Christmas Prep in this Flinkman Home

Hi friends.

Have I mentioned that I love Christmas?  I am so incredibly blessed to have found a man who loves it just as much as I do.  Remember last year when I came home to our tiny studio to find that he had decorated it all for us?

Here's what last year looked like.

This year, having a "little" more room, we upgraded to a tree that's actually taller than us.  It's rather nice, considering I had to switch to colored lights for the husband.  I'm getting used to them.

 

Mom sent me home with an extra box of ornaments since we only had a handful to our name.  Now we have ornaments from John and Mary, the ones Grandma Lynn made, one or two that Mom made in school, some I made in school, a couple from my Great Grandma Gray, and a bunch that I grew up with on our tree at home.

 

The few sentimental ones we did own are the pickle we got for our wedding, our first Christmas ornament with our wedding picture, and some ornaments that I made with the kids I nannied.

 

Our homemade stockings found a new perch this year.  Someone's is already full of goodies... Apparently we're being more trusting this year...

And of course, one of my favorite parts: Our candlelit nativity scene.  I decided to cozy it up this year by adding some fur under it.

 

The husband mentioned to me earlier this week that I haven't done much baking since we've been married and that he would enjoy some chocolate chip cookies.  So I remedied that by making almost four dozen oatmeal chocolate chip cookies that turned out quite delicious, if I may say so myself.

 

I also thought some cinnamon sugared almonds sounded delightful, so I cooked some up real quick.   Naturally, one batch did not sound like enough, and I ended up with two big mixing bowls full of them.

 

Unfortunately, my poor husband came home from work last night with the flu.  He has been sleeping almost all day with a fever, and the only one to test out the cookies has been moi.  Poor guy.  So after watching several movies cooped up on the couch, it's now time to see if some football is on for the sick boy.

At least things are looking nice around here.  We decided to keep our first Christmas tree around.  It's now an end table decoration.  (In case you can't tell, that photo is of me and my favorite little guys. They sent me home with it last time I visited and it's been in this special spot ever since.)

As far as Christmas shopping goes, I only have one more item I need to go out and get, and few more I'm checking the mail for everyday.  Other than that, I'm all set! 

Well, I've got to go wait on my patient.  Til next time,

Aim

Grandma Lynn

Dear you,

This week Jered, Nate, and I ventured over to Half Priced Books.  It was my first time, and it was magical.  I wanted to soak it all in and spend hours in the aisles.  Especially when I saw the Art section.

It wasn't even that the section was intensely extensive, or that I saw anything in particular that struck my fancy.  I just miss it.  I miss spending hours on a drawing.  I miss learning about the history.  I miss memorizing slides for class.  I miss improving.

I desperately need to get back to working on my technique, adding and changing mediums, growing my creativity, and learning to better capture likenesses.  I hate that I haven't done anything with it for so long when I love it so much.  I love challenging myself and finding out what I can do.

Well, Grandma Lynn is the one I have to thank for my love of art.  Whatever bit of talent I may have in it came from her.  Let me tell you a little more about Grandma Lynn today. (That's my mom's mom, in case you didn't know.)

My earliest memories of Grandma Lynn probably come from when I was about as old as Khloe is in the above picture.  She lived in an apartment in Peoria.  I don't remember anything about the outside, just the inside, and even that is one of those memories where you aren't sure if you're truly remembering or fabricating it from stories. 

I remember seeing tiny crystal figurines, playing with this thing that had hundreds of tiny magnetic, flat Mickey Mouse heads that you could mold into different shapes, the smell of Dial soap, the most delicious Disney Popsicles, the porcelain doll in the baby stroller, her green ring that I wore to my wedding, glossy white cat statues, playing dress up in her high heels, her Christmas tree, and I think, taking naps on her bed.

After she and Grandpa got their house in Peoria is when my first memories of playing with my cousins emerge.  I also remember that Grandma kept stocked up on Barbies for us, some were even from back when Mom and Aunt Bobbie were little.  She had a playroom just for us.  She had one of those white geese that people have on their porch sometimes, and she had all kinds of different outfits for it.  Katie and I thought it was the coolest thing ever, and Grandma always let us help change its clothes.

The house in Peoria is also the first place I remember painting with Grandma.  She would get little wooden painting projects for us kids to do.  Some of them are still shown off at Christmas time.  We painted bunnies for Easter, Christmas scenes, and all kinds of stuff.  One year, quite a while later, we painted tile coasters for Dad for Father's Day with her.  She pulled out wildlife pictures for us to use because she knows Dad loves hunting.

