eSpecially Ben

The Evolution of the Christmas Card Photo*: Merry Christmas from our family to yours!   *  I borrowed this idea from my creative friend Kati. We all know how much goes on behind the scenes of the holiday photo. Sometimes it's fun to see the discarded photos too.

Scoop of Sunshine  collects all types of quotes, articles and videos meant to make you smile, laugh, think and perhaps act. In the midst of harried shopping, crazy baking and family visiting, it is a good reminder to reflect on the bigger picture during this time of the year.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are the big draw at Mecklenburg Shriners Club Holiday Party each year. There's no delayed gratification between telling Santa what you want and December 25. After you get your photo taken with Santa, you walk off the stage and choose your present right then and there. This year, Ben ('s parents) chose a Harley Davidson jacket - photo soon to be released. If you are impressed with Ben's patience sitting on Santa's lap...about three seconds after the photo was shot, Ben had Santa's belt undone and off. He's that good. But as you can see, this Santa and all those involved in this wonderful organization have a good sense of humor and take it all in stride. Need more information about the organization: Shining at Shriners Shriners Hospital Shriners International

It is easy for us to get caught up in our own issues, problems and complaints - I am just as guilty as the next person. If we can step outside ourselves once in awhile, we can see everything in its true perspective. Sometimes it takes a small gesture and sometimes a whack on the head. Lucky for me, this time I was given a hand. Ben received this ornament and letter this week. A lot of emotion washed over me as I read the beautiful letter. I know it is tiny print, but please read it. If you want more information, read their website: Wings of Hope , an orphanage for children with disabilities.   

Ben spreads the holiday cheer with unexpected hugs.

Our traditions are a big part of our family life, from apple picking in the mountains to choosing a Christmas Tree from the same corner lot every year. These traditions are what the kids talk about when they look forward to the next year. This is what they will remember thirty years from now when they think back to time with our family. The people who are a part of these traditions are just as important as the tradition itself - our neighbors, friends and family join in the fun each year too. For countless years, we have invited neighbors over to build Graham Cracker Houses. We glue the crackers with edible Royal Icing (recipe below photos). We add an assortment of candy for decoration and voila, a beautiful table decoration and an on-going snack for the passerby is created. As the kids get older their participation and imagination have grown. This year was the best yet, with many doing most of the work on their own, leaving the adults to mingle, eat and drink. Our family typic

I often find myself wondering about the motions of life - I mean the motions we go through every single day, week, month, year and decade. In a class I taught recently, one of the seasoned married couples talked about how decades have gone by that they do not even remember. Although it is good to know that others feel the same way as me, it makes me want to savor the mundane and notice the little moments. Inside that blur could be the spectacular. Tonight, after Ben's physical therapy, I decided to treat the boys to pizza at Ben's favorite place. I left Ben sitting at the table while the other boys "played" Miss Pacman. (I do not give them money, they just watch the icons move around and either pretend they are playing or actually think they are playing - not sure which and I don't want to spoil the free thing I have going on.) The pizza took about 20 minutes to get to our table. Ben waited patiently without complaint. When the pizza came, he remained c