I had a pretty wonderful Christmas. My husband and family spoiled me, I spoiled my husband, everybody spoiled the kids and with very few minor incident exceptions Fuss was incredibly well-behaved and she had SO much fun playing with her new toys and entertaining everyone. The Little Man was adorable and cuddly and he loved all the attention and was more than willing to snuggle with every aunt or grandparent who wanted a few moments of snuggle time.
Fuss got a play kitchen from "Santa" and her stocking. (I now know why there was such a good price on the kitchen - we were up until 1am putting it together on Christmas Eve. You had to put apart every individual tiny piece, and it seemed to take forever.) Our plan on the Santa-front is the gifts in her stocking are from Santa and a big gift (yet to be determined if it will happen every year or not) will also be from Santa, but all the rest are from us. You can find the more specified list here. Her Aunt LP got her a soccer ball (she LOVES balls and her local aunts are slowly getting her a set of all the major sports balls - she has a volleyball, a softball, now a soccer ball - can you tell my in-laws love sports?) and she got clothes and such (about the only gifts that didn't get a ton of attention were the clothes. I remember thinking clothes were a boring gift when I was a kid, so I wasn't surprised or disappointed by her reactions.) and my psuedo-step-mom got her a dress that she loved (and so did I!) and her aunts and Grandma got her some nice clothes, too. She is going to be one well-dressed kid! My dad (Grandpa) got her a foam puzzle mat with all the letters and numbers on it to put in her room. It's great fun.
The Little Man got a bunch of clothes from the relatives, too. He got the stacking blocks, a stuffed Eeyore from our Disney trip, those colored rings that will help attach things/can be made into a chain, a hanging owl and from my mom, he got 3 envelopes containing money for outfits as the spring clothes start to come out, since she wanted to get him stuff he'd fit into in the future. My SIL found these neat blocks for him - they move and have different things on the sides that can be manipulated in different ways. Fuss is loving them, and I know he will, too when he's a little older and can really play with them. He also got a set of sensory balls from my dad.
My mom also got them some books, including the Belly Button Book by Sandra Boynton.
I got a new iPod nano from my husband, a bunch of movies I wanted and a book. I also got Shape-ups shoes which I've been wanting for awhile. (I can't find a picture on the internet of the ones I got - they are much nicer than the plain, funky-looking ones that came out originally.) "The kids" got me a great package that included a fluffy, luxurious towel, a bath pillow (one of those waterproof ones that attaches to the back of the tub to make you more comfy when you're taking a relaxing bath) and a candle and lotions and bath stuff to help with said relaxation. It was an excellent gift to mommy from the kids. I also got a couple of sweaters from my mom, the book Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks, the sweaters I picked out for myself from my dad, as well as some PJs. My sisters-in-law got us a framed picture of Fuss at the Busch Gardens Sesame Street section (she's being hugged by Grover!) as well as a Chris Tomlin CD and a Publix giftcard (our local grocery store). My stocking was overflowing - I got a new curling iron, a hand mixer and the Wicked soundtrack. I'm psyched. I also got a very-much-needed new razor (Venus Embrace) and some shower gel, etc.
My husband got a new laptop, Burn Notice Season 3, several programming guides he wanted, some new shirts and will get the movie Facing the Giants when my "guaranteed-by-Christmas" package arrives (hopefully today). He also got some labels for his wine, and a springform pan since he's been wanting to try his hand at making a cheesecake.
My mom gave us a check to buy the art of our choice to hang over the bed in our room.
My only frustration is that my MIL is a flake. On Christmas Day she "didn't have time to wrap" so she didn't bring over the presents for the kids. When she was here the next day, for another family gathering, she was going to give Fuss Candyland (isn't she still too young for Candyland? It's a cute idea, but...) and my husband asked her about the play food that she told me she was going to get her to add to her kitchen (this kitchen didn't come with food, unfortunately. She has been baking her Princess figures for 2 days now) and she said, " well, LP said she would get her some for her birthday" (in February). So my husband said, "didn't you buy her some?" (since she told me the other day that she had) and she said, "well, yeah, but I thought she could play with the kitchen for awhile and then when the newness wore off - boom! she'd have a new accessory for it!" My husband pointed out that she was baking princesses in lieu of food... so she agreed to give her the food "now" instead. Of course, she didn't have it WITH her, so... I have no idea when said play food will actually come. If I had known she was going to be like this, I would have bought it myself. I don't care about myself or whatever. Even the Little Man doesn't have a clue at this age, so it really doesn't matter. But I am incredibly frustrated that this somewhat needed accessory that she told me she was going to get for Fuss wasn't there for Christmas.
She is turning into her mother. Gma used to (routinely) "not have time to shop" (she had no life, I never understood this) and would have to get the presents for her grandchildren later (thus resulting in my husband rarely ever getting a Christmas gift from his grandmother.) I never understood this. It's not like Christmas can sneak up on a person, you know?
Overall, we had a very blessed Christmas. I loved setting to spend time with our families, the food my husband made (and everyone else, too) was wonderful. He tried a standing rib roast and crab au gratin for entrees instead of the traditional turkey. It was excellent. And we got rave reviews from the family, so we may do something similar in the future.
