"The Spirit of Christmas"

I remember one Christmas... I think I was 9 or 10 (1995-1996) & I asked my mom what the REAL deal with Santa Claus was.
After  first explaining to me how not everyone celebrates Christmas (introducing Hannukah, Kwanza, etc) and how not everyone calls him 'Santa Claus' (introducing Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Sinterklaas, etc) my mum went on to explain that the season is more about 'the Christmas spirit' than Santa. I didn't exactly get what she meant, but our talk satisfied my curiosity enough for the time being.

That night my mum took me to McDonalds for supper, since my dad was 'working late'.
We dined-in and I'm sure I had a Happy Meal.
Just as I finished, my mum gave me 5$ and told me to go back up to the counter and to order a hamburger, fries & a coffee (with cream and sugar on the side). I remember how excited I was at this chance to play 'grown up'.
After getting the meal 'to-go' I ran back to the table and asked if this food was for daddy, my mum said 'No' with a smile, and this confused me. I asked her if she was still hungry, and if it was for her? She said 'No' again, then offering me her hand to go out to the car.
Once we got there, we drove out of the parking space and stopped by a median.... the Goodfellows were out, handing out papers to raise money towards helping families in need around Christmas time. My mum pointed over to a man that was bundled from head to toe, standing by the crosswalk handing out papers in exchange for coin; she told me to bring it to him, and to be sure to say 'Merry Christmas!'
I remember how nervous I was walking over to this man. I remember the wind blowing so cold on my face.
I got to him and he looked at me, almost surprised. I handed him the bag & the coffee and said 'Merry Christmas!!'
I'll never forget the feeling that washed over me... a warm and fuzzy tingle, almost like my entire body went to sleep for a couple of seconds.
The good fellow gave me a huge smile and a pat on the arm; he reached into his pocket and handed me a candy cane along with a paper before wishing me a Merry Christmas.
I hurried back to the car, still feeling a little wobbly with joy.
Once I got into the car, I asked my mum "What was that?"
My mum replied, "The spirit of Christmas."

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I can't wait to be able to do this with my kids.
I might have been able to pull it off this year with the little man, but he probably would have run off and eaten the fries himself! (;

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Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays.

Stay In Bed Day

Being the mama in a family of five, I take pride in the fact that we don't seem to get sick very often (knock on wood). I read the horror stories of some families; how they pass a cold back and forth quite a few times before finally kicking the "sick" to the curb for good... or at least, for awhile until the next "sickness" comes around (which doesn't seem to take long).

Regardless of my obsessive hand sanitizing habits, and giving the kids their vitamins almost every day, "sickness" has entered the building.
The girls were feverish for a couple of days, but are finally back to their mischievous selves today (mostly). My throat has been scratchy since last night, but that's about all with me thankfully (knock on wood). Hubs is healthy aside from being a bit tired from keeping up with us all. As for my poor little man, he seems to have gotten it the worst; he's been on the couch watching Toopy & Binoo/napping for about 75% of the day. He still built a castle or two, and he still wanted to do some homeschooling (bless him) but today has mostly been a stay-in-bed kind of day.

It's too bad he's such a picky eater, otherwise I'd make him some chicken noodle soup.
As much as I love my kids during these younger years, I think I will really appreciate it when they're a little older and I can bribe convince them a little better that most of my cooking is actually pretty good. I still don't have an ULTIMATE chicken noodle soup recipe (Got one? Share it!) but I'd still like to think I'm decent at whipping up tasty things in the kitchen, especially with my new pots and pans. Even though I am so excited for the holidays (and in no rush for them to be over with) it will be so much fun experimenting with some new recipes I've found (thanks Pinterest) once things have settled down in the new year.

Three Little Birds

A few minutes ago, Grace was fussing a bit in her sleep (in the crib).
I was sitting out in the living room, so I went in and she was standing up at the rail, half asleep.
I picked her up and started swaying her to the faint music playing on the radio in the room.
I listened a little harder...

Don't worry
about a thing,
'Cause every little thing's
gonna be alright.