A Merry Christmas!

I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10

Part 2: Christmas in Iowa. It's been many years since everyone in the Capper klan has been together for Christmas.

From Capper Christmas 2009

We were all very fortunate to arrive safely and escape hazardous travel conditions, even with icing and freezing rain in the forecast. AND everyone remained healthy, aside from Tator (my parents' dog), who seemed to have a little stomach issue the day after.

Henry adored spending time with his big cousins and being included in some of their games and stories. There were lots of chasing games and "exploring" in the dark closets (with new flashlights in tow).

From Capper Christmas 2009

Christmas morning was filled with excitement charged by the little ones this year.

From Capper Christmas 2009

The Holiday Fun begins...

Part 1:  Nicholas visits Madison after a year (plus) long stint living in South Africa for work.

Henry has had a great time getting to know Uncle Nicholas.

From Nicholas in Madison 2009

From Nicholas in Madison 2009

Christmas Excitement

Henry's face is a little washed out in this photo, but I think you can still see how excited he is about the Christmas tree, most especially the lights. This Christmas has taken on a whole new meaning as we "see it again for the first time" through Henry's perspective.

O Christmas Tree

After barking out in 'ol front wheel drive sleigh, we made our way to Summers Christmas Tree Farm in Middleton for what is hopefully the first in a tradition of getting the Leydon Family Christmas Tree. Out with the second hand plastic tree, and in with a real Scotch pine tree. Lots of fun. Just have to remember a sled or tarp next year. Not that it was hard to pull the tree, but more importantly, something on which to drag the child. He either wants to be held or get down and - well - just stand there, since he doesn't do much walking in 16 inches of snow. He was quite warm, all bundled up (like this kid)
Us by the tree to be

I feel like Clark Griswold - the snow was just as deep in in this clip...

and snow it begins

Winter in Wisconsin has arrived...A Snow Day! Even for George!

St. Nicholas Day

Happy St. Nicholas Day!

Though we don't regularly celebrate this feast day, this year we had a good reason to give Henry a gift. I ordered Henry his very own nativity set so he could learn more about the Christmas story. And mine can (hopefully) stay safe and sound.

snow time like the present

Our chimney repair is complete! Just in time for Santa to use it for easy access to the Christmas tree. It was a long week of "bang, bang, bang, on the roof" and shouts of "more mortar!" (a phrase Henry quickly picked up and repeats daily). However, we feel much better about approaching the impending winter weather knowing the chimney will not be causing further leaks in the roof. And, as you can see, we got a nice dusting of snow the other night.

That means Henry has been quite curious about this new stuff. When we saw Papa pull the car in the garage, he pointed to the snow on top of the car and said "sand" -- ha ha -- we convinced him it was much colder than it looked!

We bundled Henry in his new winter gear (more for the icy temps than the amount of precipitation) and let him explore. It was funny to see him toddle around like a giant blue marshmallow, walking the typical skier's limp in his new boots. But, he loved it. And, of course, is thrilled with the idea of letting dumper haul loads of snow.

tis the season

For some post-thanksgiving activities, we enjoyed visiting my hometown downtown for a few early Christmas events. Here we're taking a ride on a horse drawn wagon. Henry was brave, and patted the team, "Marge & Molly," after our trip around the block.

The main event for the evening was the parade. Each participant had lights and music. Henry's favorites were, of course, the firetrucks, the utility trucks, and the motorcycles. For the adults, I believe the parade pick would have been the singing Elvis who was doing a fabulous impersonation, complete with an original music lip sync. A kid is a magnet for candy, so we raked in a lot of loot.  The photo is a "special delivery" where one parade goer said "hold out your hands" to Henry, and promptly filled them with candy. I don't think he knew what hit him until much later, when he got to sample the goods!

Calling All Village People!

Assistance requested immediately to care for small boy. Quite demanding, rather messy, acutely independent child seeking someone with more patience to provide extremely basic services: meals, baths, and dressing. It doesn't seem difficult. At first.


I've been a fool. With Henry's advanced vocabulary, we've avoided many tantrums based on misunderstandings. He is quite good at telling us what he wants. Terrible two's (or even terrible "not quite twos")? Nah. Life had been good. For a while. We followed Mommy's schedule. We'd go to the grocery store, library, visit friends, take walks, and share meals and nap times with little to no resistance. Times have changed. There are more negotiations, additional creative tactics, even bartering required for simple tasks. 


Toddler tactics:
1. The word "no" is your best friend. Use it always.
2. Don't fall for distractions.
3. During requests, use the word "please." Then "please, Mommy." They are suckers for good manners. And calling them by name will tug at their heart strings.
4. Use the most annoying sound in the world. The whining "mm. mm. mm."
5. Ask over and over and over again. Wear them down. Be sure you try each parent individually if one rejects your request. If that doesn't work, wake them up in the middle of the night. Then continue in your efforts to wear them down.
6. Keep pushing boundaries. You never know when they'll cave.
7. With your improved long term memory, hold them to their promises. For example, constantly remind them that they said you could play with your dump truck after lunch.


So, they say it takes a village to raise a child. Please send reinforcements. Tag team needed ASAP!

"Marriage Tips" or general Words of Wisdom

I suppose I'm a blogger. I mean, I have my own blog address and everything. I may not be the best at prose, story-telling, or other creative writing techniques, but I've enjoyed keeping a record of our ordinary or not so ordinary life events. From time to time, I also like to jump around to other blogs. It's funny that we have many ways these days to meet someone virtually. And, sometimes, it's nice just to know there are others out there. Doing what I do. And possibly explaining it with better grammar or writing skills.

So I started the morning reading her Thanksgiving greeting: "Happy Thanksgiving everyone. This year, I've got extra thoughts and prayers for all of those who will be missing loved ones around the table."

I do this by using Google Reader (a handy tool to check for blog updates without skipping from web address to web address to see if there is something new to read). One of my favorite updates is the daily "Marriage Tip" I receive.  This offers me a 5 minute reminder to think about my relationship, or just soak in some general words of wisdom for reflection.

Today's message really struck me, so I wanted to share:

November 25

Whether or not you travel over Thanksgiving, remember those who can’t afford a plane ticket or gas, or worse, don’t have a loved one with whom to share the day. Our bounty is a gift--give some of it away.

Do you ever feel like the universe is sending you a message? And that, at times, it has to be so obviously clearly stated, that you just can't miss it? Uh huh.

The "thankful for" section will be replaced by the "thinking of" section:

• I am thinking of Grandma, and remembering last year's Thanksgiving with fondness. Missing her lots.
• We are thinking of all our friends, family, and extended family (Claire, "out east Leydons" especially those even farther east (like Nicholas in South Africa), Herricks, Grand Rapids Sanfords, Heyings et al in Iowa and beyond) and sending our love and thoughts.
• George and I have a special place in our hearts for the homeless populations we served during our JVC year. May the holidays not be the only time they experience full bellies and friendly smiles.