MarytheKaytheBlog

Using Leftover Turkey and Ham...Linky Dinks

Hello, holly jolly readers!  Are you holly jolly-roly poly from all the delicious Christmas eating?  I know I sure am!   I know that I will soon have to reintroduce myself to my treadmill, but I have thoroughly enjoyed all the Chrsitmas goodies (yes, lots of them peppermint this year!) and all the wonderful holiday meals.

Are you like me, in that you have lots of turkey and ham left?  Or, maybe just the giant turkey and ham bones?  I have done some cooking this week, using up every last yummy morsel of turkey and ham.   I thought I'd share those recipes with you!

 

 
For the over-the-top delicious Honeybaked Ham, I made my dad some Ham and Beans.  This recipe is my favorite combination--sweet/spicy.  I'll never make great northern beans again without brown sugar and cayenne pepper!  I used quite a bit of little ham pieces (that were left on the bone)--so our Ham and Beans was the main course.   And as a good Southern girl, of course there was cornbread to go with it!  Important Indelicate Note:  I don't know how else to say this...but to make your beans less, er, gassy please click here to find helpful hints. 

 

 
For the leftover turkey, I made Gumbo Style Turkey Creole.  I made this meal for my parents, and since my mom is allergic to shellfish, pork, and beef (tragic, I know!!!), I thought it would be fun to try a chicken--or turkey--gumbo.  This recipe just hit the spot!  YUM.  I did modify it a bit, according to lots of the reviews, and added a can of chicken broth, used turkey in place of the chicken, and added some okra.  Because, what is gumbo without okra?  It's gumbo that sits on a throne of lies...  (name that movie)

 

 
For the gumbo, I made my FAVORITE (yes I'm yelling it!!!) Sticky Rice.  I seriously am in love with this rice.  Regular rice is dead to me.  Dead, I say.  This is the recipe I use...I especially love that it is a picture recipe.  Even though I have made this rice about 25 times now, I still have to look at the pittures every single time.  I guess I'm slow!  If you're like me, and forget where the recipe is located, just Google "How to cook rice."  And, magically, it will appear!

 

What leftover foods are still hanging around your house?  If you say homemade fudge, and need of a good disposal technique--please ship it directly to MarytheKay, and I will *assist* you in that disposal!  (Oh, you just think I'm kidding.)

Do you have any favorite recipes, using leftover holiday food?  I'd LOVE to hear about them!

Now, go ye forth and enjoy your New Year's weekend.  Now, I'm not tellin ya to get all wild and crazy on New Year's Eve.  Like my daddy always used to tell me, as I'd leave the house on a date or a night out... "Remember who you are, and whose you are!"  And then he'd give my date the stink eye, and pat the pistol in his holster.

 

Some things we're NOT doing this holiday...

Two things we are NOT doing this holiday week...

 

1)

 
Thank HEAVENS for modern conveniences...like indoor plumbing!  Can you imagine a trip out to this outhouse, in weather like that?  There sure wouldn't be any phone checking of e-mails out there...Not that I am making any sort of personal reference at all.  I've just *heard* that some people check their e-mail...well, you know...

 

2)

Thank HEAVENS for modern conveniences...  HOWEVER...One must actually get on one of these in order for it to work.  Must. Reintroduce. Myself. SOON.

Happy Christmas / New Year's vacation week, friends!  I do hope you are enjoying every minute of it!!! 

 

What are some things YOU'RE NOT doing this holiday???

We interrupt your regularly scheduled holiday programming...for some holiday LIVING!

I may, or may not, be posting regularly this week.  Because I may, or may not, be doing the following things:

 

1.  Writing our Christmas New Year's cards.  I am kind of OCD old-fashioned, in that I like to create our cards, and then write messages to each person.  I know, I know, it is very out-of-style to write on the cards anymore (Tiny soapbox moment.  I feel better now) but I consider our Christmas, I mean New Year's cards, my one time of the year to "chat" with some of my far-flung family and dear friends.  And I'm kind of chatty (if you haven't already noticed.)

2.  I have a rather involved craft project I need to finish this week.  I WISH I could tell you what that is...but a certain person receiving said project this weekend may READ this...  So, don't worry--I'll take pictures and write about it next week.  Tonight, when I was explaining to my husband Dave how MUCH I have to do this week regarding this craft project, like any reasonable man, he replied, "Isn't there an easier way to do that?"  No, Dave.  It would not be a MarytheKay craft project unless it is overly-complicated...when an easier way is available, and unless it takes at least 4 tries and 4 times as long before actually getting it right...which makes it cost exactly 4 times more than you could just buy it retail.

