More and All Done

The first "signs" I teach my babies for communication purposes is "more" and "all done." They are easy and effective. Unfortunately, they seem to get the "more" first, which ensues a love of excess.
Some people enter into a slight depression when the holidays end due to their love of all things extra-ordinary. As a child, I thought like a child, and I was one of those people. Now, though, I have left some of my childish ways behind me, and I am equally excited to enter and exit the yuletide season.

Because of circumstances beyond our control, our children (like many in our generation) experience not one, not two, but five Christmases, including our own. By the fifth Christmas this year, my eldest son embarrassingly exclaimed, "That's it!?" After a serious discussion and apology on his behalf, I began to realize that his desire for more wasn't completely his fault. We have given him the erroneous impression that Christmas, birthdays, and all other "extraordinary" holidays involve gobs of gifts. Why does everyone want to load up my kids with material possessions, sweets treats, and excessive attention? Probably the same reason my husband and I put gifts under the tree. The expression of excitement and anticipation that comes from watching a child open a gift. We can't seem to help ourselves. Moreover, the traditions we experienced as children permeate our own expectations.
Thus, I cannot give the blame to extended family for my son's selfishness if I am not willing to change my own parental behavior. That's when two more facts dawned on me. First, I must pray hard about the traditions I'm renewing or beginning with my own family, knowing they may be passed down for generations to come. I'm currently reading a book on that very topic to help guide my endeavors. Second, I must remember that I was once a very selfish child, given "more" than my fair share, and I am now singing a different tune. The idea of selflessness doesn't happen naturally at the age of five. Just because my kids are given too much right now, does not mean they will desire "more" later. I can only hope to give them experiences outside our home beyond our current surroundings in order for them to see a world beyond their own desires. While the "more" felt like a little much this year, I realize this is a "first-world problem," and I pray my boys help a "third-world" one day. For now, the holidays are "all done," and I thank everyone who came to love one us in his/her own way.

We didn't see Santa or send Christmas cards, but I hope everyone we love feels loved this year!

Luca is growing quickly, which means he's sleeping less right now. How I can I be upset with that smile though!?

We had lots of firewood collectors during our wet and cold Christmas...

Only grab what you can carry is our Moto...

We don't sit inside just because its damp, muddy, or cold.

But we do love to cook indoors! Thanks for these Papa!

Happy birthday Jesus! Our family tradition!

Christmas Eve, we were all ready to get our health back, but head colds didn't keep these boys in bed.  It is always merry when you are surrounded by love.

~More Buster