Comments on: I’d be willing to bet that Julie was the one driving the fleet of reindeer that ran over grandma last Christmas.

By: Larissa

Larissa — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 14:17:44 +0000

I know this is a few posts late, but you should get her the book Llama, Llama Red Pajama. It’s about going to bed and calling for Llama Mama. Sounds fitting for you, and it really is a good book. My daughter loves it. It’s by Anna Dewdney.

By: Amber

Amber — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 05:39:29 +0000

What about having a big birthday party for Jesus? We always made a cake for Jesus on the night before Christmas and had an actual birthday party… we read the Christmas story and sang songs. What little girl doesn’t love a birthday party?!!?

By: Renee

Renee — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 23:22:17 +0000

So I haven’t been here in a few days – but we at ATH are quite into American Girl Dolls. You can find used – nice stuff on ebay for a fraction of the price – if you search well – though time is not on your side for this one. Michaels also has knock off things – you would be looking for 18-19 inch doll clothes and so does Target (Our generation) – though, I have found some Target things to be tight around a doll’s wrist – so I tend to buy things without cuffed sleeves.
As for special things I did with mom at Christmas – we made homemade ornaments for the tree – cards for friends and family – just be creative, find whatever might be fun and embellish these things. We also made chex snack mix and cookies as you already are doing.
In our home baby Jesus – a special doll – appears for one week that our children get to love on.
We also have a B-day party for Jesus!
Driving to see Christmas lights as said before is always fun!
How about a live nativity?
Does she do santa – or what about special Christmas photos – somewhere special?
Ice skating?
Lots of Christmas music!!!!
Reading stories that discuss the TRUE meaning of Christmas!
Playing Santa for someone in need?
Making homemade snowflakes to decorate the wall/window – is always fun!
Enjoy your precious time sweet Amy! LOVE – LOVE – LOVE on her as only a Llama Mama can!!!!!!
Renee

By: Kelli

Kelli — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:13:11 +0000

I think everything I did has been said…. but in case there is a vote… lol …
Making hot chocolate and watching movies, baking and decorating cookies, making gingerbread houses (out of graham crackers – they are super easy), reading Christmas stories, looking at lights, helping wrap presents, and shopping for a little girl my age (off of a giving tree or somewhere else) was my favorite memory of all time! Oh my mom sister and I always got matching pajamas or PJ pants and all year when I would wear them, I would remember the sweet memories from Christmas!

By: Lydia

Lydia — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:34:48 +0000

Umm…I think I overdid it with the smiley faces in the above post. Whatcha think? Sorry…. (smiley face)

By: Lydia

Lydia — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:33:32 +0000

Amy Beth, you are so funny! Here are a few things I remember doing with my Mom (because I am, as you say, “rockin’ the single status”) ……
- Go get a hot drink from Starbucks, only we didn’t have Starbucks back then and we made our own (hot chocolate for the little one and something with a kick for you)
- Drive around and find the best Christmas light decorations. Have a contest for the worst decorations, the prettiest, the most outrageous, etc.
- Shop for gifts for Dad and brother – usually at the dollar store
- Make cookies or some other sweet things.
- Wrap a few presents and put them under the tree.
- Get in comfy PJs and watch a sappy Christmas movie.

I sure miss being a little girl! Such fun times. Whatever you do I know she will soak it up. Merry Christmas, Amy Beth. I hope someone(s) make(s) you feel as special as you make so many others feel because you give of yourself so much. Blessings!

By: trs

trs — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 02:40:31 +0000

ooh… maybe find a way to sip hot chocolate in front of a fire… even if it means going to a Starbucks across from a fancy hotel with a fireplace in the lobby.
This could be done after going ice skating.

And I second seeing the Nutcracker. It’s so nice to put on a pretty dress and go to the Theatre! I never saw it until I went to college – and later envied my nieces when their gramma (My mom) took them to a local college performance of The Nutcracker. (never did that with me – pout!) And I love that little Taylor sat patiently for the firtst 20 mins before asking gramma “Why don’t they talk?”
So you might want to explain the story in advance so she knows what to expect!

I’m thinking a college performance would be pretty reasonably priced. – But give your new student loan payment priority.
Speaking of… you know why they make it due on Dec 25? So that you’ll miss it and they can make money on your late fee. They’re all heart.

By: Chatty Kelly

Chatty Kelly — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:25:46 +0000

Well go look at Christmas lights at night (the tackier the better), baking cookies and watching Christmas specials on TV. The “American Girl” line at Target is called “My Generation.” They rock. We have 2 of the real AG dolls, but buy accessories at Target.

Take her to the mall to go visit Santa and have her picture made, if she likes Santa.

Playing board games is also fun. She will be happy to just be spending time with you. Enjoy!

By: Bethany

Bethany — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:14:49 +0000

Cinnamon ornaments!

Ingredients: (makes appx 12 ornaments)
1 cup Cinnamon (I suggest getting it at Dollar Tree)
1 cup applesauce
optional: 1 tsp cloves/nutmeg/ginger/allspice

Also needed:
Narrow ribbon, yarn or string
Cookie cutters
Small straw (coffee stirrer size) or round toothpick
optional: glitter

Mix dry ingredients (and glitter if using it) then add applesauce a little bit at a time until it makes a dough the consistency of play-doh – firm but moist. Roll out on waxed paper to 1/4″ thickness. Cut out and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Poke holes BEFORE baking with straw or toothpick. Bake at 150 degrees for 1 1/2 hours or until they look done. Tie on string or ribbon. Hang.

They smell GREAT and will keep their scent for a couple years. A dab of cinnamon oil will refresh the scent when it starts to fade.

By: Anne

Anne — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:48:52 +0000

Okay, so I’ve never commented before, but, having an eight-year-old who is ADDICTED to American Girl, I have to tell you about the glorious-site-otherwise-known-as-www.silly-monkey.com. FABULOUS clothes/accessories for a fraction of the cost. Seriously, they even sell the most adorable little underwear for these dolls….for around $2! Good luck!