She does beautiful paintings on stepping stones for yards, and Christmas ornaments, and other things.  She would paint the same scene in the different seasons on stepping stones so that we could switch them out on our porch every few months.  Her landscape type paintings like those always turned out gorgeous.

I still have a little step stool that Grandma painted for me.  It has some of the dalmatians from 101 Dalmatians on it.  Over the last few years she's been doing more sewing projects, and a couple years ago, she gave us each a bunch of Christmas ornaments.  (I located those last night because I had forgotten where I put them to keep them from getting lost.  Now they are helping to make our tree more festive.)  My kitchen towels that have recipes embroidered on them were also a gift from her.

She has sparkling, ice blue eyes that she gave to Mom, who did not return the favor.  They looked beautiful with the teal outfit she wore to our wedding.  I also feel I need to point out that though the picture doesn't show it, Grandma had matching teal polish on her nails.  How awesome is that?

Grandma Lynn is incredibly supportive.  She encourages us in whatever we do, and she definitely has the gift of giving affirmation.  (Even this morning, I checked my Facebook and found a compliment from her.)  I don't think she ever misses an opportunity to tell us that she loves us, is proud of us, or that we're sweet or beautiful.  She's pretty kind to our egos.  She could sit and talk with us for hours if we had the time, and always laughs when we try to be say something funny.

Grandma Lynn planted and nurtured in me a love for old movies.  Thanks to her I love movies like Show Boat, the original Little Women, Oklahoma, The King and I, and of course, my very favorite, Meet Me in St. Louis.  She also let us watch the old Nick at Night shows when we would spend the night at her house-which was so exciting because we didn't have cable back then and she let us stay up late to watch them.  

I think she really loves children.  She has several great grandchildren now, and you can see that she loves watching them play.  She also talks about what we were like as little kids often.  She tells me how I sang when we were in the hospital after Katie was born, or how she used to tell me not to talk like a baby.  She remembers things about our outfits and toys we played with.

I know that Grandma Lynn will always be in my corner, rooting for me to succeed, and encouraging me and trying to boost my confidence every step of the way.  And I know that she loves me, and everyone in her family for that matter, more than she could ever say.  She has a big heart.  I don't know if there's anyone in the family who isn't greeted by her with a kiss on the cheek.

So what do you need to know about my Grandma Lynn?  You need to know that she loves.  She isn't one to hold back the loving, encouraging things that people need to hear.  You also need to know that she gave us, I would say especially my cousins and me, a load of cherished memories.  She is also the one I need to thank for many of my interests.  Without her, I don't know if I ever would have learned that I love art, and I probably wouldn't be singing along to Meet Me in St. Louis every chance I get.

I love you, Grandma.  Thanks for everything.

Aimee Lou

My Marge

Dear Margo,

Well, I don't even know where to start.  I guess that's why I'm writing this letter rather than trying to do this in person.  Also, I blubber less in writing than when I try to speak.

Marge, you've been a teacher, a mentor, a friend, and a big sister to me and many others.

I've watched you love your beautiful children.  I've seen you teach them about God and how He works in every circumstance, even the hard ones, as you are doing now.  I've watched as you explain to them how other people are hurting and need their help, and have heard and seen them step up to that plate.

And my, how they've grown.

I can't believe Benny is such a little man now.  Can it really have been so long since he was that tiny, round baby?  Or that he used to say things like, "That Aimee show is hiwawious?"  Such a funny boy.  Some of my favorite things to read were the "Bennyisms" you would post.  Always made me smile.  Hopefully he won't hate me for saying this, but remember that time he ate all those fiber bars?  Ok, I won't say anymore, but it was funny- to hear you tell the story.  Probably not so funny to you at the time.

Watching Aubrey turn into such a caring young lady has been wonderful.  To hear you tell about her musings about God and the way the world looks through her eyes warms my heart.  She's always sounded older than her age, but now she's looking so grown up as well.  I can only imagine how much more of a little mom she is now than she used to be.  I also wonder how long it's going to be before she and Benny are taller than me.

I wish I had been around more to watch little Miss Tatum grow.  I can't believe she's running around when it seems so recently that I held her in the hospital.  But, I see the way her brother and sisters love her and I smile to think that she must fit in perfectly to the Wookey family.

And my Sammy.  That ornery little stinker who had a secret language she used with her big brother at the dinner table.  I think it was Sammy that first made me feel like I could be a mom and enjoy it, and maybe even be good at it.  I always imagined being a mom, but didn't seriously think about it until she came around.  The time I had with my little buddy was a wonderful little gift to me that summer, and I can't imagine all the joy she brings your family.

