Friday, November 9, 2007

Old Toy Trains

C 13
I rearranged my playlist this morning because of this song. It has so much meaning to me, I had to do an entire post around it. As many of you know, my boys are not my biological sons. They came to live with me when they were 7 and 8 years old. Just little boys back then. That was right about when I heard this song for the first time. Maybe I heard as a kid, but I don't remember. And our first Christmas together as a family was so special to me. I've told you all about some traditions in my family. Now let me tell you about one in Kenny's that will live forever in our home.

When Santa arrives in your neighborhood, he knows that little boys should be in bed or he won't be able to leave any presents. Now you could be decking the halls all night, losing track of time, so how do you know Santa is almost ready to visit your house? By the walnuts, of course. When all 8 (or 9 depending on the visibility that night) reindeer land the sleigh on your roof, Santa throws walnuts through your ceiling letting you know he's ready. You must run to bed and quickly fall asleep or he can't come in. Now when I was a little girl, I could never stay up through Midnight Mass. So he never had to throw the walnuts in my house. I was already asleep. But the boys tend to stay up through mass. So this is Santa's way of helping Mommies and Daddies out.

The first time the walnuts came flying through the ceiling, the boys were still wide awake. But the minute they hit the floor, they ran over to us-said g'night-luv you and ran up the stairs. Falling over each other like Ralphie and Randy in The Christmas Story. It was the cutest thing I had ever seen. And don't you know what was playing in the background? Old Toy Trains. Coincidence? I don't know. But the lyrics say: Little boy don't you think it's time you were in bed. To this day, when I hear that song I cry. It's a happy cry. But also a reminiscent, sad cry of when my boys were little. And even though my boys are 13 and 14 now, Santa still throws the walnuts. And he will as long as they live here.

Blessing for the day: I'm blessed to have these little boys in my life. My family is complete. (Except for the grandchildren I hope to have - WAAAY off in the future!)

49 comments:

Alison Gibbs said...

What a lovely story. You know you will still cry when you hear that song when the boys are men.
Such sweet memories.
Take care.
Alison

Kristen said...

Ohhh, you made me tear up! It is so wonderful to remember times with our children that are so special! They are so lucky to have you!

Cottage Contessa said...

Julie, that is just the sweetest post! Thank you. Beautiful.
Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)

Anita said...

Great story!

(I also like the quiz in your sidebar about time of day... I'm going to take the quiz now!)
:)

lori said...

AHHHHH, I just took a shower and put MAKEUP on...and NOW I'm crying!! That was SOOOOOO beautiful! I have never heard of that, and it was just soooo sweet...
what memories you are making!
beautiful ~ you started my Friday off right, I will be sharing that one today!
~peace and hugs,
lori

Bristol said...

Julie- What a nice story. We have little traditions around here.
My husband used to get up on the roof at his sister's house when my stepkids and his nephews were young. They thought for sure Santa was there!
Bristol

Supermom said...

LOL...no, Julie...I didn't mean anything about the Christmas... I can't get enough of Christmas! I mean your busy days. You are wearing me out just reading all you manage to do with your day!!

(compliment - hint, hint)

Supermom said...

I love the movie Christmas Story. Cracks me up!

I love the walnut story. What a wonderful tradition. I continue to be amazed at your sweet spirit.

Nancy said...

That is such a nice story. I have N gage trains and I gave a train set to Kristen's husband Mitch and did I ever open a can of worms. He went crazy and now has tons of trains. He is so funny, he wanted to run track all over Kristy's house. He bought me a circus train set because of a story I told about my childhood. I will feature it on my blog around Christmas and tell the story. Thanks for always visiting my blog Julie and keep enjoying Christmas.
Nancy

Anonymous said...

Oh Julie,What a great story. I have never heard such...did you husbands grandparents start this does he know how far back it goes? That is so sweet. I love the song!!!! Have never heard that either. Thanks for starting a blessed Friday for me.

Anonymous said...

oh my ... I am bawling like a baby! I love coming to this blog every day.. its like my morning coffee fix...though I drink that while I read... I have to make sure I visit you even if I dont get to anyone elses blog but yours...you have some of the best stories ever...

Thank you for another make my day moment

HUGS LOVE AND BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOURS

JO

www.NeereAnDearCreations.com

Alice said...

Such a sweet tradition in your family. I really like that you won't stop it no matter how old the boys get. Maybe you can make a deal with them that they can get married and move out only if they promise to bring their children to your house on Christmas eve in order to continue the walnut tradition. :)

Michelle said...

Julie, what a touching post of the love you have for your boys. I love tradition and this is such a sweet one. I'm glad I didn't put my makeup on yet, because I'd have mascara on my face! Have a wonderful day.

ShabbyInTheCity said...

My dad and I used to play albums of the Statler Bros. singing this...and the song makes me miss him so much!

Debbie Doughty said...

What a sweet story and wonderful memory. Thanks for sharing :)

From the Doghouse said...

OK, I am SO doing the walnuts this year!

BTW, the first concert I ever saw was Roger Miller when I was a little kid visiting my cousins.

bj said...

Oh, what a precious story....and song. And, why am I crying??
bj

Mrs. Cherry Heart said...

Hi Julie, you are invited to come and celebrate with me!

