And So This Is Christmas

Somehow when I went to write this blog I couldn't get the words of the John Lennon song "So This Is Chrsitmas" out of my head. I'll supply the answers to the questions and the photos to illustrate the story. You'll hum the tune. Deal? Deal!

So this is Christmas

And what have you done?

Another year over

And a new one just begun

And so this is Christmas

I hope you have fun

The near and the dear one

The old and the young

A very merry Christmas

And a happy New Year

Let's hope it's a good one

Without any fear

And so this is Christmas

For weak and for strong

For rich and the poor ones

The world is so wrong

[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsty.com/john-lennon-so-this-is-christmas-lyrics.html ]

And so happy Christmas

For black and for white

For yellow and red ones

Let's stop all the fight

I'm not really so sure about the last 5 lines. Give me a break I'm 15 months. The rest of the song suits me so I am rolling with it.

So this is Christmas.

Santa Monica. 3rd street. The Promenade.

And what have you done?

Besides sweep the floor I learned to sit up, crawl, walk, run. My Mom says I'm worth my weight in gold.

Another year over and a new one just begun.

 Welcome to the world cousin Rachel. The real present under the tree is not wrapped in paper.

And so this is Christmas.

Kindness.Love.Mayhem.Love. Toddlers.Chaos.Cookies. Caring. Cooking.Dog. Broken Arm.Togetherness.Family.Love.

I hope you have fun

We love a good laugh. I dress North Pole, my Mom LA, and my Dad Al Qeada? Turns out it's his idea of a gift for Uncle Seth. We have fun.

The near and the dear one

Auntie Val is dear.

She and Unlce Seth live the most near to us all. They hosted us all in San Luis Obispo.

The Old

Gramps sits at the head of the table for Christmas dinner. He is the patriarch.

He loves his family. Love grows and it goes around. 

Riley shows his grey beard. Dog is still man's best friend.

and the young 

Youth, love, and a family with medical expertise get Scott back into action quickly.

Beer is a stocking stuffer...but Scott will have to put it on his list 18 years from now.

 

A very Merry Christmas 

Riding together makes my parents merry and bright.

And a happy New Year

Grandma is happy. All of her Grandchildren are together. Under one roof and one couch.

Lets hope it's a good one

Is there any doubt?

With nothing to fear

Uncle Seth's beard beanie is scary. I'm afraid of men with beards. It's genetic. My Mom was too.

And so this is Christmas

Family gathered at the table.

 

For weak and For Strong

The side of my Mom's hat says I drop boys. My Dad had it made for her. She must be strong.

For Rich and For Poor

We live in a one bedroom and don't drive a Mercedes G wagon. Some would say we are poor. Our life is rich beyond the imagination.

The World is so wrong

And so happy Christmas

For black and for white

For yellow and red ones

Let's stop all the fight

I don't really know much about the world being wrong. My Mom puts up a good fight to get me to pose for a picutre.

Ho Ho Ho!

Merry Christmas....Part One.

 

Ho Ho Ho! What do you know? I got behind on my blogging. That is what! Merry Christmas to one and all. I sincerely hope your Christmas was special and honored the true meaning of Christmas. I don't remember much from Christmas past so I have to say I had the best Christmas ever. I love the music, the lights, the cool crisp air, stockings hung with care. Most of all I love celebrating with family and friends.

This year I started my celebration with friends. That's my buddy in the picture below. Don't we look like twins? Our parents like to have dinner together. During the meal preparation we work in tandem to decrease the overall efficiency of the parental units. High 5!

 True to tradition was the reading of Santa Mouse! Thank you Great Grandma Barbara for this delightful book. I'm sure you are smiling up there in heaven.

 

 We got cleaned up, dressed up, and sang Christmas carols in church. I love music. I love to sing and I love to dance. The photo below is evidence that I do clean up asking me to hold still for it was a bit too much.

 

We loaded up and headed north to San Luis Obispo for some fun with cousins. I love, love, love, my Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. Is there a more magical relationship for a child than that with the cousins? More on that in my next blog entry.

 

 I think it was the first time in a long time I actually rode in a car. Like others in my cohort I go to and fro, here and there, in my stroller. However, my Mom doesn't walk ....she runs and oh the places we go.  The illusive picture of me holding still.

 

Some say their children can't nap, get bored, or do not like the stroller...well wouldn't want to trade places with you perhaps they just don't have the right set up or the will that makes the way. How many ways can you say snuggly. As one fine Grandpa would say, I'm snug as a bug in a rug! It doesn't get too cold in Santa Monica too often but when it does we embrace it. Have you ever noticed how bright blue and sparkly the ocean is when the sun returns after the rain? Take a look and see. You won't be disappointed.

 

Next up were presents:

 Not to accuse my Mom of being a material girl in a material world...but I call a spade a spade my Mom's Christmas brought a bit of a wardrobe update starring some fine looking moisture wicking apparel courtesy of the Greats... and some skinny ankle length jeans  and trendy cycling attire courtesy of my Dad and I.