So many of us owe you and Roy an enormous "thank you" for keeping your home open to us for years.  For many evenings of games, of watching for shooting stars, of singing, of playing with your kids, of eating way too many snacks, of sitting on your porch swing, of baby bath times, of laughing, of staying out too late because of good conversation.   For hours of talking about God, about His goodness, about life, about love, about futures, about forgiveness, about grace.

You came from a life that was unimaginable to us and built one that we dream of.  You are a testament of what being faithful to God can do.  You've gone through hardships and learned to lean on God.  You've taught us about sacrifice, giving, serving, and faith.  You've given us some exceptional experiences.
 

You have been open, honest, and real with us.  You are the person we can be the same way with.  You are willing to call us out if needed.  You've cried with us when we've cried, encouraged us when we needed it most, prayed over us almost every time we got together, and gave us the strongest hugs.  You are family.

You are one of the girls.  You sing and dance in the car right along with us.  You joke around with us and have fun.  You make us laugh.  And when I most needed it but was terrified, you challenged me and prayed for me to develop strong friendships with girls at school.

You created a place for us to safely and openly learn about God and relationships.  You've shown us what it looks like to be a supportive, respectful wife.  You've been honest about your shortcomings and shown us that we will have some of our own and still be able to be good wives.  I will always be grateful that you chose The Power of a Praying Wife to go through the summer before my wedding.  

Margo,  you are beautiful, smart, strong, loving, encouraging, thought-provoking, challenging, methodical, and fun.  You are a model of a godly mother and wife.  And we will be forever changed because of the time we've had with you and your family.

I hate to think that Canton will be Wookeyless again, but I know that you will be in the hearts of all the people you've ministered to.  I also know that the community you end up in doesn't know the awesomeness that is headed their way.

I love you, Marge.  Whether it's during a vacation visit or eternity, I will look forward to our reunion.

Aim

Fa Lalalalaaa, La Laa La Laa

Hi.

Well, it was a chilly weekend in Canton, and yesterday we started to get a real taste of winter as it started snowing in the morning and continued until we drove home in a slight snow storm.

The mighty hunters weren't too successful, but we still had a beautiful time with family, including an old-fashioned sleepover at The Farm.  (You know besides the whole getting to share a room with a boy part.)

This weekend I ran a few errands with my mom, during which I thought I might find an angel topper for our tree at home.  I saw the bottom of a white topper, and thinking it was an angel, went to see my options.  It was a snowman.  And next to it?  A reindeer and a Santa.  A Santa.

I recently read a post by a mother who felt more comfortable teaching her children about Santa than Jesus because the concept of Jesus, the son of God being born as a human, was too permanent.  She would tell them the story of Jesus, but leave out the whole "son of God" part.  He was just a model citizen.

My mom told me that she had students last year who didn't even know what a shepherd was.

And it makes me sad.  It is the most beautiful time of year, the most wonderful holiday, a time when good will abounds, but the meaning behind it all seems to be getting a little more lost each year.  And I wonder how much I contribute to the problem.  How often do I really focus on that baby in the manger?

Yesterday our Pastor brought up the fact that the song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was originally a secret catechism during a time of religious persecution.  It was a song for Christians to safely sing about what God had given them.  I decided to look up the hidden/symbolic meanings.

12. Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles Creed.

11. Eleven pipers piping represent the eleven faithful Apostles.

10. Ten lords-a-leaping stand for the Ten Commandments.

9. Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.

8.  Eight maids-a-milking are the eight Beatitudes.

7. Seven swans-a-swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

6. Six geese-a-laying stand for the six days of creation.

5. Five golden rings stand for the Pentateuch, or the first five books of the Old Testament.

4. Four calling birds are the four gospels.

3. Three French hens stand for faith, hope, and love.

2. Two turtle doves represent the Old and New Testaments.

1. The single partridge in a pear tree stands for Jesus.

All of these things were given to us by our "true love," God.  How cool is that?  Certainly sounds like better gifts knowing the history of the song than if you take it literally.

Anyway, the service made me feel quite convicted over my own appreciation of the season.  I love Christmas, but don't spend the time I should reveling in the fact that my God came to Earth as a baby, with the sole purpose to die for me.   Hopefully this year I can start remedying that.

The weekend at home was wonderful.  I love the magic of the season, and it always feels the strongest at home.  I guess because I'm surrounded by all the same decorations I've seen all my life.  Here are a few of my favorites:

After everything I just shared with you, it seems fitting that this should be the first one I share.  This nativity picture has been in our home every Christmas season for as long as I remember.