I am haveing my grand opening of My Cherry Heart Boutique.
http://cherryheartboutique.etsy.com

Also come and visit my blog...
I am haveing 2 give aways!
http://frommycherryheart.blogspot.com/

Enjoy your weekend,
Hugz, Dolly

Distant Timbers Echo said...

Haha! I love that story! Memories like these are wonderful and sweet, aren't they?

FarmHouse Style said...

Oh, what a beautiful song and precious tradition. I guess today it is my turn to cry at your post:) Happy tears indeed.

Love ya,
Rhonda

Webmaster said...

I love
little baby ducks
old pickup trucks
slow movin' trains
and rain

— Tom T. Hall

Living Beyond said...

Oh I just loved that story of your boys. Did you adopt them? We do not have children and I wonder if God will ever bring children to us.
I have never heard the walnut story - thats wonderful.

On Christmas morning in England - the way we use to know whether Father Christmas had been was whether the glass of sherry and the cookies were gone. Father Christmas doesn't get milk and cookies in England - it's good ol Sherry to keep him warm hahaha

Thanks for stopping by and visiting me - soak in this wonderful season with your boys - what a blessing!

kari and kijsa said...

OHHHHH! How sweet...wonderful memories!

Have a very blessed day,

smiles, kari and kijsa

Terri Steffes said...

This is so touching. You are great at telling a story!

I tagged you if you have time!

BellaColle said...

I have never heard that story about the walnuts! Sooo sweet! Christmas is such an awesome time...
We 'hide' the pickle on the tree at our house! Old German custom..
Have a great day!
hugs.

Bethany said...

You made me get tears in my eyes too! The best thing about families is the traditions that are carried on. I'm like you, I already look forward to the grandchildren (but not yet!!!). Love you Julie!!!

Sherry said...

Oh this song!!! Both my boys sang this in the school choir at the holiday season. Brings back memories!!

Tammy said...

You are such a blessing...I loved this post and the story of your precious boys!
"Christmas Story" is my all time favorite movie of that season! "You'll shoot your eye out kid!"
Love your new header too!!
Have a wonderful day!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the story, you got me all choked up. In a good way!

xo,
Melissa

Anonymous said...

I've never heard about throwing walnuts before. Is that just your tradition or is it common? What a great memory!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely post! The walnuts are a wondeful tradiiton. Wish I'd known about it when my dd was little - I would have done that too.

Manuela

kari and kijsa said...

Have a wonderful day

Blessings
kari and kijsa

Debra from Bungalow said...

Sweet memories. You must be the most wonderful mom to those boys.
Hugs, DebraK

Rosemary said...

How sweet Julie. I have never heard of that walnut thing.
Thanks for sharing your nice story.
Rosemary

Emily said...

I'm going to have to agree with everyone else; this is a GREAT story. You are lucky to have your boys, and they are lucky to have you.

blessings said...

Awww... it reminds me of being a kid at grandma's house. We'd all run to the window to see Santa. Every year somebody swore they saw the sleigh, sombody heard the bells, somebody heard him say, "Dash away, dash away..." Our uncles always did such a great job taking turns, dressings up as santa. It felt so magical. Blessings... Polly

Bristol said...

Oh yes I will put the link to your site up!!!! Thanks for putting mine up

Bristol

Mary said...

Oh what a sweet story -- I'm crying just reading it!
xoxo,
Mary

Scrappy Moments said...

Julie what a Great Story, Your blog is always so fun. I really like your new cottage topper :)

Don't forget The Gratitude Gala Today & Tommorow :)

Angie :)

Sweet Remembrance said...

Oh Julie...I love your post!
I got goosebumps...
Priscilla

Anonymous said...

Hi Julie, What a sweet story. Your post are always so inspiring and fun to read. When my boys were little on Christmas morning they would wake up to find a black smudge on their cheeks. That's because after Santa had come down the chimney he would sneak in their bedrooms and give them a kiss on the cheek. ~ Lynn

Dena said...

What a sweet tradition! I could get lost in your stories Julie, you have such a beautiful way of unfolding tales :) Hope you had a great day.

Hugs,
Dena

Donna said...

What a wonderful story and great memories!
Donna

Rebecca E. Parsons/Cre8Tiva said...

oh i hope to have grandchildren someday soon...until then,,,i have an imaginary one...blessings, rebecca

Meggie said...

Julie: That is one of the sweetest stories I've ever heard...how heartwarming. YOUR boys are lucky to have you and I'm betting that you feel pretty lucky too.
PS: how do the walnuts come thru the ceiling?

Mrs. Cherry Heart said...

Hi Julie, Thank you sweetpea for visiting my Cherry Heart Boutique grand opening!

I have entered your name in my bloggy give away! Keep your fingers crossed!

I love your christmas blog banner...I wanna move right into that sweet house! I think it was built for me...it has a heart on the front! :-)

Luvs ya, Dolly

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

What a wonderful sweet story! I raised 4 boys - One was biological.....I know exactly how you feel!
Penny

Back Through Time said...

You are such a wonderful story teller, You really should start writing that book.
thanks for such a sweet story,
Michelle

Justabeachkat said...

Sweet song and sweet tradition. Love your new header too!

Hugs!
Kat