One part of parenthood that leaves me a bit overwhelmed is the business of memory making.
The fact that we are in charge.
As parents we have taken on a minivan full of responsibilities
and among them…
the task of creating moments worth remembering.
This Christmas season, I am acutely aware that I have two more children who will remember.
Two four year-olds to tuck away stories of a snow man who wouldn’t stand, extra icing on sugar cookies and the smoke alarm that went off when Mommy opened the oven.
Holiday traditions will be folded into their memories and brought out again someday.
We search for the most-wanted gifts, the warmest Santa and the brightest lights,
swirling magic into their days, hoping they catch it.
We carefully package our own holiday memories into the lives in front of us,
making a wish that one day they will unwrap worn edges, fold back crinkling tissue and smile dreamily as they sift through pieces of their childhood.
Memories created with love by two parents who are finally able to exhale, because they must have done something right.
*Not pictured: My three girls, two because they won’t go near Santa, one because she never had the chance.
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In charge of making the memories ugh! The good news is hopefully my kids will look back and laugh that I set off the smoke detectors AGAIN 🙂 Great santa picture also!
Aww! I love the snippets of who they are! Great picture! So glad I am not the only who had/have kids not willing to go near Santa.
They are adorable…
Even the ones not pictured.
Do all 2-year-olds love choo-choo trains? Is it like a rite of passage into toddlerhood to be utterly obsessed with them? I’m beginning to think so.
Lil’ Bit keeps telling me she’s going to sit on Santa’s lap this year like a big girl (and ask him for a choo-choo train). We shall see – I have my doubts.
Your little guys are so cute. And your last sentence broke my heart a little bit. She’s always there, isn’t she? In everything you do.
She is, Christmas is always tough because I want her here in many more ways.
And trains? Yes my son loves them, I think that is the only reason he got on Santa’s lap, to ensure that he would get his train.
What a sweet picture!! Last year my 2 year old was NOT a fan.
I was really surprised we got Sawyer to sit on his lap. He wouldn’t even look at him when we first go there but he suddenly changed his mind.
bit also the parents get some beautiful memories on these special events. I will never forget the face of my 5-years-old son as he found his bicycle under the tree. And maybe it was a good memory for him, too.That’s why i love holiday, they are special memories for all.
“Holiday traditions will be folded into their memories and brought out again someday.” < I just love this. Because as much as we want to think (or are sometimes forced to think) it's about the presents, the tree, the days without school, you are making magic with your children and those memories will be with them forever.
Not something you can ever pick up in a store 🙂
You made me both tear up and laugh, which is kind of my favorite. I think it’s funny that the boys are ok with Santa but not the girls. (I’m not sure I blame them.)
Very cute Santa Picture! And I love the memories that go along with it 🙂
My 1st grader was kicked out of his play group for announcing that Santa was not real. He has known since last year, when I decided it was better for me to tell him the truth. Now I’m not so sure. I have two younger boys and I’m wondering what to do about Santa. Love that pic with your boys!
That is SO true and perfect – we DO have a “minivan full of responsibilities”!!
And I love that your “swirl” magic into their days. Oh you SO have a way with words, my friend.
Thanks so much Elaine!
To create memories you will never forget you need to experience something unique. Every year with Christmas I do something special, so I always have an unique memory that I remember vividly.
Such a cute picture of the boys! I always make the smoke detector go off when I make toast! At least we know it works. 🙂
My boy isn’t a Santa fan either
Wow – different perspective – that each year our kids remember more of the memories we create for them. Yikes! Hope we’re measuring up. But I think if there’s love in the house – you’ll always measure up. 🙂
Love this. I had never really thought about our role as memory makers until we had our conversation the other day. We have a lot of responsibilities as parents, but creating memories that will stick with our children long after the toys are gone, is one of the most important. Beautiful!
Um, hi, Santa is scary.
But besides that, this is a truly lovely picture of your boys. Christmas memories are so important to me and it’s so fun having a child knowing that you’re helping them create those memories!
That last line stopped my breath for a bit.
And those sweet faces in the picture with Santa?
Oh my.
You’re capturing memories for each one of your precious babies.
You did. You are. You will.
Memory making is a serious business, but one that I thoroughly enjoy. I love this, Jessica. And the picture with Santa? It’s to die for.
They are so sweet with Santa.
oh lady. you are just incredible.
my boys actually had a chat with the jolly fat man last year. we’ll see how this year goes.
Such a sweet picture.
Creating, capturing, and holding on to these memories is quite a daunting task sometimes.
I make a point of carefully wrapping every single ornament separately every year when I take the tree down. I use lots of tissue. I really do not need to do this, but I do it because the following year I put out big trays and the kids unwrap each ornament and get so excited, when they see their favorites or have memories of where this one or that one came from.. We unwrap every ornament before doing the 2 trees. The kids always have the tree in the kitchen to themselves to decorate however they want. They always seem to love doing this. I only wish their Mom was still here to see them.
Such a great idea and goes perfectly with this post. You wrap each memory so carefully for them, Nancy. I know this Christmas will be tough for all of you. Will be thinking of you and wishing she was hear too.
two birds with one stone…I like it!
That’s a wonderful Santa – and I can see that the boys inherited their looks from their momma!
Enjoy the season & the magic 🙂
The Santa was the best and we were the only ones there, he took his time with the kids and waited until they were ready to sit with him. Otherwise we would have had the red-eyed screaming shots.
Hope you have an amazing holiday too!
They could not be more adorable.
And if I’m being honest? Whenever I try to make memories for my little guy I think “what would Jessica do?” no joke.
This is the best comment OF MY LIFE!!!
They are such good sports! We haven’t seen Santa yet, but Maddie was very unsure of going near the Madagascar characters we saw this past weekend.
Oh Jessica this is gorgeous…I too have boys on the cusp of 4 and this year I see it, I hear it….”he’s real mommy!” “Is it Christmas time yet?” And I tear up knowing that they will remember this year…they will remember the magic and awe and joy. This just made my heart squeeze and smile….love u sweetie! Xo
What a great pic of your boys! That is one magic moment. My 2 year old will not go anywhere near Santa, I think he is still too traumatized from last year.
I couldn’t believe that Sawyer went. The other two were pacing and he just stepped right up.
It is overwhelming especially because in the end they just can’t be held. But, you’ve done a beautiful job.
Love it!!
Thank you for linking up to Santa Photos 2011. Next year… all four children.
xoxo
It’s amazing what they’ll remember, too! Merry Christmas!
I’m so aware of the responsibility to create the memories for my children. I want them to have so many of them, all so full of love. Beautifully written, as always.
I love that my oldest two start talking about the traditions and memories as soon as the holiday season starts. Makes me think that maybe we are doing something right.
My little one won’t go near most “different things” without her older brother or sister in tow. I love how they give her confidence and they get strength from each other.
Your boys = cuteness
My heart skipped a beat at the end. Love this picture, love your big heart, don’t blame your girls one bit, and thinking of you always. xoxo
…fold back crinkling tissue and smile dreamily as they sift through pieces of their childhood….
Loved that part! I know I have lots of crinkly tissue memories…speaking of tissues…I need one now after this post.
What wonderful picture! JDaniel believes in Santa, but so far wants nothing to do with him.
Oh you and your heart and your words and your BIG love- I adore all of that about you, you know that right?
{Beautifully done, as always.}
xo
An adorable picture on top of your not picture disclaimer? Tearing up a little here!
Here’s to making memories for our little ones!
Astrid also thinks Santa is not all that. lol Esther JUST last year at five gave a big guy a few moments of her time.
I’m still scared of him and totally will not sit on his lap.