My Wish For You This Christmas

With only a few days left until Christmas, I wanted to take some time to send my readers some holiday wishes.

Merry Christmas, everyone! And I hope you take the time to do at least one of the things listed!

Find your inner child.

                                       Turn off all the lights in the house, turn ON some Christmas music, then sit down and gaze at your beautiful Christmas tree. (And don't forget to squint your eyes at it! I've been doing that since I was little, and it's still cool!)☺         

                                
Kiss someone under the mistletoe.☺


                                                                    
                                                         Read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to your kids. Heck, read it to yourself if you don't have kids! Just read it! ☺

Look up at the moon on Christmas Eve night. I'll be doing it too, so there's no need to feel silly.☺









Take a little time to stop and smell the Christmas cookies.☺

And most importantly, pause and think about our wonderful savior. What a wonderful gift He is!♥


I wish you ALL a very merry Christmas!!

Santa Bread

I finally made another Pinterest find! (Yay for productivity!!) I really thought I would get around to making more of the holiday stuff I pinned, but alas, life as a mommy to 3 kept me busy. ☺

This one was found via Taste Of Home, and the directions are there when you click the link. Pictures and all, thank goodness!! ☺

I used the suggested 2 loaves of frozen bread dough, instead of making the from scratch recipe given. It explains how to make it either way you choose.

I read the reviews at the bottom, and used the suggestion of brushing on the plain egg yolk before brushing on the red, that way they don't bleed together.

I also used chocolate chips for the eyes, instead of raisins.

All and all, I'm really pleased with the outcome! Next time I'll make his pom-pom a little smaller, because a little warning, Santa rises like crazy in the oven!! ☺


We'll be serving our Santa bread with some Hoppin' Jalapeno and Bacon Dip, from Tastefully Simple. But I'm not going to lie....cutting into it will be a little heartbreaking!! What a cutie!!

Ho Ho Ho!!!

A Message From Beyond

After I had my youngest daughter, my doctor told me he didn't want me to have anymore babies, due to the large amount of scar tissue from my c-section.

He told me this while I was on the operating table, so while I was a little upset about the news, I was more focused on seeing and hearing my baby girl for the first time. It also seemed like okay news, because we felt like we were done having kids anyway.

But as Holly grew older, my heart began to long for another baby. In my heart, I knew that I was meant to be a mommy to 3 children. Our family just didn't feel complete.

We were torn on what to do. At a doctor's visit, I mentioned I wanted to have another baby, and my doctor suggested I have a surgery, to determine how much scar tissue had built up, and how easily they could get the baby out. This seemed like a lot of wasted time and money, because I just knew I was going to have another baby someday. I also trusted my heart that the delivery would go smoothly.

But as my heart said yes, my mind still had it's doubts.

That was all about to change though.

I wrote this in my journal.

March 5, 2008

A few nights ago, I had a dream that Sam's grandma came to me and told me I would be having another baby, and that it will be a boy. She looked young, and I could tell she felt young too. Before she left, she gave me a hug.

A month or so later, I had another dream, this time of a friend that had passed away a few years back. She was with a man she introduced as her uncle, and they both were there to tell me to stop worrying, and that I was to have another baby someday, and that it would be a boy.

All doubts that my mind once had, were now gone. These were not just ordinary dreams. I know these were visitation dreams of those that cared for me in life. They wanted to bring me peace of mind, and that's what they did.

I will forever believe that, and no one could ever change my mind. We are always connected to our loved ones.

So, in late 2008 and early 2009, we began to try to become pregnant. But unlike our first 2, it wasn't happening right away. I always like to plan things, and since we were going into March, I thought we should take a time-out from trying, because I did not want to have a baby around Christmas time!

Funny thing about fate. It doesn't matter what we plan! 

So, almost a year to the date of my dream about Sam's grandma, we became pregnant! (With a due date being the week of Christmas.)

There wasn't a doubt in my mind or heart, that I was having a baby boy.

And at my 21 week ultrasound, I got my official confirmation.

"You're having a boy!"

And although it was nice to see the visual proof, I didn't really need it.

Our first and only son was on his way into our arms, as promised.

Noah Michael was born on December 21, 2009.

A happy and healthy baby boy. The c-section went smoothly, without any added problems from the scar tissue. 

Our hearts were full, and our family finally felt complete.

Tomorrow our little boy turns two.

Two?! Already?!

