Out with the old...Happy 2010!

New Years resolutions are meant to be made and then usually broken.  I am determined this year to do better with goal setting and achieving.  I have already set some goals with a couple great girlfriends... I haven't been really good at accomplishing them yet, but I will say, they are definitely on my mind - the goals and the friends.  So I am going to share a few goals that I am pondering....and my plan is to take them and break them down from time to time to establish pieces that I CAN achieve...because when goals are too big and too broad they become overwhelming. 

So this year...I am thinking about...

Health -  Out with the old...jeans...In with the new... jeans!
            I am hoping to eat right (less snacking and better portions) and work in a manageable exercise program so that I can feel better and get into some of my old jeans and make them new again.


Children -  I am going to strive to enjoy every second of the next several months.  Charley will start kindergarten in 2010 and that thought sits in my stomach like a rock. I am not ready to hand him over to the real world.  Yet, I know he is so ready.  I want to enjoy these last few months of choosing to go where and when we want....pj days...outings...playdates....mom and son time while Hank naps.  Henry too is going to be in for a shock when Charley ventures out each day.  So I want to continue to encourage their brotherly relationship.  I want to be present and patient with them daily.

Marriage-  We will celebrate 8 years of marriage in 2010 and we are starting to get to the meat of our marriage...we are in the midst of owning a house, raising two boys, and balancing personal time and enjoyment.  I want to continue to encourage Ed to go for his guy time while keeping our regular date nights frequent.  I also hope to give more kisses and have more patience.

Self-  I will continue to strive to find things that challenge me, bring me joy, and contentment.  Being home every day can leave one feeling un-challenged...blogging, cooking, finding time with friends, and other things remind me that there is self to this role as Mom.  I want to either go for a weekend with girlfriend(s) or my sister and mom...or have one planned for 2011..if that is when it works out best.  I will continue to force myself to leave the house one evening a week whether it is for grocery shopping or drinks with a girlfriend.

Home- I hope to be more aware of our finances...Ed, we will sit down and you can teach me...and I would like to make an effort to save for a home improvement project - big or small.  This means I will still work hard to spend less during the week on groceries and outings.

World- I will continue using our reusable grocery bags and napkins.  This spring I would like to help Ed build a compost bin so we can keep growing with our earth friendly ways.  I also am determined to get our boys out camping this summer.

Life-  Life is so good.  And it is so easy for me to get wrapped up into negative thoughts and worries.  It is so easy for me to get snappy at myself, my boys, or my husband...and my mom.  Why do I do that?  Not sure...but there is NO EXCUSE!  I will strive to find grace each day and remember - life is good.  Slow down.  Take it in.  Make someone else's life brighter by being more positive.

Hobby-  Blogging has become a daily hobby for me.  It challenges me and helps me appreciate the little moments in my life.  It is a place to reflect and motivate change in my role as a woman and mother.  My hope for 2010 is to continue to challenge myself with this hobby.  I would love to strengthen my writing, photography, and interactive blogging skills.  I know of so many bloggers that have made lifelong friends through their blogs.  I would love to get to know someone new through blogging...either reading theirs or reading mine.

Tonight we are feasting on :  Meatballs, homemade guacamole, shrimp cocktail, smoked fish, buffalo chicken dip, cheese cake, chocolate fondue, homemade bread, sushi, and more...yes we over did it.  But I am excited to be hosting two families who live close by as neighbors but have also become good friends!  Happy New Years friends and family!  May you celebrate safely and end 2009 with a smile on your face.  2010 is going to be a great year! 

Sunday

Not only do we have a niece, Morgan Mary, but we get to be her Godparents.  We presented her with a tool box and her first tool in life...the hammer.  We hope to help her mom and dad guide her in life...with a few of our wise thoughts from time to time...but for sure a wise tool choice so when it comes time to fly from the nest she will be very well equiped to handle what life throws at her.

We. are. honored.

