They're coming...

They're coming...The holidays I mean. Randall is already a tad tired of me freaking out and saying I'm feeling overwhelmed. This time last year I had all my lists made and even most of my Christmas shopping done. Now that we don't have TV the kids haven't mentioned anything they want even once. Maybe because without TV not only do they not see advertisements but don't realize what time of year it is. Especially since the weather here has been gorgeous. It's been in the 70's all week and sunny and beautiful with a little rain here and there to keep it cozy. I'm loving it. The colors on the trees and bushes are almost to their peak. The reds and yellows and pink are so much more vivid than any I've ever seen. Even Randall in his state of color blindedness can see a change in the leaves. One of my favorite sites is to look out the window and watch the leaves falling from the trees like snowflakes, and leaves billowing up in bunches behind a passing car.

My expectations for the holidays this year are even bigger than ever, which is a problem. I have learned in the last few years that the lower my expectations the happier everyone is in the end. I think this year though knowing we are on our own, away from family I feel like all the responsibility falls directly on my shoulders to make sure our children have the most fantastic memories and traditions ever. The last 4 years we have had family all around us, and that helped fill the bulk of time and our holiday traditions were already set. The thought of choosing and starting our very own family's traditions is exciting but also very daunting. I like to place a fair amount of blame for my desire for all this fabulous and magical on miss Tasha Tutor. Do you know who she is? When I was a little girl my mother would read to me out of a book of hers that was beautifully illustrated month by month encompassing all the holidays. she wrtoe of all the amazing and sweet traditions that would take place. Things like pressing apples for home made apple cider, and sleeping in the barn with the cousins with so much family in town for Thanksgiving. Doesn't that sound magical? I pulled out that book the other day just to check up on Halloween festivities. I can't find it now and I can only think that Randall has hidden it. I mean who doesn't want to celebrate their birthday with their birthday cake floating down a stream with candles all a light? Me, me! Ok, so I know that sort of thing isn't practical but I sure wish it were. For now I need to just try to take a deep breath and a huge spoonful of reality and realize that if things don't come out to be as I dream them up in my head, my children will be no the wiser and my husband that much happier.

What are some of your holiday traditions?

Read about Tasha Tudor HERE