Archive for the ‘holiday’ Tag
February 14 2012
Dear Dora and Boots,
On this Valentine’s Day, I thought I would do things a little differently. See, my kids have each adored you at various points in their young lives. You have been on our television for 8 years now to some degree, and it feels like you’re a part of my family.
Albeit, a very high-pitched part of my family that I would normally try my damnedest to avoid because like that’s really what I need. I mean, is it necessary to yell at us, Dora? We can hear you, tone it down.
Bossy demeanor aside, my daughter currently seems to find you, Dora, and your trusty sidekick Boots, appealing. Thus she can usually be found in front of the television in the early hours, watching intently as you ask the talking map for yet another reminder of directions. We won’t get into what this is really teaching my child, or how you should know your way home by now, or even how you’re a girl far too young to be trusted exploring alone with a monkey. These are all separate issues to address on a different day. Although I can’t help but wonder if your parents ever check on you. All I know is, my daughter looks up to you with love for a bit of time every morning so that I can accomplish what needs done.
Love comes in unexpected places, Dora.
For that, this Valentine’s Day card is for you.
However, there was one episode that recently aired where you instructed those watching to reach out their arms and catch your big, blue balls. Now, Valentine’s Day or not, that’s just taking things too far. What is that monkey teaching you?
December 23 2011
Untitled from c (kid things) on Vimeo.
Merry Christmas!
November 24 2011
I am so thankful for them:
And also, sweet potatoes. I’m very thankful for sweet potatoes.
To all my fellow American readers, I hope you have a happy and wonderful Thanksgiving!
November 14 2011
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Christmas is, by far, my favorite holiday. As a little girl who craved presents, once that first gift bearing my name was placed under the tree I felt at ease. Now, it’s all about family. It’s witnessing the same look I once held on the faces of my own children. I truly understand now how giving is better than receiving. Even beyond the main day itself, it’s easy to wrap up in the many comforts of the season.
Such as:
1. Sweaters I am not a tank top kind of girl really. I like chunky sweaters. The kind you can protectively wrap yourself in, with the sleeves that hang below your hands.
image via christmaslightsetc.com
2. Lights It’s been a tradition for as long as I can remember. Every year when the Christmas holiday draws near, we take a drive at night to look at all the decorated houses, trying to find that one that just stands out from the rest.
3. Snow More for looking at than having to venture out in, but sitting warmly at a window as big, fluffy flakes fall down outside, covering everything it touches in a pure white. Nothing is more beautiful. Until it turns to sludge, anyway.
4. Classic Movies Frosty the Snowman, It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, Miracle on 34th Street, The Polar Express. Just to name a few that I find comfort and joy in every season.
5. Hot Chocolate For after playing the snow, after snow angels and snowball fights. The best way to warm yourself up.
Comfort is the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday gift list, so be sure to take advantage of Tempur-Pedic’s Buy 2, get 1 free pillow offer! I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective.
July 06 2011
Fireworks were missed this July for the first time since the kids have been born. Even when they were littler and screaming in terror at the loud booms, they were still forced to suffer through in the name of making memories. Those days are gone and they would now be starstruck. This year, however, it’s just another in a line of how things are different.
I hoped that we could at least catch some from far away at our house. Unfortunately, there were too many trees blocking our view. I promised the kids we’d be back on a better track again next year.
Then, as we were getting ready for bed, our neighbor began setting off their own round of explosives. Like bombs literally bursting in air. They were so loud that each time took us by surprise as the rattle shook the house and we all had to settle our hearts back down beating again. Buzz shot up after one such jolt and summed up best what I believe we all were thinking, if maybe not exactly.
“That’s an angry ghost”, he randomly exclaimed.
Because ghosts, they go boo(m)!
It made as much sense as anything else and I’ve since taken the saying as my own. When the kids won’t go to sleep as quick as I’d like, I’m an angry ghost. Barking dogs at midnight are an angry ghost. Missing fireworks makes us all an angry ghost. Life is full of them, spooked by its own shadow. But sometimes, you need the scare to get your heart back down beating again. Boo(m)!
I'm Crystal. A 30-something mom to 3 young kids living in the Midwest USA. When I'm not chasing my children, I'm a freelance writer and web designer. I like to tell stories from our days and share what we enjoy...