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Monday, December 27, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
7 Quick Takes: Christmas Eve Edition
1. At 2 am I was lying in my bed attempting to get comfortable from the ache in my neck that was making my head pound (again) when I heard the baby start to stir. He was quite congested, poor little guy! He was having trouble breathing while lying down, so I fed him to calm him down and then tried putting him in the bouncy seat (sitting up) next to the vapor-plug to help him breathe more easily. That didn't last long, so by 3, my husband got up and took him into the living room where they both slept in the recliner. Wednesday, Fuss started in with the sniffles (I guess it was Tuesday night, really) and my husband came home from work on Wednesday with the same. I guess it was inevitable.
2. Thursday night some local workers busted through a 4-foot water main that caused little to no water for half the county for the evening/night. I was thankful that almost all of my laundry was done (and none of the stuff that wasn't was needed for the holiday!) but Little Man was supposed to get a bath and he couldn't.
3. I am even more grateful that we have water today. We're under a boil order (boil any water from the tap that you are going to consume) for the next few days, which is inconvenient, but manageable. But we were able to get showers this morning and the baby is now clean and I can do my dishes (which was the highest thing on the priorities for Christmas prep)! I am grateful to the workers and plumbers who worked through the night to get service back as quickly as possible. I am praying for the people in the immediate area of the break that still don't have water.
4. We were able to put two sizable checks in the bank yesterday thanks to the generosity of my Gramma and a payment coming through from one of my husband's freelance clients. I have no idea what to do with the money from Gramma - part of me wants to spend it on clothes and have some fun, but part of me wants to use it towards something more significant.
5. My shopping is done (and then some. Sometimes I think I have a shopping addiction at Christmas. I keep finding little things that I want to get, but that weren't on my original list or radar) and my own wrapping is done. We are hoping to put together Fuss's play kitchen while she naps today so that it is ready to put under the tree once we get her to bed tonight after we come home from my dad's house.
6. We are going to my dad's house for Christmas Eve dinner, as is our tradition. The year my parents split up, I began the tradition of hanging out with my dad on Christmas Eve (and when he was single, I spent the night at his apartment and we went to breakfast Christmas morning, then I'd go home to my mom and have our bigger family celebration that afternoon.) When he moved in with his girlfriend years ago, I would spend the evening with them and go home at the end of the night (at the time, often coinciding with C's exit to midnight mass) and then they began including Daddy Fuss and now it's such a thing that Fuss (and now Little Man) get to open their presents from Grandpa on Christmas Eve, even though both my dad and C come to Christmas dinner at my house on Christmas Day. I think my mom is jealous, but this year, we made the concession that she and my step-dad are coming late Christmas morning and enjoying brunch with us and a private gift-opening session with the kids. This is, in part, due to the fact that my mom went a little nuts with presents for Fuss this year and I don't want my MIL to be intimidated.
7. If I can get the house cleaned up, I am really going to enjoy this Christmas. I love the way Fuss's eyes light up when she gets excited and I know that some of her gifts are going to be big hits this year!
There are no Quick Takes at Conversion Diary this week, but I thought I'd do them anyhow.
Merry Christmas to all! I hope that we can all remember the Reason for the Season and spend time with our loved ones!
2. Thursday night some local workers busted through a 4-foot water main that caused little to no water for half the county for the evening/night. I was thankful that almost all of my laundry was done (and none of the stuff that wasn't was needed for the holiday!) but Little Man was supposed to get a bath and he couldn't.
3. I am even more grateful that we have water today. We're under a boil order (boil any water from the tap that you are going to consume) for the next few days, which is inconvenient, but manageable. But we were able to get showers this morning and the baby is now clean and I can do my dishes (which was the highest thing on the priorities for Christmas prep)! I am grateful to the workers and plumbers who worked through the night to get service back as quickly as possible. I am praying for the people in the immediate area of the break that still don't have water.
4. We were able to put two sizable checks in the bank yesterday thanks to the generosity of my Gramma and a payment coming through from one of my husband's freelance clients. I have no idea what to do with the money from Gramma - part of me wants to spend it on clothes and have some fun, but part of me wants to use it towards something more significant.
5. My shopping is done (and then some. Sometimes I think I have a shopping addiction at Christmas. I keep finding little things that I want to get, but that weren't on my original list or radar) and my own wrapping is done. We are hoping to put together Fuss's play kitchen while she naps today so that it is ready to put under the tree once we get her to bed tonight after we come home from my dad's house.
6. We are going to my dad's house for Christmas Eve dinner, as is our tradition. The year my parents split up, I began the tradition of hanging out with my dad on Christmas Eve (and when he was single, I spent the night at his apartment and we went to breakfast Christmas morning, then I'd go home to my mom and have our bigger family celebration that afternoon.) When he moved in with his girlfriend years ago, I would spend the evening with them and go home at the end of the night (at the time, often coinciding with C's exit to midnight mass) and then they began including Daddy Fuss and now it's such a thing that Fuss (and now Little Man) get to open their presents from Grandpa on Christmas Eve, even though both my dad and C come to Christmas dinner at my house on Christmas Day. I think my mom is jealous, but this year, we made the concession that she and my step-dad are coming late Christmas morning and enjoying brunch with us and a private gift-opening session with the kids. This is, in part, due to the fact that my mom went a little nuts with presents for Fuss this year and I don't want my MIL to be intimidated.
