12.12.12

Addison's birthday. This was the first year she was really aware that something significant was taking place. And it was all. about. her!

She'd made a few requests about the party (Minnie Mouse) she wanted and some of her wishes for toys (more Minnie Mouse). 

The day before her birthday was a preschool day so we took Minnie Mouse cupcakes for everyone. 

On her actual birthday, she got to pick out her favorite lunch (McDonald's cheeseburger) and eat while watching a movie with Mom. 

That night was a school night, and also Lexi's Christmas performance at school so we kept it low key. We went out to dinner with the grandparents and opened a few presents when we got home. 

Oh the torture! She had to look at her presents all day just waiting for the right time to open them.

There was unabashed squealing at this point.  She said to us, "It's what I've always dreamed of!"

We had her formal party with her cousins and the grandparents that weekend. Of course, the theme was Minnie Mouse. 

Red, white and black everything!

The kids got to make their own totes for the favor.

She blew out the candle too soon. 

Thankfully, the problem was easily solved and she got to blow out the candle (again) at the end of the birthday song.

 Addison says she had a great birthday and felt really special this year.

Happy Birthday, Addie!

I Want To Remember This

Addison, 4, who had learned Jingle Bells for her preschool program, was singing the song proudly at the dinner table.

Alexis, 6, who has spent the last 3 weeks learning Jingle Bells on the piano, perked up and offered to play while Addie sang.

After dinner, we all gathered around the piano, flanked by our lit Christmas tree, while Alexis played and sang. Addie chimed in, her timing completely off, BUT to see my eldest daughter play a song while her little sister sang along was one of those moments when a mom's heart is filled with the sure knowledge that the work is well worth the effort.

I know twenty years from now, that memory could be lost. This was a first for our young family: to be sitting around the piano, sisters working together, family united, the fruits of their efforts bringing us together during this special time of year. Their little voices filled the room while Lexi played along.

I definitely want to remember this.

Fall Pictures 2012

It's Christmas Time at the Riddles

In keeping with our tradition, we began putting up Christmas decorations the weekend following Thanksgiving.

The girls "helped" Allen put up the outside lights. Then, they "helped"me put out all of our nativity sets. Finally, they "helped" decorate the tree.

What would tree decorating be without a little wrestling?

And a full-blown tantrum?

You can hear the screaming, right?

Addie begged me to take a picture of her by the tree during lunch. Yeah, we eat Fruit Loops for lunch and we like it.

Allen helped the kids make their very own mini-trees.

The crown jewel.

I don't have a particular passion for Christmas. Sure, I love the excuse to give lots of presents and shop with semi-abadondon, but I'm not a Christmas freak.

What I do love is that my kids have started to recognize the season, and what it means for our family. We slow down a bit. We work together to change the entire inside of our home to reflect our beliefs about the Savior. We talk of his birth, choosing to give rather than receive, and take time to reflect upon our many blessings.

And while the world has distorted the true meaning of why we exchange gifts, I find hope in the windows of every home I see that has a tree lit this time of year. Somewhere, some time ago, wether the people inside attend church now or not, or claim to believe or not, their loved ones - perhaps generations ago - believed in Christ. They carry on the tradition of acknowledging just how significant his birth was to this world. I see a world that knows the Savior came to this Earth.

My heart is filled with gratitude this time of year and that feels good.

May your traditions do the same for you!

Merry Christmas.