But, craft projects are fun, right?  Right?

3.  Because our family is having FUN still celebrating Christmas vacation this week!  Here's a little sample of some of that fun...  Sledding behind the snowmobile!  Oh yeah! 

 

What about YOU?  What are YOU DOING this week?  I'd love to know! 

Our Family's Non-Traditional Christmas Story

I wanted to invite you to join our family today, for one of our Christmas Eve traditions.  Below is a story my dad has read to our family on many Christmas Eves.  Even though the words are familiar to me now, still every time I hear it, the message is fresh, and my tears always come...  I invite you to gather your own family around and join us by the light of the Christmas tree--pajamas and all--as we listen to my dad tell the story about a little boy named Teddy.  A story about love.  The exact kind of love baby Jesus came to share.   

 

Teddy Stoddard (author unknown)

There is a story many years ago of an elementary teacher. Her name was Mrs. Thompson. And as she stood in front of her 5th grade class on her very first day of school, she told the children a lie. Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved them all the same. But that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.

Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he didn't play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. And Teddy could be unpleasant. It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then putting a big "F" at the top of his papers.

At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's past records and she put Teddy's off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise. Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners... he is a joy to be around." His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent student, well liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle." His third grade teacher wrote, "His mother's death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best but his father doesn't show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken." Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and sometimes sleeps in class."

By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy's. His present which was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper that he got from a grocery bag. Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one quarter full of perfume. But she stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist. Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to." After the children left she cried for at least an hour.

On that very day, she quit teaching reading, and writing, and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children. Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy became one her "teacher's pets."

A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life. Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life. Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would soon graduate from college with the highest of honors. He assured Mrs. Thompson that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had in his whole life. Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little longer-the letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, M.D.

The story doesn't end there. You see, there was yet another letter that spring. Teddy said he'd met this girl and was going to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit in the place at the wedding that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom. Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. And she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together. They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson's ear, "Thank you Mrs. Thompson for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference." Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She said, "Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I met you."

 

Do you know any Teddy's?  My hope is that, as you read this story, you might think of a Teddy in your neighborhood, at your child's school...and that you might find a way to reach out to him or her.  That as you watch your own family open present after present this Christmas, you'll think of a way to help someone less fortunate.  For that is the whole message of Christmas, isn't it?  That God so loved the unlovely (world) that He sent His only baby son...that whoever believes in Him shall not die--but live forever!

And that is GOOD NEWS indeed!  Merry Christmas, dear readers!!

 

(I found this story all over the internet, with a few different versions of Teddy's name, and a few different endings... This one is copied from Teachnet.)

Favorite Christmas Clips from the 80s!!

 Happy almost Christmas, everybody!!!  I do hope you have all your shopping and wrapping done...Because if you do not, then I bet you are awfully grumpy about that.  If so, then do I have a DEAL for YOU!  I searched around until I found 3 of my favorite shows/movies of the 1980s (aka, the Glory Days), and found some Christmas clips to help cheer you up, and get you in the Ha Ha Ha holiday spirit.

Boy, they sure don't make 'em like they used to, do they? 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Do you have any favorite Christmas clips from the 1980s?  You babies, surely you've seen some RERUNS!!

As this holiday gets closer, I just want you to know how MUCH I appreciate you for stopping by.  Some of you have been so kind this year, and have encouraged me so much with your kind words.  I wish you the merriest of Christmases this year! 

Now, I'd love to hear about some of your favorite 80s Christmas clips!

Our Top 10 Favorite Car Travel Must Haves (alternate title: The Beverly Hillbillies Done Hit the Road)

I don't know about you, but holidays around our house usually involve some travel.  I thought it would be fun to share some of our family's favorite car travel tips.  Who knows?  Maybe some of them you'll find helpful.  Otherwise, I bet you'll just find us odd.

 10.  Hire a driver.  I like to hire my husband Dave.  It's a win-win.  He likes to drive, and I like to be driven.

9.  Constant coffee supply for the driver.  I'm not mentioning names, but steering wheels can make *some* drivers very sleepy.  If I am going to be able to read my book, or take a little nappie, I need to feel assured that my driver is awake and alert.

8.  Speaking of reading and naps, the rider must always travel with her pillow, in her lap.  I have no idea why, except for the fact that it feels cozy.  I feel very forlorn on a plane without my pillow.

7.  A stack of good books.  I look forward to holiday reading almost as much as the holiday itself.  I have a special satchel that is dedicated to my books when traveling.  This trip I brought 5 books.  You'll see my first one in the picture above.  It's Annie Downs' first book--From Head to Foot: All of You Living All for Him--and it is fabulous!!  If you have teenage or tween daughters, BUY IT for them.  (that's an order)  Oh, okay, I'll dedicate an entire post to Annie's book soon. 