7. If I can get the house cleaned up, I am really going to enjoy this Christmas. I love the way Fuss's eyes light up when she gets excited and I know that some of her gifts are going to be big hits this year!
There are no Quick Takes at Conversion Diary this week, but I thought I'd do them anyhow.
Merry Christmas to all! I hope that we can all remember the Reason for the Season and spend time with our loved ones!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Random thoughts 2 days before Christmas
- I survived my awful headache, and feel a bit better today. I NEED to go see the chiropractor, but I have no idea WHEN that might happen...
- Anyhow, so lots of cleaning to do, but I think I'm done w/ the wrapping. Fuss is contentedly watching Mickey's Christmas Carol and my husband is "working from home" today and the baby slept through the night until 8:30 this morning! (Unfortunately, I was up for 2 hours on my own with a headache/neck ache. But I got to sleep in a tiny bit, so that was helpful.)
- I plan to back one more batch of Snickerdoodle cookies today and then hand out some cookies to our neighbors. I made these great (and simple!) chocolate pretzel things last night, plus my Oatmeal Toffee Lace Cookies. I think I'm over the baking, but I have commitments to keep...
- Last night my MIL called me, standing in front of some "play food" sets at a store. She said, "I gathered from our conversation last night that Fuss is getting a play kitchen for Christmas. Does she need food for it?" Apparently she didn't bother to read the email I sent her WEEKS ago after she asked what the kids would want for Christmas. I spelled out all the big gifts she would be getting for Christmas and listed some ideas for gifts. I practically did her shopping for her. And SHE NEVER READ IT. How hard is it to open an email that is labeled "Gift ideas for Fuss and Little Man" from your DIL? Why do I bother?
- I have become interested in the style of Emma Pillsbury from Glee. (I am slow to the bandwagon, but I'm really getting into Glee. I am getting season 1 on DVD for Christmas and I'm psyched. We have been getting it from Netflix and I'm addicted. Anyhow, I got a new haircut with layers like Jayma Mays's hair (I'm not doing the flip, though) and I'm suddenly obsessed with cardigans and pencil skirts. I'm psyched to have $25 worth of coupons/Kohl's cash to spend at Kohl's the week after Christmas. I don't think I want to dress like that all the time, but it's cute and fun and girlie and preppy - all things I like!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Holiday Stresses
My dad called yesterday in a panic. The one employee (working the counter) who wasn't brand-new is in the hospital. He's been having health problems for months, so this isn't a huge shock and he's been working 12-hour days while we train the new people at the other store, so that probably isn't good for him. But this means my dad is up a creek - again - the week before Christmas (our busiest week if things hold true to the past) and I have SO much to do...
My house is a disaster. I still have presents to wrap (and still have some coming in the mail, for that matter!) I have cookies and fudge to make and all sorts of craziness to fix up and organize. We're doing a slightly different Christmas dinner (though, I confess, my husband is taking care of all of that nonsense) so there is that challenge (I am increasingly worried that we'll end up calling out for pizza because it doesn't work out).
I LOVE Christmas time and I feel like there is so much going on that I can't enjoy it. I love watching Fuss and Little Man look at the sights and the lights that surround Christmas. Fuss especially is so much fun this year. I can't wait to see her open her presents Christmas morning.
I am trying to take a deep breath and slow down and enjoy my moments with her. This age only happens once.
I will work 2 days this week for my dad. But then, I'm putting my foot down. I will not work Christmas Eve. (let's see how well I do this when I'm actually talking to him, shall we?)
My house is a disaster. I still have presents to wrap (and still have some coming in the mail, for that matter!) I have cookies and fudge to make and all sorts of craziness to fix up and organize. We're doing a slightly different Christmas dinner (though, I confess, my husband is taking care of all of that nonsense) so there is that challenge (I am increasingly worried that we'll end up calling out for pizza because it doesn't work out).
I LOVE Christmas time and I feel like there is so much going on that I can't enjoy it. I love watching Fuss and Little Man look at the sights and the lights that surround Christmas. Fuss especially is so much fun this year. I can't wait to see her open her presents Christmas morning.
I am trying to take a deep breath and slow down and enjoy my moments with her. This age only happens once.
I will work 2 days this week for my dad. But then, I'm putting my foot down. I will not work Christmas Eve. (let's see how well I do this when I'm actually talking to him, shall we?)
Friday, December 17, 2010
7 Quick Takes
1. I completely forgot to post yesterday. Just slipped my mind. Oops. I wonder if this is a sign that I'm getting old?
2. I am done - Done - DONE! with my Christmas shopping! I have some things to wrap and then all of my gifts are taken care of. I am thrilled by this, although I love Christmas shopping and giving Christmas presents! But dealing with the shops and the malls and such with 2 kids the week before Christmas sounds more like a nightmare to me!
3. The one exception to this is the gifts that my dad asked me to choose for myself and my husband. He basically gave me money and told me to find something for his girlfriend (birthday and Christmas), Little Man and my husband and myself. I am struggling with what to do for my husband and myself. On one hand, we could use the money for something bigger that we really want. On the other hand, he could have very easily just handed me money and said Merry Christmas if he had wanted to give us money, but he asked me to shop. I think he wants something for us to open on Christmas Eve at his house. I may have to venture out to the store and buy a sweater or something.
