It's important to take an extra 5 minutes to cut up those plastic six-pack rings that come around sodas and beer. 
My mother just sent an email to our family list as a reminder. I've always done it - I thought it was "normal" to cut the rings. My Grandfather was outspoken about it, no surprise with his love for wildlife.
The email my mother sent was triggered after she watched Happy Feet (2006 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.) this holiday season. I agreed with her, the scene of the penguin with the rings around his neck was disturbing, and serves as a great reminder.
Birds and the like get injured getting legs, necks, etc stuck in the rings- and I can't imagine it feels good, so take the time.... grab the scissors and cut all of the circles, just and throw it away - or recycle if you can!
If you see uncut rings at a party, picnic, or laying on the ground. Stop ! Retrieve ! Snip !
This video isn't too graphic - but bless her heart turtle! Deformed from a ring being around her so long :(
Special memories, but such pressure to keep traditions alive! Traditions are a set of customs or practices, often passed down from one generation to the next. I love them! But often find myself stressed to keep up with them all. Do we have too many?
My 18 and 21 year old encourage them to keep going, "Mom! We can't not do ___, we've always done it that way!"
I find it more and more apparent that our family continues many traditions around Christmas time.
Here are some:
Christmas Eve Dinner = Waffles & Chicken Gravy: This started with my Father's Mother Mary Emma McCurdy (my parents divorced a long time ago, but Mom continued this). Most people do not like it (including the kids that insist we still make it) - but they eat one waffle with Chicken Gravy before loading up on the syrup covered ones. It has come to pass that I host this meal, eating in shifts with 8 adults; 4 young adults; 4 little ones.
After dinner, we gather in the living room.............. SURPRISE....................
Christmas Pajamas: Another Grandmother, DeeDee, began making us Christmas Pajamas when I was a little one. Often elastic that was too tight on the wrists, short or long pants, lace all around the neck, but homemade treasures stitched with love. My mom, Sandy, continued for many years, and has risen to the pillar from the teens now that she's moved onto Old Navy, Gap, Victoria Secret purchased jammies. These are all wrapped and given to the kids (until you have kids of your own, then you benefit watching your children on the receiving end, which I note is just as pleasurable!). All pose for the Christmas Pajama Picture!
Luke 2 and The Night Before Christmas: These are both read by the teen volunteers for that year, while we all listen gathered in a circle, and try to pump in the caffeine to get us through the wee-hour work.
Reindeer's Carrots: The Reindeer need to eat - so we always leave some carrots out, and they always seem to leave a big mess of chewed up carrot remmanents.
Mailed Packages: The packages we receive from family/friends in the mail, the boxes get opened and placed under the tree before bedtime on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Tree Decorations: Up until Christmas Eve, our tree is adorned with White Lights and Crismons , which are pearl and gold beaded ornaments symbolic of Christ. DeeDee also began making these, and I've continued stocking the family, and gifting them. Christmas Eve night Santa Claus comes and as well as leaving presents, filling stockings, and eating cookies/milk, decorates our tree with our boxes of homemade and special ornaments with colored lights and icicles.
Baby Jesus: We have two nativity scenes, and Santa Claus places Baby Jesus in the manger. I love that this is often the first thing checked in the morning.
Gift Exchange: Michael (my husband) and I exchange an ornament with each other. That is our only gifts that we exchange with each other. We do $help$ the children though, so we can sneak some things in there :)
Christmas Morning: No one is allowed to go downstairs until Mom & Dad turn on the lights. Sounds of "ooooh I think someone was here" come from downstairs as the lights get turned on, and the camera gets ready. The children sit at the top stair waiting for "ok". We get the annual first look picture of the girls coming downstairs in their pj's.
(Last year we had a great memory, although we got a lot of strange faces, we visited DeeDee at the Nursing Home she was staying - see picture - all in our pajamas still on Christmas Morning. She has Alzheimers, but although I'm sure she doesn't remember it now - she loved the whole family being there. My little one's head is missing - but she was all there :)
Presents: Santa Claus gifts are either left unwrapped, or wrapped in Comics. We unwrap presents first, taking turns from youngest to oldest - then the stockings.
