A Charlie Brown Christmas, in Technicolor

I have a very creative friend, one who dabbles in computer graphics and programs. Last year he presented me with a very special gift. You may not know, but my favorite Christmas lights are the bright colorful C9 bulbs. They are kind of old school, retro like. The reason I like them so much is their simplicity and they are the perfect size to replicate the oh so infamous Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. Aside from all of this, they just make me feel happy inside. My friend gave me a strand of lights to use at my house.

Since moving from Colorado, I now posses a two story home with eaves of such great heights that I would need to hire someone to "professionally" hang lights on all of my peaks. I took it upon myself to decorate where my little ladder can reach, and so without further a do, I present to you my version of the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree, upgraded by my friend to blink.

Who Said it Doesn't Snow in Houston?

Yesterday it was so cold outside. Yes, cold enough to generate large amounts of frozen precipitate better known as snow. Apparently the last time Houston experienced snow of any type was on Christmas Eve about four years a go, and even then it only lasted about ten minutes then melted.

After moving from Colorado, where I am told they are still awaiting the first snow of the season, I was surprised to see this familiar friend floating around. I thought we had experienced the last of the frozen fluff. I have to admit, I do miss it a little bit but only as long as I don't have to drive in it.

Driving along to pick up Emma from church on Wednesday, the snow was falling hard and fast. The flakes were so big and reflective off the oncoming headlights. I was moved to tears thinking about my family in Colorado and my family spread across the Eastern Seaboard. All I want, really want, this year for Christmas is to be with family. Although I cannot be with everyone I love and miss, Christmas was brought to me a little early.

Thanksgiving

Jamie came into four tickets for the Houston Rockets vs. Indiana Pacers. He took all three of our kids the day before Thanksgiving while Alice and I stayed home and baked, and baked, and baked. Actually, I didn't have too much left to do that day so I enjoyed the quiet.

The next day we met up at our friend Mairim and Ricky's house to eat and play and celebrate all of the things for which we are thankful. I didn't bring my camera, but Mairim caught all of the festivities on film for us to enjoy and share with you http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/welcome.sfly?fid=a553bb419d106c51&sid=0BcsXDVm5csWQA

Grandparent's Day

Alice and I joined Emma at school for a special Grandparent's Day lunch. Emma's school invites all parents and grandparents of the students to join in a Thanksgiving meal and celebration of Grandparent's. I was touched to see how many family members of the student's came out for this special day. There were a few grandparents who stayed for almost the entire day just to sit with each of their grand babies at lunch. I was even more moved to see them eat tray after tray of turkey with dressing. What a wonderful display of love for these kids.

We are fortunate enough to have Alice in our home. Emma loves when she comes to school with me. She introduced Alice to her friends and her teacher. The principal even knows about Alice. It seems she's gaining celebrity status in Texas too.

One of the parent's told me the children learn about Helen Keller during the first and third grade. The students either hear or read the story and see the famous movie The Miracle Worker about Helen Keller's life and do a report on her or another famous person who made a difference and overcame a disability. We asked if Alice could come and speak in Emma's class about being deaf and what it is like to be deaf-blind.

I had so much fun watching Emma with Alice. Emma is so proud she can sign and talk with Alice. Emma's friends, Deanna and Carla, sat with us at the lunch table. I hope you enjoy the pictures of these special girls.

In Sports News . . .

Miles and Taylor tried out for their middle school basketball team. If any of you have kids this age, you know how tough it can be to try out against your peers for a position on your school team. There were over one hundred boys who tried out for three teams A, B, or C - Team. Obviously, A and B Teams are for the more experienced players, but C Team is just as difficult to land a position.

All last week the boys woke up and went to school early, running drills and plays, competing against their friends. It paid off too. Both of the boys made it on C Team! This is quite an honor, not only are they new to the school (which is hard enough), but they made it on to the basketball team. We're so excited for them and can't wait for their first game!

Family Picture Day

The weather in Houston is finally beginning to feel like Fall. This weekend was crisp and clear, with very little humidity. The low, mid forties . . . that's right, just above freezing. This is so different from the past two years in Colorado where we were bracing for the first snow fall of the year.

Our friend Mairim, who is such a talented photographer, went with us on a "hike" through the Arboretum near our house. We explored the bogs and swamps and saw so many beautiful old Oak trees. There is a Maple grove with walking trails going all through out the property, where we stopped and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. We didn't have time to play on the massive playground, but next time I'm going to climb the rock wall!

We did commandeer one of the maintenance carts and took off for a joy ride and some pretty silly pictures. Truthfully, they gave us permission. Yesterday was the perfect day and we had so much fun playing around. Of the five hundred images I think these are some of my favorites, I hope you think so too (check out the slide show).

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

It's been a little while since my last post. A lot has happened in only one week. Looking at my previous posts I see how much I missed this past week without my camera.
Emma and I were so excited about the upcoming holidays we wanted to set the festive atmosphere in the house. The kids helped me get the tree and find the decorations. After the move to Colorado we packed everything up for our house and for Alice, we thought we'd lost our favorite collection of ornaments, but rediscovered them when we all moved to Texas.
We laughed so hard putting up the tree. Like a lot of people I know, we have an artificial tree. It really is easier and a lot less fuss when you have two cats who like to explore. Miles and Taylor went through the boxes of ornaments uncovering little bits and pieces of our family history. It was such a treat to remember "when," like opening a time capsule.
The boys found treasured memories from the Christmas before Emma was born. Ornaments from our friends and family, even hand painted Peanut's character ornaments Jamie's mom and dad made for him one year when he was a little baby.
This trip down memory lane is bitter-sweet. I think of family and friends I miss dearly. I remember little things like James, my father-in-law, how much he delighted in going with us to cut down a live Christmas tree. He loved to watch the children dress the tree or take them to see Santa at the local mall.
It wasn't too long a go I was the little girl pulling out the decorations, remembering when I made this little bell or that paper angel. Singing Christmas Carols with the family all bundled up outside neighbor's homes to share a bit of cheer.
As I plan for Thanksgiving and hurry into Christmas, I am reminded of the true meaning behind all of this is love. The love of family and dear friends and the love of our Savior. Many blessings to you all this holiday season.