Sunday, January 10, 2010

my collection of christmas memories


Christmas is over but I am just now getting around to posting some of my pictures!  I suppose the meaning of Christmas is supposed to live in our hearts all year so Christmas pictures should always be in season.  : ) These pictures are just a snippet of our holiday season and adventures had.  But each picture holds a special memory for me.  I hope my memories will remind you of the special moments you had or of moments long past that you still hold dear.


I have mentioned before that I am absolutely TERRIBLE at taking pictures.  My children also do not enjoy posing for pictures.  This combination makes it extremely difficult for me to get pictures of my kids together.  I used to struggle and struggle with these poses.  As of late I have decided to go with the flow and just accept what I get.  And this is what it was on Christmas Sunday....Trey is not moving because I bribed him but also not smiling because he really wants to move.  Kayelynn is just too darn busy to hold still for a picture.  I literally had to set her down and lean as far back as I could to snap the picture immediately because within a few seconds, she was long gone.  But, that is Kayelynn.  She always has somewhere to go.  I think she even moves in her sleep!


As I was saying......this girl of mine NEVER holds still!  I can dress her up in pretty clothes, ribbons and bows but that doesn't keep her from wanting to climb on things and be adventurous.  I can see already that she is going to be a tough cookie that can't turn down trying something new.  As much as I wanted a girly girl, I totally love this little gal!  Her sense of adventure and her excitement in discovering new things always brings a smile to my face (even when she is discovering the toilet or trash can)  I hope she always  finds joy in learning about things.  I also hope she keeps her energetic spirit.  The twinkle in her eyes when she's on the move seems to be the cornerstone of her whole being.


Trey on the other hand, he is my quieter child, my deep thinker.  Also, of course, obsessed with trains!  As you can see, the first thing he wanted to do when he got to Grandma's house was break out the train track.  He then played with his trains for the majority of the day, dazzling relatives with his extensive train lingo and know-how.
I also like this picture because Trey reminds me  (through the eyes) of some pictures of my dad when he was a boy.



Did someone mention Christmas cookies?  My little on-the-go-girl loves to eat.  One of her newest tricks includes climbing up onto the kitchen table.  She will then say "foo" (food) or "moe" (more) until she gets something to eat.  Simply taking her off the table and redirecting her does not work.  Within seconds she will be climbing the chair again until she gets a snack.










Christmas Eve was spent with the Stroud side of the family.  Most might say that this is not a very good picture.  But as I look at it I can feel the excitement from the kids, working together to "help" Grandma get her present unwrapped.  I was surprised and delighted to see how well Trey and Kayelynn actually worked together when it came to presents.  Isn't it funny how it doesn't matter who the present belongs to or what might be inside.  The actual fun of presents seems to be in the unwrapping!



This is one of my favorite memories from this Christmas:  It was Christmas Eve night, jammies were  on and teeth were brushed.  All the wee ones were ready for bed.  I reminded Trey that we needed to leave a snack out for Santa.  "I know just what he wants!"  Trey cried.  I had an idea too.  There were a few Christmas cookies that Trey had helped to make left in the kitchen.  That is the direction I was headed when Trey shouted "APPLE JUICE AND CHEESE".   Apple juice and cheese?  Yes, Trey insisted that this was Santa's favorite. (more like Trey's favorite)
The next morning Trey was delighted that Santa had eaten all of his snack AND left him "a message".

What's not to love about this picture?!?  Look at the pure joy on his face.
 This is what I dreamed of when I thought about having children of my own.  The happiness that a child's joy brings is unbelievable.









I also find great entertainment in watching the kids experience things for the first time.
 Kayelynn was quick to learn that the stocking held many fun treasures.  She was delighted to find that she could empty the contents onto the floor without being scolded and rip at the wrapping paper without reprimand.
And I was delighted to let her do it all on her own!











Nana and Poppy (maybe more Nana than Poppy) REALLY wanted a picture of all of the grandkids by the Christmas tree.  Notice Kayelynn is not in this shot.  (she had already sprinted off to check something else out)  The other three are sitting still as instructed so that they can get their presents as soon as the picture torture is over.  What is best about this picture is the actual expressions on their faces.  Leah, our little diva, is happy to smile for the camera.  Trey is sitting still but totally bummed that the picture taking is prolonging his present opening.  And Caleb, he's just bored.  My sister, Ashley, captured the best shot from this pose.  Maybe she will share it with me so I can share it with all of you.....




Here is proof that Kayelynn was at my family Christmas.  She was able to stay in one spot long enough to open her own presents.  Note the tiny pieces of wrapping paper on the floor.  This is the method that Kayelynn uses for unwrapping.  Every small shred of paper must be removed from the gift box.  Once she has finished that meticulous task her box was free game for anyone to open.









The flashlight.......
Trey loved his Thomas the Tank Engine flash light.  And this was no ordinary flashlight, it had a blinker switch to enable train signaling.  It also had a built in train whistle that the adults decided not to tell the boys about.  Yet somehow, the boys figured that secret out without a problem.
Trey and his cousin, Caleb, went down willingly for an afternoon nap.  Each snuggled in their own sleeping bag with their flashlights in hand.  An hour later, we adults could hear giggles coming from upstairs where the boys were "sleeping".  When Aunt Ash went to check on them, she found a full light show taking place with the flash lights turned light sabers......


This picture was supposed to show multiple generations of the Stroud family.  On the couch is Uncle Bill (he shares Trey's birthday), his wife Aunt Sylvie, and her brother Uncle Boyd.  The guys on the floor are Rex and his brother Cody.  Any guesses where the youngest generation is?  (its kind of like where's waldo)








I saved this picture for last because I think it is very precious.  People talk about the wonder of christmas.  I think this picture demonstrates a child's wonderment in general.
Kayelynn was rather impressed with her newest (second) cousin on the Drew side.  She wanted to pat and touch the baby.  Her excitement was well contained (for a one year old)
But if this picture showed Kayelynn's bright eyes, you'd see all of the wonder, joy and excitement of Christmas that we Strouds experienced this season.

1 comment:

Sandy Bowers said...

Heather, call me sentimental! I cried at the paragraph that starts What's not to love about this picture. it reminds me so much of my daughter Teresa and her love for Rex (her Rex. Love your blog!

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