July Christmas Tree?
Okay, maybe not July — but my wife was adamant about an early tree.
Making Memories
Our daughter Jade is 3 and these might be her first Christmas memories. Needless to say, we’re super excited. But there was a little issue about the tree …
Traditions
When I was young, our family had a REAL tree and it had a lifespan of around 3 weeks. Because of this, our tree would be up 2 weeks before Christmas and we’d take it down after the new year. Ever since then, December 12th just FEELS right for setting up the family tree.
Maybe November?
In Canada, some stores set up Christmas trees the day after Halloween (November 1). For me, this is WAAAAAY too early. For my wife, this sounded like a GREAT idea.
Finding Peace
All November, we wrestled about Christmas tree dates. I was holding out for December 1st. Finally, we reached a compromise with November 25th — one month before Christmas. The convincing argument was United States didn’t have Thanksgiving until November 22nd. How can we celebrate Christmas before the USA celebrates Thanksgiving ???
I still feel “wrong” setting up a tree in November … but at least there’s peace in our home.
Now Santa, Let’s Get This Straight …
Our family started a tradition last year of “drawing” our letter to Santa. This year, Jade asked for a “Minnie’s Bowtique” toy. Pictured is a warm winter sun, Minnie, Goofy and the brightly coloured bows. I added the text and snowflakes.
Last year, we requested a toy kitchen set. Santa really enjoyed listening to Jade with her artwork. And most importantly, Jade had a lot of fun too.
Santa, Can We Have Snow For Christmas?
As a prairie boy growing up, it’s still strange not having snow in December.
It was a dry day and we decided to spread some Christmas cheer.
“Daddy, This Is You On A Slide”
Sometimes life feels so good …
Do ya Gotchya Gitch ???
Looks like someone is missing their underwear …
This quirky pic was drawn by my wife when Jade was being potty trained and our talked veered towards “undergarments”.
I once lived in Saskatchewan and the popular slang for underwear was gotch (and also gitch). When I later moved to Alberta and British Columbia, I found out the locals referred to their underwear as gonch (and also ginch). Yes, it is goofy … but it made for some funny dialogue about regional differences.
Any weird or interesting slang from your corner of the globe?
Make Like A Tree and “Leaf”
Almost all the leaves are gone … but this old guy refuses to “leaf”.
Recently, the weather has been amazing and we’ve had some amazing family-walks.
Jade Is A True “Arteest”
Jade at her art station (our kitchen table).
Thankfully, she can become very absorbed while drawing.
Jade says they’re doing the “Move it, Move it” dance.
“Steppy” Steps Into The Spotlight!
Love, Love Love ~
Steppy is a little hamster and she’s my daughter’s new favourite toy.
I’m always hearing “Draw Steppy.” Jade likes to add new features (mittens, shoes, etc).
Cuteness Overload ~
Wherever Jade goes, her friend Steppy is always there. They’re great buddies.
You Can’t Hide It ~
I played Ricky Lee Jones’ song “Chuck E’s In Love” and we switched the lyrics to “Steppy’s In Love.” Jade thought it was hilarious.
In the drawing (above), Joey the hamster is chasing Steppy.
(Joey likes when Steppy plays hard to get).
That’s The Way She Rolls ~
Steppy is always creative, street savvy and super sassy.
My wife and Jade created the look for “Toilet Roll Steppy.”
Still Rolling ~
Jade painted the pink base layers (above) and my wife fine-tuned the details.
The Glamour ~
Steppy is very comfortable in glitter. At our home, Steppy is truly a star.
No Small Step ~
Steppy is always sporty and active. Recently she learned to ride a bike.
A Happy Steppy ~
We also created a “Big Block Singsong Steppy” and we substituted the lyrics “Happy” to “Steppy.” It’s now Steppy’s unofficial theme song.
Click to see the song and video: (CBC Player/Flash)
Big Block Singsong
Steppy Does It All ~
Steppy is extremely talented and can even stand on her head!!!
Inseparable ~
Steppy and Jade … Best Friends Forever!!!
Always Dazzling ~
A rare interview where Steppy dazzles the camera!
As you can see, Steppy is the real deal!
Making Kooky Faces
A face a father could only love (haha). A funny face for Jade.
Whoops!!! … Jade replied by assembling her own creation. So much fun!!
We were inspired by the new Big Block Singsong cartoons on CBC Kids. Awesome Stuff !!!
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Click below for more videos: (CBC Player/Flash)
Big Block Singsong
Monkey See, Monkey Do, Monkey Love
My wife monkeyed around with some crayons and drew this for Jade.
Drawings For Jade 