An Old Fashioned Christmas

The year was 1988. We lived in a farmhouse that was over 100 years old on Burnt Mills Road near North Branch, New Jersey. Our home was situated between two rivers and surrounded by farm fields.

Our landlord gave us permission to cut our Christmas tree from the nearby strip of woods. John and Robyn scouted the woods for the perfect tree. Matt and I joined them later.

Robyn was six years old—the perfect age for a tree cutting adventure.

Matt was only a little over six months old. It was a very cold day, below freezing, and I was concerned it was too cold for him. But, I bundled him up well and he did fine. I still have that wool hat he's wearing.

I remember how proud Robyn was to be bringing home a tree that we cut ourselves.

With a rope tied around the trunk, John dragged the tree through the field to our home. Robyn was his little helper.

When we got to our backyard, I took a picture of my favorite woodsman posing with the tree.

Then Robyn took a picture of the three of us.

And someone took a picture of Robyn.

We decorated our tree with colored lights, popcorn garland and cranberry garland that we strung ourselves, candy canes, and the ornaments we had collected so far.

I will always remember the fun we had the day we cut our Christmas tree—the old fashioned way.

Remembering Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was busy, crazy, and wonderful at our house. We ate too much, stayed up too late (for me, anyway), and squeezed in as much visiting as possible. 

There were plenty of hugs and kisses given to the grandchildren, but the one thing I didn't do enough of was take pictures. Myles and I attempted a photo session on his last day here.

We played ball in the hallway. I would roll it to him and he would roll it back. As you can see from his smile, we had a lot of fun. I guarantee you, my smile was just as big.

Stairs hold a great fascination for children. I promised Myles I'd teach him how to go up and down them the next time he comes for a visit. 

After all, it's best to focus on one big accomplishment at a time, and the big accomplishment this visit was learning to walk!

Myles took his first steps several weeks ago, but only just figured out while he was here that walking is a better way to get around than crawling. He's toddling all over the place now, always with his hands outstretched for balance. It's so cute! 

I smile every time I remember our time together at Thanksgiving.

Birdie's Little Helper

There was some good cooking going on in the kitchen yesterday.

Rose helped me with the pumpkin pie. I gave her a small piece of pie dough to play with. She rolled it, cut it, and cooked it...and then did it all over again...for over an hour. Every so often she asked me to take her picture. We had a lot of fun.

While our family is here visiting, I'll be taking a break from blogging. I hope you all have a very happy Thanksgiving!  See you sometime next week.

Happiness Is

...taking a selfie with someone you love.

Me and Granddaughter Rose in my very first selfie. It was the only way I could get her to sit still for a photo.

...succeeding at a new skill.

See what I mean? Never still. Rose demonstrates her somersault abilities.

...lending a helping hand.

Aunt Wissus and Mama fold a handmade quilt with Rose's help.

...cheering for the band at marching contest.

Robyn and Rose enjoying the show.

...giving it all you've got.

Lafayette High School Marching Band (my nephew's band) competing at the Lone Star Preview. Second place winners!

...eating a blue sno-cone on a warm, sunny day.

Yum, yum! Aunt Patty knows what little girls like.

...snapping pictures with your camera to capture the memories.

Rose and I take pictures of each other on the ride home.

Just a few of my smiles from Saturday. I hope you had fun this weekend, too.