Christmas 2012 Memories and Recap

There are fewer things a toddler loves more than opening presents, and A is no exception to that rule. I felt like we spent the whole month of December opening gifts and trying to find places to put the new toys. Fortunately, since she's mostly into puzzles, books and similar activities, those kind of toys don't take up much room. We did get her a trike, however, and that seems to be taking up a lot of room in the living room.  We started out our "Christmases" with J's family Christmas the Saturday before. A made out like a bandit, with such awesomeness as snow fort builders, Sesame Street memory games, the classic Fishing Game and her favorite - Violet from Leapfrog. I normally don't like talking and singing toys, because they're annoying, expensive and get neglected after a few days. This one is the exception. This little purple dog is A's new best friend - it even says her name! She knows her favorite food, color and animal and sings to her at night. A-bug sings along with all the songs and actually has mini conversations with her. She just loves that thing. It traveled with us all over the state of Virginia.

Which brings me to stage 2 of our family Christmas this year. On Sunday, we headed out to make the long journey to VA, where my mom grew up and where we have always gone for Christmas since I was a little girl. There's something magical about spending Christmas in the mountains, and it's always beautiful, even if there's no snow. My grandparents only get to see A and now K every 6 months, so it's very special to spend Christmas with them and all my cousins, aunts and uncles. We always have Christmas Eve dinner all together, eat brunch on Christmas morning and have my grandma's family's reunion on Christmas night. In case you didn't gather, there's a lot of eating :) A got a lot more adorable and fun gifts, including a totally cute winter parka from Emmy, coloring books from Uncle Trev and Mimi, and tons of clothes from Great-Grandma Moore, Uncle Trev and Uncle Zak. K also received lots of adorable clothes and some really sweet toys. A also received a little red trike from Great-Grandma Moore that she wanted to ride everywhere - we were more concerned about her running into the wood-burning stove, but she managed to avoid it the entire vacation *whew*.

Friday after Christmas, we headed over to the eastern part of the state to see my cousin get married. I could tell many stories about this leg of the vacation , but I'll summarize by saying that the hubster is even farther from letting me rent an RV someday to camp in than he was before this trip, and that's saying something lol. But we had a good time, got to see my dad's side of the family and a beautiful wedding. A fell in love with "the princess" who was actually my cousin's new wife, Kim. She loved the big, beautiful dress and veil, and wanted to take pictures with and talk to the princess all day. She was very sad when we had to leave the princess, but it was very sweet and adorable. We were also able to meet up with a friend of mine and meet her sweet family that night. Living 15 hours away makes the ability to visit few and far between, so we took advantage. She has a daughter close to A's age, so we had a great time and the girls loved playing together :)

Sunday we headed back to my grandparents for a few more days. Josh and I got to see Les Mis, without the company of any small children, which was very nice. We spent more time with family, which was lovely, and packed up to head back home on Wednesday morning. It was a long trip back, and we were very ready for our own bed, but all in all, it was a wonderful, family-filled Christmas.

Now it's time to put away the Christmas decorations, find homes for the new toys (and donate many of the old, but don't tell A-bug that!) and figure out what to do with all this candy, since we're trying to eat better in this new year. Today, I will try out one of my Christmas gifts, Zumba for the Wii, and later this month, I will most certainly enjoy my Spa Day from my lovely husband. My parents gave us extra cabinets for our kitchen which we are extremely grateful for, and will be installing shortly :) It was a great holiday season, but I'm glad to be back to our regular routine. I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas break as well!

A with Gigi and Grandma

Playing with her snow fort builders :)

Opening up her new best friend - Violet :)

Playing with a new toy with Emmy

Reading a Christmas morning story with Mimi

Smiling big before family pictures at the wedding

A with her cousin Grace and Granny

A and "the princess," Kim and my cousin
Paul, who was the groom.

