Into The Winter

Although the season doesn't officially start until December 21, December always seemed more winter than autumn to me. Now that November is ending, I'm looking forward to the winter ahead. So just as I did back in September, here are some things that plan to do this winter in addition to the holiday activities I talked about on Friday.

Build a snowman - Usually we just take advantage of the wonderful snowmen that have been around us, but this year, with our back yard, I'm hoping that we'll get in a few good ones.

Drink hot chocolate by the fire - Munchkin was a fan of hot chocolate last year, and Peanut's love of chocolate milk makes me think that he will be too.

Go sledding - We've not done this before, now to just find a small hill.

Make snow angels - Something that we have done before, but this year Peanut can participate.

Have a snowball fight - I'm not sure why I've never thought of this before, but it should be a lot of fun.

Go to the children's museum - We are big fans, especially when the weather gets terrible.

Go to the natural history museum - This is something that I've been meaning to do for a long time, and I think that the boys would really love it.

Family movie afternoon - I fear that we'll be stuck inside a lot this winter.

What kind of winter activities do you do?

A Crafty First Birthday

Two weeks ago, I talked about how I had been making some Pintrest inspired gifts. Well, today I gave two of the gifts at my niece's first birthday party.

The onsies I originally saw on Baby Rabies. I wasn't great at controlling the glue on either (that's why there is a splotch on the "e" in Love), and I didn't make the red dark enough on the Joy, but I think that they both came out very well.

I got the tutus from Simply Real Moms, and I love the way that they came out. Since these were a surprise, I used Peanut as a model, and had to guess what the difference would be. The red is a little longer than the purple, but both are nice a poofy.

The rest of my projects are Christmas gifts, so I'll be keeping them a secret until then.

Getting Ready for December

The end of the month is upon us. The turkey is carved and Santa arrived during the parade. It is time to start looking towards Christmas, and how to celebrate the lead up. I already talked about Advent, and I don't want to go crazy since I still want a relatively simple holiday, but there are some traditions that I am looking forward to doing.

Get a Christmas Tree - Ever since Munchkin could walk, he loved to run around the tree lot as we picked out a tree. There is something about being surrounded by all those trees and picking out the perfect one which is a great way to start the anticipation of the holidays.

Decorating - Last year, our elf decorated one night and the boys loved it. I'm thinking that while they are little, I will let the elf take care of the decorations.

Visiting Santa - There is a mall not too far from us which has a great Santa. We've gone every year and I'm looking forward to continuing that tradition.

Decorating a Gingerbread House - So far only Munchkin has done this, but maybe Peanut can help this year.

Baking Christmas Cookies - We started this tradition last year, taking advantage of my in-laws new and open kitchen. And while this year, our kitchen is big enough for this, we'll probably go to my in-laws once again. Also, I anticipate another helper, or maybe two.

Look at Christmas Lights - There are a couple of neighborhoods not that far from us which have some amazingly decorated houses. We skipped this last year since the weather never worked out for us, but I'm hoping that we'll have better luck this year.

Holiday Fondue Party - This is also something that we've been doing for a while, and it is only getting more fun as our friends have babies.

Christmas Eve - I'm not sure yet exactly what, but I want to start a new tradition this year. My family was never big on Christmas Eve, we celebrated more on Christmas and Boxing Day, so when Hubby and I started dating, we always spent Christmas Eve with his family. That tradition continued until very recently when my in-laws decided not to make the trip down. Since Christmas is such a busy day for us, we really can't get up to them and expect to get home at a reasonable time, so the past few years we've been on our own. This year, I want to figure out something to make the night for us, like a special dinner or maybe having hot chocolate by the tree. I have a little time to figure it out.

Along with maybe a few art projects, I think that this sounds like a perfect December for us. How do you plan on spending December?

Sweet Thanks

Thanksgiving is my mother's holiday. As Munchkin said the other day, it isn't dinner, it's a feast. She makes two full dinners, a turkey dinner and a ham dinner, with all the sides that you expect from both and then some more. For the past few years, I've assisted with dessert. Before Munchkin was mobile, I would make multiple pies from scratch. With two very active children, I have not been able to do that. This year, I had a helper.

I still did not make the number of pies that I used to, we stuck to one pumpkin pie and two corn breads. But Munchkin was thrilled to be helping, he's been talking about making the pie for weeks. In fact, he got very upset last week when we bought a pie to have for dessert, because he was going to make one.

