Traditions

Traditions:

- the passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation, especially by oral communication.

- a mode of thought or behavior followed by a people continuously from generation to generation; a custom or usage.

- a time-honored practice or set of such practices.
 
- the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation, esp. by word of mouth or by practice

- a long-established or inherited way of thinking or acting: The rebellious students wanted to break with tradition.

 Why I think traditions important

provide a sense of security, even when times are rough or uncertain, traditions carry on

provide a sense of belonging, things done together bring you closer

provide a sense of identity, being a part of a family

provides lasting memories

allows parents to impart values

Traditions are a bit new to me, not that we didn't have them growing up-I just didn't see them that way. We did have some-opening presents Christmas Eve, visiting with family on Christmas Day, I ALWAYS had an easter basket of some kind-even as a college student, and I'm sure more than aren't coming to mind right now.
As a relatively new mom (2 years is still new ;}), I am trying to start meaningful traditions for our family. Some things we have started
-new matching pjs for Christmas Eve-this year I will attempt to sew pj pants myself
-new Christmas ornament for R every year-one that has a special meaning-saved for her when she has a family of her own
-picture of us hanging the ornament on the tree
-Christmas Day at OUR home
-birthday presents for R wrapped in plain paper with words that describe her written onn them
-Friday nights are "kid" food night-pizza, burgers, hot dogs, etc
-one TV free night per week (still working on this one), will later be a game night too
-reading to R every day, will hopefully progress to her reading to me-I know this one won't last forever but I can drag it out as long as possible

Things I would like to implement:
-weekly trip to library
-special birthday meal
-picking fruit at a farm every year
-yearly picture of R on her birthday and 1st day of school(or hopefully homeschool) and New Years (or hopefully homeschool) in front of house
-monthly picnic-inside if need be according to the weather
-and so many more!!

Happy memory making!

Birthday Party

Little R had a small birthday party with just family-and a few we consider family. Ok-this post has been a draft for a while..she was 2 over a month ago :)
Instead of cake-we had cupcakes-no ice cream, and only a few other snack items. This was an informal party-no invitations, no real decorating-just some streamers, a birthday banner and a few balloons for her chair. I did go with a theme-jungle animals. She wore an outfit a friend made (plug-www.stringbean17.etsy.com), and the cupcakes were decorated like monkey faces. We also requested no gifts but of course she got some anyway.
I ordered her gifts from my Mom and Dad from Amazon.com-she got a pretend Dyson that does pick up paper, band in a box by Melissa and Doug, and a cutting activity. The food cutting practice activity set is so incredibly neat and baby R likes it. Maybe I'll write a review! The hubby made her an chalkboard/easel/magnetic board and I bought various art supplies to go with it.. I was super impressed with his handiwork! Just so happened her sister Kiki got her magnet dress up dolls (think paper dolls w/ magnetic stuff) and Erica got her a puzzle type doll w/ magnetic clothes. She also got clothes, a little people castle, a doll that is interactive-she says certain things according to how you place her hands, $50 for her college fund, and other stuff I am forgetting.
We all had a great time and the birthday fairy even stopped by unexpectedly-complete w/ sparkly gown, wings and a mask. Thanks Julie-you're an awesome neighbor :)