(I have to mention my grandmother, DeeDee, again, she made over 800 stockings as gifts for anyone who got married or had a baby. They are SO special! She knitted the year she made it on the stocking - so mine is quite aged compared to the rest of the family :)
Mamaw and Papaw's House: After all gifts are done, we make our way to my Mom & Dad's house about 15 minutes away to share the morning (don't tell - we all just hop in the van in our pajamas & slippers). We share homemade Cinnamon Rolls & Breakfast Casserole their and exchange our gifts. Then back home to play and get ready for the day. We head back over to Mamaw & Papaws house for Christmas Dinner in the afternoon. We try to play games in the evening - Catch Phrase, Scene It, etc.
I love the Traditions too. I don't want to be "unflexible", but its hard when "its always been this way". Sometimes as families change (births, marriages, moves), practices have to change as well. That isn't easy.
Sometimes there are very simple things to bring kindness, and it feels so good! I prefer giving anonymously, for some reason it blesses me more that way. Maybe because back about 15 years ago, as a struggling single mother - I was blessed.
Here is one VERY simple, but fun thing to do. I've done it many times, my kids (21, 18 & 4) love it when I do, they also find it fun.....
When you are in a drive through - tell the cashier you'd like to pay for the car behind you. I think they are getting more used to it now, cause they don't look at me with a puzzled look on their face.
Even the cashiers seem to get a kick out of it as well.
They had a story about this on Good Morning America this morning. At a Starbucks someone did that, and it went a few cars back - people kept Paying it Forward over and over again!!! I thought that was great!
I challenge you to give it a try next time you are in the drive through. It's usually only a few dollars - it's worth it!
As a REALTOR(R) serving the Downingtown and West Chester area; I probably shouldn't be partial to one side or another - but please understand, my daughter's boyfriend of 2 1/2 yrs plays for Downingtown West - so I am!
Downingtown West is in the District Playoffs!!!! The 3rd round playoff game is Friday, November 23rd, so come out in support to West Chester Henderson!
It was a nail biter game last week as Downingtown West High School played at Central Bucks South. We won 45-38, but it was tense, especially the last 3 minutes! Here are the stats for Downingtown West. And, ok, I'll play fair, here is Henderson's.
GO DOWNINGTOWN WEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO ELUD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My Mission Statement: Helping others reach the Pot of Gold at the end of their particular Rainbow, whatever that might be, gives me great JOY! How can I help you?
Who "would" be able to find me a House to call Home?
(Home Buyer Information)
When you are looking for a new home, it’s important to have an agent that is also as excited as you are. It’s a fun process, and although it can be overwhelming at times, I try to make it as painless as possible! I am available every step of the way for questions and guidance. I listen with open ears to hear what exactly you would like to find in your special place.
Tom & Sandy are also members of The Kim Wood Team and will also ensure to make your home buying experience is fun! They also work with Buyers to get their dreams turned into reality.
I am originally from Chester County, Pennsylvania, and moved around as an Air Force brat (and later a dependant wife). The moving was a tough process – I’m sure it would have been great to have an agent by my side!
If you to buy a house that you can call home in the Chester County, Montgomery County or Delaware County regions, The Kim Wood Team can help! To begin to search for homes in the area, you can venture to my Real Estate Website and set up a profile. You can save your favorites there and add more or delete as you continue to get familiar with the area.
Who "would" get my home SOLD?
(Home Seller Information)
One of the most important aspects of getting your home sold is the marketing. I use creative ways to market your home to make sure that your home stands out among the group.
The marketing venues are endless as I spend most of my time & money on internet presence. You can see a sample Real Estate Shows Virtual Tour and visit my website for some more details. I keep up with the latest technology and you will soon see some video demonstrations of that.
I'd be happy to give you some tips for making the most value for your home. You need to make sure your home is available to see - without Sammy.
A Pre-Listing Package is available via electronic mail with no obligation and no charge. If you would like to set up an appointment in person, request via phone or email.
Who "would" be able to help me relocate to the area?
(Relocation Information)
I’m very proud of where I live, and I’d be happy to show you the highlights. When relocating to an area, it’s hard to define the exact spot you would like to live, be assured that I will be listening to you and can advise you to research the areas that will meet your needs. Sometimes it’s difficult to move to a new area- to begin to make friends, find hairdressers, and a new home! I’d like to take some of the burden from you – and lend my helping hand.
Ask again.... WHO WOULD???
Kim Wood !!!
(View my Photos of Chester County)
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Who is Kim Wood ?
I am Kim Wood! I am a native of Chester County, PA, and I’ve always called it “home”. My ancestors have lived around the Delaware and Chester County regions for over 200 years. I lived in four countries during my secondary and high school years – so I know how difficult it can be to adjust to new places with children!
