December 19, 2008

I sure do miss the "good old days". Our boys would be so excited this time of year!
I remember Rick and I taking them out to cut down our Christmas tree, and no matter how cold it was, they always had a great time. I have fond memories of unpacking our ornaments and our youngest son asking about 100 times, "Is this one mine?" We'd get in the car and drive around for hours looking at all of the Christmas lights and displays. I loved sitting down with them to write their letters to Santa, and remember the delight on their faces when they finally went to the mall to visit him.
We had a tradition of baking certain things, like brownies with mint frosting, that I still make to this day! (With three boys, and only two beaters to lick, there was always a squabble over this one!) We'd let them shop and then wrap the gifts they picked out, using 10 times as much tape as they needed, while I always had to resist the urge to "fix" the unevenly wrapped packages.
I miss all of the wonderful Christmas programs at school; the joy on their little faces when Santa delivered the toys; their wonderment of how Santa ate all of the cookies they left for him, but those nine reindeer didn't finish the one lone carrot on the plate!

It's just all of the little things that I took for granted back then.....I'd give anything to have those days back!! I am so proud of all of our sons, and I can't wait to spend Christmas with them, our wonderful daughter-in-law and girlfriends.
We always sent out a photo with our Christmas cards. Sometimes it wasn't easy to get this done...(lots of bribing some years!) I've scanned a few of my favorites:

One of our "unconventional" Christmas photos!

I'll try to remember a quote from Dr. Seuss,
"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

19 comments:

vivian said...

I feel the same way Nancy.. this is our first christmas with none of the 4 living at home.. I'd love to go back also.. remember how magical it all was when they believed in santa claus!? yup.. those were the days!
I loved seeing the pics of your boys through the years! great idea to post them!
have a joyful weekend!
hugs
vivian

Sherry said...

What a lovely post Nancy...the photos are wonderful...a little trip down memory lane and such good looking little and young men!!

Mine are 20 and 17 and I was just thinking the same thing the other day -- I miss all that child like innocence. Now to look ahead to grand babies!!

Hope you are enjoying your holidays!!

Dianie said...

Nancy what a wonderful family you have. I love all the pic's you have from over the years . I felt the same way when the children grew up and left the nest. Ahhh, then one day you are blessed with grandchildren and all that magic of little scampering feet, making cookies ect. is back.

Happy Holidays to you and yours,
~Diane

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing pictures of your jolly little elves who've turned into handsome men!

Dixie Redmond said...

What a great photo journey! And a good reminder to me to really live in the moment while mine are still at home. :-)

Nancy said...

Oh, those pics are so wonderful...they were pretty sweet little boys when they were young. And they have grown into fine looking gentlemen!

Hugs, Nancy

. said...

Thanks for the reminder that they grow up so fast!!

Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie said...

What beautiful boys you have,you are a very lucky woman.I know what you mean about Christmas past.I loved when my daughter was little.Anyway I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and I want to also wish you a very Happy New Year and May God bless all of your family.Hugs Marie Antionette

Anonymous said...

A wonderful scrapbook blog! Will look check back again soon!

Sam I Am said...

man...same feelings here too nancy...
i love the quote..i will have to keep saying it over and over :)

I enjoyed the pictures... loved seeing how much the kids grow and change thru the years...
what a lovely family you have :) :) :)
Merry Christmas!!
hugs..
sam

Bonnie Jones said...

Thanks for sharing the memories Nancy. You have three handsome sons and I know you are so proud of them.
Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family
Bonnie

Countryfolk Keepsakes said...

Thanks for the stroll down memory lane, these pics are wonderful!!
I too wish we could turn back the clock to simpler times.
Merry Christmas dear Nancy and blessings to you and your family. :> )
God bless,
~Peanut

Cookie said...

what a lovely sentiment to go with these precious photos!

Just stopping by to wish you a wonderful joy-filled Christmas. You are so dear to my heart and I treasure you more than you know ♥

Merry Christmas, sister!

Anonymous said...

Hope to see more of your soon!

Suzanne U.

Village Gift Shoppe said...

What fun that was looking at all the pics of your boys growing up Nancy! I bet your house was never quiet! =o)

Happy Holidays to you and your family!

Oh and I love the water skiing pic!

*Lori

CCs Whimsies said...

Awwww.... Nancy... I feel ya sister! We only have one "little one" (13), but squeeling isn't something a teenager does! hahahaha

God Bless you honey! Love, Christy

Cathy ~ Tadpoles and Teacups said...

Amazing how quickly time flies.
Hope you enjoyed a blessed holiday season.
Cathy

Mia Rand said...

Thanks for your wonderful, evocative post - and the photos of your handsome boys growing up. I love the quote from Dr. Seuss, and am going to try to keep it in mind!

I also love your creations! I'm looking forward to visiting your blog and website many times in 2009.

Lorrene said...

I love the pictures of your three sons. First there was one son, than two sons and than three sons and then you let us watch them grow into young men. A wonderful post.