Christmas Traditions and Memories

What is it about this time of year that turns us all nostalgic? I am so sappy at Christmas time. I have a special Christmas album with all my Christmas pictures from years past. Every year, I love to pull it out and remember my favorite traditions and memories of the season.

The season officially begins on Thanksgiving evening when we decorate mom and dad’s house for Christmas. This process gets longer each year as mom seems to add trees and decorations galore. It sure is beautiful when it’s finished though. Andrea and I both cherish this time. Jason always found a place to hide or somewhere to go. This was not his favorite part of the season. We listen to all our favorite Christmas music and sing along while we spend hours putting lights on the tree. Mom likes them woven clear into the middle of the tree so it glows all the way through. This is not a fast process, but once you’ve done it this way, you can’t return to just going around the outside. I think the most memorable decorating was the year that we had some little nesters in our decorations. There were not one but two mice in the box. There were shrieks as well as me hurdling the coffee table to jump on the couch. Dad and Jason chased them around the house, killing one, but losing the other under the basement door. Now the little mouse was injured but not dead. I found him the next day while doing laundry. Mom thought there was a mountain lion chasing me out of the basement as I ran from the tiny, injured mouse that was running the opposite direction. This has been a fun memory to revisit through the years.

It was always Andrea's job to do the greenery above the window. She wasn't always happy about this, but she did such a nice job.

Dad helps keep the lights straight.

Andrea and I doing our favorite job.

The Grate clan has always had a huge Christmas each year. When the family was smaller we were at Grandma and Grandpa’s but that time passed about 30 people ago. We now have to rent the family center at Dayspring. This has always been a special Christmas to me. It has never been about presents. Every year Dad or Aunt Marla would read the Christmas story and do a short devotional before we began opening presents. We would sing a few carols and then everyone would go around and give hugs and kisses and Merry Christmases! There was always lots of laugher and tears shed during this time. Through the years, some of us grandkids have taken over those responsibilities. Jason does the story and devotion of the years that he’s there. I’ve even done a year or two. Of course, my year I took us in a different direction and read a beautiful children’s book about the birth of the baby Jesus. We have lots of little kids now that squirm through that time so I thought this might be nice. All the kids get up and say their Christmas pieces or sing/play a special song. The Grate’s have always been musical and that hasn’t changed with the new generations. One year, Grandma stood up and shared how she picked each of her children’s names. That was really interesting and special. That was Grandpa’s last Christmas with us. I remember it so vividly. He felt good that night and had a good time. His own recliner was brought to the family center so he would be comfortable. We all knew, he wouldn’t make it to another Christmas which made it a night of mixed emotions. I got lots of pictures and have very special memories of that Christmas. I also have to add here as I’m re-reading this entry that one favorite memory I have of Christmas at G&G Grate’s was the bulbs hanging from the ceiling. Grandma always took Christmas bulbs and hung them with thread from the ceiling in the living room. It was the coolest thing. All of us grandkids loved it!

This is one of my favorite pictures of Andrea and I with Grandma and Grandpa Grate. Their fun personalities really shine through in this picture.

Jason and Cousin Kyle share a laugh as Jason prepares to get spiritual.

Lovebirds!

Aunt Marla shares the Christmas story.

The Walsh (my mom’s side) Christmas takes place on Christmas Eve. We go to Grandma and Grandpa Walsh’s house for dinner and presents. This has always been a fun night. Andrea, Jason and I are the only grandchildren so we were a little bit spoiled. We always sat in the living room to eat while the adults sat in the kitchen. We were always impatient to get started with the presents and I think the adults sat extra long just to torture us. Uncle Ed always plays Santa handing out all the presents. Again, there is always lots of love and laughter. On our way home, we always drive around and look at Christmas lights. This is one of my favorite traditions. We have a few neighborhoods that go all out, so it’s fun to drive through and see what new things they’ve added each year. It was always hard to come home and go to bed. I was on gift overload and I knew the best was yet to come.

I love this picture (except for Jason's closed eyes) because Grandma and Grandpa Walsh are genuinely happy to be taking the picture. They don't really like taking pictures and it's sometimes a chore to get Grandma to cooperate. This was a good one.

This is a little more recent and a little more accurate. ;)

Long, Long ago.

