Saturday, December 27, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
The night before Christmas at the Strid house
It is the night before Christmas, and it's a quiet Strid house. Yet not one kid is awake and I'm about to fall out.
I'm up to my ears in cookie dough, and icing is all over the plate. Am I the only one that notices Santa need to lose some weight?
I've just tidied up the house, lit candles and hung the candy canes. I'm smoking a cigarette and I travel down memory lane.
It wasn't so long ago I remember five crazy squirts. We would wake up early in the morning and put on all matching shirts.
We would have to wait for Mom and Jerrie to wake up last. It seemed forever as we salivated when only thirty minutes had past.
The ritual was to eat breakfast first, whether eggs, cereal or pancakes. It was hard to remember we were all in a race.
First came the family photo in our matching company tops. Finally, we got to the stockings with batteries, cool mind games, candy and lolli-pops.
Last but not least, we found our places on the floor. Stacks of presents were handed out then of course take photos before.
One by one we went around the room opening our gifts. Taking turns to enjoy them, watching the others' smile's lift.
I hope as tomorrow comes and my children sit by the tree, that one day when they have children they too, can share their Christmas memories.
-Shelly Strid
I'm up to my ears in cookie dough, and icing is all over the plate. Am I the only one that notices Santa need to lose some weight?
I've just tidied up the house, lit candles and hung the candy canes. I'm smoking a cigarette and I travel down memory lane.
It wasn't so long ago I remember five crazy squirts. We would wake up early in the morning and put on all matching shirts.
We would have to wait for Mom and Jerrie to wake up last. It seemed forever as we salivated when only thirty minutes had past.
The ritual was to eat breakfast first, whether eggs, cereal or pancakes. It was hard to remember we were all in a race.
First came the family photo in our matching company tops. Finally, we got to the stockings with batteries, cool mind games, candy and lolli-pops.
Last but not least, we found our places on the floor. Stacks of presents were handed out then of course take photos before.
One by one we went around the room opening our gifts. Taking turns to enjoy them, watching the others' smile's lift.
I hope as tomorrow comes and my children sit by the tree, that one day when they have children they too, can share their Christmas memories.
-Shelly Strid
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to everyone! We all hope you have a happy holidayand truly enjoy your families on this special day This is what Chritmas is all about.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Sam's 9th Birthday Party
Sam bobbing for apples. Sam's own Winter Wonderland, her happy birthday banner, and the cake celebration.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Samantha's Birthday Party
So we finally figured out a good use for the Christmas tree. Popping balloons! As you can tell they were having a blast!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Just thinking
So, this is supposed to be a blog. Well, it's 3 a.m and my mind is just a racing. Here are the Holidays again and the feeling of joy and laughter surround our home daily. We watch Christmas movies after dinner each night and then head over to the neighbors' house for a friendly game of Phase 10. We have listened to the Chipmunks songs over and over for the billionth time but still love to hear it again. The kid's favorite is "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth", and "Shrek the Halls." I just got finished searching for addresses on the internet to get my Christmas cards out on time and now the thoughts of family are creeping up on me.
I just wonder how long it's going to take everyone in this family to realize just how precious life is. To realize that we all make mistakes, we all make poor decisions at times, and we all feel left out one way or the other. Regardless of those feelings, we have such a big family who are all still generally healthy. We have many grandchildren now running around, and one who will be running around soon. We have a connection to each other that regardless, will always be there. Yet for some reason there always seems to be someone not talking to someone, or someone saying hateful things about each other or to each other. I quite honestly don't understand how so much anger can just build and build and be harvested for so long. Christmas is about family and about the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Sure I'm not the most religious person in the world, but regardless of what's ever happened I have tried to just turn the other cheek no matter what people have said or done to me. Anyway, I have had this on my mind for a long time and have just wanted to put it out there. Our family is all we have. One day there will come a time when there will be regret for the nature of our actions. I regret many things and have apologized and I am at peace with myself. I know the world will never be perfect, but with so much anymosity, how could it get any better? My hopes and prayers for this Christmas season is that we are all able to realize that we are just human beings, and that all flaws aside we are still family. Time flies by so fast and what a waste it would be to spend that time harboring grudges, resentment, jealously, or bitterness. I know I am thankful for my whole family and I am also sorry for many wrongs that I may have committed against others or said things that hurt others, but I have asked for forgiveness and he has forgiven me.
I just wonder how long it's going to take everyone in this family to realize just how precious life is. To realize that we all make mistakes, we all make poor decisions at times, and we all feel left out one way or the other. Regardless of those feelings, we have such a big family who are all still generally healthy. We have many grandchildren now running around, and one who will be running around soon. We have a connection to each other that regardless, will always be there. Yet for some reason there always seems to be someone not talking to someone, or someone saying hateful things about each other or to each other. I quite honestly don't understand how so much anger can just build and build and be harvested for so long. Christmas is about family and about the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Sure I'm not the most religious person in the world, but regardless of what's ever happened I have tried to just turn the other cheek no matter what people have said or done to me. Anyway, I have had this on my mind for a long time and have just wanted to put it out there. Our family is all we have. One day there will come a time when there will be regret for the nature of our actions. I regret many things and have apologized and I am at peace with myself. I know the world will never be perfect, but with so much anymosity, how could it get any better? My hopes and prayers for this Christmas season is that we are all able to realize that we are just human beings, and that all flaws aside we are still family. Time flies by so fast and what a waste it would be to spend that time harboring grudges, resentment, jealously, or bitterness. I know I am thankful for my whole family and I am also sorry for many wrongs that I may have committed against others or said things that hurt others, but I have asked for forgiveness and he has forgiven me.
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