She slept through the whole service.

Her often quiet but very wise Godfather.

 

She will know what a "ship" is before she is one year old - thanks to her big boy cousins.

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. Her expression in this one...and his.

Brothers in the Snow!

 

 

 

Little Boy in the snow!

 

 

 

Big Boy in the Snow...

 

 

 

 Charley played out in the snow for an hour this morning with Henry and me.  This afternoon he was out again for 2 hours with his friend Hayden! 

Good old fashion snow fun!

Why not?

This morning we went outside and played in the snow for an hour.  Then we came in and the boys took a warm bath.  We collected some snowballs while out in the snow...we brought them in...and BAM!  Bath time was new and exciting for....about a minute...since they melted really fast.  Why not?  It was fun!

Future Grocery Bill....

I put Henry down for a nap and the neighbor girl popped over so that I could run and get groceries without two little helpers.  Usually I go on Monday mornings when Charley is at preschool - but this week we weren't in need and to be honest I didn't feel like going anywhere.  And the small fee was TOTALLY WORTH IT! 

While waiting my turn to check out - I overheard the cashier comment to the lady in front of me:

"Boy, you have a lot of good food here.  It makes me hungry."

The lady then responded:

"I've got 4 kids home on break with me."

The Cashier lady then laughed and replied:

"That will be $391.80"

WHAT!  Mom- Thank you for feeding me and my brother and sister...our spouses, our friends, our children all these years! 

Grace in Small things #40

Our holiday travels left me with many things to be thankful for....

1.  My husband, who insists on driving, even though I think sometimes he has the better end of the deal...because sitting in the passenger seat means you have to cater to the two little miracles in the backseat...as they whine for snacks, water, bathroom, movies, why the sky is blue, and world peace. 

2.  Safe travels - even with the snow storm that delayed us a bit...we managed just about 22 hours in the car traveling in the last week and we didn't run into any car issues!

3.  Upon arriving at our destinations we participated in many holiday celebrations - all involving gifts.  This of course can be very overwhelming for children.  I am so proud of my boys for saying thank you - most times without our encouragement!  Makes me feel like we are doing something right...or the 10 minute lecture I give in the car works- just kidding it was probably only a 2 minute lecture.

4.  Seeing those we love is what the holidays are all about for me.  I love each holiday party for different reasons but there is one consistent thing at each party - the people!  I love seeing GREAT GREAT Aunts and Uncles in Illinois.  I love having time with my parents and siblings.  I love being north with Ed's family in the cozy of their living room where the couch sucks you in after a cup of homemade eggnog.  I love seeing our new niece and nephew and the anticipation of them being older and more aware of the holiday excitement.  I love knowing that those we love get to where they are going - even if it means ER visits in random small towns, stopping at hotels, leaving a day early, or going a day late.  The holidays are all about family!

5.  The sigh that comes when it is all done.  The crazy travel and fun is what holidays are for me.  But after we have gotten everywhere, given our gifts, traveled, and put on a few extra pounds from all the fun food...it is so good to be home - with no where to be for the next month or so.  The anticipation of the holidays is some of the most fun of the season.  But putting away all the decorations and having your house return to it's normal state is kind of nice too.  And I am thankful that I have the time to have a pj day and teach my boys how to gently take down their ornaments, sort them into boxes, and pack it all away until next year. 

Not Me Monday

 
 

Charley was invited over to a friend's today.  She wanted him from 10:30 until Henry was up from a nap 3 or 4ish.  Because of a light saber incident earlier today...she will have Charley until the 4 o'clock hour.  The kid has been busy with holiday festivities and family time...I know he is itching to play with a friend.  YAY!  What a blessing for a day when I could use a few hours to start packing up Christmas stuff, unpacking, and getting back into a routine.  No, I didn't do a happy dance after I hung up the phone last night.  Nope - Not me!

