Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Looking Forward to Christmas (Already!)

I know it's only August, but I have to tell you that I can hardly wait for Christmas this year.  We are going to have all five of our sons, their four wives, and all four of our grandchildren (one who isn't born yet, but will be making his appearance in October) here with us.  I can hardly contain my excitement about this.  I wasn't even sure we would ever be able to get the whole gang together at Christmas, now that three (soon-to-be four) are married and they have to split their time between us and their in-laws.  It seems like a miracle to me, and I am on Cloud 9 about it!

Apparently, our #1 son and his wife Regina have informed their little girls that they are spending Christmas at Papa and Grammy's house this year.  During a recent Skype session, Cutie Pie (one of the three-year-old twins) got very excited and said, "Grammy, we're coming to your house for Christmas today!"  (My daughter-in-law said, "I guess we shouldn't have told them about it so early--they think it's happening NOW."  But all I can say to that is, "I WISH!")

Our three granddaughters have never been to our house, the house in which their dad grew up.  We usually travel to see them wherever they are (and they've been in WI, NY, AL, CO, and MI--so far!); it's easier for us than it is for them, because we have those airline employee passes for flights.  And also because, well...twins.  And now twins plus an 18-month-old little sister.  And all the accoutrement, if you will, that is required for traveling with wee ones.  They've stayed at Papa's boyhood home in Upstate NY, once for Christmas and once for son #4's wedding, but they've never traveled to NH.

I have told our kids that they need bring NOTHING with them, except their adorable selves.  We will provide the diapers, the baby food, the Pack 'n Plays, the baby gates, the electrical outlet covers, and what-have-you--and even a goodly supply of toys and books (since I'm an extreme pack-rat when it comes to nostalgic items, and I've kept EVERYTHING that our boys ever had).  They just need to bring themselves.  And those grandchildren, of course!

Yesterday when I was shopping at Wal-Mart, I saw something I simply had to have.  (Yes, I shop at Wal-Mart, and I'm not ashamed of it.)  I thought it might come in handy for my little newbie potty-goers--who happen to be huge fans of ladybugs.
Grammy's ready for you, gang.  She's even got a potty chair all ready to use.  Not to mention friendly little woodland creatures lurking about in the most unexpected places (and I hope they'll be a big hit with the little ones!).

Christmas can't come soon enough!

12 comments:

  1. That is a lot of Christmas Eve crackers and pizza to plan! What a wonderful thing to look forward to, it will make Advent even more special! I am excited for you, I imagine as a mom having your whole family under one roof is the best possible scenario. And the lady bug potty is super cute. I feel like I am gushing in this comment but it just makes me feel joyous reading your excitement of anticipation. And I am sure my joy is nothing compared to yours!

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    1. How sweet of you to remember our Christmas Eve crackers and pizza!! I am so looking forward to that with everybody together! And after I discovered the ones you can fill yourself (which I used for my middle son's rehearsal dinner last December), I'm going to find the perfect little goodies to put inside them.

      Thank you, Madeline, for sharing my excitement. We're going to bake cookies, and make snow angels, and snuggle (have you seen "Elf"?)! It's going to be great. :)

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  2. You are going to gave a fabulous Christmas! And what a blessing for your kids not to have to worry about bringing all the things!

    And I'm not afraid to admit I'm a Walmart shopper either!

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    1. Why does everyone like to make fun of Wal-Mart shoppers? I'm going to admit something scandalous here: but I prefer Wal-Mart to Target. (There--I said it!)

      And anytime they're willing to make the trip, we're going to make sure we have what they need at our house! (Is that bribery, do you think?)

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  3. How awesome that everyone will be together!!! But speaking as a mom of potty-training twins, you probably need to get a 2nd identical potty if you haven't already ;)

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    1. Oooh, you're right. You know what--I'm going to get another one. There was a cute froggy potty at Wal-Mart, too...but what if they fight over the ladybug? Perhaps I'll get another ladybug!

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  4. This is so wonderful!! I'm so happy for you! I hope you have the most wonderful time together. God bless!

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  5. That is so wonderful! I was just talking to mom about the Harding Christmas and that we need to send an e-mail out about it because everyone needs to make their plans early ... guess I was right! I am so happy for you!

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  6. Oh, Laura, I'm soo excited for you!!!! I know you can't wait!! I do hope that one day SOON one or more of your boys and their family can move closer to you. I am so grateful that my grandchildren are only a 30-minute drive away. But that can potentially change if my son-in-law were offered a better job elsewhere. It's not an impossibility.

    And I shop at Walmart, too!!

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    1. Enjoy those grandbabies! We're going to see ours in less than 3 weeks, and I can't wait.

      Why do people always make fun of Wal-Mart shoppers? I find so many things I need at that place!

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