Let’s just say, my Mom has some spending issues. But, Christmas is not the time of year that you complain about something like that. Christmas morning was incredible! I’m not sure how much my Dad enjoyed it as he was probably mentally calculating how much overtime he needed to work at GM to cover the cost, but for us kids, it was awesome! It still is! She hasn’t slowed down one bit as we’ve gotten older. I feel very greedy, but I just have to say I love it! Sorry Dad, better build another house! When we were kids, they always put a gift unwrapped in front of the tree from Santa. That was always exciting to see what he brought us. Andrea and I would get Jason up and then go jump on mom and dad’s bed. Of course, they never got up fast enough to please us. And then they thought they needed to brush their teeth and comb their hair. We would be waiting at the top of the stairs ready to race down, but Dad would take his sweet time. It was pure torture. Then finally, he’d say, “I’d better go first to make sure Santa came.” We’d race down the stairs and the fun would begin. I remember many Christmases but the most vivid is the one where I got really sick with Pneumonia and had to go in the hospital on Christmas day and the one where I got all my clowns. That was an awesome Christmas. Want to know what we did last year? Jason and Holly were home for Christmas, but their kids don’t get up early yet. Well Andrea and I are still all about the early. So, Andrea got me up and we went in and jumped on the bed to wake mom and dad up. We decided to open one present each while we waited for the late sleepers to get up. Holly came in and busted us! We felt bad, but Andrea and I just wanted that early morning magic. That’s part of the fun for us. I’m wondering how this year will work with the new hubby? Will Jon jump on mom and dad’s bed too? Ha! That mental picture makes me laugh.

Mom and Jason on Christmas morning.

The 3 of us with many of Andrea's stuffed animals. I don't think Jason and I got those for Christmas.

A special sisterly hug on Christmas morning.

Probably my most special Christmas memories occurred later on Christmas day. We always had visits from Grandparents who would come to see what Santa brought us. G&G Walsh would come for dinner in the afternoon and the G&G Grate would come for leftovers that night. We always played games on Christmas night with G&G Grate. Dominoes were our favorite. They were both ornery little cheaters. We had so much fun laughing at them. Grandpa was a hoot. He had the best sense of humor. I miss him so. It’s just not the same without him. Think they have dominoes in Heaven? I hope so!

A special Christmas day visit with the Joneses and my Grandparents.

One of our famous games of Dominoes. This is probably one of my most favorite memories in the whole world. I love ya Grandpa.

Well, as I sit here on my prep at school with tears streaming down my face, I just want to close by saying that I am so thankful for a family that taught me the true meaning of Christmas and threw in lots of fun and magic to go with it. The memories I have and the many more to be made, will last me a lifetime. I’m also thankful for a savior who came as a tiny baby to save us. All these special memories were made because of a holiday that celebrates his birth. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year!

Love,

Kelley

Look Who's 8!

Well, it's official...my little guy's 8 years old. It's hard to believe. Aunt Kelley is feeling really old. The wierd part is to think how fast it has gone and in 8 more, he'll be driving. Scary! We celebrated this occasion at my house on Sat. I had the kids Friday night while Jason and Holly enjoyed Christmas with friends in Ft. Wayne. Sat. Mom and Dad drove over for the day. The only ones missing were Andrea and Jon. They were missed. Elijah asked about 11:00am what time they were getting there. He was a little bummed but got over it when he saw Aunt Andrea sent her present with Grandma. Ha! Aunt Kelley threw Elijah a "Pirates of the Carribean" party since he loves that movie. We all wore our pirate hats to get into the spirit. Elijah and Aunt Kelley in their pirate hats.The big 8 year old!
What a cool cake!
He got all the candles on the first blow.
Excitement!
The Movie! Aauugh!!!

And the winner is....

The winner for this year's Christmas card photo is....

This was my favorite picture as well as many of you. Thank you for your input. Now, to receive this Christmas card, right click on the picture, save picture to your computer photos. Print picture. Hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

Long Awaited Photos

Okay, here they are, the long awaited Christmas card photos. It took me a little longer to get mine ready as I had to take a trip to Marion to get the different trees. Going to my mom's is like going to a Christmas store with many different displays to choose from. I would like to thank my photographers, Mom, Andrea and Sue for making this dream a reality. Please let me know which one you would like to display on your fridge. :) As requested, me and my little Sandy.
Mom's dining room tree.
Glamour shot by mom's living room tree. Wish I could airbrush this like the magazines do.

Santa and I by Mom's bedroom tree.
Cozy by the fireplace pontsettias.

Hiding the parts of myself I don't really like behind the pontsettias.