My 2 year old loves playing with my 5 year old's new Starwars figurines.  Earlier today while watching Dora he stuck one of the tiny lightsabers into his ear...this had me running from another room as he screamed!  I don't think there is any lasting damage - but we will know later for sure - after a doc appointment.  Nope- I didn't let my 2 year old play with toys unsupervised that were not meant for him- Not me!

The boys have been so busy playing with their new toys from all the Christmas celebrations we had.  There are a few items that they haven't gotten into yet...I of course, DID NOT,  sneak and put some new items away for long winter days when we are all wandering around crabby and bored because we can't go outside to play because it is below zero.  Nope - Not me!

He loves me....

but he sure doesn't like me very much. 

I have been reading a parenting book to try and gain a few tricks for my back pocket to start the new year off with a bang.  After some good time in the car this weekend I was able to talk about some of the strategies with Ed. 

Tonight we were given perfect examples to try out the language that was suggested in this book.  So tonight I put Charley to bed and when he started pulling his normal whiny bedtime routine stuff....I decided to give the strategy a try.  Here is this nightly battle:

After reading several books to Charley we say goodnight and ask him what he wants to listen to.  He has a cd that talks about the moon that hangs on his wall; he has two cds with longer book on tape stories (Mercy Watson); and he has music.  Of course he can always choose nothing. 

EVERY.

SINGLE.

STINKIN'.

NIGHT.

He has to draw out his decision - hem and haw about the decision and ultimately Ed and I lose our patience and end up switching cds two to four times.  Tonight, when he said he wanted Mercy I clicked it on and said goodnight.  As I walked out the door he started throwing a tantrum about not wanting Mercy. 

This is one of the changes we want to make because it leaves Ed and I returning downstairs in a fit of rage over the changing mind of a five year old.  So tonight, I explained to Charley, that he chose Mercy - he has the same choice every night - and maybe tomorrow he will pick something different. 

He of course has been crying - HE IS OH! SO! TIRED!.  But then he started yelling:

"I don't like mama!  I don't like mama - THAT MUCH!"

The thing is when a parent has a struggle with their child on a nightly basis.  And that power struggle has them leaving the child frustrated and annoyed - well to be honest- I don't like that mama very much either.  (Or that daddy)  The bedtime routine has been one of our strengths - or at least we will admit to be lucky with boys that enjoy bath, books, and night night time. I love saying goodnight to my boys - knowing that they are safe and sleeping. I love knowing that tomorrow is a new day for more fun, more patience, more creativity, and more challenges.  So I want to get past this "stage" because remember - everything is a stage. 

Pleased to announce that:

Charley is now yelling " I DON'T LIKE DADDY EITHER ANY MORE!"

Ed isn't looking so smug at the moment.

Thoughts on music and other random things...

I miss it.
So it is there....at the bottom.  You just have the choice to turn it on or keep it off.  It shouldn't play automatically now.

Does that work?

By the way...I am not neglecting my family today - with the blogging I have done.  We had our "Christmas" day yesterday.  We were expecting to travel today.  So we have just had a relaxing day at home...which means...a few stolen moments to putter around on here.

I hope you have all had a wonderful day.  Thank you for popping by to read and visit.  Thank you for putting up with my rambling, venting, reflecting, and sharing.  Thanks for allowing me to try to be inspiring, humorous, reflective...deep.   Most days my thoughts seem silly and random.   Thank you for emailing or throwing out a thought every once in a while.  When you take a minute it is like a little gift to me.  Blogging is a hobby of mine and I am glad that I have readers that take a moment to share in it with me.   

Thank you Amy, Grandma Charlie, Aunt Katy and others who have taken time to send Charley Box Tops for his school.  He will be turning in his first 50 after the holidays.

Merry Christmas friends and family and anyone else out there.  Enjoy your holiday evening and weekend!  

For the Love of SNOW - part 2!