I have three beautiful daughters (22, 19, and 5) who are very supportive of my career in the Real Estate industry. I also have a lot of extended family in the area. My family time is important to me – and when I’m not actively working, I’m most likely with them.
I eat, live, and breathe Real Estate. It is my career that I chose – but it is also fun for me. I enjoy it so much that often I work in my “spare-time” because its what makes me happy!
You can visit me on other social networks including: Twitter, Flickr, Facebook, and BrightKite. I have a blog at www.WestofPhillyBurbs.com and also a mobile blog at www.MyMobileViewWestofPhilly.Wordpress.com.
Listen to them..... (Testimonies)
I take great pride in servicing my clients so they do not hesitate to offer my name for Real Estate Services around the Greater Chester County. Referrals are the heart of my business - and I'm never too busy to serve them with my above-expectations service.
"selling or buying. We did both..."
"For me Kim Wood was an outstanding Realtor. I made a very quick decision to sell my house. It had not been in my current plans. From the decision to sell my house on Kim's support and knowledge was invaluable. We went through my house and she told me what I needed to do to the house to get it ready to sell. She should me what it tasks to get me the best return. I followed her instructions and my house sold for an amazing price and what I needed to have to go into my new home. She was there every step of the way. From placing my house on the market thru settlement she was there and all was in place and taken care of. I recommend her to any one needing an honest, straight forward person to deal with during this process. She made a point of getting to know me and what I wanted and provided just that. With no reservations I recommend this person to any one in the housing market today selling or buying. We did both with her."- Sandy E., Malvern PA
Bought, Sold, Bought again!
"Kim Wood was great to work with. She made us feel like we were her number one priority. We appreciated her services on finding our first home that we went back to Kim again when we were looking to sell to buy our second home. Kim really understood our needs and we look forward to using her services again in the future.
"- Tony & Lynne, Exton PA
"5 offers .... sold for more than 30 % above..."
"My husband and I thought we could save money with one of those self-serve real estate firms. After a few months of lackluster service and a failed deal, we finally turned to Kim, who had actually already advised us, free-of-charge, on some of our previous issues. Within 5 days of signing with her, we had 5 offers on the table and our property sold for more than 30% above what our original realtor wanted us to accept. Kim was very gracious, conscientious and at all times had our best interest in mind. I wish we had started with her in the beginning.""- Jim & Ellen S., Downingtown PA
"highly recommend Kim..."
"It took us quite a while to find the "right" house, Kim was extremely patient and always willing to show us whatever popped up that looked like a possibility. Emailing all the new listings daily was a HUGE help so we could both see the listing's lot size, features and location before we scheduled appointments. We actually had lots of fun looking, and still miss those daily emails. Settlement was a breeze, and all ended up great. We would highly recommend Kim to anyone, very personable and understanding!
We sold our house and bought our new one with Kim."- John & Beth F., Coatesville PA
No Time Wasting!
"I found Kim to be patient, and very practical regarding the homes that she presented to me. She listened to what type of house I was looking for, and thats what she showed me. My time was always spent well, and never wasted on filler homes. She found the house that I wanted to buy."- Joe M., Pottstown PA
Sold a home to a Florida Realtor
"I first heard about Kim a few years ago from my son and daughter in law. They said she was fairly new, but what a go getter. Being a Realtor myself, that was important. Since I was purchasing a home from out of state, Kim did a lot of extra work for me. She especially went above and beyond in helping with the closing of the home I was selling!!!! If you want the best.........
call Kim Wood. She won't let you down."- Barbara C., West Chester PA
"..we used her again...and recommended her to family"
"Kim made the process of both buying and selling a house a pleasure. While ultimately it is about the sale, she gives it such a personal touch, taking the process to heart, as if it were her house. You will always have the feeling she is doing everything to make sure you are informed and happy throughout the whole ordeal. We had such a great experience with Kim, we used her again without hesitation and recommended her to family.
"- David & Andria S., West Chester PA
From a Title/Closing Agent
"Kim is knowledgeable of the area and the marketplace. She is honest and dedicated and provides excellent customer service. She holds herself up to high professional standards and is an experienced negotiator. Kim is extremely dedicated to the people she serves and doesn't quit until she finds the right home for the right buyer."- Noreen, West Chester PA
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