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom

Are you hearing the commercial in your head? I was as I typed the title of this blog. Well, just as I knew it would, the holidays are zipping right by. I must say though, that I am truly enjoying the season. I can't put my finger on anything that's different, but I'm just extremely loving this holiday season. I have all but one present bought (that I will get tonight because it was just released today). I am going to do some Christmas baking (don't faint Andrea). I'm not sure what has come over me, but I've caught the Martha bug. I'm even enjoying school. Usually the kids are crazy at this time of year, but so far so good. I even decorated my classroom so I can enjoy the cheer all day long.

Sunday I had my cousin Jennifer over for dinner. She's a junior at IWU and had never been to my house. It was really fun. There are 20 of us grandkids and we see each other, maybe 3-4 times a year at family dinners/holidays. Kind of hard to really know each other and to be close. So, I really enjoyed talking with her and getting to know her a little better.

This week my best friend turns a year older. I won't tell you how old she is out of respect for my elders. Happy Birthday Sue!

I had to take my car back to the shop. Something with the clutch. That could have easily stolen my joy, but I'm trying not to let it bother me. Anyone need a nice, used Honda... You know, the best cars ever made that I will drive forever now because they are so wonderful... The ones that will run for a gazillion years...Okay, sorry about the sarcasm. Just had to throw that in there. Give me my GMAC anyday!

Would it be weird to do a Christmas card with a picture of just me? I keep getting these wonderful Christmas cards with pictures of kids or whole families. What do you do if you're single?I feel like I should go sit in front of a tree and have someone take my picture. Would that be weird? Would people post it on their refridgerator like I have done? Just wondering.

Well, time to wrap this up for today. Remember: He's the reason for the season!

Love,
Kelley

Blessed

As I thought about a title for this post, Blessed is the only thing that seemed truely appropriate because that's what I am. The Lord has truely blessed me and my entire family. The weekend was spent eating, decorating, shopping. laughing, and loving. It's funny how I've blocked every frustrating moment from my mind. Decorating with 3 little people who just want to help is no easy task. I'm sure we uttered the words "Stop, Step away from the tree" more than once, but it's like those moments are erased. All I remember is laughing at Zeke's antics, Emmy's silliness and Elijah's new comedy routine. My how he is like his father! I think the most special part of the weekend for me was Sunday at Grandma Grate's house. Grandma's not doing so well in the memory dept. She has dementia and gets really confused. As we sat down to dinner (there were about 30 of us there) Dad asked her is she would pray for dinner. As she started to pray, I started to cry. It was like she was herself again. This was the Grandma I know, the prayer warrior. I'm so glad I was there. We don't get to hear her pray like that anymore and it was very special. I've added pictures from the weekend to share. Enjoy!

This picture of Andrea and I was taken by Elijah. He's quite the little photographer and loves to take pictures with Aunt Kelley's digital camera. Good one Lij!

Zeke was such a little helper. He always had the next branch. I thought this picture of him on the ladder was too cute. As usual, no pants were being worn. We need to start our own "colony."

Emmy looked so cute with her new hair cut. She's quite proud of it!
Elijah is in that "I don't want to take a normal picture" stage. He likes to make lots of funny faces, but getting a nice, normal, smiling picture...good luck. This is mom's finished tree in the living room. Pictures don't do it justice.
Jason, Andrea and I took our annual Thanksgiving picture with Grandma and Grandpa Walsh.
What a nice family shot. Love the denim and black idea!
This picture cracked me up. The tree stand is broken so we have some leaning issues. Jon was trying to straighten it, with a little help from Elijah and Emmy.
The Grate clan is growing. Welcome Jon!
Friday was Andrea's 29th birthday! We celebrated with a nice lunch at Texas Roadhouse. Mom tipped off the waitress so Andrea got a nice birthday Yee Haw! She was really embarrassed. The girls love their shopping day!

Weekend in Michigan

Oh My Goodness! Is it no wonder I live to spend time with these kids? This past weekend, the IWU women's basketball team was playing at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI. (They won both games and remain undefeated by the way) I was able to go to the games and stay with my brother. It was a 2 for 1 weekend. Zeke is such a little lover. He has the funniest personality. Ornery and so loving all at the same time. Aunt Kelley wanted very much to bring him home with her. If it weren't for these two pesky days of school, I would have.

