With the changing leaves and falling temperatures, there's no doubt that fall is here! As mothers, we always try to stay a step ahead of the chaos and this month we're taking some time to share our thoughts on holiday celebrations, family traditions and maybe some new ideas about how to enjoy the upcoming season. So grab that cup of cinnamon-spiced coffee, prop your feet up on a pumpkin and enjoy what our writers have to say this month. ~TMC
For as long as I’ve known them, my husband’s family has had the tradition of gathering together the day after Thanksgiving to go Christmas tree hunting. That is, to go to a tree farm and cut down their own Christmas tree. The word family in this instance includes his parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I have always looked forward to this day, even when we were dating! Since we've been married it's been fun watching our group grow. We now have new cousins, a brother and sisters-in-laws and a nephew to add to the list (as well as our own children). Instead of cutting one tree for the Guelzo family as in years' past, he and his three siblings are cutting their own tree for their own families and children. In more recent years, we have added eating breakfast together to our yearly ritual, as well as frequenting the same location, Piney Mountain Christmas Tree Farm in Appomattox, VA.
It's been fun traveling down memory lane looking through some of our old photos.
(See how many times I've worn the same white scarf!)
2006
Our second year as a married couple. As you can see, my husband was still in shock that
he was able to snag me as his wife.
2007
At our favorite breakfast joint, "Granny Bee's", also located in Appomattox.
It is said that Ben Franklin wrote, "Keep your eyes wide open before marriage and half shut afterwards."
Seems Jeremiah is taking this advice one step further.
2008
Our first year that we would be displaying our tree in our house, not apartment. Our last year with no children.
We would find out we were pregnant with our son a month or so later.
2009
With our son, Ian, who was just shy of three months old.
2010
We thought we had fun before, but having Ian able to help pick out our tree that year was the best!
2011
Last year I was 16 weeks pregnant with our sweet daughter, Miriam. At this point, we weren't even aware we were having a girl.
I am so excited to be able to carry on this tradition with our children over the years (and hopefully grandchildren too!) Singing Christmas songs in the car on the way up; the smell of pine once we arrive; "oooing and ahhhhing" over everyone's picks; having a tummy full of hashbrowns, eggs, grits and coffee; the laughter and hugs and smiles and reminiscing about years' past. I can't wait to see what the hunt of 2012 will bring!