You know you've been gifted a TON of snow when even daddy can have a fun ride on a homemade sledding hill!  Even though we would love to be up north and we wish all our traveling friends holidays where they wish and with whom they desire....this snow is incredible.  And the best part about this snowfall - it isn't really windy or really cold- it is just beautiful.  So Charley can play out there for 2 hours in heaven! 

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Did Clifford come to town?

The beauty of a snowy Christmas morning.

Oh, wait, look closer...is that????

  

Wow. That is a big dog!

Merry Christmas

Yesterday we woke up to Santa's loot.  The boys must have been good boys this year.  We let Santa know that he could fill the boys stockings and bring three things...and we as parents would take care of the rest.    I think Santa did an A-okay job.  Henry now thinks Santa will come every morning....poor kiddo. 

Then we all headed outside for some good ol' family shoveling. 

 

 

Naptime for Hankers.  Ed and Charley spent at least an hour and a half assembling a Lego Starwars ship.  Yikes!  Mama and Charley played Sorry (the game that Santa brought our family).  Then after dinner we headed back outside for a little more shovel time.  It was a perfect night to play outside.  Snow falling, peaceful and quiet, not too windy, and not at all too cold.  PERFECT.

 

 

 

After getting the boys in bed we kicked back and enjoyed a few festive martini's with our friends Katie and Casey.  They live so close and were also deprived of heading north yesterday.  So we decided to get together.  It ended the day just perfectly.

 

This morning we wake to not too much new snow and hope that we could head out of town today...but it has started up again in the last half an hour and it is falling heavier than it did yesterday.  I hear Duluth has 19 inches and brutal winds...do we want to chance single lane traffic to avoid Duluth....ugh!  So hard.  My sister and her family left yesterday only to find 30 mile per hour traffic or less...and then ended up stopping to stay in a hotel.  Ed is still sleeping and I will leave the decisions up to him since he is the driver.  It is so hard for all of us who want to travel - even getting to church looks like it could be a journey - if we can get ourselves shoveled out in time.  

Trying to find the beauty in this gift from mother nature.  We are home.  Cozy. Safe.  I can pull something out of the freezer to eat.  Henry slept better last night so his ear infection must be healing.  The boys are busy and happy with their new gadgets.  Ed is sleeping in ...and I am about to make myself a little cup of hot cocoa.  This Christmas we went from 1 sled to 6 - so we are definitely ready to enjoy this white stuff! 

If only we could get North to enjoy the company of family, the beauty of the 20 ft. tree in Grandma and Grandpa's living room, the homemade eggnog, and maybe a friendly game of canasta.   We will get there...it is just a matter of when...when?

Frugal Friday #6

I am going to take an easy out and just link to a pro money saving foodie.  She is also giving away 5 of her cookbooks!  I find her book to be full of money saving tips....and the few she shares today are great.

Check this out!

Merry Christmas!

For the Love of SNOW!

It has been snowing all day...

There are moments of pause...

But for the most part, it has been snowing ALL DAY!

We have probably scored about 6-8 inches of snow so far..I think more...Ed thinks less. 
All I know...We shoveled for over 2 hours and that was WITH the help of our neighbors plow truck, it took care of the end of the driveway snowplow torture. 

I headed out first this morning to shovel...I needed a moment.  You know, one of those mama moments.  As I headed out in my snippy mood - I noticed that the neighbors were out too.  The dad and his two teenage daughters.  The memories flooded back - I knew those girls most likely DIDN'T want to be out there.  They all stood for at least 10 minutes hooking up their ipods in their ears - the dad too.  Then they all proceeded to shout at each other because they couldn't hear.  As the daughters got to work I heard the dad yell, "Try and pitch it farther."  I knew those girls were probably so peeved - to have to be out there shoveling all this snow and then to have their dad telling them how to do it.  Teenage girls, you know. 