Elijah is an absolute nut! Jason has him completely brainwashed about Ohio State. Sat. he was up at 8:00 and completely dressed for the game. He kept watching sports center while they were covering the history of the rivalry. He'd look over at me and say, "I'm so nervous! " Cracks me up! Well, the Bucks pulled out a victory so we were all very happy.
I tried to take a cute picture of all the kids in their OSU gear, but nobody was cooperating. Zeke kept hiding his face with his hat just to be funny, Emmy wouldn't keep her shirt out of her mouth and Elijah thought my frustration was hillarious. Little Miss Em looking too stylish. She was practicing her bowling. She thinks her next visit should include a trip to a real bowling alley because she's quite the pro at Silly Six Pins.
Zeke was all smiles. He loves to say cheese and be silly for the camera. Now I have to make a disclaimer here. These pictures were taken in J and Holly's unfinished basement. There are plans to paint the walls, but Holly has it really pretty cozy considering. She was worried about me posting these pictures. Just want to make sure you all don't think she makes the kids play in a dungeon.
Peek a Boo! This sums up his silliness. He was taunting me and oh how I enjoyed it. I can't wait till tomorrow. I'll get to spend another 4 days with them. I'm so excited about this week. I love Thanksgiving weekend. It's such a good time of eating, decorating, shopping, but most of all loving. I'll be sure and post about it next week! I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!

Kelley

It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas!

I thought I would post a few pictures to show what I got accomplished last weekend. This is my main tree in my living room window.















This is my patriotic tree in my kitchen. Mom used to put this tree in her patriotic bedroom but since it is now Dad's office, she gave it to me for my kitchen. Thanks Mom! :)




















This is my blurry living room. The sign over the mantel says "And the stockings were hung..."

The house feels so cozy at Christmas time. Now we just need a good snow to go with it! :)

Life

Well, life is just zipping by. I have tried to post a couple of times with no success so hopefully this will work. I have several updates.

First, I think my sickness has finally passed. I actually went to the dr. last week on Wed. because I had a setback and thought I was probably having some serious issues. All my blood work and other tests came back normal. No problems. My "Issues" have gone away and I'm feeling great. So, that's a big praise. It was the longest stomach flu I've ever had, but at least it's over.

Second, All my teams are still undefeated. IWU ladies won a close battle against the #2 ranked Cedarville last Saturday. That was exciting. Because of Cedarville's arrogance, I enjoy beating them almost as much as Taylor. The lady Kats are in Missouri this weekend for a tournament playing tonight at 7:00 and tomorrow at 12:00. I will listen on the radio. The Buckeyes are 10-0 with that big Michigan game looming on the horizon. Go Bucks! And my Colts are 8-0 squeeking out last week against New England.

I'm excited to decorate for Christmas this weekend. As I look at the calendar I can't believe how quickly this fall has flown by. It will be January before I know it.

Next, I was reminded this morning how awesome life with our God is. My cousin Kim had a cancer scare and posted this week that her biopsy came back negative. Praise God! I had already checked her blog a couple of days ago, but the song she had wanted to play when you brought it up wasn't working then. This morning before school, I went on to see if she had updated and the song was working. It's a song, I know and have heard many times before but this morning, in the context of her good news, it hit me anew. I sat with tears streaming down my face as I listened to the song titled His Grace Still Amazes Me. I am so thankful for God's Grace and that we don't get what we deserve. God just continues to take care of me and to heap blessings on me that I often wonder what I've done to deserve it. I know I haven't done nearly enough.

Last, I would like to request prayer for one of my students. I can't put any details on the blog, but this is a major situation that needs a huge miracle. My heart is all wrapped up in this situation and it's really eating away at me. I'm worried about this student's safety and wish sometimes that I could take them home with me. I wonder what life would be like if they could have my family. A family that would surround them with more love than they've known in a lifetime. As I've talked with another friend who's also involved, she put it so perfectly, "I do believe in miracles." That's what we need here folks, so please pray if you can.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend!

Love,
Kelley

What a Wonderful World

Aahh...Life sure is great. What prompts this new outlook on life? I just love the months of Nov. and Dec. Besides summer vacation, they are my favorite months of the year. I love fall, I love holidays, I love my 3 favorite teams. Now I know the Colts and Buckeyes have been in full swing for a couple of months now, but today my Lady Wildcats joined them, making my joy complete. The only mar on this joy is that for some reason tonights opening game was not covered on the radio. I was all ready. I had the radio in the living room beside my favorite chair and nothing but mood music met me. I have already e-mailed the station and the announcer who usually attends the games to broadcast to find out how this oversight occured.
Below is a picture of this year's team. I have big expectations for this team. I believe they are the "ONE" making this year that all 3 of my teams will end their seasons as champions.














Here you have my man Troy Smith with the classiest coach around Jim Tressel. What a team they make. The Buckeyes have made me super proud this season. That big Michigan battle is just 3 games away....GO BUCKS!!!







