January
I was busy with the young women of Jacksonville ward and two little kids. Cole was milking the cow and we were trying desperately to find him a job. Joshua was sick all of January. Cole turned 26 and was sure that either the world would end or he was close enough to 30 so he might as well be 40.
February
Wasn't much different than January---till the end. Cole learned of a company named Vivint and decided to apply for a position out of Anchorage, Alaska. After nine long months, our prayers were finally answered....he got the job! February 28th is when our simple easy life turned into a whirlwind rollercoaster....
March
Cole traveled to Utah for orientation and training at Vivint corporate offices in Provo. I stayed home with the boys to pack our home. That same week I was released from my calling as 2nd counselor in the YW presidency. I was so sad to leave my YW but excited for what the future would hold. The week after Cole returned home we finished packing, cleaned and moved. The next morning, Saturday the 19th, Cole and his dad left Medford for the four day trip up the Al-Can. It was an exciting trip with lots of hiccups and trials but they made it safe and sound. Upon pulling into town Cole made contact with a Bishop in Wasilla and was able to stay with him and his family for six weeks! They were answers to my prayers and I will always be grateful for their sacrifice for us.
April
Cameron, Joshua and I were staying at the farm until Cole found housing for the four of us. I continued to milk the cow and help around the farm. I enjoyed the family time knowing that I would be leaving soon and would lose that safety net. I also had to get rid of our household furniture, kitchenware and anything extra that we could do with out! After several attempt, all failing, due to nervous breakdowns and many tears my wonderful Mother-in-law helped me to sort my thirty boxes down to eight boxes! I got rid of everything!!!! My brand new couches were sold, the baby furniture and toys were sold and anything that we didn't have to have was given to goodwill. Mid-April Cole put a deposit down on an apartment and I bought plane tickets for the boys and I. April 29th my sisters took the boys and I and our six pieces of luggage to the airport where we boarded our plane and left everything I had ever known behind :( That was probably the hardest day of my life....leaving my family and friends and everything I owned to come to a place I had never been before without anything! Cole met us at the airport that night with open arms and the biggest smile on his face. He drove us forty-five miles to Wasilla. We stayed with Bishop Breshears the 29th and 30th.
May
At 9am on the 1st we picked up our keys from our new landlord. Although it was a Sunday we went ahead and moved the things we had....which wasn't much! We began our new journey. Mid-May we drove to Homer to visit Coles grandparents. It was fun to take a weekend trip...something Cole and I have never done!
June
Emily came to visit in June. It was fun to have a familiar face here and to show her around. After taking her to the airport to catch her flight home...I cried the whole back to my home! I turned 25 and didn't feel quite as bad as Cole did about his birthday.
July
Amanda surprised me as a late birthday present! While she was here we were able to explore a little. She went with me to a girls night and helped me to feel a little more comfortable around my new friends!
I was sad to see her go home but I wasn't devastated like I was when Emily left. Right after Amanda left I decided to become a runner...the first few weeks were very hard! The last week of July, I drove to Anchorage to pick up Cole's mom, dad, sister Mandi and her family. We drove to Homer and spent a week there. We went clamming and Halibut fishing. Cameron had a blast playing with his cousins and Joshua cut three new teeth that week! Cole wasn't able to take time off to come with us but he was able to sneak away for a weekend to join us for 24 hours!
August
Not much happened in August. I enrolled Cameron in school. I spent sometime with my new friends. I ran! I trained using a program called Couch 2 5k. I loved going out three mornings a week and running for 30 minutes. It helped to clear my head, helped to settle me and helped to make me a better mom. The goal was to lose some weight...I may have lost a few pounds but what I quickly realized was that I felt better than I had in a really long time and although I may not look like I changed...I did on the inside! I was also given the opportunity to teach a lesson in Relief Society at church in August. Cole worked and worked and then worked some more! We celebrated Joshua's 1st birthday on August 31st.
September
Cameron started school. He came home everyday full of stories and tales of his new friends and all the things they were learning. Joshua loved the extra attention in the morning while Cameron was at school. Cole continued to work A LOT. I continued to run.