Then it got even more fun.  The mom opened the garage door into the house and started yelling out to them.  Of course they couldn't hear her, because of the ipods, and they yelled to her, "I can't hear you."  She needed to get to the store, from the sound of it...but the dad explained loudly, "You can't go until we have shoveled." The mom then said some other things and didn't get much response....then I finally heard her yell, "Well, Merry Christmas to you too."  By this point I am laughing so hard - inside of course.  The ultimate moment....when one of the younger daughters pauses after the garage door slams...sets the shovel upright and says, "Ughhhhh!"  with a loud sigh. 

I decided, maybe the girls were where they wanted to be...maybe their mama was having a moment too - but she was smart and shooed them all outside. 

Shoveling continued and we all paused to let our shoulders sag as the enormous plow came by twice and put us all back to square one - thankfully our neighbor soon came by with his plow truck.  

Ed and the boys soon joined me and all was once again right in the world. 

And we wait...

For the snow....

Will it be as bad as they say? 

When will it start and when and where will it hit hardest? 

Living in the midwest (MN/WI) means snow is inevitable...and most often it shows up at inconvienent times.  This storm is predicted to start tonight and progress through tomorrow into Friday.  Some are saying 20 inches...I am trying really hard not to get sucked into the hype.  The weathermen and media love to build it up so much.

I have so many friends and family that are trying to get to family and it makes me sad that they will battle the elements.  I pray for safe travels.  We aren't expected anywhere until Friday and that is flexible...so...

Today I ran my errands and got my to do list finished up.  Errands today were horrific.  Have you ever been to a grocery store, with two little excited boys, to find that there are no carts left!  This means that you not only have to carry the basket and grab hands from time to time to lure them away displays...but you also have to dodge the insane number of carts roaming the aisles - all on last minute missions. 

Henry wouldn't take a nap today and he has stopped letting me rock him so I had this mama instinct that told me that I needed to take him in to the doctor.  So I got him in.  THANK GOODNESS I did that!  My gut was right.  He has an ear infection!  I am so glad I took him in...instead of battling the snow tomorrow...or the holiday hour issue.  We had a crazy doctor who had energy I only dream of having...I almost think he spiked a glass of eggnog before entering our room...because I swear he came in singing.  But he got Henry to open his mouth wide and stick out his tongue...and I don't think any strange doctor could do that.  My holiday is made - I love when I get a feeling and that feeling is the right one.  He should be feeling better in 24 hours...I hope.   Whew! 

So the snow started falling and Ed is expected home any minute....and tonight we will cozy in and wait for Santa's arrival.  I wrote him a letter and asked him to come to our house tonight so we could have a relaxing, traditional day as a family, before heading North for more fun festivities.  I am hoping the big man in a Red Suit can convince Rudolph to guide him in our direction tonight.

Snuggle in and stay warm.  If you are travelling I hope you packed a survival kit....just in case.  I am thinking....the snow is annoying to many but really, the white is going to make things so festive.  Try and find the beauty that Mother Nature gifts us these next hours.   

Two things that are on my mind...

Henry was born on January 4, 2008.  This time two years ago we were waiting and wondering when he would decide to enter the world.  We had different plans for each day during the week of Christmas...friends we could call on Christmas Eve, friends we could call on Christmas Day...friends we could call during the day and those willing to pick up in the middle of the night. 

You waited until after the holidays and after the New Year and we were happy that you chose the time.  I know that you didn't have a choice when it came to being born days after the big holiday of Christmas.  I know it isn't an ideal time....as people are busy, money is spent, Christmas wrapping paper is on hand...it would be very easy to give you things at Christmas and say they are also for your birthday too....BUT WE WILL NOT DO THAT!  I refuse - even when you are older and putting the two gifts together means you getting the bigger ticket item you are hoping for.

Your birthday is so special and as your mother I will strive to make it so.  You are turning two, and even though you don't know how to make two with your fingers, you are very confident in telling us you are turning two.  If we mention your birthday you say, "CAKE!" and then say "Dora!" and even though you are ALL boy (wrestling with Charley, loving big boy toys already) we will excitedly order you a Dora cake this year.  Your gifts will not be wrapped in Christmas paper! And we will be ready to give you your day.

