Looking Back on a Simple December

Back in November, when I was being good about posting, I talked about having a simple December. Things did not go quite as planned.

Things started later than usual, and we didn't get a tree right away. On top of that, we went on a not-so-nice day, so there wasn't much carefree frolicking. Once again, our elf decorated, and the boys explored in the morning. Peanut was a huge fan of the photo ornaments, and Munchkin just acted wise in his "old age".

We did go to visit Santa, and the excitement when Peanut saw him was infectious. Munchkin, at that age, was not really a fan, and was a little upset in the picture. Peanut couldn't wait to get to him and was trying so hard to say Santa (even if it sounded more like Dada).

We did spend one night driving around looking at lights, although he didn't find as many decorated houses as in years past.

As for the rest of the list, it didn't really happen. Cookie baking and fondue got canceled due to a fever. I never got around to getting the gingerbread house, and Christmas Eve was just a night like any other. We did have fun trying to get pictures for our Christmas cards, which we sent out just in time.

Overall, while December wasn't exactly what I planned, it worked out perfectly. Christmas was a happy and not-too-crazy day that the boys loved, and the time leading up to it was exactly what we all needed.

In Search of the Card

When I talked about my simple goals, I talked about practicing my photography to get a picture for our Christmas card. I set up the boys many times throughout the season, outside, on the couch, in front of the tree, by themselves, with us. Nothing seemed perfect. Until a picture of the two of them the first morning the tree was decorated. I still have a lot more practicing to go (as we are heading into the new year), but I love the photos that I was able to get.

The Elf Strikes Again

In 2013, we had our elf decorate our tree as a surprise for the boys. As Christmas approached this past year, Munchkin kept talking about how the elf was going to decorate our new house. He did not disappoint.

We did try to keep it simple, using most of the decorations in the one part of the house. And when the boys woke up in the morning, we allowed them to explore the tree. While most of our ornaments come from a set that we got at Costco a few years ago, Munchkin loved finding the few that Hubby and I had on our first tree together. Peanut's favorite ornaments were the photo ones, especially the one of the two of them together from the year before.

It was a simple goal with some of the best results.

Into a New Year

Original image by Carol VanHook, on Flickr

Christmas has come and gone, and so has 2014. It is that time of year where we make empty promises that we'll keep for a month, a week, maybe less. I'm hoping that I'll do better.

Last year I talked about the changes that I wanted to make, yet come December, I was having the same friends over (now we are up to six littles), and was basically in the same position. It wasn't as bad as last year, although I think that the move was more responsible for the purging that we did than my urge to declutter. I spoke about a few programs to help organize our lives, and I am still using two of them. Motivated Moms is what I have found the most useful, and I've continued to use it this year (although not as much as I should). I like that it is a list of things for me to get done, and I have to get into the habit of checking it at the same time every day. I want Spring Cleaning 365 to work for me so badly, but so far I am just too much of a procrastinator. I am trying again so fingers crossed that I can hold it together.

Back in November, when I set up my four simple goals (which I will update about soon), one of the items was to practice photography. This is something that I want to continue, and to help with that, I've signed up for Shoot 2015. I am really looking forward to seeing what I get out of this program.

And here, I am hoping to take things forward and make the changes that I've been talking about for what seems like forever.

Happy new year, here is to a productive 2015.

Library Time: Toddler Challenge

With Munchkin in school in the mornings, Peanut and I have a little time to kill. On Monday, we headed to the library. While we went to get books for Advent, I thought it would be a good time to let Peanut play. He had a blast exploring, before finding the train table. He definitely had a lot of fun, and was very interested in the books that we brought home. Now that the weather is getting iffy, I have a feeling that we'll be spending more mornings at the library.

One Rookie Mom Toddler Challenge done!

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