Traditions

It seems like Christmas is the holiday in our family that has the most traditions attached to it. Some of our traditions come from things we did when I was a kid and some things we have added since we have had our own kids. One of the traditions that we started when the kids were little is this Christmas countdown calendar that my mom made for them. All the fabric stars button around the outside border of the wall hanging and each day the kids button one onto the tree. I thought for sure as they got older this would lose some of it's thrill, but even this year, they wake up in the morning and one of their first questions is "who's turn to add the star to the tree?"

Last night we started something that we hope will become a tradition. We had a family PJ party. Larry rented a few Christmas movies and bought some snacks and we all slept in the living room and watched movies. We had a great time. The kids all thanked us for doing it this morning. Being so far from family and giving up so many of our traditions made it important to start some new ones.

Lasagna on Christmas Eve is another favorite of the holidays. My mom always made lasagna for Christmas Eve and I use her same recipe. My sister and brother do the same.

We always read the story of the Nativity from Luke chpt 2 on Christmas eve before we go to bed. Larry and I began collecting Nativity sets several years ago and try to add to our collection every year. These are some of the ways we try to keep the true meaning of the holiday at the forefront.

Christmas Cheer

Last night we went to dinner at the Darr's house. They are the pastor's of the Bible church here on the island. We had a great time. Larry and Brad are so much alike! We laughed alot and had some good "down" time with them. It is nice to be making friends with others in the same position we are. We are able to "let down" in a way we can't with others. Very nice people, and they have a son who is the same age as Noah. He was so excited to meet another PK that is his age. He has had a hard time making friends as we have no boys his age in the church and we haven't met any homeschoolers that age either.
Today the kids restacked all the wood (we finally had a good day for it, sunshine all day) then came in the house and crashed. They worked really hard and did a good job.
Mary and I went to a gingerbread making party for the Girl Scouts in the afternoon. It was good and sticky. Tomorrow is our church Christmas party. We have a potluck and a White Elephant gift exchange. We decorate the gifts in unusual ways and then play a game with them before we open them. TJ wrapped his totally in duct tape, even the bow. Mary made hers look like a cat, and Noah wrapped his in toilet paper. I had to nix the idea of using brown markers to decorate it...sheesh. We did this last year and hope to turn it into a tradition at the church.
Although we really miss our family and friends at this time of the year, we are trying to have traditions that the kids will remember for this time and place in our lives.

Harlem Ambassador Basketball Game

Last night TJ and the CAP squad presented the colors (flag) at the Harlem Ambassadors game at Craig HS. I was so proud of them! They snapped to attention and marched in perfect formation. They have worked long and hard to get it right. I never would have guessed that learning to march together would take so much practice. It looks easy, but it has taken some serious practice. TJ carried the Alaskan state flag and he had to dip it during the National Anthem. He said his arms were really sore afterwards. This mom had a hard time keeping the tears of pride in check. The game was fun; Harlem Ambassadors against the Craig Alumni Dream Team. Of course, the Ambassadors beat them. Mary was chosen to sit on the Ambassadors bench in their cheering section, so she had a courtside seat. Lots of music, and lots of joking around. I am really grateful to the Lawton family who bought the tickets for us as a Christmas present.