There are many times that I don’t have my camera handy but my phone is nearby. Here are a few silly shots that I have gotten recently.
Preschool Christmas
Emily had her Christmas party last week at school. A party isn’t complete without a visit from the jolly one himself of course! Zachary and I ran up to the school so we could get a picture of “Sisser” sitting on his lap. We didn’t stay for the rest of the party. Zachary was a) wanting to sit on Santa’s lap b) join in on snack time and c) play with their toys. Not really a good combination. After getting a few quick shots we snuck out and went to the library. More fun for the wee man.
When we arrived, Emily and her classmates were finishing up music class. It was so cute to hear their little voices yelling singing Christmas songs and dancing to the music. Then each child got to take a turn sitting on Santa’s lap and telling him what he wanted for Christmas.
Super cute class! Hard to believe that this is her last year in preschool.
Christmas Traditions
The weather has been unseasonably warm for December. We decided to take advantage of our good fortune and take a quick walk down Main Street. Their annual Christmas Traditions were taking place and we wanted to check it out. We didn’t get to experience everything that was offered since we were short on time but Emily got to meet many of the characters down there.
Apparently, many people had the same idea we did with the gorgeous weather. The sidewalks and shops were packed! I would like to make one more trip down there. They have a “Santa send-off” parade on Christmas Eve that I would like to take the kids to if the weather cooperates. I think that would be a good tradition to start.
By the way, I swear Zachary was there. He just isn’t in any pictures since he was strapped into the stroller and not real willing to cooperate, hence our shortened visit.
Kid projects
Don’t worry, the kids had a few projects as well. I haven’t been hoarding all the fun! Emily decorated her gingerbread “shack”. I say shack because I could not get the sucker to stay together very well. I keep saying next year I am going to find a pre-assembled house. Much easier. Now if I can remember that I saw them at Dierbergs this year…
Zachary, my non-crafty child, painted a candy cane. He is so funny. For being all boy, he does not like having dirty hands. I had to make sure that he had a paint brush and that we had a wash cloth nearby.
A visit to the jolly fat man
The kids and I decided to head over to the Bass Pro Shop to check out their Winter Wonderland last week. I have heard that it is a lot of fun but it is super busy. We live very close to the store and know that traffic is atrocious on the weekends and try to avoid the area at all costs. I decided that I would take the kids to see the fat man after Zachary’s nap one day so that we might have a fighting chance of seeing Santa without feeling rushed and overwhelmed. Wonderful decision!
We headed over there around 3:30 and there was one child ahead of us to see Santa. Poor little girl was about 2 or so and wanting absolutely nothing to do with him. Emily took her turn and sat right down on Santa’s lap. She told him all the things she wanted for Christmas, the big one being a new bike. She also told him that Zachary loved cars and he wanted a trike. When it came time to have Zachary sit on Santa’s other knee I began to question whether or not he would do it. It took a little coaxing and arm twisting but he did it. I am sure I told him that we needed a picture for Gaga at one point. I can bribe that kid with Gaga all day long. He wasn’t too sure of the situation but we got a decent picture and that’s what counts!
After we gave Santa our list, we decided to check out all the fun things Bass Pro had set up. We rode the little carousel three different times. It was awesome! There were no lines; no waiting; no worrying about what animal we were going to sit on. The kids got to play with the remote control cars and even take target practice with the toy gun game they had set up. Zachary loved the train set they had set up.
Definitely a good experience. Definitely glad we went during the day.
A project here, a project there.
‘Tis the season to be busy with projects. I have been able to get several finished over the past few weeks. This might explain my lack of posts recently.
The first project was a wreath that Emily and I made for my parents. I got the idea from Pinterest. I had added it to the project list for the class I am teaching in March so I thought I should actually make one before then. I used a wire hanger, a box of fold over sandwich bags and some baubles.
Project #2 were ornaments. I got the original idea from where else? Pinterest as well. I didn’t have all the materials to finish the project according to their directions. Instead, I used clear glass ornaments, Elmer’s clear school glue and Martha Stewart glass microbeads.
Projects #3, 4 and 5 were for Emily. A tutu, a shirt and a dress.
Decorating the tree
We set up our tree the day after Thanksgiving but really didn’t start decorating until Saturday. Emily was chomping at the bit to get started. She is really at a fun age! She loves Christmas and all the decorations. She really has a good time and did a great job on decorating the tree. Zachary wasn’t really sure what to think about decorating. He loves the tree. Surprisingly, we are able to leave it open this year. We weren’t sure if we were going to have to gate it or not this year but he’s doing great with it. He has only messed with it a couple of times. Our main concern is if he is going to apply the brakes on his pooh train in time before he loses control and crashes into the tree. The boy gets some major speed!
I know this will be such a fun year with both kids! Emily really gets it and Zachary is just fun. We are having a good time with our elf, Fred, and Zachary likes to point out lights and “Ho Ho”. We are going to enjoy every minute!
Thanksgiving 2011
This year we spent Thanksgiving with my family. It’s been a few years since we spent the holiday with them so it was definitely past due. We arrived a little early so we could help my sister finish up the yummy preparations. The kids were able to get a head start on destroying everything playing together. I love when the cousins get together. The laughter and giggles definitely outweigh the referring. It’s amazing how much they fight and knit pick already. Guess you would expect no less since there are 7 children age 5 and under. It’s always a mad house! And this Thanksgiving was no exception.
The food was delicious and the company even better. We had such a wonderful time. The kids played so hard that they were asleep even before we hit the interstate. I really do love my family- crazy as each and every one of us are.
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Girl’s night out
I admit it- I like the Twilight series. I enjoyed every book and have seen every movie so far. My friend Tracy has a party when each movie comes out and this year I was able to attend. My word! I am not sure why I haven’t made the previous ones but I know I will definitely make the next one. How fun!
There were so many fun-loving women present, many who I know from the playgroup. I knew they were a lot of fun but I didn’t know they were that much fun! My friend Julie and I had a blast! We ate, drank, played trivia and kissed posters. We took a party bus to and from the theater and one of us almost got kicked out. Jello shots. Enough said.
You don’t have to be young to have a good time. You just have to be young at heart and willing to cut loose. A few libations never hurt either. I had a really good time and can’t wait to do this again!
I am a woman who wears many hats. Wife, mother, maid, cook, boo boo kisser and friend to name a few. I stay at home with my children. That doesn't mean I don't work! Believe me, I do. I love my life, despite the challenges I face. Every day is a gift and I try to live each day to the fullest. 
Love Overflowing 