2013 Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World

Christmas at Walt Disney World is one of my most favorite times of year!

Full of lights, and sounds and smells of Christmas, makes my happy place, even more happier!

I just love it.

And the Candlelight processional is just one more event that takes place, that I just can't get enough of.

When the sound of the choir takes over the World Showcase, it makes me stop in my tracks.

Even if we don't have a seat for that night, we will stand in the back, and watch. And almost always, in silence, with all of the other guests as they watch in amazement as well.

It's a reverent time. It's a peaceful time. It's a joyous time!

And I love it.

2013 has a fabulous line-up of Celebrity Narrators, incuding Trace Adkins, Whoopi Goldberg and Neil Patrick Harris.

If you have the opportunity, do NOT miss this event!

What do you mean, "we don't get gifts"???

So, I heard a conversation tonight, and her voice just rings in my ear.

 It was a few people chatting about "teacher's gifts" and so they asked a teacher what she preferred. And she began talking about the ornaments that she has a bazillion of, but some of them she loves so much, because of that particular child.

Another talked about how she doesn't really like the "trinkets" but she encourages her parents in the room to purchase books for the classroom library. And the teacher also commented about how she likes to receive "edible giftables"

And then there was another teacher, and someone asked her opinion. She quickly replied "I teach High School. We don't get gifts"

 WHAT!!!!!!!! Hold THE BUS! What do you mean? You don't get gifts? Are you telling me that parents of High Schoolers are so disconnected, that they don't tell their children's teachers Thank You?
 Seriously. Well, the sad part is, I already knew this. Mason's freshman year, I went and put cookies in ALL of the High School teachers boxes. There aren't that many.

Maybe 30 or so.

I had baked cookies. And put 2 to a bag.
TWO.

Yes, count them. 1 & 2.

(Do you know how long it takes to bake 60 cookies?! Like...um, no time! and then tie some cheap curling ribbon?!)


And I had an alarming number of teachers tell me they had NEVER received a Christmas gift in their entire High School Teaching career?

Unbelievable.

These are the teachers that help influence our children's career choice.

These are the teachers that teach them a foreign language, to equip them and help make them marketable to Corporate America.

These are the teachers that hug them when they break up with their first love....or that take care of them when they are sick, but NEED to be at school so they don't miss a huge exam.

You seriously, can't bake them a cookie.

Or buy them a dollar box of candy?

Come on now!

So, all of that to say this.

As Mason's High School career draws to a close....I realize just the value in all of years of doing this.

13 years.

Yes, 13 years and every year I have baked cookies, dipped spoons, chocolate dipped pretzels, or whatever I was feeling crafty enough to do.

And no, I am NOT bragging on myself, but am honestly thankful that I took the time.

Christmas time is frantic at our house.

And I would be willing to be that 11 of the 13 years...I was up late at night, finishing them in a quiet house, while my other 3 were nestled away (NOT helping!)

But, each  year, my boys write on the tags.

And they tell me how many teachers, coaches, janitors, office workers, etc that they want to give "gifts" to...and then they go in that morning with a bag full of goodies!

And they come with nothing! And they are always ready to tell me that so&so loved it...or Mrs. Whatever said she LOVES cookies, etc

I can only hope that my children and their wives will follow in this tradition...and maybe one day their teacher will say "I teach High School...and our kids are taught to appreciate us!"

Fruit loops and popcorn! A family tradition.

As silly as it seems, fruit loops and popcorn have become a family tradition. Mix in a needle and some fishing line and you have Christmas Tree garland.

I'm not sure how it even started, but one year the boys and I ventured into the pantry to make garland. And this was what we came up with.

It adds the cutest bit of whimsy to our tree!

And we typically sit in the living room, on the floor in front of the tree. The lights of the tree light up the room. Christmas music on. No tv. No nothing else. Just us.

Making memories.

This year, we surfed Spotify for silly Christmas songs, I want a hippopotamus for Christmas, was the favorite of the night.

Now, don't get me wrong. The boys lose their attention for this tedious project quick. So we only did about 6 strands this year. Just enough for the front.

And I'm ok with it.

Again. It's real life. Just a tree full of memories. Nothing fancy, or over the top.

A family tradition.

Christmas Cards already?!

Yes, I am in the mood! Already thinking of what my Christmas Cards are gonna be!

I have said it time and again, but.....yes, you know, one more time can't hurt!

One of my very favorite parts about Christmas is all of the Photo Cards. I love every single day checking the mail.

Waiting for new ones to arrive. Looking at beautiful families, creative card makers, and fabulous photos. Oh, how I love getting them in the mail.

So, I always want mine to be special. A personal touch.

For the past few years, I have turned to Shutterfly to help with that! I would LOVE to handmake every single one, but honestly, I just love toooooo many people to do that! I have to make them "by hand" on Shutterfly :)

Here's a link to some I am loving right now!

Can you imagine how cute my family would be in this one!




Oh, and then I was thinking, I could wait and do some fun New Years Cards!

I mean, is this the cutest card EVER!!!



Well, and then, I was checking out the Christmas Thank You cards! Do any of you do this?! I am wondering if I am terrible because we have never done this! What are your thoughts?



So, while I was checking all of this out, and thinking about which one I want, I noticed this little treasure, and I thought I'd pass along the savings, to you!!!

Early Bird gets the worm....or atleast the really cute photos!
Shutterfly is offering 20% off all holiday cards!!! Get started NOW, so you don't have to worry about them, um, say....December 23rd and you are paying like a gazillion bucks extra for shipping! Order today!

Ok, ok, enough for now. I need to quit playing and really be productive! I mean, after all...what would people say if I actually got my cards done in November :)

*Disclaimer: I am participating in Shutterfly's Holiday Card promotion. I was offered free Shutterfly cards for my post, but as always, the opinions are my own....and for the record, I love Shutterfly...every day of the year*

The busy-ness of it all!

***NOTE: VERY PIC HEAVY POST***

Well, this time of year, seems to be busy, busy, busy! But, on the other hand, it seems that we spend alot more time with family and friends. I like it!

We have had people "just drop in"more than usual, and have spent more time, just here, hanging out, and I like it!

I baked a LOT this year! Well, not really "baked", but just made some yummies! And, yes, the boys LOVED giving them out to all of their teachers, helpers, janitors, you name it!

The egg nog? Well, the minute I see it hit the shelves, we start buying it, well, we drink it a little, but I mostly use it for Egg Nog French Toast! And, let me tell you, it is so yummy! So, I make it until the Egg Nog disappears from the stores, and then we wait until next year!

These little beauties are for Scott's work, and all of those that work with/for him.

And, finally, Merry Christmas from us to you!