October
October brought the changing weather...the temperature quickly dropped and although it didn't snow till Halloween I was running in the mornings in 20 degree temps. I found that it was too cold to continue running outside. Between July and October I managed to run a total of 60 miles! Cole was still working a lot. Cameron was still loving school. Joshua started talking more. My first nephew was born on Oct 28th...I was hoping to be there for his birth but was so glad that he made it safe and sound into this world.
November
We celebrated Cameron's 5th birthday on the 2nd. The boys and I took a three week trip to Oregon while Cole stayed home and worked like a crazy man! We enjoyed the time with friends and family but were glad to come home the day after Thanksgiving.
December
And to finish out the year I won't be making any big announcements :) We have enjoyed December and all the preparations for the Holidays. Cameron has struggled in school and Cole..I'm sure you've guessed...has worked A LOT. He logged 102 hours in two weeks on his last paycheck. It makes for some very long days for the kids and I, BUT we are all very thankful for such a wonderful job. We've spent the last 10 months learning, growing and changing. I feel like 2011 was a wonderful year for our family and I will always look back on it knowing that a miracle was performed in our lives...last year, who would've thought that this Alaskan adventure is what we had been being prepared for. I am here to say that with out a doubt our Heavenly Father and Savior have had a guiding hand in our lives and without them we would not be where we are today. I feel as if this has been the biggest, most important year for us so far. I am so grateful for all of the sacrifices our families have made...to help us, to visit us, to be there over the phone and in spirit for us. I am grateful for a loving Father in Heaven and for our Savior, for their guiding light and for the knowledge we have of them.
Here's to a fabulous 2012....hoping it's filled with excitement and maybe, just maybe an announcement some time....we'll see :)
Happy New Year to all of our family and friends!
The Henderson's
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Our Temple Anniversary!
Cole and I were chatting a few nights ago and I remembered that our "temple anniversary" was coming up. Cole and I were married in a beautiful city park with our closest friends and our immediate family. A few weeks later I was baptized. Just over a year after marrying I gave birth to Cameron. Six weeks later our little family went to the temple. It was such a special day. I blogged about it here. For me, it makes this time of year so special. I was given a gift 5 years ago, one that only my husband and my Savior could give me.
Cole told me while we were chatting the other night that he considers this date, December 23, to be our anniversary. I was taken by surprise! We've ALWAYS celebrated our anniversary on October 16. I didn't know he felt so strongly about this date.
Anyhow, Happy Temple Anniversary, Honey.
Cole told me while we were chatting the other night that he considers this date, December 23, to be our anniversary. I was taken by surprise! We've ALWAYS celebrated our anniversary on October 16. I didn't know he felt so strongly about this date.
Anyhow, Happy Temple Anniversary, Honey.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Coconut Lime Banana Bread---Yumm!!
I was looking for a sweet treat the other day. I am out of everything and I really need to go grocery shopping...but since the roads have been pretty icy I really try not to go out after dark! I had some bananas that were pretty brown and I knew the kids wouldn't eat them. I remembered pinning a banana bread recipe so I looked it up and got to it. While reading through the recipe it called for somethings that I was out of so I improvised and lets just say it turned out pretty darn good....Cole had two muffins and a slice of bread and Cameron had two muffins...I am sure Joshua will beg for more after his first slice at breakfast tomorrow.
Coconut Lime Banana Bread
adapted from recipe at Dana Made It
INGREDIENTS:
2 Cups All-purpose Flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup sugar ****I used brown rice syrup****
1/4 cup (1/2 of a stick) softened butter ****I used butter flavored shortening****
2 eggs
1 to 1 1/2 cups smashed bananas (about 3 bananas)
1/4 cup yogurt (vanilla, plain, strawberry, whatever flavor) ****I used 4 tbsp applesauce****
3 Tbl apple juice or applesauce
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup coconut flakes
1 Tbl coconut to sprinkle on top of bread
Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Appx 1 1/2 Tbl fresh lime or lemon juice (appx 1 lime; you may substitute store-bought lime or lemon juice if needed)
Combined dry ingredients in a bowl. In a separate bowl mix wet ingredients. Add dry ingredients and mix only long enough to moisten dry ingredients. Pour into a well greased loaf pan. Sprinkle with coconut. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Allow to cool for 5 minutes. While cooling combine the powdered sugar and the lime juice until you have the consistency you desire...you should be able to drizzle it over your bread. Remove bread from pan and drizzle with glaze. enjoy!