 

Recently my Mom and I read "Bringing Up Bebe." It contrasted French and American styles of child rearing. The take away I feel she should focus on is how good the European Mom's look at the playground. Guaranteed those women are not wearing droopy drawer jeans in severe need of hemming. She does not need to concern herself with the less important parts of the book, such as no throwing food, no snacking on Cheerios, no juice, the importance of greeting adults, and the enforcement of bedtime. Those points were just thrown in for fill. The important thing is looking good at the park.

 

This photo below is depicting my shock not me stuffing my lunch in my mouth. It's in regards to the photo above. I'm thinking about trends here.

 

 I can't help but think someday my Mom is going to look back at the above photo and wonder what exactly she was thinking when she donned her attire. Burnt orange on the booty.... corded......Jeggings! Mom!  History repeats itself. My understanding is that my Mother, my Uncle Pete, and my  Uncle Tom gave my Grandma Judi quite the razzing about her polyester pants. Her reply...they were popular at the time. 

 

You probably think I being awfully materialistic a blog entry given the reason for the season but my next blog entry has it covered. 

 

 I'm going to stick to picking out my own clothing. FYI: Needing assistance getting dressed does not mean one needs assistance choosing clothing. My Mom says this is not how she would have put my outfit together. It's hard for me to trust her in regards to fashion when she wears burnt orange jeggings. Thank you Auntie Val for this fine, fun stroller. I take it with me wherever I go. After months of stalking other toddlers at the park it is my pride and joy.

 

 

Round Up Your Reindeer

 Tis the time of year to round up your reindeer, wear your bells and celebrate the season.

I'm may not fully understand the reason for the season but I know how to celebrate good time with great folks. Friday night was the Montana Avenue Holiday Walk. Let's face it everybody who is anybody in LA was there including me. My Mom was really looking forward to the evening as all the shops on Montana were to serve hot chocolate and cider even Sweet Lady Jane was going to give  out treats although my Mom has been attempting to outdo Sweet Lady Jane in terms of making extraordinary desserts and there would be carolers on every corner. I'm sure there are pictures from this event posted in magazines such as US weekly but since we don't subscribe I have to write my own account. It all sounded perfect except it didn't start until 5:00 p.m.  I had a late play date with my Dad and pushed the afternoon nap way, way back. When 5:00 p.m. rolled around I was fast asleep. My Mom thought I was going to sleep through the whole event. She and my Dad decided to take turns going for a stroll on Montana.  My Mom headed out first and I am sure without me she had a lonely heavy heart. To her surprise, not long after she headed out, my Dad called and said we were on our way. Moments later I was on the corner of 15 & Montana wearing my Mrs. Santa dress accessorized with my Baby Ugg boots don't tell anybody they were hand me down boots  . In a casual chic style I wore my dress over my jeans. This is LA for I care enough to get dressed up for this event, but not enough to freeze my patootie off This is parent speak for it was the easiest way to wrestle a toddler into the outfit of choice. As far as my Mom was concerned about me missing the event.... Hello! Was she born yesterday? We have been in LA since the end of August. Anyone who is anybody arrives fashionably late to a function.  As if I would miss an event like that !

I'm not smiling in the above picture for fear it is paparazzi but soon I realized the photographers were friends of ours and I did quite the dance to "Rocking Around The Christmas Tree" , the corner of 12 and Montana was rocking! In our neighborhood. It is only acceptable to say Happy Holidays but on my blog I'm going to say Merry Christmas to one and all...ok and Happy Holidays to those who don't celebrate Xmas.

Annika Ruth Reporting

Well folks, I have been asked to do a little guest reporting for Saturday's MLS cup game.  

 
Unlike when my Mom wrote race reports that put us all to sleep.I'll keep it short and sweet.

 Folks....It was FABULOUS.

 One of the most exciting days of my 14 months of life.

 I learned a lot watching and loved every minute. My Pop Pops came down for the game . It did not dissapoint.

Here's a bit of what I noted: To win a championship at a professional level it is all hands on deck. A bit of luck, a lot of skill, and a village of supporters. Watching David Beckham play was a treat I will never forget. All of the players in the league are amazing, but Beckham demonstrates a level above where my imagination dared to go. When I need to run fast I am going to conjure an image Beckham streaking up the field.

After the game was over the celebration began. The players and crew stormed the field and my Dad reached into the stands and brought me onto the field later my Mom and Grandpa  (Pop Pops) joined but at first it was just me. I guess I am a "kind of a big deal" 

At first I was a little timid but soon I realized I was welcome to join in the party. I saw some other kids playing soccer and I stole the ball and ran into the goal!!!!

 I'm really proud of my Dad for taking suck an interest in his work this year and making the most of the opportunity. I'm sure he's going to post the picture below on his office wall next year. No?

 Yes that's my Dad at the after party. For the record I was home sleeping in my crib thinking kids couldn't come. Later did I learn that the Beckham's kids were there for the early part of the evening. No fair Dad! I so could have come.

 

In case you are worrying my parents gave up on a their own athletic endeavors and content to watch from the sidelines the smile, and the dirt don't lie and for good measure neither does the watch ( especially when the times keep getting faster).