Talk Thursday // "In the Schrute family..."

It's no secret that this blogger loves her some traditions. It's kind of amazing that I'm not Catholic or Jewish or something because I love traditions and ritual. It makes me feel connected to things that are bigger than just me.

That being said, we Lewis' have some Christmas traditions. Christmas itself is pretty freaking awesome, you know, the birth of Jesus and all. But these Lewis family traditions make it so much more anticipatory! (Is that even a word?!) When/if I ever get married, I'm not sure how much I'll be willing to flex on giving some of these traditions up or "renovating" them. Maybe it's good I don't want to get married - I'm far too selfish. =)

But in Hephzibah list-style of awesomeness, here's some of the Lewis' family traditions that I am looking forward to (again) this year:

* Christmas Eve light-looking

* An entire bottle of Martinelli's Sparkling Cider in my stocking

* Making & eating sausage balls

* Watching "White Christmas", "The Christmas Box" & "Little Women"

* Going to a Christmas movie

* Listening to Harry Connick Jr's "When My Heart Finds Christmas", Steven Curtis Chapman's "Music of Christmas", Avalon's "Joy" & CeCe Winans Christmas albums on repeat until I can't yuletide no mo'!

* Hopefully a potato famine story from my dad

* Getting worked up when I see the 3 Wise Men in a Nativity Scene =)

And our newest tradition that I hope only has to be intermittant:

* Skyping with the Sister & BIL, which for long periods of time is slightly awkward, but always awesome.

I love Christmas. Mostly because I love Jesus, but also because I appreciate the fact that its a time for us all to stop what we're doing and be together, even if "together" means Skype. It's a time to be with people who know you and love you and want to share in traditions together.

So, what are some of your traditions?

Merry Christmas, everyone!!

Partial/Nuclear Family Photos

When you have big moments to capture, it's inevitable that you take pictures. Luckily, we Lewis' got lucky with Karen Wang - photographer extraordinaire! Rachael graduated this last Saturday so we took advantage of the time to do some partial/nuclear family* photos.

Some family photos are awkward.

Some are dumb.

Our's were just straight up awesomeness. =)

Check out Karen's blog to view some Lewis' in the sun.
And check out Karen's blog if you need someone to do great photos in the Seattle metro. (She did Rachael's senior pix and I approve.)

Yay for awesome pictures! =)



*referenced as partial/nuclear family photos because we were missing Stephen Cowden - our BIL. He needs to know that the pictures (and good times had during) would have been greatly improved due to his presence. As a consolation, I'll send his wife back to him temporarily. ;)

Families

Families are weird. But well worth the weirdness.

And that's all I have to say. 

I'm Not Her Mom

Scene: U.S. Bank in Albertsons, 3/11/09, around 2 p.m. 

Characters: Sarah, Rachael, and a teller named Vladimir. 

(as they enter, Rachael and Sarah are discussing)

Rachael: ...are you sure you don't want to write my paper for me? I'll pay you! Please, please, please?

Sarah: No, I'm not going to write it for you. That's ridiculous. Shut up and let me deposit the only money I've seen in weeks.

Vladimir: Is she hitting you up for money again, Mom? (smirk) Don't let her have any. (smirk)

Rachael: Oh no...

Sarah: (with a tear in her eye) I'm not her mom. I'm only 23. 

Vladimir: Oh. You. Just. Look. Older. I'm. So. Sorry. (blushing and feeling like a major jackass)

Sarah: Now I know why I can't get a date. No one thinks I'm 23. Everyone thinks I'm in my 30's.

Seriously... this is me:

This is Rachael and me:

This is OUR MOTHER and us:

I'm happy that my mother looks younger than her years. But seriously?! I look old enough to have a 16 year old?! WTF?!

(A message to any guy who may have thought I was nice and fun, but immediately assumed I was in my early-mid 30's: I'm not. I'm 23. You can ask me out. Just think - when I'm in my 50's, I'll look like I'm in my 40's. (Example above))

Eff.

First Snowfall!

No church, no driving....

Good times of slippery danger. 

Beach Madness!

Yesterday was so gorgeous that Mom, Midge and I decided it would be a sin to stay inside.

So we hit Redondo Beach!

Rachael was a bit more excited than the rest of us...

Hangin' at the beach

Truth be told, I'm not a HUGE fan of sand, but it was nice to wiggle my toes in the warm beach.

Posers.... =)

That's how I feel about THAT!

I love this picture.

Sunset over Washington.... lovely.

How do YOU celebrate beautiful days?