The corn bread is new this year, not something that my mother has ever served before. We'll see if it is something that we'll make again. Although I do like the idea of starting this as a new tradition for us.

And as fall is quickly coming to an end (as evidenced by the snow we had), I was glad to do two more items from our fall list as well as one of my simple goals.

Wordless Wednesday: Thanksgiving Prep

Taking Care of Me

Four years ago, I talked about cleaning up my beauty routine. Over the years, I've switched a lot of my products. I've had problems finding a shampoo and conditioner that I really like, but I've been using Pai on my face for a while now. It works well for me, and I absolutely love it. I often use these to give myself mini-facials, and I think it has helped my skin be clearer than it has ever been.

This past weekend, I got a long, overdue haircut. It felt nice to take the time for me, and was a great reminder that I need to take that time for myself more often.

And while things like this are not as "clean" as I would like, sometimes it is worth it.

Gifts Of Baby Showers Past

Munchkin and I recently attended a baby shower for his first teacher, from back when we were doing a mommy and me program when he was Peanut's age. It was a cute shower, and brought to mind last year when we celebrated my niece's coming arrival. While I loved all the items that I gave, it was probably not the most practical gift. My sister-in-law is a former reading teacher, and I got distracted and blew a lot of my budget on books (not that that was a bad idea).

Clothes - Having two boys, I don't often get to shop for girl clothing, so this was something that I found hard to resist. Especially the Sleeping Beauty tutu that I found at Target, as Aurora was always my favorite princess.

Toys - Sophie the Giraffe was such a huge hit with both my boys, that "they" gave this as a gift to their new cousin. The Bright Starts Flutter and Link Friend was so loved by Peanut, that the boys gave one to her as well. If I had to pick on toy for a new baby, this would probably be it.

Aiden and Anais - It is not a big secret among my friends and family that I am a big fan of Aiden and Anais. I wish that I had found them before Munchkin was born, but something that I found so very useful with Peanut. I was thrilled to see the swaddle blankets, dream blanket and sleepsack on the registry.

Avent - She had asked for Soothies and Avent Natural Bottles. Munchkin and Peanut both loved Avent Sippy Cups, so we gave one of them too.

Books - In addition to staples such as Goodnight Moon and Five Little Monkeys, I had found a new twist on the classics Sense & Sensibility, Romeo & Juliet and Alice in Wonderland. Indestructibles have been a favorite of the boys, and Yummy is a book that Munchkin has come back to over and over again.

If I could go back in time, I would probably do things a little differently, but I do not regret giving any of these gifts. What gifts have you given for baby showers?

*Amazon links are affiliate.

Week End Reading - 23 Nov 14

Things are getting busy as we gear up to Thanksgiving this week, and the Christmas season right after.

10 Things Your Mom Never Told You

To The Mom Nursing A Toddler

How to Simplify the Holidays Without Feeling Like a Scrooge

Missing the Dishwasher

When we moved last summer, it was an amazing upgrade for us. The place is bigger, we have a backyard, and the boys absolutely love it. One thing that is missing is a dishwasher. I don't think I realized how much I used our dishwasher until we didn't have one. And while I try to have the sink cleared every night before bed, we use a lot of dishes throughout the day. Washing dishes all day long is not exactly fun, but neither is the huge mess that so very quickly builds up if you fall even a little bit behind.

So I'm getting into a rhythm, and I'm getting better at keeping up with the dishes, but I still really miss my dishwasher. Is there an appliance that you can't imagine living without, or one that you miss?

Dishwasher by brownpau, on Flickr

The NaBloPoMo Choice

As the month goes on, I am finding it harder and harder to write every night. I often have to choose between getting things done around the house (I have not been picking up as much as usual), or writing.

Life has also been very busy, with a new addition for a good friend, as well as all the normal chores that have to get done at the holidays with two children.

Tonight, I'm picking things. I have to go pick up some gifts, and I am not sure at what time I'll get home. So I'm calling an early blog night tonight, and heading out.

Hopefully, I'll be all refreshed for writing this weekend.

One Week

We are one week away from Thanksgiving, and there is still so much to do.

I have to find a corn bread recipe for Munchkin and I to make together.

I have to gather the ingredients for the desserts to make next week.

But tonight I'm taking some time for myself, having a little pamper time. Watching a little tv and heading to bed a little early.

Good night, internet.