It is on my mind.  I am aware that your day is coming.  I can't wait...even though I am not anxious for you to no longer be 1 - because that will mean you are growing up.  And I am loving this stage we are at RIGHT. NOW. so. much.

And just like every parent, I can't fathom you getting any more fun or cute.  But yet, deep down I know you will continue to bring joy to our world, smiles to our faces with your exceptional blue eyes, and warmth to our hearts for the love you give.

Your day is on my mind.

  The other thing on my mind....

When Charley turned two we conquered this addiction.  It was probably the hardest thing we had to go through with him...it lasted a week and it was rough for me.  I am dreading it because I know that we let you have your "ukkie" more often than we should.  I have attempted to wean you of it when you are outside of your crib...but this week you are so drippy and droopy that it is hard to deprive you of the thing you love so much.  So this too is on my mind:

**Nuk pictures taken by Uncle Greg

These are a few of my favorite things...

Usually, winter means walking to the mailbox can be a dreaded task each day....it is cold, slippery, and you come in trekking snow.  However, this time of the year...these four weeks of December... are the best four weeks of the year for mail.  I wait for the mail truck to show up.  I quickly throw on my boots or I convince Charley that what awaits at the end of the driveway is the most exciting thing of the day. 

I LOVE getting Christmas cards.  I especially love getting picture cards....and if there is a letter - BONUS!  I love hearing what is going on with people (especially those who I don't see often) and I do not look down on the tradition of a Christmas letter.  Many people are against the tradition...or say they will never send one.  My thought - they just don't think they can write one....or they don't have the time...because I know when I get an end of the year letter I can't wait to see what it says.  I have sent the Christmas letter in the past - this year I am just doing a Christmas card.  Ed suggested, in the middle of making him stuff envelopes, that maybe we should skip doing sending out a card.  NO WAY!  I LOVE getting the mail...and I LOVE knowing that I have made someone else's day by giving them some old fashioned mail! 

Thank you friends for including us in your holiday greetings. 

My question to you...what do you do with your holiday cards?  Do you display them?  Do you toss them after the season or do you keep them in an album?  I struggle with what to do with them after the season passes. 

Here is what I do with the picture cards we get:
I usually post the pictures of the kids my boys know on the bottom half.  They love seeing their friends!

On the Ninth Day of Christmas....

I was blessed with this little drippy droopy guy.  Poor Henry came away from his first Christmas in Wisconsin with a whopper of a head cold.  I am hoping it is just a cold...and a couple days of naps will make all of this goop go away.  Because we have round two in Wisconsin at the end of the week.

Because this just isn't the little Henry that usually blesses us with smiles!

He hasn't been sick much in his short two years (yes, two years will hit very soon). 

So he just doesn't know what he wants. 

I am trying everything but what I do know he needs is sleep.

He wouldn't take a morning nap this morning but all of a sudden he toddled over to me and said, "Stairs. Nap."

Oh little guy - nap my love.  Just nap!

One blessing when little guys like this are sick- they are usually extra cuddly.  He is loving a little rock before night night.  

Frugal Friday #5 - a little late

1.  Need a last minute Christmas present for someone.  Amazon has a bunch of magazine deals that cost only $5 and will be enjoyed for an entire year.  This mom writes about them here. 

2.  I have been taking a chance and leaving comments on various blogs trying to win some of the fun giveaways that they are having.  And I have WON twice!  I won recently on this blog.  It isn't a new camera or a gift card for $200...but heck - it is so fun to get an email that says your name was randomly picked.  I can't wait to see what product!  This win made me giggle.