(I haven't mastered the art of taking pretty Christmas tree pictures.  I'll work on that.) These are our "Baby's First Christmas" ornaments.  Katie's is the one in the walker, and mine is in the Jenny-Jump-Up because that was my favorite when I was a baby.  (Or so I hear.)

We had several cute, plastic animal ornaments that Katie and I would swipe from the tree and play with when we were little, including this ice-skating mouse.

And then, we had all of the amazing, handmade ornaments, usually from school.  Prepare to be amazed:

Check out Katie's brace-face gingerbread girl ornament!

A special addition this year: a Christmas card from Grandpa Bill that Mom found and added to our mantle.

Maybe we're biased, but we're all pretty convinced that we always have the prettiest Christmas tree there is.

However, all the decorations would be diminished without these. 

I guess I'm pretty blessed that God decided to give above and beyond all the things He gave us in "The Twelve Days of Christmas."

Until next time, Merry Christmas!

Aimee

The Real Life Giver

Hello.

Since everyone has been posting things they're thankful for over the last month, this will most likely sound super cliche, but I have been feeling exceedingly blessed.  As in, almost felt like skipping down the sidewalk on my way out of work at the end of the day because of everything and everyone I have been blessed with.

It hasn't been a conscious decision to think of these things though.  I've just had this billowing joy.  This warm feeling that all is right with the world.  Even when it's not.  Even when there's pain saturating the world.  I have still had this overwhelming sense that I'm where I'm supposed to be.  (Maybe not in my work, but everywhere else.)  God is good.

Maybe it's just the fact that Christmas lights are going up and carols are playing, and the warm fuzzies are permeating every wrinkle of my brain.

Spending a nice long weekend with my family just exacerbated all those feelings.  Each day I was there I thought, "Wow!  I still have another day!"  I loved soaking up every minute of Christmas movies, puzzles, games with family, Christmas shopping, eating, and talking and hanging out with my immediate and extended family.  (Want a huge surprise?  I forgot to pull out my camera during all of those moments.  Shocker.)

However, I missed my handsome mister a ton.  A ton, a ton.  I had trouble falling asleep last night because I didn't want to miss any more time with him.  I know, I'm not supposed to gush about him anymore, but gosh, he makes that an incredibly tough task.

Well, back to the business of counting my blessings.  Today it's Grandpa Tony's turn to have a letter.

Grandpa Tony is my mom's step-dad, although I almost don't want you to know that because I don't want to diminish his place as Grandpa.  Although, I guess that makes my point even stronger because he loves us as though we were his grandchildren by blood, and he is every bit a grandpa to me and Katie.

My earliest memories of Grandpa are at Grandma's old apartment in Peoria.  I remember riding on his back as he crawled on his hands and knees around the living room.  He was always fun and playful with us.

Grandpa is also the Treat Master.  When we were little, I think he brought us Skittles or a Dilly Bar every time we saw him.  I also had my first french cruller because of him; he used to bring us Dunkin Donuts every time we spent the night at their house in Peoria.  He also brings a tray of shrimp to almost every family event we have.

Grandpa is an incredibly hard worker.  He is always busy, but never complains about it.  When he and Grandma moved to Canton, they bought this adorable little house, and Grandpa has redone just about every single room in it.  He is always working on a project and loves working on special ones to surprise Grandma.

He is a great wood worker and has worked on lots of projects with Grandma too.  He's really made them a good team.  He creates and prepares the projects, and Grandma paints them.

He has a small organ at their house.  And I think his favorite song is Edelweiss.  I don't believe I've ever seen the organ without that music on it.  I love that.

You know those toy machines at the front of stores with the claws?  The ones that are impossible to win?  Well, our Grandpa Tony is apparently a rock star when it comes to them.  When we would get together with our cousins, he would bring in a big bag and set out all the stuffed animals he had won and let us each pick one out.  I remember one bunny very specifically.  

Grandpa Tony is ornery.  He's always teasing us, giving us a hard time about getting into the food before dinner times, and trying to take our plates after we fill them up.  Or he waits til the end of the meal and puts all his shrimp tails on your plate to make it look like you ate sixteen shrimp.  Right, Kate?

He takes really good care of my grandma.  He is a dedicated provider and must be a nurturer too.

If I could only tell you one thing about my grandpa, it would be that he has a giving spirit.  He loves to give.  He loves to see people smile.  He just loves.  And I think that's a pretty cool characteristic to have.

You know the drill; as always, I could go on, but I've told you the most important aspect of Grandpa Tony's personality. 

I love you, Grandpa.

Aimee Lou