6.  If you look closely at the top left of the picture, you will see an absolute necessity for our family's car travels:  a Coca-Cola.  I find that having a Coke in that little cup holder keeps me cheerful on a long ride.  My dear husband was very disappointed to learn upon marrying me that I like to get a fresh Coke at every stop.  Doesn't matter if I still have half a Coke left--if we stop, a fresh non-watered down one is an absolute necessity. 

5.  We have a little bit of a double-standard in our car.  The mom and dad have a constant supply of coffee and Cokes, and the backseat riders...well, they are on a rationing program.  Through a bit of trial and error we have learned the mathematical equation that 1 Coke for a wee one = 16 stops for a wee one break, in a manner of speaking.  1 chocolate milk included in a Happy Meal = 1-2 stops.  Not bad, but not perfect, either.  1 small cup of ice = no stops at all.  I guess their wee bodies absorb that precious amount of water for simple body functioning.  Hey--that works for us.  And the kiddies just love cups of ice.  "Hey kids!  Would you like a small cup of ice...or a cup of air???"  They ask for the ice every time.

4.  Speaking of the back seat, on our car travels, we've decided we like to take 2 girls along.  We figure--we've got the room in our super-cool minivan, we might as well take these girls that insist on calling us "Mom and Dad."  Through lots of screaming trial and error we have learned that one per row is just perfect.  Since Sara Beth likes cozy little cubbyholes and tents, she chooses to sit in the far back.  The large dog kennel piled high with clothes and coats next to her helps provide the perfect cubbyhole environment.

3.  Large dog kennel???  Yes, we like to travel with our 2 large hunting dogs.  In fact, I'm not sure if push came to shove on minivan space, who Dave would pick between the dogs and me.  He would probably tell you that the dogs don't buy as many Cokes.  Or possibly that I don't point pheasants nearly as reliably.  We have found that  nothing helps create a happy travel environment like big dogs who...(how can I say this delicately?) who cause Sara Beth occasionally to cry out, "Daddy!!  Please open the back windows!!!" 

2.  One the most essential components of a successful car trip:  Dvd player with headphones.  I am sure the person who invented the car dvd player was a mom, who had heard too many times the familiar whiny words, "Mo-ommmm!!!  She's on my side againnnnn!!  She won't leave me alonnnnne!!!  Mo-ooommmm!!   She called me a name again!!!  Mo-ooommmm!!!  She's looking at me!!!"  It is a unanswerable scientific question why, when the mom and dad are sitting SIDE BY SIDE, that the word, "Da-aaddddd!!!!"  is never uttered.   Why, oh, why is that?  But, with 2 beautiful dvd players and headphones on every little head, all is calm, all is bright.

1.  The Snack Bag:  Essential for a happy car trip.  What, with all the coffee buying, and  Coke freshening up, and extra small cups of ice--I like to save a little money by packing an exciting bag of snacks.  This snack bag happens to be a little heavier on the junk food than  normal...but my husband found a really great deal on a huge box 'o junk.  For those of you that know Dave, that doesn't surprise you one bit.

 

Well, there you have it!  I hope your holiday travels are happy and  memorable.  I hope that your own super-cool minivans transport you safely to the arms of your families in far-flung places.  I hope that as you arrive, you're able to extend grace to the weirder family members, and that they are able to extend grace to you in all your weird-ness, too.  Most of all, I hope that as your family gathers together for that delicious Christmas meal, you will take a moment to thank the One that created this whole holiday anyway.  The little baby in the manger over on your mama's sideboard.  I hope you thank Him for being born.  And, I really hope you sing Him Happy Birthday.

Linked up with:

 

White Chocolate Popcorn Could Potentially Change Your Life

 
 You think I am exaggerating with my title, well then, think again.  I mean it.  White chocolate popcorn really could change your life.  It is decadent treat, that you can make within minutes RIGHT IN YOUR OWN KITCHEN.  (Yes, I am yelling it.  I am also doing a hurkey while yelling it.) 

I'm sorry.  I just get really excited about simple recipes--like this one, that uses ONLY 3 INGREDIENTS (Yep, another hurkey):  Microwave butter popcorn, white almond bark, and colored sugar.  Within 5 minutes, your life will begin changing.

If any of you have been reading my blog for a while, and let me say, "God bless your souls for doing so," then you will remember that I actually posted the recipe for white chocolate popcorn this summer.  Why did I post it in the summer, when really it is the perfect Christmas treat recipe?  Well, I have no idea.  Is that a good enough reason for you?

