Blog Hop ~ Day 6

So many pictures (none of which are in order or in albums), so many memories, so little time!!!  Whew!  I feel like I've been running down memory lane here and realizing that it would have been a much more relaxing stroll if I had taken the time to organize my photos as I took them instead of trying to go through 20 years worth in a few days!!!

Today, I'm going to start out with a new picture.  One that I just took today.  

We have several traditions for Christmas, things that we do every year, just because it wouldn't seem like Christmas if we didn't do them. 

Like putting together a jigsaw puzzle.  Don't ask me how it got started.  I can't even remember.  But every year, we drag out the old card table, set it up in the already crowded family room (because of the monstrous tree-in-a-box we've had for years) and put together jigsaw puzzles.  I remember doing this with my grandma too, and wondering how she was always the one holding the last piece.  Funny how that worked.  

 

This one is one of my favorites.  I remember putting it together many times when I was a kid.  It has the weirdest shaped pieces and the funniest things on it.  My kids like it so much that last year, we went on an ebay shopping spree to find more puzzles by the same person.  We only came up with 2 more because they got a bit pricey, but I'm going to be on the lookout early this year.  Huh, guess that means I probably need to start looking now.  Anyone know where I can get some Bob Martin puzzles?!

 

We have many more family traditions, like putting the tree up the day after Thanksgiving, and making sure that everyone helps.  Even when they don't want to (that would be Scott, who is 19 and thinks that after putting on his 10 or 12 ornaments, he's done!)

And, of course, we get together with family.  When we were little, my parents made a point of us always being at home on Christmas morning.  They felt very strongly about making it a day for us, not a day spent in the car, so our grandparents came to our house.  And now, my parents do the same for our kids and come to our house.  

 

And if we're lucky, we get to host Christmas dinner at our house.  This can be fun because ours is the only house where we can all eat at the same table.  Well, ok, there are two tables here, but the only one who knows that is the unlucky one that ends up sitting on the crack!

And yes, another tradition is the family photo.  But, being that I like to be just a little bit different, one year I decided that I wanted to include a photo with our Christmas cards that could be left on the refrigerator long after Christmas.  Some people really liked it, and some just thought that I was weird because I gave them a picture of our kids' backsides.  But I really liked the picture, and thought that this verse fit perfectly with it.  I still have this hanging up, 6 years later.

Not a traditional Christmas card, but still one of my favorites.

So, enough about my Christmas traditions.  Today, you blog hoppers need to go visit Pam from Pam Kitty Morning  and see what kind of project she's dreamed up for you.  I have to admit that I have never met Pam, but the internet is an amazing thing, because I almost feel like I know her now after following along on her blog.  What about you?  Oh, an don't forget about leaving a comment for her so you can be entered for the great prizes we have in store for you!  

And check out all the other blogs too!  You can find the links in the sidebar.  If you happened to miss someone's project, you can still go back to that day and leave your comment.  And tell your friends to get hopping too!

Ta-ta for now!

Comments

[Marianne]

My daughter and I like to do jigsaw puzzles too! That one does look challenging!

[Sandy E]

We are puzzle fanatics too especially when family is together everyone can help and visit at the same time. My nephew is 4 and does 300 piece puzzles without looking at the box. I look out for those puzzles they look very interesting.

[Jocelyn]

Oh wow, I love your Christmas card. So special with the verse on it.

[Darlene B]

Too bad - your family picture wouldn't show up on my page.

My daughter and I have a tradition of doing a jigsaw puzzle together every year during Christmas break. We've done a 1,000 piece puzzle in one day! Which is probably better than dragging it out, because once I start on a puzzle, I can't stop to make dinner or anything else!!

[Jackie]

Isn't Christmas fun?? Forced family fun seems to run rampant this time of year! Maybe I'll do a puzzle this year.

[Cindy]

We started another tradtion since we now have grandkids. We do "Christmas" on Christmas Eve here at our home and let the families each have their own Christmas' at their home on Christmas Day. Papa and I (Mimi) go to their homes on Christmas Day to sit, watch and smile while the grandkids are busy with all their new things.

LOL - I start playing Christmas music in July - you know - when you start seeing "Christmas in July" signs, especially at Quilt Shops. I have more Christmas songs in my iTunes than any other music. LOL, I just downloaded the new Sugarland Christmas music. I love ALL Christmas music - Christian, Country, Pop..you name it. Now even the grandkids request Christmas music - year round!! LOL They know "Mimi" has it all. LOL

[Janelle J]

Just want to say that I love your Christmas Card with the picture of your boys. Great photo!

[Linda]

Love the idea of doing a puzzle. As to where to find them...have you checked second-hand stores? Seems I've seen some there.

[Vicki]

I forgot about the puzzles! We used to do this, too. One of my brothers used to sneak away one of the pieces so he could put the last one in!

[Jewel]

I love being at home with the kids on Christmas morning too.

[Darlis]

Love your picture. I would keep it up all the time. Nice verse.

[Ruby]

I like the tradition of the jigsaw puzzle. Love the picture of you all gathered at the table.

[Jenny]

I think that sitting on the crack or not everyone is lucky to gether together to celebrate the season at your house!

[marta]

Qué foto familiar tan adorable, gracias por compartirla.

[Julie in WA]

I love the verse you put with the picture card. What a meaningful idea.

[Jay]

WE did that Verticalville puzzle! That was a great one -- everyone loved doing it, then staring at the finished picture & taking it all in. SO fun!
I absolutely love your Christmas card of the boys in the woods, and the quote is perfect -- and perfectly appropriate. Thanks so much for sharing with us!

[margi borck]

Love your nontraditional Christmas card, those are always my favorites!

[arlette]

I love jigsaw puzzles as well, and every christmas I get a new one, yay!, I love your card as well!

[arlette]

Where did my comment go?

[Beth Patrick]

your family dinner pic looks like what I remember when I was a kid... everyone all together. We always had a "kid" table, for those little ones. It was a big deal when you moved from the "kid" table to the big people table!
Thanks for sharing!

[Laura Tawney]

I love puzzles also and usually do one right around Christmas time! I checked on ebay and there are some Robert Blair Martin puzzles for sale:
http://shop.ebay.com/sis.html?_kw=Robert+Blair+Martin+Springbok+Puzzle+Jigsaw+Bob+Martin
or just do a search on his name and I'm sure it will pop up.
Laura T

[Sue Goodin]

I love doing puzzles but I usually wait until the day after Christmas to to one.

[lovetostitch]

I wouldnt mind sitting at the crack if I could join your table - how wonderful to have that crowd. I loved your picture taken from the back, along with the verse!!

[Jayne Honnold]

One of my traditions is that the day after Christmas, I set up a table with a puzzle on it. We go at puzzles then until about Easter. Then we put them all away until the next Dec. 26. And, by the way, I love your 'backside' Christmas card.

[Gail]

We do puzzles also after Christmas here in Australia! It is very relaxing with all our hot weather. I have just seen your new fabric at Australian Quilt Market and can't wait to get my hands on some to design a couple of quilts!It's gorgeous!!

[Trina Christenson]

I think your card is perfect and the verse so meaningful. Blessings this Christmas.

[Iva]

I think I may be a little OCD when it comes to puzzles. Once I begin one, I can't stop until it is completely finished!

[Sandra Downes]

Greetings from Albany, Western Australia. I love the card and think it is a great idea. I'm also envious of the room/table you have for Christmas. We always have a squash at Christmas; but then that is half the fun. Sam

[JoAnne]

Oh, yes, jigsaw puzzles at Christmastime. Memories.