Saturday, December 20, 2008

Sleepover

I remember once when there were only three kids in my family, my Dad, my Mom, Julia, Richard, and myself all slept in our unfurnished living room by the Christmas tree. It was so much fun. I've always wanted to do that since we got married but we never have. This year we're spending Christmas in our home, with Bobby's brother Wes and his family. I'm thirty years old and this is the first time I won't be spending Christmas at the home of my parents. It's like a major milestone in my life. I've actually been a little anxious about this stage of my development as an adult. My parents, my family, my cousins, aunts, and uncles; the parties, the decorations, the traditions... it was always really hard to imagine pulling away from that and doing our own thing. But I am really excited. I think the timing is right and our little family is ready to start our own Christmas traditions. I know I'll miss my Dad and siblings, though. There is something so magical about Christmas at the Warner house that totally makes it worth the nightmare it is to travel over the holiday.

So, we're kind of starting from scratch when it comes to our own family traditions. So I guess you could say we're having a few "try-outs." I've been waiting for the perfect night for us to all sleep in the living room together. I thought it would be better to have it on a weekend night so we could let the kids stay up as late as they want. Last night seemed to be the night. All day I was in the mood to watch Home Alone, and I couldn't find it anywhere. I finally found it, right where it was supposed to be, in the same spot I had looked 3 or 4 times already. What?! I have no idea. Whatever. Anyway, I was thrilled. Home Alone may not have actually been the best choice, though. I haven't written about this yet, but Franny has been exercising an unprecedented amount of sass lately. I mean, she just exploded one day and started telling me to "shut up" and when I asked her to do something, I'd get, "No, you do it." So with the help of Melinda, one of my favorite people, and some helpers at school, the sass has definitely made a huge improvement. Now when she feels like saying "shut up," instead I'll hear her say, "what does shut up start with?" or "we not say shut up." But sometimes I'm not very smart. Sometimes I choose a movie for the family to watch with TEN instances of "shut up." I mean, little Kevin MacAllister has mastered the art of talking back. I tried to cough really loud whenever I knew something I wouldn't want her to repeat came up and when Kevin calls his mom a "dummy," I cringed. What was I thinking?! Franny LOVES to quote movies. This morning the first thing that came out of her mouth was, "We not say shut up." Then about a half an hour later, she said, "I need to find Kevin." I smell trouble.




I think this tradition is a keeper.





12 comments:

Anne said...

So sweet Katherine and your tree looks gorgeous.

Sheryl said...

What a great time! This is a tradition to keep! Your girls will always love it! I remember sleeping under the Christmas tree and looking up and seeing my reflection in a glass ball ornament! Merry Christmas Fields!

Kelly said...

I've heard of this tradition, but can't quite surrender my kidless, comfy bed for even a night. You're a great mom. A couple of years ago we stopped traveling for Christmas. I was sad about it at first, but we had a great time that year and now I really look forward to the traditions we've started. Plus I want my kids to have the same feelings about our house that I have about my own. It is a sad transition in a way, but I'm glad we did it. Plus this year there is no way we could travel and keep presents hidden. Have a good Christmas!

molly said...

2 things. 1. that's so cool that the girls leave the presents under the tree alone. and 2. im jealous that you guys all get to be together for christmas. and 3. when zoe & jakob were little, they were horrified we wouls show them a movie about negligent parents, bad guys and serious injuries. aka home alone. so 3 things :)

Jen Fields said...

I am seriously impressed with your Christmas tree picture. Looks awesome and artsy! We are super excited to see you guys at Christmas time! I love your sleepover tradition. We might have to try that one. Love you guys!

Natalie said...

You are brave..... I am only willing to try traditions where sacrificing any sleep whatsoever won't be involved!

Bobby said...

I had a great time - that was a great idea you had. I especially enjoyed fake coughing over the parts of the movie where we knew words were going to be said that we didn't want Franny repeating every day.

Aubrey said...

Cute! I love family traditions, good luck! They are sure worth the effort. Happy Holidays!

Sarah said...

O crap, we were going to watch Home Alone tonight. I'll have to rethink that--I haven't seen it in so long that I forgot about all those lovely parts. Thanks for the warning.

Erin said...

what a fun tradition, Katherine! I love it! That Christmas Tree is stunning.

Cole Kimball Warner said...

Nice tree. Is Sophie winking?

Anonymous said...

Katherine - we did our first christmas morning with just mori and I and the kids and it was so nice. the kids got to enjoy everything so much more since usually we are at my parents with all 10+grandkids and 20+ adults trying to open one gift at a time while everyone watches. It takes hours and is fun but to much for the kids they open one gift and run off. At home they get to enjoy opening all their gifts and focusing on what is happening instead of being overstimulated. i love it. We are doing it again this year and quite look forward to it. We do go to my mom's around lunch but the morning just us is nice and I think you will love it too. Plus I can't believe how you presents are all wrapped in red under the tree in boxes lined up neatly.

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