say my strike list kept going as the weekend progressed! It was a hard realization at first knowing that I am not like my mom when I really want to be but I decided to shrug it off and enjoy their company while it lasted. I loved the noise and chaos because it meant we were all together enjoying what it means to be a family. I did keep the tradition and make pumpkin bread and lots of Christmas goodies ahead of time. (The cookies were gone in the first two days)
Brooke helped me out making the cookies.
Brookelyn LOVED having everyone here! She instantly clung to Beka and the two ran around playing and destroying the house.
Cuddle time was very necessary for everyone...
Going through my pictures I realized I didn't take very many photos! I was so caught up with everything I forgot to get pictures of everyone together! Oh well...
Brookelyn loved opening presents! It was fun to see the excitement on her face and the realization that these toys were for her!
I didn't even take pictures of the two kids together on Christmas!!! sigh..Maybe my mom has some on her camera.
I have more to tell but the kids are calling my name! Brooke wants to go to the park and Brayden is just screaming because no one is paying attention to him.
1 comment:
Don't forget, honey, you only remember the older, experienced me. You don't remember my early experiences with hospitality where I forgot to buy toilet paper, had uncooked meatloaf because I didn't cook it long enough or ran out of food. You might have chosen convenience over beauty for table setting, but don't forget, I do that to distract from the fact that I don't like to cook and my food isn't gourmet, it's just food. :) I would rather set the table than cook. You already are accomplished in areas I never mastered. I still don't have the confidence to bring a meal to someone. You made us feel welcome, you made wonderful snacks, you loved us and make us comfortable. It was a wonderful, beautiful holiday and I am amazed that, despite my failings, I actually produced an organized, accomplished daughter, who is also a great Mommy and wife.
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