So, instead of me rattling on and on about the recipe, why don't I just post it already?  If you'll click here, the magic of the internet will take you right to my summer post with the recipe. 

May this popcorn recipe change your life, and may it help make this Christmas week even more Christmas-y for your family!  By the way, this white chocolate popcorn makes the perfect little gift for neighbors.  Scoop some up into a  clear cellophane bag, tie with a pretty ribbon, and hand-deliver it to your neighbors with a smile and a simple "Merry Christmas."

I just betcha some of your neighbors could use a smile, and a little Christmas cheer.

Linked up with:

 

 

Christmas Past...1973

This picture's awesomeness really needs no introduction.

 

Without further ado, I give you 1973.

 

Young MarytheKay's haircut, compliments of Big Brother Hair Salon--Where the price is right, and babysitters may need to file unemployment...

White GoGo boots, compliments of Sassy Mama, Inc.

Friends of Big Brother hairstylist, please feel free to congratulate him on his magnificent hair chopping cutting abilities!

Friends of MarytheKay, please feel free to send money immediately to her shoe fund.  Please make checks payable to:  Uggs Missouri.  

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

No, the awesome GoGo boots are no longer available for purchase.  They were sold in 1974 at a garage sale for .35 cents.
 

Grab a mug of hot cocoa, sit down for 2 minutes, and REMEMBER...

  Oh, boy, if you're anything like me this week, you're running around like crazy, making Christmas happen.  Or, so many times I feel like I am single-handedly making Christmas happen around here. 

Making lists,

Shopping in the tiniest snatches of time,

Making desserts for the next event,

Wrapping gifts for teachers,

Organizing games for school Christmas parties,

Checking Amazon's shipping status for those 2 things I have not received,

Writing down gifts for thank yous,

Christmas cards---aaaahhhh, haven't even started those...

 

Does any of that sound familiar?  I am so busy making Christmas happen...that I forget...Christmas comes whether or not I do a single. thing.  How utterly presumptuous to think I make Christmas happen.

I know some things are necessary.  But, so much of it is not.  Why?  Why do I make myself so crazy, during my favorite season of the year?

Not once has my family had mugs of hot chocolate in front of our Christmas tree.  Not once (*wince*) have we read the Christmas story together, in our jammies in front of the fireplace.

So, today, right now, I am taking a moment.  I have some hot cocoa in my happy new red Fiesta mug.  I am taking a deep breath, and I am going to REMEMBER what Christmas is about.  I am going to stop, and pray, and thank God for sending that sweet baby to save me, to save my family, and to save the nameless faces I've passed all day long in the car and at the mall.

Would you join me?  For just a moment, let's remember together...  Let's reflect on this season that we're racing through.  Let's breathe prayers of gratefulness together...for the One who allows us to rush around...and yet who tugs on our hearts to slow down...and remember.

   

Oh, the silent majesty of a winter's morn... the clean, cool chill of the holiday air...

While you're scratching your head over the Christmas movie quote in the title, I thought I'd show you around our house at Christmas!  Amanda over at Serenity Now (love her blog!) is hosting a little Christmas link-up.  Earlier today while I was eating a quiet lunch at Chick-Fil-A, I looked at every single link up so far.  (Now, I need to go back and leave some comment love...you can't leave comment love when you have a chicken strip in one hand, and Polynesian sauce in the other!  Hello?  Priorities.)  I really LOVED seeing everyone's favorite decorations, and reading about their favorite traditions.  I thought it would be fun to join in!

Come on inside!  It's cold out there!!  Hurry, don't let the cats in...  The cool old sled and skis are compliments of my husband!  I love 'em.  (my husband, too!)

Oh, but first...while you're out there--did you see who's peeking out the front window?  My girls have loved posing Jake the Snowman all around the house.  I think this spot is my favorite!

 Friendly little fella, isn't he?  He's like an indoor scarecrow...  Only I think he's beckoning the mean dog from next door.  (Maybe Jake needs to hold a shotgun.  Do you think that would help?)

 Oh, I do love our tree.  (I'm pretending like I don't see the string of lights that went out...a week ago.)  Yes, the tree is real, and it's a Frasier Fir--my absolute favorite, don't ever want another kind, thank you!!  It is not one bit fancy, but it is filled with cherished ornaments from our childhoods, and ornaments our daughters have made.  The only thing missing this year, are my treasured Christmas baby ornaments, which were ruined in our basement this summer.

Our house is decorated much like our tree--not one bit fancy, but filled with decorations that mean something to us...and some slightly whimsical--just because they make us smile. 