As you can see I was out of several things. I just happened to have the brown rice syrup on hand...I like to use agave nectar as a sweetener for cereal and in cookies or bread sometimes. I brought this brown rice syrup home from Oregon and it tastes kind of like honey. I didn't have any butter soft as I wasn't planning on baking...and all my bowls were dirty! I used shortening...it was a very small amount. I didn't have any yogurt or sour cream. I did have milk and could have made buttermilk to use as a substitute for the yogurt BUT when using a syrup sweetener you are supposed to use a little but less liquid than the recipe calls for....by using the applesauce in place of the buttermilk (yogurt) I was using a wet ingredient that had a thicker consistency. I was able to get one loaf and 6 muffins out of this recipe.
This bread was sooo moist an had a wonderful flavor! Everyone loved it and you couldn't tell that I had substituted anything! SOOO GOOD! I am definitely keeping this recipe!
Coconut Lime Banana Bread
adapted from recipe at Dana Made It
INGREDIENTS:
2 Cups All-purpose Flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup sugar ****I used brown rice syrup****
1/4 cup (1/2 of a stick) softened butter ****I used butter flavored shortening****
2 eggs
1 to 1 1/2 cups smashed bananas (about 3 bananas)
1/4 cup yogurt (vanilla, plain, strawberry, whatever flavor) ****I used 4 tbsp applesauce****
3 Tbl apple juice or applesauce
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup coconut flakes
1 Tbl coconut to sprinkle on top of bread
Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Appx 1 1/2 Tbl fresh lime or lemon juice (appx 1 lime; you may substitute store-bought lime or lemon juice if needed)
Combined dry ingredients in a bowl. In a separate bowl mix wet ingredients. Add dry ingredients and mix only long enough to moisten dry ingredients. Pour into a well greased loaf pan. Sprinkle with coconut. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Allow to cool for 5 minutes. While cooling combine the powdered sugar and the lime juice until you have the consistency you desire...you should be able to drizzle it over your bread. Remove bread from pan and drizzle with glaze. enjoy!
As you can see I was out of several things. I just happened to have the brown rice syrup on hand...I like to use agave nectar as a sweetener for cereal and in cookies or bread sometimes. I brought this brown rice syrup home from Oregon and it tastes kind of like honey. I didn't have any butter soft as I wasn't planning on baking...and all my bowls were dirty! I used shortening...it was a very small amount. I didn't have any yogurt or sour cream. I did have milk and could have made buttermilk to use as a substitute for the yogurt BUT when using a syrup sweetener you are supposed to use a little but less liquid than the recipe calls for....by using the applesauce in place of the buttermilk (yogurt) I was using a wet ingredient that had a thicker consistency. I was able to get one loaf and 6 muffins out of this recipe.
This bread was sooo moist an had a wonderful flavor! Everyone loved it and you couldn't tell that I had substituted anything! SOOO GOOD! I am definitely keeping this recipe!
Monday, December 19, 2011
To school or not to school?
With my mommy heart hurting I've spent a lot of time in prayer. I have no idea how to help Cameron. I know that with time Heavenly Father will lead me to the answers. Right now, I am trying to decide what is best for Cameron in terms of his education.
I love Alaska. I feel like there are so many wonderful opportunities for education here. We have an open school district---meaning that it's very easy to apply for a boundary exemption and that as long as there is room your child can attend school where you want him to. Our school district has several public charter schools using different teaching philosophies. We have a public home-school correspondence school that provides teacher/planning/curriculum help. We have basic public schools. I am sure that no matter what we decide he will be fine. I need to decide where I want him and if that is what is best for him in terms of where he would fit the best.
Until moving to Alaska, I was going to home-school our kids. I have the curriculum purchased---it's being stored in a closet till time to use. Putting Cameron into school was out of the question....and then we moved. Leaving behind our friends and cousins, Cameron no longer has built in playmates. He gets bored easily and really enjoys the social side of school. That being said, I feel that his learning style is very similar to Coles (if not the exact same) and Cole did not thrive in school. The teaching style in a public school is catered to those that can show on paper what they have learned. To this day Cole does not spell well---BUT he can articulate what he thinks properly and very well. When it comes to anything electronic or scientific his ears pop up and you have his full attention. I see this in Cameron...and he's only 5. He loves to learn and my fear is that if placed in a regular classroom he will continue to hate school and that his love of learning will be hindered.