4. We are trying to decide if we want to do a non-traditional Christmas dinner. The current front-runners are a Cajun/Creole feast or lasagna. I would love to do the Cajun thing, but I fear that we would end up doing even more cooking than if we had a traditional dinner (everyone brings a side when we do traditional) and I don't really want to trash out my kitchen the day of Christmas with my husbands exuberant cooking fun new dishes!
5. My Christmas cards turned out beautifully. I am so happy with them! Thanks, Shutterfly!
6. The Little Man had a rough week with nighttime wakings/feedings. I don't know if it was weather related (it has been COLD here!) or what. Unfortunately, Fuss has also had a rough week, so both of us have been up with the kids multiple times in the night. Not fun.
7. I'm done working for my dad (again). I hope that both of these new people stick and that we don't have any more disasters in the employment department. I enjoyed getting a couple of paychecks, but it was SO hard on the kids. And on me. I'm glad to be done.
For more quick takes, click here.
2. I am done - Done - DONE! with my Christmas shopping! I have some things to wrap and then all of my gifts are taken care of. I am thrilled by this, although I love Christmas shopping and giving Christmas presents! But dealing with the shops and the malls and such with 2 kids the week before Christmas sounds more like a nightmare to me!
3. The one exception to this is the gifts that my dad asked me to choose for myself and my husband. He basically gave me money and told me to find something for his girlfriend (birthday and Christmas), Little Man and my husband and myself. I am struggling with what to do for my husband and myself. On one hand, we could use the money for something bigger that we really want. On the other hand, he could have very easily just handed me money and said Merry Christmas if he had wanted to give us money, but he asked me to shop. I think he wants something for us to open on Christmas Eve at his house. I may have to venture out to the store and buy a sweater or something.
4. We are trying to decide if we want to do a non-traditional Christmas dinner. The current front-runners are a Cajun/Creole feast or lasagna. I would love to do the Cajun thing, but I fear that we would end up doing even more cooking than if we had a traditional dinner (everyone brings a side when we do traditional) and I don't really want to trash out my kitchen the day of Christmas with my husbands exuberant cooking fun new dishes!
5. My Christmas cards turned out beautifully. I am so happy with them! Thanks, Shutterfly!
6. The Little Man had a rough week with nighttime wakings/feedings. I don't know if it was weather related (it has been COLD here!) or what. Unfortunately, Fuss has also had a rough week, so both of us have been up with the kids multiple times in the night. Not fun.
7. I'm done working for my dad (again). I hope that both of these new people stick and that we don't have any more disasters in the employment department. I enjoyed getting a couple of paychecks, but it was SO hard on the kids. And on me. I'm glad to be done.
For more quick takes, click here.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Etsy Giving
I LOVE Etsy. I shop their all the time. And by that, I mean I window shop because before this holiday season, I had only ever looked, not bought. There are some seriously creative and talented people out there. And I love stimulating the economy of individuals rather than the box stores (though you all know I LOVE me some Target.)
But this Christmas, I took the plunge and shopped on Etsy.
I actually bought this for my mom's birthday, which is less than 2 weeks after Christmas. She won't admit it, but it's a big birthday this year. It's from Artisan Handcrafted and it's real leaf jewelry. My mom is a nature nut and loves artsy jewelry, so when I found this, it was a no-brainer... except for which piece to buy. I have already received it and it is beautiful in person.
This is mom's Christmas present.
(Though, I'm considering switching the two. I go back and forth.) It's from PixieDust and again, with the nature theme (mostly, my mom is easy for me.) and they have beautiful items from birds and trees to flowers, plus they offer Free Shipping! Again, in person, it is gorgeous!I got some gorgeous labels from PoshGirl Boutique for my step-dad's wine bottles. (I may have also ordered some address labels for me and something for my husband, but I'll never tell.) The labels were custom made, so I can't show you, but suffice it to say that Traci was wonderful and helpful when I had questions and comments. She also makes fabulous note cards and business cards. (which I really want some calling cards for myself, but I'm resisting until after Christmas, at least.) The labels turned out beautifully! I am so excited to give them to my step-dad!
I considered ordering a few things for my psuedo-step-mom (like this) and also for myself (like this) since I'm doing my dad's Christmas shopping for him. But I'm holding off for now. (While both she and I would love these things, I need something immediately for her, since her birthday is 5 days before Christmas and I have everything else mail-ordered and I need to guarantee her a birthday present for her birthday. Also, it's not really my dad's style to buy artsy stuff, and I want these things to appear to be from him.)
I am also madly in love with these wine charms, which I am trying to convince my husband to let me buy for our New Year's gathering. (We're having a small low-key gathering of friends, cocktails, snacks and movies.)
Monday, November 29, 2010
Day 21 and 2 kids at Christmas
Awhile back, I wrote a post about my daughter being cooler than me because she pulled off a somewhat trendy look of wearing cute shorts with a long sleeved t-shirt and I didn't think I could do the same. Today, I tried.
