Merry Christmas to All

I cannot believe Christmas is over! All year I look forward to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and then boom it is gone in the blink of an eye. My house is back to "normal", Christmas is packed away in the attic, and toys have replaced where the decorations used to be. We scored some great deals on outdoor decor for next year (we only had our porch decorated this year...embarassing) so we snagged lights and some decor for the lawn. Anyway back to Christmas.

I was really a sour butt on Christmas Eve because Shaun got called into work the night before. He had to go to Montana on the 23rd at 1pm and that meant he would be gone most of Christmas Eve and depending on the road conditions (we were awaiting a huge storm) wouldnt be home till EARLY Christmas morning. I tried to put on a smile for the kiddos but I was really mad. I was mad I wasnt with my family in California, I was mad Shaun was working, and I was mad that I was left to do all the tradition stuff myself. HOWEVER somehow Shaun got home around 8pm that night (Christmas Eve) so we were able to open our Christmas treasure chest (pajamas, books, slippers, popcorn, and a new ornament for everyone) with him! We snagged a family picture before putting the wee ones to bed.

Christmas morning I once again, found myself awake before Lincoln. This kid wakes up at 630 every  day of the year EXCEPT Christmas! He always sleeps in! It is so crazy to me because I can never sleep in on Christmas even as an adult. I finally woke him up at 7am and he was so excited! (side not, he was FREAKED OUT on Christmas Eve about Santa coming to the house...literally in TEARS SHAKING terrified! It took everything in our power not to ruin the whole Santa thing at the age of 4 for him). He went straight to his loot but thought his big gift was for Shaun! HA...he was more interested in his stocking than the quad...at least for that moment. Luckily Brynlee slept in longer so we could give Lincoln all the attention before grabbing her from her crib. He loved everything and kept saying he was "so lucky" and "glad I was a good boy even though sometimes I am naughty but HoHo says that is okay".

After stockings, I made them put everything away while I made our traditional homemade maple bars. This year I added chocolate chips to them and man they were DELICIOUS! I might have make them again for New Years before the healthy eating comes into play!!! I also made a candy cane for everyone out of strawberries and bananas then of course had egg nog! Brynlee had her first tastse of bananas and could NOT get enough of them! Plus she got this awesome BOON spoon that makes feeding sooo easy!!!

Finally it was time for presents!!! I told Lincoln beforehand that he would have to take turns with Brynlee and daddy would help her open gifts. One thing I loved about Christmas morning growing up was how organized it was. We went in order from youngest to oldest (except my dad always went last even though my mom is older by 4 months lol) but you had the limelight while you opened the gift and you always knew what everyone got. It was great! I hate the crazy open everything as fast as you can over in the blink of an eye nonsense! My mom made us shower and get dressed for the day before presents, and we had to take multiple breaks to put everything away (not just on our beds...literally AWAY) but I didnt go to THAT extreme. Actually now that I think about it, 8 people and all those gifts in one room, I am certain I would do the same thing my mom did...it was cray cray with just TWO kids and presents.

ANYWAY, Lincoln did a good job taking turns with Brynlee. Sometimes he would complain but really, for his first year having to wait, he was a rockstar. Plus, he is really into ALL toys whether for a baby or not so he was really just as excited as she was for the gifts. Brynlee was more interested in eating the paper than opening anything, and Lincoln assured me he needed ZERO assistance this year because now he is in school and can do it himself. It was picture perfect!

I am a nutcase and as soon as the presents are opened, they get taken out of the packaging and put away...otherwise my anxiety goes through the roof! So while Lincoln rode his new quad outside, I was inside putting things away.

We spent the day putting together toys and just playing and being with a family. This was the first year we had no where to be, didn't have to shuffle through the day bouncing from house to house, didn't have to pry Lincoln away from his new toys to go sit at someone elses house while THEY got to play with their new toys. We were just home...and it was perfect and so relaxing. Shaun smoked a turkey for dinner, I made cheesy potatoes, rolls, and brussel sprouts for dinner with an ice cream cake for dessert. Shauns old partner from work joined us for dinner that night. Again, it was just lovely.