Right now I feel like we have two choices....
1) We live in school boundaries of a public school that offers what is called a STEM program. Basically it's a science based learning program. I feel like Cameron would be a great fit for a program like this. The down side is that although we live in the boundaries of the school offering this program it is a program we have to apply for. I'm not sure how many new students they allow to enter the program every year and I believe that last year was the first year for this program in this school district.
2) Home-School. I have the ability to cater the curriculum to best fit what Cameron would enjoy learning as well as what he needs to learn. We could go at his speed...which would mean that most things he'd learn quickly while other things might take an extra day or two to understand. Yes, there is a public correspondence school...but there are also several private correspondence school. I feel that as long as we are a part of one of these schools we would have the social interactions by participating in activities offered and field trips that they arrange. I would also enroll Cameron into sports/music outside of the home to allow for more social interaction.
I have taken my thoughts and my feeling to Heavenly Father. I have discussed both options with Cole and with Cameron. I don't feel as if I have been given a clear answer. I realize my worries are silly...who cares where he goes to school...he will get an education no matter where he goes...blah blah blah. But I care. Cole cares and we don't want just anything taught to our children. Public school is not where we want them to receive their educations and the only reason I am considering the public school is because of the STEM program. If he's not accepted into the program I will home-school OR we will consider of the charter schools. I feel as if this is the plan I have decided on for now.
When I was first married I would have never in my wildest dream thought that I would be so torn up over the education of my children. It seems crazy to me sometimes. Maybe I am crazy :)
I love Alaska. I feel like there are so many wonderful opportunities for education here. We have an open school district---meaning that it's very easy to apply for a boundary exemption and that as long as there is room your child can attend school where you want him to. Our school district has several public charter schools using different teaching philosophies. We have a public home-school correspondence school that provides teacher/planning/curriculum help. We have basic public schools. I am sure that no matter what we decide he will be fine. I need to decide where I want him and if that is what is best for him in terms of where he would fit the best.
Until moving to Alaska, I was going to home-school our kids. I have the curriculum purchased---it's being stored in a closet till time to use. Putting Cameron into school was out of the question....and then we moved. Leaving behind our friends and cousins, Cameron no longer has built in playmates. He gets bored easily and really enjoys the social side of school. That being said, I feel that his learning style is very similar to Coles (if not the exact same) and Cole did not thrive in school. The teaching style in a public school is catered to those that can show on paper what they have learned. To this day Cole does not spell well---BUT he can articulate what he thinks properly and very well. When it comes to anything electronic or scientific his ears pop up and you have his full attention. I see this in Cameron...and he's only 5. He loves to learn and my fear is that if placed in a regular classroom he will continue to hate school and that his love of learning will be hindered.
Right now I feel like we have two choices....
1) We live in school boundaries of a public school that offers what is called a STEM program. Basically it's a science based learning program. I feel like Cameron would be a great fit for a program like this. The down side is that although we live in the boundaries of the school offering this program it is a program we have to apply for. I'm not sure how many new students they allow to enter the program every year and I believe that last year was the first year for this program in this school district.
2) Home-School. I have the ability to cater the curriculum to best fit what Cameron would enjoy learning as well as what he needs to learn. We could go at his speed...which would mean that most things he'd learn quickly while other things might take an extra day or two to understand. Yes, there is a public correspondence school...but there are also several private correspondence school. I feel that as long as we are a part of one of these schools we would have the social interactions by participating in activities offered and field trips that they arrange. I would also enroll Cameron into sports/music outside of the home to allow for more social interaction.
I have taken my thoughts and my feeling to Heavenly Father. I have discussed both options with Cole and with Cameron. I don't feel as if I have been given a clear answer. I realize my worries are silly...who cares where he goes to school...he will get an education no matter where he goes...blah blah blah. But I care. Cole cares and we don't want just anything taught to our children. Public school is not where we want them to receive their educations and the only reason I am considering the public school is because of the STEM program. If he's not accepted into the program I will home-school OR we will consider of the charter schools. I feel as if this is the plan I have decided on for now.
