Branson Christmas

I am a very sentimental person. I am very sensitive, too. With our lifestyle, I have learned to grab every opportunity that I can when it presents itself. Being close to the Ozarks at Christmastime was one such opportunity.

Every few summers, or so, my folks would load us up into the old conversion van and we would make the trek 200 miles to Branson, Missiouri.  Silver Dollar City was the usual destination. We never made it during Christmas.

The winter after my dad died, a friend of the family insisted that we go down for a few nights. She had a granddaughter, and I had a two year-old Madelyn.  So the five of us went together in my mom's truck.  We did a lot of shopping, the Dixie Stampede, and the Trail of Lights out by the Shepard of the Hills. It is a memory that I will cherish for many, many years. Branson was a favorite of my father's, so I was hesitant about going without him. But it helped with closure, in a weird way.

This year, I was sitting in the living room when it slapped me in the face. Take your girls to the Dixie Stampede!  I asked mom if she thought that Audrey would be entertained enough to sit through the show. She laughed at me and checked me for a fever.  After some discussion, the plans were made to leave Audrey with Gramma and David the next weekend, and for me to head off with Madelyn and Hannah after school on Friday.

The three hour drive was easy with just the older two kids. We checked in at the Clarion and went to the Stampede to see all the horses in the stall.

We made our way into the pre-show area of the Arena and settled down with our snacks and drinks. I went to get Madelyn another popcorn at the concession stand.  While I was up there, a gentleman tapped me on the shoulder.

"This lady will need a rag, too. Her daughter just spilled her soda."

Oh crap.

I went back to check on Hannah, who was just a mere twenty feet behind me, and she was sopping wet. So was the lady sitting next to her. I felt awful.  I got her table wiped off, and patted Hannah the best I could. I couldn't get her very dry. I tried to take her to the bathroom so I could hold her pants under the hand dryer. But they only had paper towels.  I tried the gift shop. No pants. Just shirts.

"Sorry, honey. You will have to stay in these pants."

She was fine. She didn't care at all.

After being ushered into the grand arena, we were seated at our counter. The drinks offered were Pepsi and Iced Tea.

"Is the iced tea decaf," I asked.

"No, ma'am."

Oh boy. Caffiene for my girls. That is okay. We have a lot to accomplish tonight, anyway.

The show started promptly at five-thirty, and Hannah was in awe.  Madelyn loved it, too.  Supper was served. It was a cornish game hen, pork loin, corn on the cob, baked potato, and a biscuit. All to be eaten with your hands. I thought Madelyn would be grossed out, but she loved it! She cleaned that bird.  Hannah was too busy watching the show. I had to remind her to eat constantly. It was hilarious to see her so enthralled.

After the show, we headed down Highway 76 and out to the Trail of Lights. It was two and a half miles of electrical engineering marvel. Half way through, we met a huge traffic jam. After sitting idle for about seven minutes, Madelyn lost it.

"Oh! For Pete's sake! What are you doing? Taking a picture of every bulb on that tree?!?"

I told her that this was a lesson in patience.  But to tell the truth, I was this close to honking myself. 

Ninety minutes after we entered the trail, we finally saw the exit. We felt like freed hostages. We rushed back to the hotel for an hour of swimming in the indoor pool. After showers and jammys, we were tucked in bed by eleven.

The next morning we were going Christmas Shopping at the Tanger Outlet Mall and then to the Landing in Downtown Branson.

We got to Tangor at 9:38 AM and got the last parking space. We hit the Carter's outlet and the Disney Store. Hannah was in no mood to shop.  We went to the truck at 10:45 and the parking lot was insane. The aisles were jammed with vehicles. The driveway was backed up and it caused a huge jam on Highway 76 for miles. I was glad to get out of there. We didn't have to leave Branson until two, but we all decided that it was chaos.

We tried to eat at Lambert's for lunch. It was an hour and a half wait. We didn't wait.

