The Strum Family: 2009

Monday, January 5, 2009

Christmas Traditions

In the Strum household, Christmas traditions are an essential part of our holidays. Our first tradition,

as mentioned earlier, is decorating

the tree together as a family.

A second tradition was started a few years ago by my parents (aka: Grandma & Grandpa Nikkel)....The Advent Calendar. A simple calendar filled with 24 pieces of chocolate, to be opened daily as we count down the days to Christmas. The boys love to see what image is imprinted on their chocolate, ie: wreath, stocking, bell, reindeer, ect.

Greyson trying to "pop" out his chocolate.

Kaeden opening his daily chocolate.

A third tradition that was started about the same time as the Advent calendars is our Chimney. It was an item purchased through the Home & Garden Party. Beginning December 1st, they take turns pulling out a "brick" a day. Every two days Santa falls down the chimney a little more until we reach Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve when the last "brick" is pulled, Santa falls to the bottom of the fireplace signaling that the time has arrived for Santa to pay us a visit. We have a blast every night that we pull a "brick"! It's fun to see how much the boys get into it. They laugh, giggle and clap every time.

Kaeden & Greyson proudly displaying our Chimney.

Greyson pulling out a "brick" and

Santa falling down a notch.

Only 6 more days until Christmas!

Kindergarten Christmas Program

We had the pleasure of attending our first official school Christmas program. Obviously, we have attended their last two pre-school Christmas programs, but that was their pre-school class only. This was the entire Prairie City Elementary Christmas Program and boy, how they differ! I was very excited and looking foward to it while other seasoned professionals were dreading it.

The program took place in the PCM Middle School Auditorium and I failed to mention to the boys that it would be packed. I don't think they realized that parents, grandparents and other friends and relatives usually attend the Christmas program. Oops! When the kindergarten class prepared to perform, Kaeden led the group onto the stage and up on to the risers. You should have seen the look on his face when he turned to face the audience....it was one of pure shock and horror! He didn't smile for the remainder of their performance. I was proud of him for actually following through and singing though. Greyson, on the other hand, had no qualms about the large audience. He thrives on attention. He was waving at us from his position, smiling the entire time.

They both did great and it was so much fun to see! I have to admit, though, it was a little warm and cramped, but it only lasted a little over an hour. We were so proud of them!

Greyson and Kaeden before the program.

Greyson hamming it up!

Kaeden's cheeser smile.

Now isn't that the look of pure fear?!

I never like being in front of an audience either.

Greyson is surrounded by girls.

Greyson singing his little heart out.

Kaeden sings along.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Decorating the tree.

In our family it is a tradition to decorate the tree together. We turn on some Christmas music and decorate away. We all love it...especially the boys. This year we gave them each a stool to step on so they could hang ornaments even higher. Andy sat on the couch and passed out the ornaments, making sure to give the very special, breakable ones to me. He has a few collections of ornaments that he didn't feel as comfortable having the boys handle them. Every year I get him the next edition of Star Wars, Harley Davidson and Marilyn Monroe ornaments. I was delighted when one of the boys asked me if the Marilyn Monroe ornament was me!