Wordless Wednesday: Dessert

Getting Ready for Advent

It's getting to be that time of the year again, Thanksgiving is approaching much faster than I am comfortable with, and the Christmas season right behind it. Like last year, while I don't officially start the "holiday season" until Thanksgiving is over, I do need to start preparing now.

The boys are still very young, although Munchkin is old enough to know and remember Christmas and has already started talking about it. I am once again going with a simple holiday season, focusing more on our time together and happy memories. I don't want us to be so busy that we don't enjoy ourselves.

For advent calenders, I plan on finding the chocolate calendar again as that was a huge hit last year, as well as the Santa beard calendar. While I would love to do a huge activity based calendar, I think that the boys are really too young to get much out of it.

Last year, I talked about wanting to do a book based calendar, and I still love the idea. I am hoping to get books from the library and having a new story every night as part of our bedtime routine.

I want to make (or get) an advent wreath, which is something that Munchkin and I did at church last year and loved. I am also going to use the Truth in the Tinsel again, although probably on a modified schedule.

As December gets closer, I will talk more about our holiday traditions, both old and new.

Coming Back to the Bags

Back before Peanut was born, I was in desperate need of a new diaper bag. I was having a hard time deciding, but I ended up getting both the timi & leslie messenger bag as well as the Skip*Hop Grand Central. Early on, when I needed to be carrying a lot, I mostly used the Grand Central, saving the messenger bag for shorter trips. But as I needed less for Peanut, and Munchkin potty trained, the Grand Central has mostly been used for long trips (like visits to the in-laws), and the messenger bag has been my go to.

After nearly two years, both bags are broken. The Grand Central caught on something and tore one of the outer pockets, completely my fault, but still disappointing. It is still usable, but not always the most convenient bag for me. Just before Halloween, the cross body strap broke on my messenger bag, making it completely unusable.

Both bags served me well, and were well worth getting, but they weren't perfect. What I want is a bag that is loved like this bag is loved. A bag that I keep coming back to just because. In my search for a solution, I came across the Storksak Bobby, and I think that it could be that bag. If only it wasn't so cost prohibitive. (Although to be completely fair, I've thought that with every bag that I've ever gotten, not just diaper bags, I am notoriously fickle when it comes to bags.) I will probably end up replacing the broken strap for my messenger bag, but with Christmas coming up, a girl can dream.

*Amazon links are affiliate

Week End Reading - 16 Nov 14

I haven't gotten Lollipop yet, but I have been spending a lot of time reading up on it. I did do a little other reading as well, and as I get used to writing every night, I'm hoping to get to even more.

Come Back to Me

Dear Good Samaritan: You Save Christmas Every Year

Enough Moments

Halfway There

Here we are half way through the month and so far so good, even though writing every night has definitely taken it's toll on my evenings. While I have ideas for upcoming posts that I am working on, there have been some nights where I have really struggled to find something to write.

Spending this much time with my blog has also made me think more about the redesign that I've been talking about for a long time. Sites like Baby Rabies and Mama's Losin' It have both recently gone through redesigns that look great. I look at these sites, and it makes me think how I might want to change things around here. One major change I'm considering is making the change to Wordpress, although I am not completely sold since Blogger is working for me. The thing that I like the least about Blogger is the comment system, and I am not sure that is reason enough to change it all.

As the month goes on, I'll see how I feel.

The Evil of Pintrest

I feel like I've fallen down a rabbit hole. Pintrest has sucked me in, and now my time is not my own. I've been working on a few projects as an attempt at being a frugal gift giver (as the gift giving season is quickly approaching). I have to admit that some of these projects are coming out pretty well.

While I won't share specifics yet, I would hate to ruin the surprise, here are a few sites that I've been inspired by.

Baby Rabies
Mod Podge Rocks
Simply Real Moms

Still Singing Along

The other day I was driving home from drop off, when Stay by Lisa Leob came on the radio. Even though I have next to no voice at the moment, I couldn't help but sing along, taking me right back to high school. I don't know what it was about the lyrics that spoke to me back then when life seemed especially angsty and drama-filled.

High school was a very volatile time, as I am sure that it was for a lot of people. With the break-ups, make-ups and changing friendships, everything seemed to be vitally important and the absolute end of the world. Honestly, I can't think of a relationship at that time that this song fit perfectly, although I thought that it had been written for me.

And now, twenty years after it came out, when I hear this song I am still that high school girl freaking out over what's his name and changing friendships. I am still that college student having issues with her boyfriend. I am still that young woman in her twenties, not sure where she is going in life.

