Me: "Did Gee-Gee like the Candy Cane Train? What did he think about seeing Santa?"
Tess: "He's actually one of Santa's elves. Santa loaned him to me and I get to keep him."
Travelingjenny
Navigating the hilly terrain of motherhood
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Last night we enjoyed my favorite Friends School ritual: the Spiral of Light. This is done each December as a gift from the 7th and 8th graders to the preschool and kindergarten children. The big kids set up a spiral made mostly of pine boughs (and treasures such as seashells). The little kids and their families enter the dark room in silence and sit down. Then, one by one, a big kid invites a little kid to walk the spiral, holding an unlit candle that has been placed inside an apple. When the small child reaches the big candle at the center of the spiral, she lights her own candle, then walks back around the spiral, placing the candle somewhere within it. At the end, the whole spiral is lit by candlelight. It's so magical, and makes me teary-eyed every time. Last year, Tess got to choose who to walk the spiral with, and she chose her sister (so very sweet!). This year — our family's last year to participate (until Grace is in 7th grade – oy!) — I was amazed at how much more confident Tess appeared as she walked through the spiral with an 8th grade boy. I was very proud — and teary-eyed at the same time. I will miss the Spiral of Light, and the wide-eyed wonder on my girls' faces as they walk through it.
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The other day, while at Nana's house for dinner, we suddenly heard loud music coming from her iPad. Grace was sitting in front of it, watching a YouTube video. "It's Jason Mraz," she said. "I love his music." When we asked how she knew about his music, she said: "Well, I googled 'good hip-hop songs' and a Jason Mraz video came up. So I clicked on it, but it wouldn't play, so then I googled the name of the song, and I found this video!"
Oh dear Lord, the barely 8-year old knows how to use Google (AND YouTube!).
[Note: What you see in the photo above are what she typed into Google.]
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On Sunday we visited the Christmas tree farm right down the road from us, in search of our annual tree. This year was the best year ever for tree-hunting, because there was no snow on the ground. No snow means no whiny children, and no pulling Tess on a sled. Nope, we just ambled around aimlessly and discussed the merits of various trees. There was no whining, or arguing, or shivering. Just good old family fun. And to top it all off, the girls helped carry the tree through the field and out the car. Priceless.
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Tess made an awesome Christmas tree for her babies, and put two little stockings by it. See, even the babies are excited about Christmas!
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People, have you heard?! It's finally DECEMBER FIRST. You know, the very first day of that most glorious month — the month of Santa, and presents, and family, and carols, and special treats!
We celebrated this most wonderful day by donning Santa hats and singing carols together, by breaking out a few favorite decorations, and by acting out favorite Christmas stories. The excitement is palpable, people, can you feel it?!
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Gracie started her 8th birthday with a scavenger hunt beginning at 6:15 am. By 6:45, we were all outside shooting baskets — in the dark, in our pajamas — into her new basketball hoop (the above photo was taken later in the day).
After admiring the special birthday banner Tess had made for her sister (so sweet!), and playing several rounds of Uno, we headed to the bowling alley, where we met up with our very fun next-door neighbors.
Later, we had our traditional family birthday party with Nana, present-opening, and chocolate fondue. I love that child. She is SO related to me.
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To my sweet, sweet Grace,
With each passing year, I realize more and more how fitting your name is.
Definition of GRACE, from Merriam-Webster online:
* disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency
* a pleasing appearance or effect : charm
* the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful
* ease and suppleness of movement or bearingYou are all of this and so much more — more than I ever dreamed possible. You truly believe that you can do anything you set your mind to, and I believe it too. I am grateful every day for your enthusiasm, your determination, your strength, your smile, your kindness, and your huge heart.Thank you for shining your light on us every day, and for teaching us how to live with grace. I am so proud of you. Happy 8th birthday.I love you more than I can say,Mom -
Today, Grace had her annual birthday outing with her good buddy Elyse. Every year, I take the girls to the local art studio for kids, followed by a special lunch date. Today they painted and made crowns, and drank chocolate milkshakes, and walked down the street together carrying balloons. It was sweet, and distracted me from the fact that my baby Grace is going to be 8 tomorrow! EIGHT?! How did that happen?
Travelingjenny 