3.  This past weekend we did the whole 6 hour drive to my parents.  Over Thanksgiving when we traveled we realized that a family of four to eat while on the road costs about $20...and we happened to travel over meal times everytime we were in the car...so we ended up spending 60 or so bucks on fast food - FELT SO YUCKY!  So this trip we packed food.  It was totally worth it.  We not only saved the money - but we all were feeling much better.  And we didn't have to even stop on the way TO my parents - six hours non-stop!  Bam!

4.  My goal in the last year has been to buy less of the individually wrapped snacks.  Instead I buy a large container of the item and then separate them out into little snack containers when we need some.  The snack size containers are convenient...especially when making lunches (so I am guessing at some point we will begin investing) but for right now this saves us money.  A box of 6 snack packs of goldfish crackers can cost the same as a large box that would make way more snack baggies.  It also is a lot less trash!

5.  Cheap entertainment for car travel - THESE!  Car Bingo Cards!  St. Nick brought Charley a couple...if you live local let me know and I will tell you where St. Nick got them, because he and I share our secrets.  Charley enjoyed them and so did I.  They kept us busy for about an hour - taking in the sites around us as we drove..instead of zoned out in front of a movie, which we do too! 

Not Me Monday

For Christmas my husband asked for our first game to go with our PlayStation3 system.  He asked for a LEGO StarWars game that he and Charley could play.  This past weekend he got the game and so tonight after arriving home from the hectic weekend, Charley wanted to try it.  I KNOW Ed just wanted to sit down and veg out in front of it, figure it out, and play without interruptions.  But Charley was so excited.  He stood next to him talking about every detail of the game as he watched Ed play.  Of course, I didn't suggest that Charley get a turn. Nope Not ME!  And when my husband turned around and gave me an annoyed look I didn't give him the finger - nope not me.  ( He did let Charley try and it was the cutest thing watching them both sit there and figure it out.)

My mom packed us snacks and lunch stuff for our 6 hour drive home today.  As the mom I was in charge of passing things out when people got hungry.  I of course did not keep the two bags of Cheetos for myself and pass back the pretzels and crackers.  Nope. Not me!

My husband was gearing up to pack the car, in the cold, this morning.  I didn't snap at him over and over for little things that were silly.  Nope Not Me!  And I wasn't blessed with a patient husband that didn't snap back.  Nope not me!

Henry isn't feeling well today.  While Ed and Charley were outside shoveling the driveway and unpacking the car I did not let Henry have a sucker...because he asked for it with his droopy eyes and drippy nose, so that I could get a few things put away.  Nope, not me.


Wondering where Not Me Monday comes from...here ya go.

Grace in Small Things #39

This year my family tried something new and we exchanged names.  It was a little hard not to shop for everyone...but it was also fun to be able to focus on one person.  I had my sister's name.  Her biggest desire this Christmas was frozen meals - she lucked out with me getting her name because that is something I can handle.  I brought a cooler with several pans of dairy free meals and many ziploc bags full of frozen dairy free soups.  Hopefully they help her on busy nights when the last thing she wants to do is dirty up the kitchen making something to eat.

  My brother had my name.  I am lovin' all of the gifts he picked out for me...some surprises and some off my list.  Thanks Greg - you done good!

1.   The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl (Hardcover)
This cookbook is amazing.  If you like getting recipes from blogs that picture step by step directions with pictures then this is for you.  I started following her blog a month or so ago and am so in awe of her lifestyle.  It really intrigues me.  Her photography skills are amazing and not only is her book filled with beautiful pictures from their ranch life but she also includes little bits about her life.  I am determined to try many of her recipes in 2010!  The step by step pictures make them all look possible!

2.  Smartwool socks.  I have never had a pair and what a fun surprise.  Our Christmas shopping list always has me purchasing many pairs for various members of our extended family.  Now I can walk in these socks - and I will admit...I get it.  They are very cozy and soft.  Only issue - wearing them in the car for a 6 hour drive with my UGG boots....was a little too warm.