Red Robin had a table for us in Springfield. The waitress was so sweet. She gave us a huge dessert for free. She said she knew it must be hard for me to get out with my husband away, and she wanted to treat us. I saw on the ticket that she had paid for it herself in cash. I left her a huge tip. It sure touched Madelyn's heart.

Well, I can't get the pictures to load on this computer. I am at Jay's folks house for Christmas.  The trip out here is another blog in itself. But, I promise to post them when I return to Chanute. They are worth it!

Stay tuned!

*****

Here are the pictures...

Outside our Hotel: Clarion on Hiway 76

When I got out of the shower, Hannah had carafe from little coffee maker and was playing tea party.

Nutcrackers outside back door of hotel.

The waitress gave us a free desert at Red Robin, Springfield, Mo

Poinsettias outside of Dixie Stampede

Character from Dixie Stampede

Horse Stables

Christmas Light display from Trail of Lights

Under the Sea theme section

Hannah's favorite part

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Gearing Up

Tomorrow begins Christmas Break for us. Madelyn gets out of school at 11:45 in the morning. On December 16th.  Yes, the 16th.

HUH?

When I was in school, we would have gone until 1:30 PM on the 23rd.

Now how am I supposed to finish Christmas shopping with a sneaky seven year-old at home?

Easy. I don't.

We party instead! We started the celebration a little early. We began tonight with photos of the girls at play.

Tomorrow, we head to Branson.

Wish us luck!

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Selfish Children

Keeping your children alive is a difficult job. The responsibility of raising them so that they are an asset to society is even harder. Just listing the characteristics to deter your offspring from is daunting. That is why God has created the Family Set. If not for support, then for someone you can go whining to when you feel like you are failing.

I absolutely despise spoiled brats. I always thought it was the result of poor parenting. I realize, now, that sometimes it may be because no one will spank Grandma!

No, seriously, giving kids what they want when they want it is so, so bad for them.  Everyone can name at least three adults that are difficult because they have the same mentality of a two year-old.  My seven year-old seems to have come pre-programmed this way. I was in denial for first four years. I just said, "Oh, she is just a passionate child." I am working very, very hard to break that 'all about me' mentality. The worst part is when people who have that mind-set are totally clueless. Again, I blame the parents.

I was going through the check-out line at Wal-Mart this morning. The cashier had swollen eyes. She was a grandma. I asked if she was alright. She told me a story.

"My kids will not come home for Christmas. They never come home. When my kids were little, we loaded up every holiday and went to their grandparents house. I was excited to finally be at the place in life where I could host these wonderful gatherings. My daughter just says, 'Mom! You don't know what its like to travel with a five year-old!' I just want to slap her. Of course I know what its like! I had kids, too!"

"Oh, I am so sorry," I say. "What are the ages of your grandkids?"

"From ages nine to three."

"Oh, well, then it sounds like she needs to discipline her kids to ride better."

"Exactly," she replies.

"How far away is your daughter?"

She teared up. "Kansas City"

My eyes bugged out. An hour and a half away. And her youngest was five. Oh. My. Word. That was pathetic.

"And another story: For Thanksgiving, my son went to his in-laws in Wichita for three days. They went back home, but had to return to Wichita for a funeral a bit later. I asked if they would bring the kids over to Chanute to see me since they were so close. They said, 'No. We already drove all the way down from Salina. We aren't going to drive all the way over to Chanute.' I was just heartbroken. I have to work and can not take off much to go see them. I get so sad about the whole thing."

I was speechless. Salina. Her son lives in Salina. Two and a half hours away from Chanute. And he made the trip 'all the way to Wichita'. HA. That is about seventy miles.

Maybe there has been another drama issue going on in the family background that the children shouldn't travel to their mom's house.  Of course, there is always another side to the story. Another point of view. But she just made me sad thinking about how selfish her kids are.  If they couldn't afford to travel, that is completely understandable. But to not because it is 'so far away' and their five and three year old kids are 'too young to ride that far' is selfish.