I wore my long-sleeved green scoopneck tee (Loft) with my denim shorts. I didn't leave the house all day, so I didn't bother with shoes. I don't even think I put make up on. Most of the day I wore my hair in a claw clip and when it dried it was nice and curly. (Picture to come - having trouble getting it off my camera.)
We decorated for Christmas (Fuss was thrilled!) and did stuff (like the mountain of laundry) around the house. We're having the "what do we do about a stocking for the baby?" discussion (currently, the plan is to let him use the tiny stocking we already had just because it had a moose on it and to buy 4 matching/coordinating stockings at the after Christmas sales for our current and future children to use - this may change, but it seems logical. Ultimately, I want to have matching/coordinating stockings for all of our children but I don't want to wait until we have reached our final child to purchase said stockings, so that they have them all along) and I worked on researching what Christmas presents we were going to get for the kids.
My mom got Fuss a play kitchen she found for a bargain online and a table and chairs for her room. I had been thinking about doing the table and chairs, but mom got such a bargain on the kitchen that she wanted to do the table, too. My husband did some research on the electronic devices for pre-school aged children and I talked to my mom friends. We're getting her the iXL by Fischer Price (I LOVE Fischer Price. I had a tape player when I was a kid - my mom got it for me when I was about 4 - and it STILL plays. Not that I have many tapes to play these days, but... and I seriously beat it up, too and worked beautifully.) She's also getting a tea set, Beauty and the Beast on DVD, some clothes, and a few other things. I'm looking forward to getting her some sparkly kid-friendly jewelry to play with, since she LOVES my jewelry and has been enjoying the few pieces she already has. She'll get coloring books and such, as well. I also found this Strawberry Shortcake set really cheap, so I think I'm going to get her that, too. She knows the Strawberry Shortcake ("Strawberry Cake" she calls her) icon, but doesn't have any toys or movies.
(Interruption: We are watching Disney's animal kingdom version of Robin Hood and Fuss called Sir Hiss "Kiss" I corrected her and she informed me that his sister calls him "Kiss." Who knew?)
The baby is a little harder. I want to get him a couple of somethings - small, of course, since he has no clue what's going on - specifically because the next major gift-giving holiday is going to be 9 months away. I found some nesting/stacking blocks I like, a teething play pack and I'm debating this water-filled tummy time play mat. He's also getting a few new clothes and a big box of diapers!
My own needs/wants are few. My mom keeps asking me what I want for Christmas - I think it's obvious that I've reached adulthood, since I can only think of a few small things I'd like to have, but none of which are that important. I have my beautiful, healthy, happy family. I just got a new room added to my house! I am really quite content! But my mom likes to go all out for Christmas so...
I have a couple of ideas for my husband, but they are HUGE gifts and his 30th birthday is right around the corner, so I can't go too crazy, since I'll want to do something big for his birthday, too. Plus, I want to get him something from the kids, too. And he reads this blog periodically, so I can't discuss them here.
I wore my long-sleeved green scoopneck tee (Loft) with my denim shorts. I didn't leave the house all day, so I didn't bother with shoes. I don't even think I put make up on. Most of the day I wore my hair in a claw clip and when it dried it was nice and curly. (Picture to come - having trouble getting it off my camera.)
We decorated for Christmas (Fuss was thrilled!) and did stuff (like the mountain of laundry) around the house. We're having the "what do we do about a stocking for the baby?" discussion (currently, the plan is to let him use the tiny stocking we already had just because it had a moose on it and to buy 4 matching/coordinating stockings at the after Christmas sales for our current and future children to use - this may change, but it seems logical. Ultimately, I want to have matching/coordinating stockings for all of our children but I don't want to wait until we have reached our final child to purchase said stockings, so that they have them all along) and I worked on researching what Christmas presents we were going to get for the kids.
My mom got Fuss a play kitchen she found for a bargain online and a table and chairs for her room. I had been thinking about doing the table and chairs, but mom got such a bargain on the kitchen that she wanted to do the table, too. My husband did some research on the electronic devices for pre-school aged children and I talked to my mom friends. We're getting her the iXL by Fischer Price (I LOVE Fischer Price. I had a tape player when I was a kid - my mom got it for me when I was about 4 - and it STILL plays. Not that I have many tapes to play these days, but... and I seriously beat it up, too and worked beautifully.) She's also getting a tea set, Beauty and the Beast on DVD, some clothes, and a few other things. I'm looking forward to getting her some sparkly kid-friendly jewelry to play with, since she LOVES my jewelry and has been enjoying the few pieces she already has. She'll get coloring books and such, as well. I also found this Strawberry Shortcake set really cheap, so I think I'm going to get her that, too. She knows the Strawberry Shortcake ("Strawberry Cake" she calls her) icon, but doesn't have any toys or movies.
(Interruption: We are watching Disney's animal kingdom version of Robin Hood and Fuss called Sir Hiss "Kiss" I corrected her and she informed me that his sister calls him "Kiss." Who knew?)
The baby is a little harder. I want to get him a couple of somethings - small, of course, since he has no clue what's going on - specifically because the next major gift-giving holiday is going to be 9 months away. I found some nesting/stacking blocks I like, a teething play pack and I'm debating this water-filled tummy time play mat. He's also getting a few new clothes and a big box of diapers!
