6 Christmases

Forget the twelve days of Christmas. This year, we're going for six Christmases (though not on consecutive days - we're not crazy).

On the first day of Christmas, Gigi and Papa Merrill came to walk downtown Franklin and deliver some very cool matchbox cars.

On the second day of Christmas, Grandma and Grandpa Denny arrived for some Noah-time. They also delivered the hit of the day: a Radio Flyer car that can be pushed by any gullible adult. (Disclaimer: Despite appearances, we do not encourage drinking and driving.)

On the third day of Christmas, my parents, brothers, sisters-in-law, and nieces/nephews arrived with food and a mountain of presents to open, giving the cousins a chance to play, push (the car), eat, and enjoy new-toy overload.

Since Noah slept through most of the third day, on the fourth day of Christmas, Grammy and Papa Stewart helped Noah open his treasure trove of trucks, books, crayons, clothes, and a new train table. Noah also took it upon himself to inspect the tree for any hidden gifts.

Now, we're looking forward to the fifth day of Christmas, when Grandma and Grandpa Ball arrive with Noah's youngest aunts and uncle! And our sixth day of Christmas? A quiet morning of pajamas, Krispy Kreme, carols, and presents just between the three of us. We try to have our own family Christmas in December, but I think this is the third time it's gotten pushed to January, and it actually provides a lovely wrap-up to the season.

We are so blessed with families that we love and enjoy. Thank you for making the treck to visit us, for your generosity while you were here, and for your examples as godly people. We love you all!

Franklin's Dickens of a Christmas

If you haven't seen A Christmas Carol, this may look more like Halloween. But then again, if you haven't seen A Christmas Carol, you've missed out on more than Jacob Marley...

Outdoor Festivity

Our neighborhood knows how to decorate. And not just for Christmas. Starting in September, at least half the houses had decorated for fall, or "harvest," on their front porch. I didn't even know people decorated for fall, and I can guarantee no one's been doing any harvesting around here in years. Nonetheless, there were hay bales, scarecrows, pumpkins, wreaths, the works. Admidst golden leaves and the neighborhood pond, it created the perfect setting for late afternoon walks. I even tried to take pictures of the front doors but then realized I looked like I was casing the neighborhood as I walked around with my camera.

Of course, that was all before Thanksgiving. By Dec 1, the scenery had changed dramatically. And last week, Noah noticed. I found him crouching at our front door (in the dark), pointing at our neighbors' outdoor Christmas lights. The street is full of them, twinkling with red bows and wreaths and even a few animated figures. I noticed that a neighbor behind us has two large figures in her front yard: the baby Jesus in a manger and Santa Claus peering down at him. I've gotta get a picture of that, even if I have to do a drive-by.

In our house, we pulled out our standard 2 boxes of decorations: a small snowy town, a nativity set, stockings, and ornaments. They've served us for ten years in dorm rooms, apartments, and houses, and somehow they still feel like enough. I bought 2 strings of garland for the bannister and of course we bought a tree. Now, we get to sit back and enjoy them as we drink hot cocoa, wrap presents, and watch the same Christmas movies for the hundredth time.

More

I used to worry that once I quit my job, I wouldn't have much to tell Josh over dinner. Turns out, I have more. I hear more news, read more books, see more friends, and of course, spend more time with a growing little boy who changes daily. In just the last three days...

Pull it out, put it in: Whether it's clearing out his bookshelves or emptying his bin (one piece at a time) or arranging his Cheerios in his cupholder, Noah loves to take it all out, put it all in, and occasionally, get in.

My Little Helper: Just yesterday he ventured to the dryer as I was emptying a load. It was love at first sight. He'd hand me each piece of clothing, and if I wasn't quick enough folding it, he'd drop the next one on the floor at my feet. Before I knew it, he'd emptied the dryer onto the floor and was efficiently putting each piece back in the dryer. Hey - at least he cleans up after himself.

Speaking of clean, Noah could have the cleanest mouth on the block - and the most cavities. He asks to brush his teeth every time we near my bathroom (where his brush sits next to mine). And if I didn't require him to let me start him off, I'm not sure the brush would ever actually touch his teeth. He just gums it and pleads to carry it forever. I don't suppose this qualifies as a vice, right?

Blow. Whenever Noah sees someone blowing their nose (quite a lot right now), he holds his hands up to his nose and leans forward as he blows out his mouth and nose. He's exactly mimicking his father, which is absolutely hilarious. It would also be useful if he'd do the same when I'm trying to blow his nose, but apparently, that's just not as much fun. At all.

Mouthwateringly Delicious: I have never seen Noah so excited about a food as he was today. I almost don't believe the evidence in front of me. After he ate lunch and dinner, he had multiple helpings of applesauce (which he has tasted before). Then just before bed, we came back to the kitchen for his milk, and he begged for it again. He was so thrilled, he wanted to hold the jar. After he went to bed, I realized the jar was 1/3 gone, and I'd opened it THIS MORNING. Is it possible for a 20lb kid to eat almost 1lb of applesauce in a day? I'm not even going to think about tomorrow morning's diaper.

"Truck!" With apologies to my train-loving father, Noah is fascinated with trucks. He spied one (amidst tons of Christmas decor) in Dollar General yesterday and asked for it the rest of our visit. This morning, he pointed out every truck in the parking lot at Bread & Co. And he finally seems to "get" the board-book, Mickey's Book of Trucks. It's fun to see him latch onto something so...masculine, and to hear his vocabulary expanding.

I've run out of time, and I didn't even get to talk about how much he loves standing now, or how we spend at least an hour a day going up and down our staircase, or how he nearly gives me a hickey when he tries to kiss my cheek, or...See what I mean? MORE.

Thanksgiving in Nantucket

Growing up, my family spent Thanksgiving on Cape Cod at my grandparents' house. To me, Thanksgiving was pine trees and Old Spice, football in the street (or on the beach), the parade on TV, art lessons, turnips, the Candy Manor, and more. It was one of my favorite holidays.

At 16, it disappeared. We still made turkey and watched the parade, but it wasn't quite Thanksgiving when we weren't on the Cape.

Then 2 years ago, my aunt and uncle resurrected the old traditions when they built a house on Nantucket. It's not "the same" - and shouldn't be. But it's beautiful and carries the essence of my grandparents.

So last week, we took cars and planes and ferries from dawn till after dusk to get there, and it was worth it: Noah playing with his cousins, big and small. My nephews making chocolate chip cookies and stuffing with Ron and Linda. Walks to the beach. Ventures into town (including the candy store). Pumpkin pie with real whipping cream. Plus crossword puzzles and homemade granola and a home movie theater.

We have so much to be thankful for. Thanksgiving just adds onto the pile.