3.  My brother, a fellow canner, also supplied me with great book that will answer all my canning questions.  He also got me a Foley food mill that will come in handy when I can more applesauce...or spaghetti sauce!

4.  Popcorn.  My brother also gave me some really good local Flint, MI popcorn.  My parents immediately jumped in telling me that it is superb!  I am always looking for tender popcorn I can make in my Whirley popper.    Jesse- I will have you over for some soon!


5.  And a magazine subscription for Real Simple.  I am looking forward to some organization/ and living simple tips delivered monthly.  

As we left today I always get crabby.  I hate that the holiday visits go so fast and we don't have as much time to relax and just hang out.  It worked out nice to have Sunday to hang out and relax.  

Henry was blessed with a yucky cold yesterday.  I am praying he sleeps through the night and wakes up feeling better.  Charley is on cloud nine playing Daddy's new Star Wars Lego video game (which he asked for so he and Charley could play together).  Sitting here watching Charley talk Ed's ear off while they figure it out is hilarious!  Ed is wiped out from a long day of driving.  I so appreciate that he doesn't mind driving and insists that he drive.  The ride home today went a lot better than the other night.  Driving at night does not work well for our boys.  They don't sleep and I just get all strung out when they are missing out on their night time sleep.  I think this is a big reason why Henry got sick.  We will travel during the day for the rest of the holidays.  It just isn't worth it.  Today was so much better.  

Everyone was there.  

Everyone was healthy (for the most part).  

Everyone travelled safe.

It was a weekend full of grace.   

Let the festivities begin - Christmas 2009

It has been a wonderful weekend.  As it winds down we are cozy watching the Packer game, eating pizza and Christmas cookies, playing with all our new toys...and being jolly even though we are all tuckered out.  Here are a few shots from yesterdays celebration. 

Trying to get a family shot...once again.

The holidays are overwhelming for this child.  But after a little bit of time he is roaring around like his older brother. 

Both boys did an amazing job passing out gifts at the crazy Santa gift party.  On my mom's side we have a party where we buy each other silly or nice little gifts and wrap and tag them from Santa or other random people (famous people, presidents, childhood friends etc.)  Many of the gifts are silly or meant to make people laugh.  Then all year you try and figure out who they are from.  While Charley and I were wrapping a bag of salt and vinegar chips for daddy we got hungry.  So we opened the bag and both had a small handful.  The tag on that gift said: 

To: Ed

From:  Hungry Santa

There is an obnoxious amount of gifts and the boys passed them out wonderfully.  They knew who everyone was and had a lot of fun. 

Grandma and her grandsons!

Happy Grandma and two of her boys!

Two very tired parents enjoying every second of their son's first Christmas!  Always fun to hang out with my sister and her husband.

Very proud BIG cousin!

Henry got it this year.  He is now aware of what presents are...is this a good thing? Not so sure!  We were able to have all our gifts that we were giving out under our tree all last week.  Many friends admitted they couldn't do that.  I think partly this was because Henry hasn't had his 2 year old birthday - so he didn't realize that they COULD be for him.  Now he does.  But really - the excitement of children makes the season jolly. 

Henry started saying thank you this weekend.  Yipee!  Charley was so excited.  He enjoyed the giving but he was definitely a typical (at least I am hoping it is typical) five year old...and got swept up in the excitment...noticing every gift that was for himself.  Ed and I cringed at times but everyone assured us that it was all normal.  Charley was a joy opening gifts - saying things like "OH! I always wanted this.  Or I love it - thank you!"  Natural, honest, and excited.  I am very proud of them. 

While Grandma juggled Eli in one arm she played games with her other two grand-boys!

Eli enjoyed grabbing at all the presents and helping open up gifts!

It all goes too fast and I of course relaxed and didn't take as many pictures.  Christmas has begun for our family and it will be a wonderful week.  I am just hoping that tomorrows 6 hour car ride home goes better than our trip here.

How did you spend your weekend before Christmas!?