I drove to my mom's house from El Paso alone this summer with a six month-old, two year-old, and a six year-old. It was a full two day drive. But we did it. It wasn't easy. But we did it. And I didn't think twice about it.

I am taking my now one year-old, two year-old, and seven year-old to Denver for Christmas. It's a days drive. But I am looking forward to it. Its only one day. Sheesh.  Plus I have a rear DVD player to keep kids entertained.  Remember road trips when you were little when all you had to play with was your brother or sister in the back seat? Kids have it so easy now.

Maybe that is the problem.

We are creating these little pacifiers for our kids, when, really, they are for us. Who are we hurting in the end? Our kids. And society for having to interact with our little brats.

But that is another blog...

Now, it is time for photos!

Papa D gets a coveted foot rub

Madelyn's Godmother sends goodies and games often. We are blessed to have Amy in our lives!

It took us a while to find Relph this morning. He was inside the cupboard.

Baking Elves preparing for the Cookie Exchange

Christmas Season is really picking up. Don't get caught up in the parade.

Enjoy the Season. Cherish the Reason.


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If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com

Christmas Prep

The Christmas Season doesn't get fully inaugurated until the tree is standing in its full glory.

I had lots of help while I screwed the tree into the base.

I was doing well, until I saw two mice under the tree.

Of course, I had to take a photo with camera on automatic settings.

And then a photo with my settings. The girls wouldn't stand still, but I think it adds to the ambience of the evening.

Relph has been busy getting into mischief this week.

And Madelyn added to Gramma's shopping list.

Yep. Barbies.

See you Monday!

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Game On!

You can always tell when the kids are feeling better. They come back at full force.  But, sometimes I can't tell who is more mischievous. Me, or the Elf on the Shelf.

I was folding laundry this morning, and Gramma and Hannah were in the office working on Christmas Cards.  I decided to have a little fun with my number two child.

I placed a stuffed zebra at the office door, which was closed, and knocked.

"Who's there? Come in!"

After a small wait, the door creaked open. I could hear it, because I was standing around the corner in the bedroom.

"Oh!" Hannah found the zebra, swept him inside, and shut the door.

"Zebra, Gramma!"

"Really? A zebra knocked on the door? Huh. Well, alright."

I placed a huge kitty at the door, knocked, and ran.

"Come in!"

Door creaked open, and "Kitty!" was exclaimed. It was drug inside, and door slammed shut.

"Its a Kitty, Gramma! A kitty to play with zebra."

I placed a Mickey Mouse book at door, knocked, and ran.

"Come in!"

Door slammed open, "Mickey Book!"

The book was gone when I peeked around the corner.

This time, I just knocked and left.

"Come in! Oh. *slam* No body there!"

I placed my basket full of laundry to be folded at the door, knocked, and ran.  I was giggling. I could not wait for the reaction from this gift. I didn't know if I was more excited to hear what Hannah had to say, or Gramma.

"Come in!"

I heard the door open, slowly.

"What? What is this? This is Panties, Gramma!"

I almost lost it. It was David'd underwear and socks.

I heard grunting. She was dragging the basket into the office.

SLAM!

"What is that? Wait! Hannah! Someone left laundry at the door?"

"Yep!"

I was waiting for it to be returned. But, it never showed up.

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Unexpected Responses

Kids are wonderful at conveying their innocence.  The way they see the world is magical.

Madelyn had five days off of school for the Thanksgiving holiday. She appreciated the opportunity to sleep in and have jammy days. I appreciated the opportunity to let her.

On Tuesday after, Gramma had to go to work, so she drove Madelyn to school.  Gramma parked a ways down from the entrance so she would have the chance to walk with Madelyn to the door. As they approached, Madelyn slowed her gate and practically stopped.

"Boy. School sure cuts into my family time." Madelyn can put things into perspective with just a simple statement.  It warmed my heart to know how much she cherishes the time she spends with her family. There aren't many kids who do that, or at least show it.

