We watched the parade in our pajamas...(is there any other way?) and missed New York. We always play the *if I were in charge of the parade, I would....* game.
Daughter Bird thought Gary the snail should have his own float (because he is so CUTE) and that there certainly should be a Jigglypuff balloon. (Ann?) Boy bird says more DRUMS would be a very good thing. Sandy Poodle wanted to see more Beauty Queens doing the Wave. I personally would love to see the IG Nobel award winners have their own float....teehee. I'm still recovering from the Biology award announcement. Science Friday, now that should be a whole parade by itself! Ira Flato narrating....swoon.
We made enough food for a football team (and the marching band) and the traditional *2:30 in the afternoon we can't wait another minute to eat* Chocolate Chip cookies (which must be eaten IMMEDIATELY after they are removed from the cookie sheets....three kinds of pie (pecan, apple, pumpkin....no mincemeat this year!) sweet potato souffle, potatoes au gratin, THE Green Bean casserole (you know the ONE), crescent rolls, brown and serve rolls, STUFFING, turkey breast and honeybaked HAM....I'm sure I am forgetting something, but my brain is under the influence of tryptophan and so all I can really think about right now is a Long Winter's NAP.
On Friday we went to get our haircuts, nice and short for the boy bird, extra stylish for the Daughter and none for me, thanks. I'm still trying to figure out Rachael's comment, but hey, if even one person thinks my hair looks fantastic (really?) I'm not messing with it!
We went to the tree place to get our annual Live Tree...we decorate it with all manner of homemade art projects and then plant it outside after the New Year with Birdseed ornaments and popcorn strings for the birds and squirrels to enjoy. I just kvelled, watching the boy bird pull the wagon and Daughter picking off each and every pine needle off of all the trees before the Most Deserving Alberta Spruce was chosen. *You can go pay Mom, we'll take it to the truck!* They did indeed get it loaded into the truck, the wagon returned, without any sort of assistance whatsoever. I'm still allowed to drive them places, thank God.
Now we're doing laundry and packing up, to get the boids back to their nests....
They have checked all of the holiday must haves off of their lists, checked it twice, and are ready to get back to something more exciting than hanging out with Mom while I knit and keep trying to talk them into taking a picture for the Holiday cards...
Nothing doing.
sigh.
I'm feeling obsolete. My siblings are spread out all over the world, while I am dutifully cooking all of the Family recipes, keeping the traditions alive somehow...it seems like a shame to have a refrigerator filled with leftovers and nobody to tell the embarassing stories to (or about)....
My kiddos don't really eat any of the old family recipes....and I have to admit that this year at least, I made it through the whole meal without feeling at all homesick, or bursting into tears for my Daddy.
Time to crank up the Christmas music and clear out some of the family relics that I am holding onto for.....
what, exactly?
Nothing wrong with holding onto those family relics, leaving them in the attic/basement, until you KNOW you KNOW what to do with them and what place they'll have in your new fabulous life.
You're amazing.
(And yes, your hair really DOES look great.)
xoxo
Posted by: Rachael | November 27, 2004 at 04:44 PM
I think sometimes they (the traditions and memories) only become relics when we do - and you are far from being a relic. To me - you are in the midst of a transition and in the process of making new traditions and memories. I was so blessed to read about daughter bird's sweet heart. You've raised winners - may I do as well.
Posted by: lillium | November 28, 2004 at 07:35 AM
Isn't it wonderful how the thing(s)we work toward for so long can make us sad when they finally arrive? I'm so happy that the kids are grown up and kinda on their own, which is what you planned, but also sad for the same thing. I'm glad you had such a special day with only a few heart breaking but appropriate events. Next year will be easier. Crank up the music and let the tears roll. It's what we do.
Posted by: Larry | November 28, 2004 at 10:16 AM
Keep your chin up, dear.
Like Rachael said, leave them there until you KNOW what to do with them. These things usually work themselves out.
Posted by: Christy | November 28, 2004 at 10:24 AM