Then there's my other favorite duo, Peyton and Tony. What a class act they both are. Sunday afternoons aren't complete without my Colts.






So, you must be asking, "Is she crazy?" Is this all that's making her happy? No, it's not the only thing. Like I said, I love these next 2 months. I love Thanksgiving and Christmas. The traditions with family that I have during these two holidays are some of my favorite moments of the year. I am eager to enjoy them again this year. I can't wait to decorate for Christmas. My house looks so cool at Christmas time. I'm actually decorating next weekend. It's my only free weekend before Thanksgiving and I don't want to wait till the week after. That's just not long enough to enjoy!

As we enter into this busy season, I hope everyone takes a moment to really savor and enjoy it. It doesn't get much better!

Odd and Ends

Well, here it is a fine blustery Sat. morning and I thought I might take the time to blog. Sadly, I don't really have much to say. I have been sick for almost 2 weeks which is starting to get really old. Have I been to a Dr.? Of course not, you silly nilly. I don't do doctors. Much to the frustration of all my friends and family who care about me. I do think I am slowly returning to normal. Thursday and Friday were FAll Break so that came at a great time. I've gotten alot of rest which is my way of saying I've been EXTREMELY lazy! Actually it rained solid both days, so I couldn't have been productive if I'd wanted to. Now today, the rain is gone and the sun is shining, but the wind is blowing 40 mph so I'm not sure how productive raking leaves would be on a day like today. Maybe the wind will just blow all the leaves away and I won't have to rake. Wishful thinking... Went to see Flicka last night. It was a very sweet, wholesome movie. I cried and laughed. I enjoyed my man Tim McGraw although I don't think he'll be nominated for an oscar anytime soon. Let's see, what else is new...Well, my car seems to be running well. That's good news. I've sat here this morning paying bills and going over my budget. Doesn't look like I'm going to be rich anytime soon, but that's okay. My mind is always trying to think of some get quick rich scheme. I have some people trying to talk me into being a Mary Kay consultant. It's tempting. The profit on sales is quite phenominal, but my Creative Memories fiasco has me a little gun shy. Well, I need to wrap this up. I'm sitting here watching the leaves swirl around outside. I think some are blowing away, but some are just relocating in my yard.

Hodge Podge

Hi everybody! I know it's been awhile. I must admit I am struggling with the blog. I'm not motivated to post, read or comment. I hope it's just a phase because I miss my more consistent contact with all of you. I have sensed that this seems to be a trend with many. Many of my faithful reads havn't posted in weeks even months. Maybe it's just the time of year. Well, I titled this blog Hodge Podge because that's what it's going to be. There is no specific topic, just many random thoughts.

First, I would like to say that we were blessed with Miss Anon at ladies night this week. This was her first appearance. I had to take this picture because my little dog Sandy has a special honing beacon that lets her know who doesn't really like her. She then makes it her mission to lick them into submission. Miss Anon doesn't really care for dogs, but she finally allowed Sandy to lay on her lap. This was definitly picture worthy. As you can see her identity is still secure.



Staying with the ladies night theme, we are moving this Thursday to Lynn's house at 6:30 for a Mary Kay party. If you show up here, it will be dark, but Sandy will be here to keep you company. Those of you reading may want to call any that you know don't actually read the blog (I'm thinking mainly Jill).

Moving on...My little gem of a car is feeling like more of a lemon at the moment. In the last week I have put over $600.00 into my little car. I'm trying not to be negative, but I'd love to have a word with Dave Ramsey right about now. It would go something like, "New Cars Rule!" My dad is encouraging me that in the end I will still come out ahead and hopefully this will be all I'll have to do for quite some time, but I'm not feeling very optimistic tonight. Pessimistic maybe.

I'm not feeling well. My stomach is revolting and has been for 3 days. Today it is worse, but I think it's due to stress over the car. I think I might have a bug of some sort. Anyway, not so fun.

Had a SUPER time with my little sis this weekend. It was too short, but I enjoyed it immensely. I miss her.

School is still REALLY good! I'm having a great year and I'm so thankful.

The diet is horrible. I feel very much like a failure right now. Don't know how to fix it. Although with all my trips to the bathroom today, I will probably be down a few pounds in the morning. ;)

I am EXTREMELY excited for basketball to start. I know it's going to be a great season! Go KATS!!

Well, I think that's all for now. I'm feeling a little shivery so I'm gonna go burrow down in a blanket and watch some TV. Maybe relaxing will help.

Have a good week All!