When I was first married I would have never in my wildest dream thought that I would be so torn up over the education of my children. It seems crazy to me sometimes. Maybe I am crazy :)
Sunday, December 18, 2011
My babies
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| Cameron 5 yrs old |
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| Brothers <3 |
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| Joshua 1 yr old |
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| His smile has always made me so happy! |
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| Joshua is always so happy too! |
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| I love my boys! |
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Matters of the heart
Sometimes I don't even know where to start! I guess I will just pick a place and go with it...
Since returning from our trip a few weeks ago Cameron has really been struggling! It breaks my mom heart knowing that he is so sad and having such a hard time. I know I am biased but he really is a good kid...he's kind, considerate of others, so smart and sweet. He has a huge vocabulary and can express himself. Knowing this you can understand that when he woke up one day crying because he didn't want to go to school and when asked "why?" says "because" I wasn't quite sure how to move forward. I knew there had to be a reason other than "because". And even after telling him that because wasn't a good enough reason and that if he wanted to stay home he better come up with a better one he still cried and said because. When the time came that morning to get on the bus he ran away from the door and I had to carry him out to the bus and place him in his seat. I have never had to do this...not even on the first day of school. I was hoping that by putting my foot down he would see that it wasn't up for discussion. Well that happened on a Friday and the next Tuesday (his next day of school) he did the same thing! So I called the school. They tried to tell me that it was because he had been gone for so long and it would take him sometime to settle back in. First, he didn't do this the first three days of school that week which was the week he returned to school after vacation. He went three days without fits and then all of a sudden started the fits. Second, Cameron throws fits, but not like that! The school agreed to have Cameron teacher talk to him as well as the bus aide to see if they could get anything out of him. When he came home that day Cameron told me that a boy on his bus was hitting him and not sitting properly in his seat. That this child was leaning into Cameron and when Cameron would ask him to stop he wouldn't and would lean into him harder. I thanked Cameron for telling me and told him that now that I know what is happening I can help fix it. So that next morning I spoke to the bus aide, turns out Cameron told her the same thing and that she wasn't going to let them sit together anymore....I guess they have assigned seats based on when and where they are picked up. This child was reassigned to a different seat. Fast forward a few days and Cameron is very sad again, not throwing a fit but very sad when he gets on the bus and very sad when he gets home. This goes on a couple of days and finally Cameron tells me that this same child is calling him names. Cameron is the first pick up in the morning and the first to get off the bus in the afternoon. From what I've gathered, the other child is picked up second in the morning. I guess when he get on the bus he is calling Cameron "caught fish"....kind of a silly name but hurts Cameron feeling none the less. So I called the school AGAIN! I felt really bad calling about this same child again...but I felt worse for Cameron and the way it's making him feel. So the school was going to have this other child teacher talk to him to see if that may help stop the name calling. I've never had to deal with this sort of thing before! Cameron was thriving at school....he was always so very excited about going to school and would tell me all about his day when he got home. Not anymore! I'm hoping that once this little boy is no longer being mean that Cameron will be able to be excited about school again. It seems like such a silly thing to be sad about but Cameron is genuinely sad and it just breaks my heart!
Cole has been working sooooo much! 100 hours in the last two weeks. That makes for very long days at home for me. I'm feeling lost and unsettled! Joshua and I haven't been able to go to play dates because of the car situation and Cole's schedule. I'm not quite sure where I fit in and I'm really struggling with that. I guess it's easier for me to just isolate myself than to continue to put myself out there and not really know whether or not it's going anywhere! Ugg, we've been here for 8 months and I was feeling so good about it but the last couple of weeks have been really hard! Part of it is probably knowing that we are alone at Christmas! I am so excited about starting our own traditions and not being pulled in five hundred directions....but at the same time I am going to miss all the visiting with friends and family and the hustle and bustle of the holidays!
I'm sure these things will get better.
