The beginning of the Season

It sort of stinks that the beginning of this festive season of giving thanks has to start with Halloween. I don't particularly enjoy Halloween and have a hard time getting into it. Maybe it's because we weren't allowed to celebrate it as kids, I'm not sure. But I do get little costumes for the boys and usually give them some candy. There's a big fair that comes to Charleston every year and we usually go there around Halloween. I think this year we will go on Halloween, since it's Friday. Anyways, my festive season begins by making pumpkin bread. Alex's Granny Holdgate used to make pumpkin bread. But the boys, Alex and Nick, love it so much that at my bridal shower, I was given the recipe. Now, there's nothing special about this recipe, but a loaf usually lasts about 30 minutes. I made some for my sister-in-law, Althea, for her birthday one year and it went over really well.

I did make the first batch today because I did have some canned pumpkin readily available. This season I hope to make sticky buns and lots of holiday cookies. So, we'll see if it really happens :)

Clumsy Feet

This is one of silly little stories that only a mom appreciates. But not much happens with my boys, so when any sort of story appears, I try to remember. This morning, the boys wanted to go outside with Alex when he took the trash can to the curb. James was out the door first. He's really good about putting on shoes and coats (It's been 39 degrees in the morning). Then Ryan had to get out too. Within 1 minute of Ryan being outside I heard crying. I thought James had pushed him. But no, he just tripped on his feet and scratched his lip. Little bit of blood. Within a minute he was better and ready to go back out. Within 30 seconds, more crying. "Did he fall again?" I asked? "Yes" said Alex "He's trying to run". So, Alex proceeded to try to explain to Ryan why he shouldn't try running yet, seeing as both times he did this morning he ended up scratching his face on the concrete. I think the lecture at the end was my favorite part...seeing as Ryan's only 16 months :)

Me

As for me, I have many interests but no time or energy to do them. I do enjoy cooking so fun kitchen tools are always a plus. My favorite candies are Haribo Gummy Bears, Red Swedish Fish and Milkini's. Not sure what size I'll be wearing by Christmas. I also love to read. So, that's it for now. Short and sweet :)

Alex

Alex......He likes presents but will probably deny it. Some of his new hobbies include skeet shooting, hunting and fishing. He does enjoy the occasional Playstation game. He also loves to get gifts that allow him to put something together, i.e. model airplane, etc. Almost anything from a hobby shop would be fun for him. Just so you know, he is hoping to get a boat sometime in the future. He has a sweet tooth and likes dark chocolate. He wear a size Large in shirts and 34X32 pant size. Oh, he would also like all of the tools that are in Dick Bear's workshop.

James - Part 2

I forgot to mention a few things. James is working himself into 3T, but still wears 2T pants most of the time. Did I mention he loves movies??? We are working on our DVD collection and are missing a few essential pieces......

Ryan

Ryan, not yet 1 1/2, doesn't have too many interests. He does what James does, both good and bad. He has a super loud yell / scream but also laughs a whole lot. He's quite a different boy than he was the first 6 months of his month. Apart from what James does, he likes to sing and has pretty good tone. He also loves animals, particularly dogs and birds and squirrels. He is a very independent child, yet very dependent on your attention.

He wears size 12 - 18 months and looks really good in burnt orange and dark brown.

Christmas Part 1 - James

This is what me and my sister are doing this year. Actually, she did it last year and it was very helpful. We write blogs on each child and talk about their interests. So, here's my first one for James.

James is a pretty laid back child. He really loves books and especially sticker books. He has become quite an artist and loves to draw helicopters, trains, planes, trucks and sometimes houses. He is also a TV and movie buff. We are in the process of making our DVD Disney collection. He likes The Backyardigans and Go, Diego, Go! So, all in all, he likes boy toys. Matchbox cars, trucks, and in true Holdgate style, Presents!! He just loves presents. So, if anything is wrapped, it makes it super extra special for him.