Later that week, Audrey and Hannah came down with terrible, fierce chest colds. They were up all night long, and were impossible to care for during the day.

One night, Hannah was having serial night tremors and Gramma couldn't calm her down. Gramma came downstairs to get me. I had just finished tucking Audrey back into bed for the umpteenth time and was reading a book on my iPhone. Gramma tapped my shoulder and I about fell out of bed. I had not heard Hannah screaming from the other end of the house and had no idea what was going on. Gramma ushered me up to Hannah's room and I tried to calm her the best that I could. The rest of the night I was shuffling back and forth between Hannah and Audrey. There was no sleep for the Army Mommy that night.

The next day, Gramma drove Madelyn to school again. I do not know how the conversation got started but it ended like this...

Madelyn: My Mom didn't sleep with me last night

Gramma: I know, honey. Audrey and Hannah were both very sick and your Mommy was busy taking care of them.

Madelyn: I wish she wasn't tired all the time.

Gramma: Well, I think she waits up some nights to talk to Daddy. She needs to get her rest, and try to talk to him in the morning.

Madelyn: No. She needs to talk to Daddy.

Gramma: Yes, but on days when she is exhausted, she needs to just go to bed and get her rest.

Madelyn: No. She needs to talk to my Daddy.




You can't argue with Madelyn. Not when it comes to issues with her Daddy.



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Jay's Christmas Present

I created this video for Jay's Christmas Present. Song sung by Scott McCreery.

The Trouble with Girls

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Christmas Parade

I had a rare experience tonight. I got to spend time with Madelyn. Alone. And, it was great!

Hannah has been suffering from a lower respiratory infection for several days. Audrey is still recovering from a serious ear infection. So there has been a lot of drama in this house. And a lot of whining. Of course, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, so Madelyn has been feeling pretty neglected lately.

Tonight, Gramma told me to take Madelyn to the Christmas parade without the two little girls. I jumped at that opportunity.

A tad after six, we were barreling down the driveway in our truck, talking excitedly about how much fun it will be to just have some Mommy-Maddy time.

Thirty minutes before the parade began, we parked a few blocks from Main street and Madelyn climbed up into the passenger street next to me. We each had our own hot chocolate mug and we sipped in the dark glow of the radio light. For me, it was magical. For her, it was time to gossip.

"So, tell me about how you met Daddy..."

"Well, back when I was in college, ...." Insert long cheesy story here.

"Did he kiss you goodnight?"

"Kind of. He held me tight, and kissed me on the forehead. I just melted right there on the spot."

"Oh, really? Is that why you love kisses on the forehead so much?"

"Yes, sweetie. It's something special that your Daddy does."

"What was your second date?"

"Hmm.  Well, we went to a museum in Topeka. There was an exhibit of the faberge eggs."

"That sounds...boring."

"It could have been. But, Daddy made it fun."

We sipped some hot chocolate. I went on to tell her about how Daddy left for the invasion, and came home later that summer. I told her about how we had to move our wedding date up by six months because he was scheduled to deploy again. I told her about when we found out we were having a beautiful baby, who was to be her. She was putty in my hands.

"I like a boy, Mommy."

Oh boy. It's starting. I can hear her father cocking a shotgun at the thought.

"Oh how exciting, honey! Who?"

She named the boy. For her privacy, I will not share it. But, I am definitely paying attention to her classmates from now on! I want to put a face with the name.

We finished our hot chocolate, and climbed out of the truck. We were bundled up and moved to our spot on Main Street.  Apparently Ward's Bootery was now home to Merle Norman Cosmetics. We huddled back in the recess of the entry way out of the wind for the remaining ten minutes.

The parade was a lot of fun. Madelyn got lots of candy, and I got a cool Hallmark photo frame Christmas Ornament.

We both bonded, and that is something that I will carry away with me and hold dear to my heart.

She will, too.

She just won't know it for a few years...

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 If you have any questions or comments you would like to share directly with me, please email thearmymommy@gmail.com