I would give anything to be able to slow time. But since I can't, I'll continue to watch our kids grow and learn, and find their place in the world.

We are truly blessed.♥

This post is dedicated to Jane and Tammy. Thank you for your gift of peace of mind.♥

Campbell's Soup Snowman

Who remembers this sweet commercial from the early 90's? (The person posting the video posted it as being from 2002, but that's wrong.)

I sometimes still see it on tv, but not much anymore.

Christmas Cards: Let's Keep the Tradition Alive!

Call me old fashioned, but I still enjoy receiving Christmas cards in the mail. I love the feeling that someone thought enough of me to send a beautiful card of their choosing, and buying the stamp to send it out. And I love doing the same for as many as I personally can.


But sadly, as the years pass, we receive less and less. I love Facebook, but I really do think it's to blame.

Why would we waste our time and money on cards and stamps, when we can just say, "Merry Christmas everyone!" on Facebook or in an email?

I'll tell you why.

Because of the personal connection a card can bring. When you're signing your name to the card, your giving that person a piece of yourself. You're showing them just how much they mean to you, and that you cherish them.

It's so refreshing to see a family member's or friend's handwriting in front of you, with a little note saying to have a Merry Christmas. I still have old cards from my grandma, with her signature of love. Somehow, when I brush my fingers over her handwriting, I still feel connected to her.

As a child, I remember my grandparent's had so many Christmas cards sent to them, they stretched clear down their living room beam, and then some! And I remember thinking how loved they were by everyone they knew.

But here we are in an electronically, impersonal age. Families are spending less time interacting with each other, and more time on their cell phones and computers. People are too busy looking down at the world, when everything that's truly important is up.

So with a week until Christmas, I ask you all to at least try to add a personal touch to your holiday greetings. I promise it will not go unnoticed. ♥

This Was a Real Thing?!

Ever since I was a little girl, I've watched Santa Claus is Coming to Town every year. And every year I would look at the sleighmobile thing Fred Astaire was driving, and thought, What a cute idea! I wish they really had those in real life!

Well, did you know that they did?! Maybe they still do in the snowy parts of the country. The one below was made in Wisconsin in the 1920's.


They took an old Model-T Ford, and converted it with a snowmobile!

I want one!!

Claymation Christmas, O Christmas Tree

For Flashback Friday, I want to share with you a scene from Wil Vinton's Claymation Christmas.

This was a Christmas special that was played for many years, and also featured the California Raisins.

This was always my favorite part of the special.

Enjoy!!

A Christmas Poem for my Children

My Christmas Tree

By Amy Meck

My Christmas tree's beauty sparkles like a star

Like the one guiding wise men from Heaven afar.

The angel at the top glows radiantly looking down

As did the angels in Bethlehem town.

A simple ornament depicting the manger

That once was the bed of our blessed savior.

Our gifts lie beneath all wrapped up with love

Like the babe in the manger sent from above.

My tree makes me happy, peaceful, and light

As it shines like the star on that Heavenly night.

These Christmas Commercials are Part of This Complete Breakfast.

You might be thinking, Wow, Amy sure loves Christmas commercials!!


And you'd be right!!

All these commercials hold a special place in my heart, because they manage to sweep me back to my childhood, and help me remember simpler times.

Who would have thought, that something that lasts usually no more than 30 seconds, could do that? ☺

Sweet McDonald's Christmas Commercials From Years Past

Here are some McDonald's Christmas commercials from years ago. They've always made me smile, and I hope they do the same for you! ☺

Hi, My Name is Amy, and I'm a Virginia.

Are you a Virginia?

I'm proud to say that I have always been a Virginia.

Yes, I know that Santa isn't a real man that physically brings gifts to the children of the world, but he does bring a gift to those who believe in the magic of Christmas.

If you grew up believing in Santa, you might remember the excitement that Christmas would bring. The feeling of being on top of the world, knowing that the jolly old man, all dressed in red, was going to be in your home on Christmas eve, bringing you a mound of wonderful toys!

The feeling you got when you set out the milk and cookies, knowing that in the morning, there would only be a few crumbs on the plate. (And in my case, sometimes a half eaten cookie. "Santa's actual bite marks!" I would think to myself.☺)

When I found out that Santa wasn't real, My heart was broken. I believe it was the summer before 3rd grade. I felt as though a member of the family had died. But even after the heartache, I'm still glad my parent's told me there was a Santa. I dealt with the truth, but was able to hold on to the magic. I think that's why the ending of The Polar Express brings tears to my eyes.