I am sad the holiday is over, the radio is playing regular songs again, and the eggnog is clearancing  out. I love Christmas and although it was really hard being away from my nephews, I loved how simple and relaxing it was...the way Christmas is supposed to be! There were no fights, no drama, just happy, grateful people. Lincoln told me multiple times that day how lucky he was, how loved he was, and "he was so glad he got everything for Christmas. Like mom, dad, baby Bryn and some fun toys". Thank you Lincoln for reminding me what Christmas is all about...family!!!

 *I think we might need to start the 4 present rule...they get so many gifts from family and friends....pretty lucky kiddos I tell ya!!!*

4 months!

Miss Brynlee turned 4 months old today!!! Can you believe it?!? Time is FLYING by!!! She is such an awesome sleeper...sleeps 13 hours STRAIGHT at night and in the mornings, quietly babbles to herself until Lincoln goes in to see if she is awake. Maybe she is awake for a lot longer than we think in the morning?! Who knows...she is super smiley and quiet every single morning...even now as she is battling this darn dog cold that will NOT leave!!!

She LOVES baby oatmeal. I tried mixing it with some peaches...NOT having that! She wants it with a touch of warm formula...chunky enough that it doesn't slide off the spoon...just like brother used to! She doesn't like any fruits or vegetables...pure oatmeal...morning and night before a bottle. Makes her happy as a clam!

Baby Einstein saves the day ONCE again! It allows me to get Lincoln fed, bathed, and dressed. She only likes the Christmas one so far but that gives me 41 minutes of getting stuff done before she is ready to be entertained!

She will lay on the floor ONLY if Lincoln is playing near her. She is infatuated with Lincoln and always wants to be near him. If she hears his voice but can't find him...she cries. It is pretty cute. She doesn't roll over yet but has gotten the strength in her legs to scoot her little self to anywhere she wants to be. She is slow...for now!!!

It's not child labor...

If your kiddo requests a shovel you get him one. Mainly because now he REQUESTS to go out and shovel the snow! I am talking first thing at night he looks at the driveway, says he has a lot of work to do in the morning and will need me to pack him a lunch. Then wakes up SUPER early gets snow clothes on himself (enter mom who has to take off the pants and put them on the right way) gives me a goodbye kiss and "goes to work". I must admit, it is heavenly watching him from the nice warm house! It's not considered child labor if THEY are REQUESTING it right!? I did guy buy him a new hot wheel car...best 99 cents ever spent!

 *Let it be known he spent 2 hours clearing that driveway!!!*

Tale of the GIANT BOW!!!

So lets get one thing straight...I LOVE etsy! It is the perfect place to go bankrupt for stay at home moms! They have EVERYTHING you have ever DREAMED of making yourself but reality knows you better so you never do! I browse Etsy all the time! I should probably stop because seriously, my bank account is suffering! HA

Anyway, I have this idea in my head that I want to get a picture of Brynlee in a holiday outfit for all her first big holidays (I am still going back and forth on NYE...there is an ADORABLE outfit on Etsy for a not so adorable price...) With the outfit (okay so I really just want a onesie, in leggings (Thanksgiving had no matching leggings...sad day) I want a correlating headband. I browsing Etsy and found this super cute headband. It looked like a good size...not TOO big but not small, just the perfect size. See I HATE big bows on babies! The ones where you are searching for the babies head but can only see the bow...yeah those are my NIGHTMARE! I have been lucky so far and have not come across any...her Halloween costume bow was a tad too big for my liking!

Anyway, the order came and I was so excited to open it. It was a LOT heavier than I expected it to be...I mean come on, I put 3 month old! I opened it and BAM this ENORMOUS bow came out! Lincoln wears it around the house and it is still too big for his head! I was really disappointed but I couldnt be mad at anyone except myself! I decided to make the best of it instead of sending it back. It really would be cute if it was taken down in size...A LOT!