Like my Grammy's gold foil reindeer.  When we cleaned out her house for the last time, I couldn't bear to sell the reindeer.  These were the reindeer that graced her mantle every Christmas...the mantle that my mom and sisters and I always decorated.  And now, I smile every time I look up at them.  And appropriately, they are standing on top of my Grammy's maple hutch.   (Okay, I guess you can tell...I'm kind of sentimental!)

 Here's the big guy, up close:

 Isn't he handsome?  As fragile as they are, it's amazing to me they have lasted all these years.  I'm guessing they are 50 years old?

 

Here are some cheerful elves, also from my Grammy's house.  Their friends, the green guys, now live at my sister's and brother's.  Our Rebecca has claimed these guys for a shelf in her bedroom.  I guess my grandmother was way ahead of the times...She had Elves on shelves about 50 years before they were cool!

Speaking of shelves, this "shelf" just makes me SMILE.  I have had these guys since they lived on another shelf in my high school bedroom at Christmas.  If I remember correctly, these cutie pie reindeer were offered as a special deal at Pizza Hut. Okay, so maybe I'm losing my mind?  I just checked their tags, and they say "Hallmark."  The girl says "Rhonda Reindeer, Hallmark, 1984."  Why do I remember Pizza Hut for the little guy?  Can ANYBODY help me think I'm not cRaZy???

Last shelf...I promise...  Here is my snowman collection.  These little guys sit atop our computer desk.  In fact, I'm looking at their friendly smiles right now!  See that fat little guy on the far right holding the tiny wreath?  Yeah, he looks small, but he's a chunk...I think he weighs 450 lbs.  When I was putting him in place a couple of weeks ago, he fell onto my big toe.  Oh. My. Word.  I thought I was going to die.  My mouth couldn't stop saying, "AAAHHH!!!" for about 10 minutes, over and over.  I've forgiven the fat little guy now.  Mostly.

 My sisters and I have snowman collections--with many of the  same little guys!  (My mom gave nearly all of them to us.)  It always makes me smile to see my little sister's collection, just to see how similarly we have them displayed.  We are so similar (in SOOO many ways--sorry, Sis!) in that I am sure we're NOT good collectors.  When we get enough of a collection (like our snowmen) to fill a certain space, we're done.  No more.  Please don't give us any more snowmen--our snowman collection space is filled.  The end.  Seriously--if you give us another snowman, we'll just have to re-gift it, and that would be embarrassing for both of us, now wouldn't it? 

Okay, sorry.  I think you got the point.  Maybe 4 sentences ago.

Because I have now talked your ear off, I'll stop for now.  I still have some of our favorite childhood ornaments to show you.  But, I'll save them for another day.

But, before I close out, I thought it would be fun to answer a couple of the questions Amanda asked, for this link-up.  I'd LOVE to hear your answers, too!!

1.  Your favorite Christmas treat?  Oh, this one is hard to answer...I like them all?  Okay, I love the gingerbread men my mom gets from the Magnolia Bakery.  Also, I am obviously very addicted to peppermint everything this year.  I also have a soft spot in my heart for iced cut-out sugar cookies.

2. Favorite Christmas movie?  I am a traditional kind of girl.  I love decorating my tree to It's a Wonderful Life every year.  I also really love Miracle on 34th Street (both old and new versions) and Holiday Inn.  For newer movies, Elf makes me laugh every single time.  Also, I have fond memories of laughing until I was practially on the floor of the movie theatre while watching Christmas Vacation with my big sister.  Remember the scene where Cousin Eddie has a black dickie under his white sweater?  That's the scene that had me on the floor.

3.  Best Christmas gift you've ever received?  Wow, that's a tough one.  I have favorites every single year.  I will say, that having a baby in December sure is a special memory.  I never wanted a December baby.  Well, I wanted the BABY, just not one in December.  I had a neighbor friend who told me when I was big and pregnant, that I would look at Christmas differently, having a December baby.  She was right.  That year I thought a lot about Mary, and how she would have felt back then...delivering her baby in a barn...holding the Savior of the world in her arms for the first time...stroking his cheek with tender love, but not really understanding everything that was going on...how overwhelming everything must have felt for her--delivering her first baby as a virgin girl...having shepherds visit her newborn baby...and later the wise men with the precious gifts.

My special Christmas, 6 years ago, with my sweet Sara Beth in my arms, I often thought about the verse that says, "And Mary pondered all these things in her heart."  Many times, in the quiet hours of the night, as I would snuggle and rock my baby girl, I tucked my own little memories away in my heart.

What about you?  What memories have you tucked away?  What traditions and decorations are special in your family?