"At one time, most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years past, it fell silent for all of them. Though I've grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe."

And then there's that sweet letter that was written by a young Virginia O'Hanlon, and the editor that responded to her in such a gentle, loving way.

Dear Editor,

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, "If you see it in The Sun, It's so."  Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O'Hanlon

 115 West Ninety Fifth Street

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge. 

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. 

We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. 

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world. 

You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. 

No Santa Claus! Thank God! He lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Probably one of the most famous letters of all time.


Childlike faith. Think of what the world would be like if everyone had it.

So yes, I'm still a Virginia. Every Christmas eve night, I look up at the moon, just as I did every year since childhood, hoping to see Santa's magical sleigh flying through the night sky, knowing all the while that I won't see anything, but still believing in the magic of Christmas Eve.

"The bell still rings for me." 

I bet the bell still rings for him, too!!

(Submitted for Ketchup with Us, on December 18, 2013. If you aren't following the super fantastic gals, at "Ketchup", you're truly missing out! Click on the names, and FOLLOW THESE LOVELY LADIES! Michele and Mel )

'Ketchup With Us- Prompt #32'

Link up a holiday post, old or new.

The Magic of Christmas

I just wanted to share this sweet picture I found on Flickr.

Ah, to be a child again at Christmas time.

Now those were the days!! ♥

Enjoy your Saturday everyone!!

Peter Comes Home For Christmas

This is another commercial that I love from the 80's. They used to play this every Christmas, but now they play an updated version....which kinda gives me the creeps! They should have cast a child to play the sister. Maybe then it wouldn't seem so wrong!!

I'll post both commercials, and let you be the judge.

But can I just say, The 80's ruled, when it came to commercials!!

Amy's List of Must See Christmas Movies

I think everyone has their favorite Christmas movies and specials, that they watch year after year. And I must confess, Christmas wouldn't feel like Christmas, if I didn't have these to enjoy and anticipate every year!

So, here's my personal list of must-see holiday shows. (In no particular order.)

A Christmas Carol


This is what I believe to be the best version of the story. (Although, I do enjoy The Muppet's Christmas Carol also.☺)

It's from 1951, and stars Alastair Sim as Scrooge.

My husband and I watch it every year together.☺

One Magic Christmas


This move was made in the 80's, (which I love) and is kind of like It's a Wonderful Life meets Scrooge.

I love it.♥

The Night They Saved Christmas


Another 80's movie. What can I say, I grew up in the 80's!


Art Carney played a wonderful Santa.☺

A Christmas Story


I mean, what's not to love?

So many quotes, so little time....☺♥

It's a Wonderful Life


Such a feel-good movie!

I manage to hold back the tears until Harry walks in at the end!

After that I stay teary eyed until it's over. ☺

A Garfield Christmas


Who doesn't love Grandma?!!

"Back in my day, all we had were wood-burnin' cats!"

Love it!!

The Bear Who Slept Through Christmas


The first time I saw this sweet movie, I was in kindergarten.

I also still have my record of the story and songs, that I listen to every year.

It's about a bear that tries to stay up to find out what Christmas is. So sweet.♥

Noel


They played this every year in the 90's, but haven't for a long time. I'm glad I own it. It's such a sweet story.

When a glassblower's tear of happiness, drips down into the ornament he's making, Noel is able to feel and view the world as humans do.

Eloise At Christmastime


This has been on our movie list since it came out in 2003. Such a cute movie to watch with my girls. PLUS it has Julie Andrews!

And what little girl didn't imagine living in the Plaza Hotel with her "Mostly Companion" Nanny? ♥

The Nutcracker Prince


This movie has beautiful animation, and of course the music.

My sister and I have been watching it since 1993.☺

Kiefer Sutherland voices the Nutcracker Prince.

A Charlie Brown Christmas


Is there anything more heartwarming, than Linus explaining what Christmas is all about to Charlie Brown?

♥♥♥♥♥♥

Home Alone


"God bless this highly nutritious, microwavable, macaroni and cheese dinner, and the people who sold it on sale, Amen."

Disney Christmas 


This DVD has 3 different cartoon on it. Mickey's Christmas Carol, The Small One, and Pluto's Christmas Tree.

Disney know's Christmas. ☺ I also have a video my grandma gave me, that's filled with the really old Disney Christmas cartoons. I just wish they would release them on dvd!

