Key~Notes

So, as you noticed in my last post, we are having a boy!   We’re very excited to welcome this little one into our home.  Christopher, especially is happy to be having a little brother!

So, people wanted to know the names we’d been considering.  Without further ado:

Original name for first daughter: Patricia Jean (after both our mothers)

Name we were going to use had this been a girl: Liahona Rose (TOLD you that you wouldn’t be able to find the first name on Google!)

First boy name: Stephen Kenneth

Second boy name: Zachary Llewellyn

Now, as you will see on my spiffy new widget over to the left, the name Zachary won out.   However, in our perusal for Welsh middle names (tradition on James’ side of the family is that the sons are given uniquely Welsh middle names . . . Christopher’s is Iago), we came across “Gwillym” which means William (meaning “helmet” or “protection”) in Welsh.

Since my father’s middle name is William . . . I’m changing the original Zachary Llewellyn and choosing instead Zachary Gwillym.

Of course, should we meet this little guy and realise he’s not a Zachary Gwillym or even a Zachary, we reserve the right to choose the correct name for him!

I’m back!  I was worried that my blog wouldn’t be up in time to share this little poem I wrote 2 years ago with you . . .

When all the lights have been strung,
All the presents wrapped
The last candy cane placed carefully on the tree,
The last of the cocoa lapped . . .
May you remember the One
who’s birth we celebrate this Day
with simple acts of service -
it shows your love to act this way.
So keep Christ in Christmas
and in your heart the whole year ’round
for only then will happiness
and the truest joy abound!
~K.E. 18-12-06~

MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL!

ps ~ It’s a boy!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

Gift bags . . . easy to use for oddly shaped packages, and fold flat for storage!

2. Real tree or Artificial?

I’ve only ever had artificial trees.  Real trees just seem like too much work . . . *shrugs*

3. When do you put up the tree?

Depends on how Christmassy I’m feeling.  One year we put it up on 11 November.  Last year, we put up a small one (table top sized) on the 23rd (I think).  This year I think it was the Saturday after American Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down?

Again, this varies.  Probably will end up taking it down on 2 or 3 January this year.

5. Do you like eggnog?

*shudders*  I’m definitely in Camp Lauren as far as the nog goes . . .

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

Probably the tree ornaments my Grandma R gave us each year.

7. Hardest person to buy for?

James.  Usually he wants things that are way out of my budget . . . sure wish I could get him what he wants though . . .

8. Easiest person to buy for?

Christopher . . . he’s very vocal about what he likes and his tastes haven’t gotten overly expensive . . . YET! lol

9. Do you have a nativity scene?

Yup.  Several, in fact.  Let’s see . . . there’s the nativity wreath on our door, 4 sitting on my piano, and probably another 5 or more nativity ornaments on our tree.   Not to mention the nativity wall hanging and placemat that did NOT get put out this year!

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?

I usually prefer to do snail mail Christmas cards, but this year with the budget being what it is (non-existant), it’s going to have to be e-cards for most . . . sorry . . . hopefully next year my husband will have a good job and we’ll be able to afford to do things like mail cards to everyone!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

That’s a lame question . . . it should be BEST gift received.  That one’s easy . . . Christmas Day 1999, our first Christmas as a married couple . . . I was about 4 1/2 months pregnant with Christopher.  That was the day I first felt him kicking!  Awesome Christmas gift eh?

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?

Goodness, there are a lot that I love, but I think my favourite is “It’s a Wonderful Life”.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

Whenever the budget allows for it.  In other words, partway through December this year.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

Does it count as recycling if you use it as a white Elephant gift?  If so, then yes.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

My mum’s Swedish potatoes.

16. Lights on the tree?

We’ve got coloured lights.

17. Favorite Christmas songs?

Too many to list . . . hence why I have 100 songs on my playlist over there ~~>

But in reality, my favourite of all time is Silent Night . . . though the Crosby/Bowie version of “Peace on Earth” always makes me cry too.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

Depends on the year.  Our first 2 Christmases, we were too poor and too far away from family to travel anywhere.  Since then, we’ve adopted a 3 year rotation.  One year with my family, one year with James’, then the 3rd at home.  Of course we’ve added a trip to see my grandparents in there as well.  This year, we’re going to see my parents and family.

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?

Sure . . . all 10 of them!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?

Star.

21. Open the presents on Christmas?

Usually one on Christmas Eve, then the rest Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?

People who have a sad case of “the gimmees” . . .

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?

We were actually discussing this earlier this year . . . We want to (eventually) go with a white/blue/silver theme.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?

Turkey and stuffing with all the trimmings . . . only way to go!

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?

I want most for James to be able to get a good job in his field that he will enjoy!

26.Your first Christmas as an adult?

Define “adult” . . .   I don’t particularly remember Christmas when I was 18 . . . probably we had the traditional waffle breakfast after reading the Christmas story and doing gifts, then went to my grandparents’ home for a big family supper and such in the afternoon.  Just like most of my Christmases growing up . . .

Feel free to play along if you’d like!