My own needs/wants are few. My mom keeps asking me what I want for Christmas - I think it's obvious that I've reached adulthood, since I can only think of a few small things I'd like to have, but none of which are that important. I have my beautiful, healthy, happy family. I just got a new room added to my house! I am really quite content! But my mom likes to go all out for Christmas so...
I have a couple of ideas for my husband, but they are HUGE gifts and his 30th birthday is right around the corner, so I can't go too crazy, since I'll want to do something big for his birthday, too. Plus, I want to get him something from the kids, too. And he reads this blog periodically, so I can't discuss them here.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Making a list...
Can you believe it is November already? The stores are filling up with their Christmas decorations and I am beginning to organize my Christmas plans so that I am not caught with a bazillion things to do on December 21st with 2 kids to cart around and crazy crowds, etc.
A friend of mine told me about a promotion from Shutterfly where I can earn some Christmas cards and I am psyched! In the past I have designed my own (not all it's cracked up to be, even with a degree in Graphic Design), simply included a printed picture of us in a cheapy Christmas Card and ordered a card from one of the many retailers who do picture cards. When my friend mentioned this promo, I jetted on over to Shutterfly's selection of Christmas cards this year and I am happy to report one of the best collections of images (you provide your own photo, but the graphics and such) I have seen in the last few years. I think they are beautiful and creative and not just the run-of-the-mill Christmas trees and Snowmen. I seriously am thrilled about this!
I'm even tempted to use some of their invitations, even though I think my husband would kill me if I suggested a holiday party. (Though I might be able to justify formal invitations to Christmas dinner now that our family is expanding and my step-brothers have wives that we need to include in our holiday festivities! Hmmmm...) I also always wanted to hold a cookie exchange party and there are a couple of those invitations that would be perfect for that...
I've also been thinking about doing a photogift calendar for the various family members this year. (Because who wouldn't want a year's worth of cute pics of my kids?) I've begun compiling pictures of the kid(s) for that. Shutterfly has a great selection of those options, too.
But overall, I am so excited about Shutterfly's collection this year and I'm looking forward to having the best looking Christmas cards yet! Now, if only I could decide between this one and this one and this one...
A friend of mine told me about a promotion from Shutterfly where I can earn some Christmas cards and I am psyched! In the past I have designed my own (not all it's cracked up to be, even with a degree in Graphic Design), simply included a printed picture of us in a cheapy Christmas Card and ordered a card from one of the many retailers who do picture cards. When my friend mentioned this promo, I jetted on over to Shutterfly's selection of Christmas cards this year and I am happy to report one of the best collections of images (you provide your own photo, but the graphics and such) I have seen in the last few years. I think they are beautiful and creative and not just the run-of-the-mill Christmas trees and Snowmen. I seriously am thrilled about this!
I'm even tempted to use some of their invitations, even though I think my husband would kill me if I suggested a holiday party. (Though I might be able to justify formal invitations to Christmas dinner now that our family is expanding and my step-brothers have wives that we need to include in our holiday festivities! Hmmmm...) I also always wanted to hold a cookie exchange party and there are a couple of those invitations that would be perfect for that...
I've also been thinking about doing a photogift calendar for the various family members this year. (Because who wouldn't want a year's worth of cute pics of my kids?) I've begun compiling pictures of the kid(s) for that. Shutterfly has a great selection of those options, too.
But overall, I am so excited about Shutterfly's collection this year and I'm looking forward to having the best looking Christmas cards yet! Now, if only I could decide between this one and this one and this one...
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Christmas recap
We have a very silly little girl around here. On Christmas Day there was just too much going on and there was no nap. Surprisingly, she remained happy, cheerful and very pleasant, but think this might have something to do with her aunts Yazz (J) and Zizi (LP). They entertain her like nobody else. I think J read her almost every book she received for Christmas, and believe me, there were plenty of them.
In the morning when she (finally) woke up (I do not expect this to last to next Christmas - I believe this is the last Christmas we will be sleeping in for at least the next 20 years...) she began opening presents, but ultimately got tired and distracted by that, so had 2 more to open later on. Of course, one of them was her big present (a doll) from Santa. She loved them. Wanted to play with them all as soon as she opened them. She's fascinated with all her new things and flits from one to another when we leave them all out. (I'm working on getting her to pick up things when she finishes playing with them, but I imagine this will be a long process, though I admit that she is doing a pretty good job).
My mom had made a big deal about wanting to come over early to exchange gifts before everyone else came over. Of course, she didn't show up when she said she would and was in fact, running so far behind that she also hadn't yet actually cooked the casserole she was responsible for bringing...
The family began showing around 1:00 and everyone was here by 2:00. We began serving around 2:30. It was a happy time - we all had more than enough food and fellowship.
It was a wonderful Christmas full of family and laughter.
In the morning when she (finally) woke up (I do not expect this to last to next Christmas - I believe this is the last Christmas we will be sleeping in for at least the next 20 years...) she began opening presents, but ultimately got tired and distracted by that, so had 2 more to open later on. Of course, one of them was her big present (a doll) from Santa. She loved them. Wanted to play with them all as soon as she opened them. She's fascinated with all her new things and flits from one to another when we leave them all out. (I'm working on getting her to pick up things when she finishes playing with them, but I imagine this will be a long process, though I admit that she is doing a pretty good job).