Since returning from our trip a few weeks ago Cameron has really been struggling! It breaks my mom heart knowing that he is so sad and having such a hard time. I know I am biased but he really is a good kid...he's kind, considerate of others, so smart and sweet. He has a huge vocabulary and can express himself. Knowing this you can understand that when he woke up one day crying because he didn't want to go to school and when asked "why?" says "because" I wasn't quite sure how to move forward. I knew there had to be a reason other than "because". And even after telling him that because wasn't a good enough reason and that if he wanted to stay home he better come up with a better one he still cried and said because. When the time came that morning to get on the bus he ran away from the door and I had to carry him out to the bus and place him in his seat. I have never had to do this...not even on the first day of school. I was hoping that by putting my foot down he would see that it wasn't up for discussion. Well that happened on a Friday and the next Tuesday (his next day of school) he did the same thing! So I called the school. They tried to tell me that it was because he had been gone for so long and it would take him sometime to settle back in. First, he didn't do this the first three days of school that week which was the week he returned to school after vacation. He went three days without fits and then all of a sudden started the fits. Second, Cameron throws fits, but not like that! The school agreed to have Cameron teacher talk to him as well as the bus aide to see if they could get anything out of him. When he came home that day Cameron told me that a boy on his bus was hitting him and not sitting properly in his seat. That this child was leaning into Cameron and when Cameron would ask him to stop he wouldn't and would lean into him harder. I thanked Cameron for telling me and told him that now that I know what is happening I can help fix it. So that next morning I spoke to the bus aide, turns out Cameron told her the same thing and that she wasn't going to let them sit together anymore....I guess they have assigned seats based on when and where they are picked up. This child was reassigned to a different seat. Fast forward a few days and Cameron is very sad again, not throwing a fit but very sad when he gets on the bus and very sad when he gets home. This goes on a couple of days and finally Cameron tells me that this same child is calling him names. Cameron is the first pick up in the morning and the first to get off the bus in the afternoon. From what I've gathered, the other child is picked up second in the morning. I guess when he get on the bus he is calling Cameron "caught fish"....kind of a silly name but hurts Cameron feeling none the less. So I called the school AGAIN! I felt really bad calling about this same child again...but I felt worse for Cameron and the way it's making him feel. So the school was going to have this other child teacher talk to him to see if that may help stop the name calling. I've never had to deal with this sort of thing before! Cameron was thriving at school....he was always so very excited about going to school and would tell me all about his day when he got home. Not anymore! I'm hoping that once this little boy is no longer being mean that Cameron will be able to be excited about school again. It seems like such a silly thing to be sad about but Cameron is genuinely sad and it just breaks my heart!
Cole has been working sooooo much! 100 hours in the last two weeks. That makes for very long days at home for me. I'm feeling lost and unsettled! Joshua and I haven't been able to go to play dates because of the car situation and Cole's schedule. I'm not quite sure where I fit in and I'm really struggling with that. I guess it's easier for me to just isolate myself than to continue to put myself out there and not really know whether or not it's going anywhere! Ugg, we've been here for 8 months and I was feeling so good about it but the last couple of weeks have been really hard! Part of it is probably knowing that we are alone at Christmas! I am so excited about starting our own traditions and not being pulled in five hundred directions....but at the same time I am going to miss all the visiting with friends and family and the hustle and bustle of the holidays!
I'm sure these things will get better.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Holiday Traditions
As most of you know my husband is just a little strange ( love you honey!!) He's been known to have some wacky ideas and most of the time I sit back, smile and patiently listen. Last night, however, I became a bit frustrated as we discussed Christmas and the traditions we'd like to start with our family.
You see, since we've been married we've been pulled in 6 different directions on Christmas day. Between his family, my mom, my dad and dinner we've had to make time for everyone! This year I am looking forward to a quiet Christmas day....we don't have to go anywhere except church! and I think there was mention of dinner at a friends house. BUT other than that...we get to enjoy each other and the kids.
Then there is the issue of gifts.....A dirty little secret I have is that I buy my own gifts....I can remember 2 Christmases when Cole has actually bought me a gift(s). NOW, I know Christmas isn't about receiving it's a bout giving and even then it's not really even about either it's to celebrate the birth of our Savior! Which is exactly why I don't ever make a big deal about it! What I'm trying to get at is that Cole's idea of holidays is nonexistent! This seems odd to me because 1) he wasn't raised like that and 2)It's important to me.
Okay, back to the point---Traditions!