There are a few songs that just need to be belted when heard, and Stay is one of them. I remember countless drives with girlfriends blasting this song into the night. I remember a karaoke bachelorette party, our entire group singing at the top of our lungs even though we were taking time out from singing to eat cake.

Karaoke about seven weeks pregnant and trying to keep that secret. Fun times.

So while this song might not fit my life now, it will always hold a special place in my karaoke (or car or shower) repertoire.

Linking up with Mama Kat
6. What was your favorite song when you were 16 years old…is it still a favorite?

Wordless Wednesday: Brother Giggles

Going to the Zoo: Toddler Challenge

Activity 37 of the Rookie Moms Activities is going to the zoo. We are lucky enough to live relatively close to the Bronx Zoo, and we've actually had a membership for the past couple of years. We love going to the zoo and since there was no school today, we figured that it would be a good time to go. The weather was perfect, although it was very crowded, and not the usual quiet afternoon that we usually experience mid-week.

Peanut is a huge fan of the zoo, and in the past couple of trips has started to actually notice the animals. He especially loves the petting zoo (the full children's zoo has been closed this past year for renovations although I am sure that he would love that as well). Today there was no petting zoo as it is closed for the season, but Peanut was happy enough seeing the animals that were out, and were very active in the warm fall weather. He was thrilled with the deer, giraffes, zebras and flamingos. I wasn't able to get pictures today, as I was by myself and still not feeling 100%. (Photos from our trip to Boo at the Zoo at the end of October.)

This is probably one of the last trips for us before the end of the year, and I am so glad that we were able to make it today.

Start of the Cold Season

I woke up this morning with a sore throat, stuffy nose and just generally feeling crummy. I don't get sick days. Munchkin still had school. I still had to take care of Peanut. Luckily, I didn't feel so terrible that I couldn't function, but there was a bit more tv watching than usual today. I am about to finish my tea, then taking NyQuil (for the first time in years), and then on to bed.

Tomorrow is another day. With no school. Send more tea.

Photo by Elke Sisco on Flickr

Week End Reading - 7 Nov 14

I've been reading a lot less this week, between posting every day (yay!), and getting an invitation to Google Inbox (be still my geeky heart), but here are two things that I read this week.

Dear Mom - Your Sacrifice Did Not Go Unnoticed

Things That Make Me Happy

Here's hoping that next week is a bit more productive (or that I get upgraded to Lollipop!)

It's Saturday Night

It's Saturday night, and life is very different than it was six years ago.

Six years ago, I would be out. Either with friends or my husband. Or both.

Six years ago, I would be up late, and not worried about getting up early in the morning.

Six years ago, I would be dressed with heels, dancing into the night.

It's Saturday night, and I am home watching Doctor Who before I go back to cleaning up after dinner.

It's Saturday night, and I am wearing pjs and slippers before I head to bed so that I'm not too tired when I get woken at 5:30 tomorrow by someone who wants to nurse.

And while six years ago I thought that everything was perfect, it's Saturday night and I wouldn't change a thing.

Four Simple Goals (Before 2015)

Last year, I wrote about my four simple goals. I know how busy this time of year can get, so I like the focus that this project gives. Just four items that are important to you. I am definitely trying to live simpler, more in the moment as opposed to for the moment, and I am hoping that doing this again will help me with that.

The rules are the same as last year (as explained by a beautiful mess), goals should be simple, personal and activity oriented. Choose a reward for each accomplishment and blog about the results.

Before we reach 2015, I plan to:

1. Decorate for the holidays - In our last place, we would have our tree, but that was really it as far as decorations go. This year, with the new layout and the fact that Munchkin is older and more interested, I want to do more. I want this time of year to be magic, and the boys to grow up remembering the joy that decorations can bring.
2. Practice photography - I am actually very excited about this one. I have a dslr camera that I don't really know how to use, and would love to figure out how to take great pictures. And as we approach the Christmas card season, I really want to get some new photos of the boys, and of all four of us (with the help of my tripod).
3. Cook/bake with Munchkin - Munchkin is starting to be interested in what I'm cooking for dinner. As of now, he helps me fill the slow cooker and is pretty excited that he "cooked dinner". I want to continue that as well as let him help with some other things like breads, pies, cakes.
4. Read a book for fun - I know I had this one last year, but I have not been reading as much as I would like, and I'm hoping that this will give me the push I need to spend that time on myself and unwind.