My mom had made a big deal about wanting to come over early to exchange gifts before everyone else came over. Of course, she didn't show up when she said she would and was in fact, running so far behind that she also hadn't yet actually cooked the casserole she was responsible for bringing...
The family began showing around 1:00 and everyone was here by 2:00. We began serving around 2:30. It was a happy time - we all had more than enough food and fellowship.
It was a wonderful Christmas full of family and laughter.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Though we adore them individually...
"... we agree that as a group, they're rather stupid."* This has been running through my head over the last day or so when I'm inwardly grumbling about the males in my house (my husband and our 2 dogs) who have kept me awake for hours (combined) over the last few nights making noises. (Snoring and scratching, respectively.) My daughter has also had restless sleep, but her noises are much easier to deal with, since she wakes, cries, and then (usually) puts herself back to sleep. We finally got a cold snap that lasted more than 36 hours and now it seems to be taking it's effect on those who are nearest and dearest. Snarfly noses, snoring, and extremely cold feet seem to be the most bothersome features. I was ready for the cold, but I'm wishing the ill-effects would leave us alone.
I had my last work day of the week today! Here's to 3-day work weeks, let me just say. I could so deal with that. Now for the cleaning frenzy. It's too bad that I'm not in the mood. guess I'd better snap out of that, huh?
We're working on a knew behavior technique with the Fuss. (Side note: I asked her what her name was today and she answered, "Fuss." I guess I call her that often enough that she thinks it's her name. Huh.) It requires me to be more active with her (in other words, I have to be more on top of dealing with problems, regardless of what I am doing at the time) and sometimes it requires us to be more stubborn than she is when we need to get our way (not your will, but mine!) but so far, it seems to be working. And mostly I'm able to keep my temper by nipping it in the bud before things get out of hand. But I need to learn to think about what I'm telling her to do before I say it, since I then have to act immediately if she disobeys. On the other hand, she's learned the word "obey" rather quickly.
I am very much looking forward to this weekend - we even have a few hours of babysitting (Thanks to Aunt "Yass") on Saturday and Daddy Fuss and I are going to a movie! I cannot wait.
*Taken from what Disney musical? Do ya know it? And if you don't, you should.
I had my last work day of the week today! Here's to 3-day work weeks, let me just say. I could so deal with that. Now for the cleaning frenzy. It's too bad that I'm not in the mood. guess I'd better snap out of that, huh?
We're working on a knew behavior technique with the Fuss. (Side note: I asked her what her name was today and she answered, "Fuss." I guess I call her that often enough that she thinks it's her name. Huh.) It requires me to be more active with her (in other words, I have to be more on top of dealing with problems, regardless of what I am doing at the time) and sometimes it requires us to be more stubborn than she is when we need to get our way (not your will, but mine!) but so far, it seems to be working. And mostly I'm able to keep my temper by nipping it in the bud before things get out of hand. But I need to learn to think about what I'm telling her to do before I say it, since I then have to act immediately if she disobeys. On the other hand, she's learned the word "obey" rather quickly.
I am very much looking forward to this weekend - we even have a few hours of babysitting (Thanks to Aunt "Yass") on Saturday and Daddy Fuss and I are going to a movie! I cannot wait.
*Taken from what Disney musical? Do ya know it? And if you don't, you should.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Yeah. My internet still isn't working.
This post brought to you by the unsuspecting neighbor whom I'm borrowing internet from. Again.
All of the presents on my list (and a few that weren't on my list) have been bought, my 23.5 lb turkey (Archibald, but we call him Archie) is hangin' out in my fridge and my Christmas cards have (finally) been sent. Those who live across the country (hi, Maggie) will likely get theirs after Christmas, but the cute smile on my baby girl will be worth it anyhow.
I have cleaning to do, of course, but most of it is manageable. My husband spent 2-3 hours on Sunday in the kitchen making casseroles for the week so we don't have food prep to deal with, messing up the kitchen. I even made a killer batch of spiced pecans yesterday and I must say they are delicious. Yum.
I've had a few spasms of sadness the last few days, thinking about the baby that I lost - when it's been awhile since I thought about it, it hurts more the first time. We're in full-swing trying again and I might know by New Year's (which would be nice, since we have plans that involve alcohol for the non-expecting). Since the only thing I truly want for Christmas for than anything is the one thing no one can give me, (a baby) I am much more laid back this year about what I am being given. I am so excited for Fuss to open her presents - I think she's going to be fascinated. And I am incredibly relieved that I will be able to trade out the board books we keep at work for some that I don't have memorized, ha ha.
In case I don't get back on here for the next few days, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I hope that your time with family and friends is joyful and that you make the time to remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. I'm searching my house for my copy of "The Mark of the Maker" which is my favorite version of the Christmas story - a version that makes the story a lot more personal. If you ever have the chance, I suggest you read it. It gives a lot more depth to the personality of Joseph, especially.
All of the presents on my list (and a few that weren't on my list) have been bought, my 23.5 lb turkey (Archibald, but we call him Archie) is hangin' out in my fridge and my Christmas cards have (finally) been sent. Those who live across the country (hi, Maggie) will likely get theirs after Christmas, but the cute smile on my baby girl will be worth it anyhow.
