Thursday, December 24, 2009

A Merry Christmas

A Merry Bird House Christmas

All together under our very own roof, we are preparing for Christmas.


Max made a snowman in school. A clever way to use a sock, and we love the fez.


This school project I got to help with, when I joined Max's class in reverse painting on glass. Looks like a starry and peaceful night. I recall the magic of a snowy Christmas. All the children were so intent and creative painting their holiday plates.


Maria mastered paper chain making, and hung this one with our stockings. Have not figured out how to hang them from the mantle. Maybe because I am too cheap to buy six hangers? We have a tradition of hanging them from a banister.


I finally tried adding ornaments to the tree, only to discover that it is so parched and crisp the branches fracture and collapse when I touch them. Ah, I remember our 2004 Christmas and the tree we hurled out the door, over the railing and in to the pitch black of Christmas Eve. It was so dry we feared it would spontaneously combust. Fortunately, Maria has been making and adding pretty touches. The tree is loved. Fragrant, dry, lit and loved.

William and Alex are together in the kitchen, deciphering an Alton Brown cookie recipe. They are baking. Brilliant. They are cleaning... brilliant and radiant beams of motherly gratitude.

Geoff wrapped gifts with me. Absolute awe. Proof that even after twenty years, love will surprise you.

Max and Nick are playing together. Christmas is for family.

Maria helps in any way she can. Sitting outside the *workshop* door, she asked 42 questions about our progress. We played her favorite opposite game.

Mommy: Santa wears a bathing suit.

Maria: No. He wears a fluffy-fluffy suit. And it's red. He has a hat.

Mommy: What about the magical rats that pull his sleigh?

Maria: Mommy! Reindeer pull his sleigh. Not rats.

Mommy: Oh. Well, I know Santa smells like french fries.

Maria: Santa smells like joy

Indeed.

I hope your home smells of joy, and that your Christmas is merry.

10 comments:

nikkipolani said...

Merry First Christmas in the Bird House!

Tonia said...

I hope your Christmas is merry and bright and that the new year brings you much happiness and love.

Julie said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family, Natalie!....Joy smells like french fries, huh? Interesting. Love the art projects!

Lesley said...

Merry, merry Christmas, dear Natalie. The first of many in the Blue House!

happy zombie said...

Having a friend like you smells like joy, Natalie. Pure joy.

I love your banister hung stockings - and I think it's clever and pretty how you do it . If I had a banister I'd copy you!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Home!!! xoxom

happy zombie said...

PS.... I love the sock-snowman and his fez! If he could talk, I bet he'd be saying Fez Navidad!

Tiglizzyclone said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family Natalie!

tea time and roses said...

Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family dear Natalie!

Smiles...

Beverly

Anna Banana said...

Merry Christmas! Hope Santa was good to you. Found a website your reader may want to view:
http://thesewingmachineproject.org/
Have a great day!!

OIJOY PHOTO - the blog said...

Your home seems so full of life and cozy, makes me want more children.