Santa Magic

"It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air. ~W.T. Ellis"

Mama,  I really REALLY want to the touch the Christmas tree!

With just over a week to go until Christmas, Santa has already been working his magic in the Fehrman family!

Last Saturday, we enjoyed our first Breakfast with Santa at the Carolina Inn. Fiona was absolutely enchanted with the delicious buffet, magician, face painting, sparkling decorations, time on Santa's lap, and - of course! - the very, very long drapes that adorn every window of the Inn.  Our girl will not miss an opportunity to play peek-a-boo!

This week, we wrapped up gifts for A and her 5-year old son C - the family currently living at Genesis Home that we adopted this Christmas.  Clothes, shoes, perfume, and Legos were on Santa's list for them.  While wrapping each gift, I couldn't help but say a little prayer that 2011 is better for A and C than 2010.  May Christmas be full of joy for them - and for us all.

Race Report: Run at the Rock 2010

“I still get wildly enthusiastic about little things... I play with leaves. I skip down the street and run against the wind.”  - Leo F. Buscaglia

This past Saturday, I ran my 4th Run at the Rock 7-mile trail race.

I always love this race...at the finish line.

At the start line each year, I inevitably find myself FREEZING, endlessly debating clothing choices until the gun goes off, recollecting how hard this trail is, and wondering just how long it would take me to find a nice cup of hot coffee and warm cozy booth in which to gorge on brunch instead of completing the run ahead.

Nonetheless, I ran the darn thing again this year, again with my sister Rachel (and our dear friend Brooks Anne), and again I thoroughly enjoyed just about every second of it.

My intention this year was to simply to run in the woods, to spend time with friends, to play. 

Mission accomplished. 

Although it took me a good three of the seven miles to really feel warmed up, the singletrack trail was challenging, but not as difficult as it's been in years past.  We enjoyed a conversational pace when we could think about something other than not tripping on the myriad of roots and rocks. We noticed the beautiful winter scenery.  We grunted up the hills and congratulated each other at the finish -- where the traditional Run at the Rock soup tent was waiting.

My time was my second fastest of the four years I've run  - although given where the race has always fallen in the calendar and my current life priorities, this race has never really been about time for me. Instead it's about being in the moment (which the terrain really requires!), breathing deeply (which is often difficult given the hills!), and feeling vibrantly alive.  Thank you again, running.

2006  1:19:40
2007  1:07:45
2009  1:25:46
2010  1:18:21

Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas!

"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love."

- Hamilton Wright Mabi

We had the most magical weekend officially starting our Christmas season.   Our tree is now up, Christmas carols are playing regularly, and Santa-talk has begun. 

Blurry phone picture of our small, sweet tree. 

On Friday, I joined Fiona at her preschool for the annual holiday feast.  There may be nothing more wonderfully heart-warming and laugh-inducing tham 30+ kids ages 0-4 "singing"  We Wish You a Happy Hanukkah and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  It was the best way to end a very busy week.

The holiday feast buffet BEFORE.

Mom & Fi AFTER enjoying the feast.

Saturday, we participated in Downtown Durham's Holiday Fun Fest and were treated to a beautiful and highly unusual early December snowfall.  The city sparkled and the snow put us all in a good - and cold! -  mood.

The Fun Fest included a miniature animal petting zoo.  Fiona is clearly enthralled -- and perhaps a bit chilly!

No need for the artificial snow booth - we had the real thing!

Proof that Fiona actually LIKED being outside in the snow.

While downtown, we warmed up with hot chocolates at Beyu Caffee.  Fiona wasn't sure what to think about her first sips of this sweet treat.

Um...I think I like it??

After the Fun Fest, we continued our adventure by traveling to our favorite Christmas Tree Lot operated by TROSA.  This business raises funds for TROSA's substance abuse recovery programs and gives the women who run it important employment experience.  As is our tradition, we picked out a very cute and very small tree that will fit in our very cute and very small bungalow.

Sunday we bought our first Christmas presents:  Clothes, toys, and perfume for the Genesis Home family we adopted for the holidays and a Nancy Tuttle May original painting that Ryan and I are giving each other this year.

All in all, it was one those weekends full of joy and laughter that reminded me of how lucky I am to have the husband and daughter I do.  Magic, just pure magic.

Thanksgiving 2010 in Pictures

"Wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving.” - Kahil Gibran

A few pictures from Thanksgiving 2010!

The Sr. and Jr. Fehrmans

The Schryer, Fehrman, Dirito Family..with hostess Ray serving as photographer

Is it the Jr. Fehrmans or a plane! a plane!?

16 Months: Yes and No

"Wise men (and little girls!) speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.” - Plato

Our girl is now 16 months old -- and learning to communicate NO has been this month's most significant change.  She's not actually saying "no" yet (although she is saying lots of other things!), but she sure knows how to shake her head to let Mom & Dad know when she does not want something!

This month we enjoyed celebrating Fiona's 2nd Thanksgiving with friends and both sides of our  family -- although, in my heart it's her first holiday season.  Last year at this time, we were the brand new parents of a 4 month old.  I was back working full-time, still getting up once or twice in the night for feedings, and almost too sleep deprived to function.  Given all of that, I feel a bit like I missed Thanksgiving and Christmas of 2009.  Instead of being sad about that, I'm simply celebrating with gusto this year and considering it our first set of holidays as a (fully-functioning!) family. 

While celebrating turkey day with Ryan's side of the family, Grandma F and I took Fiona to the Children's Museum of the Upstate.  Fiona particularly loved the Toddler Lily Pad.

Watch out Mom!

I'm about to get ALL wet!

After Greenville, SC, we continued to give thanks by gathering with my side of the family in Winston-Salem, NC.  We cooked  a slew of gourmet side dishes and then saved ourselves by ordering a Bojangles turkey.  Yes, that's right...a turkey from a fast foot restaurant.  I, too, was a skeptic at first, but my sister had scoured the Internet finding a myriad of positive reviews.  I now can say that Bojangles might just be a new family tradition.  It was amazingly delicious.  And as a member of our quasi-vegetarian family, Fiona certainly enjoyed her first tastes of turkey!

Other notes from this month:

• Fiona now has 2 molars - with a 3rd about to be here any day!  There have been some long nights for this poor teething girl -- and her parents!
• She is now successfully feeding herself with a spoon and is beginning adventures in fork-dom.  Sometimees the food actually makes it to her mouth!
• Fi seems to have developed a completely new level of empathy for those around her.  While she was in the kitchen, I accidentally cut my thumb cooking dinner a few weeks ago.  Fiona became visibly upset, made the sign for "hurt", and still continues to want to check on my boo boo on a regular basis.
• Our little girl also had her 15-month well-child check this month.  Over the last 12 weeks, she grew 3 inches and gained 3 pounds!!  She's now in the 90th percentile for height and 85th for weight.  Tar Heel b-ball superstar in the making?  Oh yes! At least if her Dad has any say in the matter.