I have cleaning to do, of course, but most of it is manageable. My husband spent 2-3 hours on Sunday in the kitchen making casseroles for the week so we don't have food prep to deal with, messing up the kitchen. I even made a killer batch of spiced pecans yesterday and I must say they are delicious. Yum.
I've had a few spasms of sadness the last few days, thinking about the baby that I lost - when it's been awhile since I thought about it, it hurts more the first time. We're in full-swing trying again and I might know by New Year's (which would be nice, since we have plans that involve alcohol for the non-expecting). Since the only thing I truly want for Christmas for than anything is the one thing no one can give me, (a baby) I am much more laid back this year about what I am being given. I am so excited for Fuss to open her presents - I think she's going to be fascinated. And I am incredibly relieved that I will be able to trade out the board books we keep at work for some that I don't have memorized, ha ha.
In case I don't get back on here for the next few days, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I hope that your time with family and friends is joyful and that you make the time to remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. I'm searching my house for my copy of "The Mark of the Maker" which is my favorite version of the Christmas story - a version that makes the story a lot more personal. If you ever have the chance, I suggest you read it. It gives a lot more depth to the personality of Joseph, especially.
Friday, December 18, 2009
7 Quick Takes (Christmas 2009 edition)
1. We had 24 adults invited to Christmas dinner at our house, knowing that some wouldn't come, but not knowing which ones those people were. When most of my side made other plans, we totaled 10 and then added 2 adults and 2 kids to our list. When all my step-brothers (and their significant others) told their dad they wouldn't be available afterall, my mom asked if we could include them afterall. So we are at 14 adults and 3 kids under 3. Should be interesting.
2. I wanted to have a small gift for the cousin's kids that would be in attendance during gift-opening time. I had no idea what to get an almost-3-yr-old boy and just-barely-1-yr-old girl (I should know that, though, huh?) that also didn't cost much since I hadn't budgeted for those gifts originally. I called my friend Meg who has a 3-yr-old son for ideas for the boy and scoured the aisles at the -Mart store I was at for an idea for the girl. Ultimately, I ended up with a set of Hot Wheels cars for the boy and bought some pretty nice board books at the dollar store for the girl (one of Fuss's favorite things is books, and that's been the case for awhile, so I figured, why not?)
3. I haven't bought our turkey yet. Is that bad?
4. I'm tempted to buy disposable cooking dishes for both the turkey and the stuffing and anything else I've committed to making so that I have even less to deal w/ post-Christmas. Is that wasteful and completely horrible for the environment?
5. We never got our outside lights up and the only opportunity we will have between now and Christmas is this weekend. Is it silly to put up the lights a week before Christmas? We usually take them down shortly after New Year's.
6. I had the worst time picking out the template for our photo card, because for some reason, my standard-size picture wasn't fitting properly on the cards, why is that? But I found one that I liked, so there we go. I'm not nearly as impressed by this year's picture as I was by last year's (last year we had a friend who is a professional photographer take our pics and the only problem with it was that 9+ month old Fuss wasn't smiling).
7. My under-tree is overflowing with presents. We have an antique trunk that we set up our half-sized tree on, and I just ran out of room this year. I had to set up a box to the side of the trunk to set the over flow on. And I'm so happy with how pretty they all look - everything is gold, silver, red and white and it's all shiny and pretty.
For more Quick takes, visit The Conversion Diary.
2. I wanted to have a small gift for the cousin's kids that would be in attendance during gift-opening time. I had no idea what to get an almost-3-yr-old boy and just-barely-1-yr-old girl (I should know that, though, huh?) that also didn't cost much since I hadn't budgeted for those gifts originally. I called my friend Meg who has a 3-yr-old son for ideas for the boy and scoured the aisles at the -Mart store I was at for an idea for the girl. Ultimately, I ended up with a set of Hot Wheels cars for the boy and bought some pretty nice board books at the dollar store for the girl (one of Fuss's favorite things is books, and that's been the case for awhile, so I figured, why not?)
3. I haven't bought our turkey yet. Is that bad?
4. I'm tempted to buy disposable cooking dishes for both the turkey and the stuffing and anything else I've committed to making so that I have even less to deal w/ post-Christmas. Is that wasteful and completely horrible for the environment?
5. We never got our outside lights up and the only opportunity we will have between now and Christmas is this weekend. Is it silly to put up the lights a week before Christmas? We usually take them down shortly after New Year's.
6. I had the worst time picking out the template for our photo card, because for some reason, my standard-size picture wasn't fitting properly on the cards, why is that? But I found one that I liked, so there we go. I'm not nearly as impressed by this year's picture as I was by last year's (last year we had a friend who is a professional photographer take our pics and the only problem with it was that 9+ month old Fuss wasn't smiling).
7. My under-tree is overflowing with presents. We have an antique trunk that we set up our half-sized tree on, and I just ran out of room this year. I had to set up a box to the side of the trunk to set the over flow on. And I'm so happy with how pretty they all look - everything is gold, silver, red and white and it's all shiny and pretty.
For more Quick takes, visit The Conversion Diary.
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