Yesterday I put her in some adorable Christmas leggings, her new red boots, and just HAD to add the bow! She hates it but luckily enough, she is REALLY happy in the mornings so I was able to snatch some before she came PIST about the bow! She only has to wear it ONE MORE TIME next week when I snap the picture for the holiday! HAHA...

Anyway, THAT is the tale of the Giant bow...

*somehow the giant bow is officially missing!!! How in the world does THAT thing get lost!?*

Doesn't show signs of stopping

Monday we woke up to SNOW!!! I am not talking just a little bit of snow, I am talking inches upon inches, and even a FOOT of snow!!! It came without warning! It fell quietly as we all slept through the night. Softly gathering mounds of mounds on cars, roads, driveways, etc. I knew it was snowing when I woke up because it was BRIGHT! The snow makes the prettiest white glow at night. Just pure perfection.

Then I realized how much had fallen and I knew I needed to shovel. Shaun was in Idaho for the night so it was up to me. Normally I wouldn't mind it. However, I am still recovering from when I hurt my back 3 weeks ago so I was really nervous to shovel. Oh and the fact we dont have a real snow shovel. Funny thing, Sunday we were at Costco and I told Shaun we should grab the shovel. But did we?! NOPE!!! So there I was, outside shoveling with a dirt shovel! It was lovely I tell ya!

Brynlee HATES being cold and hates how bright the snow is. I tried to bring her outside to see it and get a picture of her first time in snow but she was NOT having it. I had to put her inside the doorway covered in blankets and in her bouncer so I could get to work. Lincoln on the other hand, yeah that boy would sleep in the snow if I let him. He would go out barefoot (oh wait, maybe he did...oops!). He loves it! He really just loves being outside!

This was our first snow storm, as last winter when we moved there was zero snow on the ground,and when it did snow, it melted as soon as it touched the ground. Anyway, I didn't realize how good of a job they do at clearing the roads. We live in a court, and they even came TWICE and plowed our court...that goes to show just how MUCH was on the ground!!! I quickly learned the downside to living in a court at the very end...all the snow they plow gets plopped right in front of your house! So now we have MOUNDS upon MOUNDS of snow in front of our house! It's the small price to pay for a clear street though!

We finally got to build a snowman...only I left Shaun to the building part and this is the best he could come up with. People keep telling us it isn't the right snow for a snowman...what does THAT mean!? Snow is snow isn't it?!? Lincoln loves it regardless. We were given this really awesome wooden snowman set to decorate once the snow is formed and he loved it. He still every morning and throughout the day checks on his snowman to make sure it is still there...and he is!

Everytime I look outside it is snowing! I wanted a white Christmas, was actually just complaining about it NOT snowing, and now look! There is snow all around! It is sooo pretty...until you have to drive in it or shovel it! I am thinking I need to invest in a sign that says "first time snow driver" because the drivers around here are CRAZY IMPATIENT!!! I am not worried about MY driving, it is everyone around me! Plus I have precious cargo in the car so those crazies better watch out!!!

Christmas Party 2015

For some reason, it has always been a dream of mine to host an annual Christmas party at my house. I wanted to do it in California but our little condo was just that, little! We had a hard time just fitting my sisters family in there with us let alone 4-5 more families! So when we made the decision to move to Utah, I told Shaun we WOULD be having a Christmas party!

I went back and forth on what "theme" I wanted to do for it. I have no idea why, but my family is obsessed with themes. From parties, to the rooms in our homes, they all have a theme. I thought about doing an ugly sweater party because those always seem so funny. But then I thought that was more for adults, and maybe one year we will do an ugly sweater/cocktail party but this year I wanted it all about the kids. I finally decided on a Christmas pajama party and I could not have been happier.