Cameron doesn't believe in Santa Claus. Now, Cameron is so much like Cole, it's scary sometimes. Cameron is 5 and is too smart for his own good. No, it wasn't ruined for him by other kids or even by us. He just doesn't think it makes any sense and has always questioned us about how he comes in if we don't have a chimney, where he lives and how the reindeer can make him fly. The whole concept is pretty strange to him. Granted, I've never confirmed nor denied his conclusions as I want him to decide for himself. Although he doesn't believe we still do stockings and gifts from Santa. I don't want it ruined for Joshua (although Joshua has no idea, yet!).
For me it's hard to make a big deal out of holidays when Cole doesn't want to participate or get excited about them. I realize this is just him and his personality...but it kinda brings my excitement down too! So, I decided last night, after discussing with him how his poopy attitude isn't fair, that I will do holidays how I want. If he wants to join in he can if not, fine, we'll have fun with out him. I want my children to have good, fuzzy memories associated with holidays...whether it's Christmas, Valentines Day or Easter, I want them to have traditions to pass along to their kids. Cole couldn't believe that I have warm fuzzys associated with all holidays....even St. Patrick's Day!
So these are the traditions we've passed down and plan on starting!
Every year I buy each of the boys an ornament just for them! When they move out later in life they will have a small ornament collections that is all theirs!
I plan on making a special breakfast Christmas morning....we've always gone from house to house and had a really quick breakfast Christmas morning...well not anymore!!
Christmas Eve we set out cookies and milk for Santa and take a picture of the kids in their Christmas jammies.
Jammies----they get to pick one gift to open Christmas eve....I try to make sure it's their jammies!
This year we will help Cameron write a letter to Santa. Santa will leave Cameron a note when he comes----Cole's family did this and his mom still has all of their letters.
Those are the things I plan to make sure we do Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day.
You see, since we've been married we've been pulled in 6 different directions on Christmas day. Between his family, my mom, my dad and dinner we've had to make time for everyone! This year I am looking forward to a quiet Christmas day....we don't have to go anywhere except church! and I think there was mention of dinner at a friends house. BUT other than that...we get to enjoy each other and the kids.
Then there is the issue of gifts.....A dirty little secret I have is that I buy my own gifts....I can remember 2 Christmases when Cole has actually bought me a gift(s). NOW, I know Christmas isn't about receiving it's a bout giving and even then it's not really even about either it's to celebrate the birth of our Savior! Which is exactly why I don't ever make a big deal about it! What I'm trying to get at is that Cole's idea of holidays is nonexistent! This seems odd to me because 1) he wasn't raised like that and 2)It's important to me.
Okay, back to the point---Traditions!
Cameron doesn't believe in Santa Claus. Now, Cameron is so much like Cole, it's scary sometimes. Cameron is 5 and is too smart for his own good. No, it wasn't ruined for him by other kids or even by us. He just doesn't think it makes any sense and has always questioned us about how he comes in if we don't have a chimney, where he lives and how the reindeer can make him fly. The whole concept is pretty strange to him. Granted, I've never confirmed nor denied his conclusions as I want him to decide for himself. Although he doesn't believe we still do stockings and gifts from Santa. I don't want it ruined for Joshua (although Joshua has no idea, yet!).
For me it's hard to make a big deal out of holidays when Cole doesn't want to participate or get excited about them. I realize this is just him and his personality...but it kinda brings my excitement down too! So, I decided last night, after discussing with him how his poopy attitude isn't fair, that I will do holidays how I want. If he wants to join in he can if not, fine, we'll have fun with out him. I want my children to have good, fuzzy memories associated with holidays...whether it's Christmas, Valentines Day or Easter, I want them to have traditions to pass along to their kids. Cole couldn't believe that I have warm fuzzys associated with all holidays....even St. Patrick's Day!
So these are the traditions we've passed down and plan on starting!
Every year I buy each of the boys an ornament just for them! When they move out later in life they will have a small ornament collections that is all theirs!
I plan on making a special breakfast Christmas morning....we've always gone from house to house and had a really quick breakfast Christmas morning...well not anymore!!
Christmas Eve we set out cookies and milk for Santa and take a picture of the kids in their Christmas jammies.
Jammies----they get to pick one gift to open Christmas eve....I try to make sure it's their jammies!
This year we will help Cameron write a letter to Santa. Santa will leave Cameron a note when he comes----Cole's family did this and his mom still has all of their letters.
Those are the things I plan to make sure we do Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day.
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