The Santa Clause, 1 and 2


"Just because you can't see something, doesn't mean it doesn't exist."

Wise words.♥

Elf


Again, so many quotes, so little time. ☺

Prancer


Another 80's movie that I love.

Childlike faith is a wonderful thing to have.♥

White Christmas


Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye are wonderful.

I love old movies. Everything was so classy back then.

Christmas Vacation


I love Chevy Chase!

I also love that I'm not a part of this family! ☺

Scrooged


I love the ghost of Christmas present!!

"Sometimes you have to slap them, just to get their attention!"

And I always cry when Calvin says, "God bless us, everyone!"





And how about all the old movies that aren't Christmas movies, but have wonderful Christmas scenes in them?


Like Holiday Inn, Meet me in St. Louis, and Little Women (with June Allison).




Then there's the long list of Christmas specials from Rankin and Bass.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, Frost's Winter Wonderland, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, The Year Without a Santa Claus, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, The Little Drummer Boy, The First Christmas Snow, Jack Frost, Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey, and many many more. I love Rankin and Bass!!

Or how about the stop animation of The Nightmare Before Christmas? True, it's not your typical Christmas story, but it's still fun to watch! ☺

And I can't forget about all the Christmas cartoons they play on Boomerang, from when I was a little kid.

The Smurf's Christmas, 'Tis the Season to be Smurfy, Casper's First Christmas, A Flinstone's Christmas, The Town Santa Forgot, and more! I love that channel around the holidays! It takes me back.☺


What are some of your holiday favorites? Do you feel I left something out? I know I must have, because the list could go on forever!!

I love holiday movies.♥♥♥

Christmas Cartoons and Questions

If you've read my blog before, you might remember this post, poking fun at some Nick Jr. cartoons. I tend to over think things, and this is where my mind goes. I probably wouldn't think about such things, but after watching something a billion times, ones mind starts to wonder. (At least mine does anyway.)


So, ladies and gentleman, I present to you my holiday edition of Cartoons and Questions. ☺

First up, Frosty the Snowman.

I love Frosty, and have watched it every year since I was little. But even when I was little, a few things bothered me.

♫Do they know it's Christmastime at all?♫

1. Why are half the kids dressed for winter, and the other half dressed for summer?

"You'll be okay. Just shake it off."

2. Why didn't anyone help the police officer, who was clearly choking to death on his whistle? I'll just assume that someone on the street saved him.


3. I'm still not completely sure how the animals started the fire for Karen to keep warm.

4. And my biggest issue by far, is why the heck did Santa drop Karen off on top of her roof, and just leave her there?! We don't all enter homes via chimney, Santa!!

"Um, you're dreaming if you think I'm leaving you milk and cookies this year!!"

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer


1. Santa seems to be a jerk once again. This time to a baby reindeer. Classy, Santa. Real classy.

("Oh yummy!! Grey apples again!")

2. "Eat, Santa!" says Mrs. Claus. Maybe he would "eat" if the food and everything around it, weren't the color grey! Just a thought.

"My daddy never hugged me!"

3. What exactly was wrong with the dolly on the Island of Misfit Toys? I always thought it was because she didn't have a nose, but that still didn't seem quite right. So I did some research and discovered the writers meant for her problem to be more psychological, than physical. If you're a fan of Rankin and Bass, you should check this blog out!!

("You'll be fine! Just aim for that swimming pool down there!")

4. Remember the bird that couldn't fly, but could swim? Remember at the end, when the elves are dropping the toys off the sleigh via umbrella? Remember when the elf got to the bird and sent him down without an umbrella? Exactly.




Nestor, the Long Eared Christmas Donkey

"I'm sorry I killed your mom, Nestor."
"That's okay! You'll get yours..."

I have quite the soft spot for sweet little Nestor. But, why oh why would he choose to leave Mary and Joseph, and return to the man that kicked him and his mama out on their tooshies, resulting in his mama's death?


Maybe it's a lesson on forgiveness?



The Polar Express


I love almost everything about this movie. But did they really think Eugene, from the movie Grease, was the right voice to use for the nerdy boy?

There's simply nothing childlike about that voice!


A Charlie Brown Christmas

I don't care how much love you give it, that tree is not going to look any better than this.





That's all I've got for now!!


I really do love these Christmas specials. I watch each and every one, (and then some) every single year.

But it's fun to sit back and think, What were they thinking?!


So, what about you? Are there any holiday specials you can think of to add to this list?