Are You Ready?

While there were a few years back when I was in high school and college where it meant cheerleading, cool Saturday afternoons and pep rallies, in general football has a different meaning for my family.

Soccer.

We have a family history of playing as well as having a history of watching. While we dabble a little with the Premier League, the team that we really cheer for is the national team. This past summer, we watched our team in the World Cup, very excited that Brazil wasn't too far from us in time zones. That did not go so well for us.

Oh well, there is always 2018.

Linking up with Mama Kat

3.) Write a blog post inspired by the word: football

Wordless Wednesday: Toddler Slides

Thoughts On Staying Private in a Social Media World

This blog is currently not linked to my real name. When I first set it up, I wasn't sure where I was going to take it (and I'm still not sure where I am headed), so I didn't tell anyone I know about. Even now, only one IRL friend has ever seen this blog. But while I have so carefully tried to keep my real life separate from here, so many of the bloggers that I follow do use their real names. I am beginning to wonder if that is something that I should do as well.

We are definitely in a social media world, even more so than just a few years ago. And as life gets increasingly more public, I'm finding it hard to navigate the world that I have set up.

I am not good at Facebook. I have created a Facebook page for this blog, but I am not very good at keeping it updated and have not been able to grow it at all. I am trying to be better, but with no interaction, I am not as motivated to update. Although, I am sure that a big part of the problem is that I'm not updating.

I have also created a Google+ page because I was trying to keep my personal page separate, but now I'm not sure that was the best option. It seems that most people link to their personal page.

I'm late to the Bloglovin train, but I have signed up. I'm still working on figuring that one out.

And Twitter. I am the worst at Twitter. Mostly because I refuse to put it on my phone, since I know that I would just check it all day long, and I have children to raise.

I seem to barely have the time to use social media for personal use, I am clearly no good at using it for this blog. Part of the problem for me is that I am not always telling stories that are mine to share. Do I use my real name, and forever tie these stories to my family? I have to admit that I have been tempted, but I'm not sure that I am ready to take that step. How do you handle social media? Do you use your real name, or are you attempting to be anonymous?

Photo by Anonymous Account

The Rookie Mom Challenge Part Two: Before They're Two

Last year, Peanut and I took the Rookie Mom Challenge, and while we came no where near completing all fifty-two challenges, we did enjoy our time together. The Rookie Moms have recently posted a list of activities for before they turn two. Peanut and I have a little less than four months until that happens, and we are going to try to complete as many as possible.

Some things we have already done, such as sitting in boxes, but there are quite a few that I am looking forward to trying.

Let the fun begin.

Currently

Making: Plans for Thanksgiving Day baking
Cooking: Pasta sauce in the slow cooker.
Drinking: More water, but probably not enough.
Reading: Lots of board books, as Peanut is now very interested in reading.
Wanting: The King's Curse, but waiting to get it.
Looking: At a mess that I don't feel like cleaning up.
Playing: With lots of Mega Bloks.
Sewing: Still nothing.
Wishing: That I would win the Mega Millions.
Enjoying: The cooler weather with two outdoor boys.
Waiting: To pick Munchkin up from a birthday party.
Liking: Big smiles on little faces.
Wondering: Why my dvr keeps saying that it will record something, and then not record it.
Loving: Morning snuggles.
Hoping: That both boys keep their sense of wonder for as long as possible.
Marveling: At how LONG the boys are getting.
Needing: To unpack my cold weather shoes.
Smelling: Fallen leaves, wet from yesterday's rain.
Wearing: A sweater. It's a little chilly.
Following: The boys as they explore large piles of leaves and other autumn wonders.
Noticing: How much Peanut likes to sing and dance, be it with Mickey Mouse, or even just the radio.
Knowing: That this will be a long month with lots of posts to write.
Thinking: That I should start working on getting photos for our Christmas cards now.
Feeling: Cold, and not particularly happy that it won't be warming up again.
Bookmarking: Possible Christmas gifts.
Opening: Boxes with fall and winter clothes.
Giggling: With a silly, dancing toddler

Here We Go

I've not been at all good about posting, but I've decided to jump into the deep end of the pool and participate in NaBloPoMo. I know that we are gearing up to the busiest time of the year, but that is all the more reason to record what is going on in our lives right now, especially while the boys are still so small. We are a young family, in a new home, building new traditions. I'm hoping that writing things out will not only give me something wonderful to look back on, but will help me to focus on what matters now.

So here we go.