We dont know many people in Utah yet. We have our core friends, which oddly enough, is made up of mostly people from back home! Those were the peeps I wanted to invite. I have been struggling with the fact I wont be home for Christmas so this was the perfect solution...bring people I love from home, here! We just invited 4 families so it was smallish and perfect.

The kids got along so well. We had 3 month-12 years old and everyone had someone their age to play with. Well besides Brynlee but she got LOTS of loves that night! We had pizza, a cookie decorating station (I am pretty sure the kids just ate the candy because a TON of cookies were left but hardly any candy haha) then they were able to write letters to Santa, a hot chocolate bar, and a bonfire with smores outside. It was great having the fire going (Shaun's idea) because it allowed the kids to come and go and not just be crammed inside. So kids were upstairs, in the basement playing with toys, or outside by the fire/playing. Let's be honest though, the men, yeah they never moved from the fire unless it was to get more food! ;)

Having this simple, small, yet fun party really helped me get out of my funk. I am still VERY sad about not being home, and I really dont think that will change, but being able to spend an evening with people I have known since I was a little girl, was just perfect. It was like no time had passed between us all. I cannot wait to get everyone together again...and lucky for me I love hosting parties! NYE anyone!?!?

Lincoln

Dear Lincoln,

This has been a tough year and yet, you have handled it like a champ. You took the move away from your best friend, Gio, better than I could have EVER imagined. You never complained, you never cried, you just took your little 3 year old self and said "alright lets go on a plane". Sure you have missed your friends, but you have adjusted to your new home amazingly well.

Watching you learn your world around you is such an incredible joy. You have begun talking and asking questions about everything. You remind me so much of myself, so curious about the world. Your little self is so aware of others and your surroundings. You don't hesitate to play with new friends. You welcome others in so gently and warmly.

This year you started, as I like to call it, REAL preschool. You were hesitant at first, holding onto us as we dropped you off, but now you RUN to the door to get inside. You are learning so much and are always so eager to tell us about your day. You light up with new knowledge and want everyone to know what you did. Your language is continuing to grow thankfully!!!

You also had a major change this year as you became a big brother. Tears are filling my eyes as I think of the first time you met Brynlee. You were unsure of her, but when we told you she had to go get shots, you cried because you thought they were going to hurt her. From that moment on, you have guarded her like a boss. Your favorite thing is to check on her in the morning if she is awake. You call it your "brother time" and she smiles ear to ear when you enter her room. You are so incredibly helpful and patient. You love to hold her "next to you" and you LOVE feeding her. I was afraid you were not going to adjust well, that you would miss all the attention always being on you, but man was I wrong. You are special like that, always tender and caring about those around you. You only want to be called brother when Brynlee is around you. If we call you Lincoln you get mad! It's really cute!

I love watching you light up with the holiday season here. You ask every morning if you can open your presents. You try to convince me "HoHo" told you that you could open one...but it doesnt work! The elf, Koko, is here, and you LOVE to run out of your room and go find him. I love hearing "oh my gosh what are you doing there" as you find him. It makes my little heart swell. The magic of Christmas is surely not lost in you.

You are still my cuddle bug. You will grab your blanket Grandma Lynda made you and come snuggle right up next to me. You do it mostly in the mornings and at nights. I know when you are tired when you say you are itchy and I need to scratch your back...it soothes you right to sleep everytime. You give the biggest and best hugs, holding extra tight until we say let go. Honestly, I never want you to let go because I know one day you aren't going to want to hug me.

I have loved watching you grow, blossom, and become such an incredible kiddo. Everyday spent at home with you is seriously so fun! Your imagination is beyond amazing! You love playing with your toys, you have always been a great toy player. You obsess over things like your dad. Right now you are obsessed with firefighters! You used to be obsessed with Curious George...I am secretly so glad THAT stage is over!

I hope as the new year begins you will continue to be gentle and tender towards others. Let others in, and not be too shy. You are loved beyond belief and I am soooo thankful you are my little knucklehead!!!