A with Uncle Zak and Tita

Making silly faces with uncles Trev and Zak

Kisses from daddy <3

Meeting Missy and her daughter :) A was all worn out lol

Great-Grandma Moore and my sumo baby boy

Mr. K and Papa Moore

Auntie Gail with K and A

Papa and A 

A-Bug's Christmas Program

I have been feeling so old. On Sunday night, A-Bug was in her first ever Children's Christmas program. The first of many. Unfortunately, the 2 minute video is too big to share on the blog, and all the still shots are on my hubby's iPhone (I'll try and fix that soon.) But she did adorably, if not fabuously :) She got a little "stage struck" when she walked out and saw all the lights and people, and didn't exactly sing like she normally does, but she did clap with her usual level of exuberance. She does love to clap. The adorableness was exacerbated by the bells they all had hanging on their arms. It was just too cute. If you're friends with me on Facebook, you should be able to view the video by clicking here.

After the program, the church had a Christmas Cookie Fellowship for everyone - nothing like adding sugar to the adrenaline rush all the kids already have lol. Here are some shots from that. A-bug loves being around people, and she was truly in her element here.

A and her friend, Baby B

Aria and her "Aunt" Kara

Family shot :)

Me and my baby girl <3

A with our pastor's wife - Joyce Hands

Playing ring-a-round-the-rosie :)

K sporting one of the leftover mustaches from the play lol

K and my sweet friend, Katie.

  

Halloween Fun! :)

This was the first year we decided to let A go trick or treating. In the apartment, there was really no where to go unless you went outside your own neighborhood, and she was so little, we'd have had to carry her the whole time anyways. But this year, we decided she was old enough and there are plenty of houses with kids around ours.

Hurricane Sandy gave us a rather windy, cold and rainy Halloween, but at least we got to go - it could be much worse, and our prayers go out to all those affected by that superstorm. Since it was so chilly outside, I had to make sure that A's wings would fit around her winter coat, and J and I decided that he would just take her down our road and the road next to ours. They were out about a half hour, and she has plenty of candy for an already energetic toddler.

This year, we dressed A up as her favorite Sesame Street character, Abby Cadabby the fairy. Mimi made her the skirt and the "Abby tail" pom poms. Pink, sparkly stretch pants and a pink turtle neck made up the rest of the costume, and we added a fairy wand and a pair of wings to complete the fairy look :) I think she looks pretty adorable :)

We, of course, did not take Kylar out trick or treating, but I did dress him up. Isn't he adorable? :D My little Tiger :) 

July 4th fun and recovery

Unfortunately, due to the awkward time of the week that the 4th fell on this year, Josh had to work on the holiday, so Aria and I had to find a way to entertain ourselves. We left on Tuesday night to head up to my parents in a torrential rain and hail storm. There are fewer places Aria would rather go to than my parent's house, but there are also fewer things she hates more than long car rides. Fortunately, we all survived.

Wednesday the 4th just may have been one of the hottest days Michigan has had in a long time, and that's saying something this summer. We all got up and had breakfast and then headed out to the famous Hadley Parade. If you live in the mid-Michigan area, but have never been to the Hadley parade, you are missing out on a vital part of small town life, let me tell you. It was our first year taking Aria out there (I believe) and she LOVED it, once the sirens had gone by. The candy flying everywhere, all the prancing horses, loud tractors and - the best part - the water hoses coming from the firetrucks just put her in euphoria. She was devastated to leave, but I for one was very excited about getting back to the air conditioning inside. (Pictures soon to come; my camera is still MIA.)

Then we headed off for another long car ride up to Saginaw to spend some time with friends. I have never been so grateful for the presence of a pool in my life, and Aria was thrilled, as usual, about swimming. She swam until waterlogged, which took almost 2 hours. There really was no other place to be than that pool. Aria also experienced a bit of a swimming first; she went down the slide and was completely submerged and LOVED it. I had worried about her sucking in too much water or panicking with water in her face - she can't stand it in her ears - but she wanted to go down the slide again and again. I'm so glad we're eliminating any fear of water so early.

After a long day of friends, food and hiding in the air conditioning, it was time to head home, all the way from Saginaw back to Southgate. After all the playing and lack of napping, I thought Aria would be passed out as soon as she got in her car seat, but she didn't sleep till the last 30 minutes, which was straight through another huge mid-summer storm. We finally made it home around 8:30 and all went straight to bed.

It was a crazy couple days of travelling and trying to keep cool, but it was a blast. Maybe next year we'll progress to fireworks and, hopefully, our own barbecue in our new back yard :)

How was your Holiday?

Combating the Post-Christmas Crazies

You know the feeling - there's toys everywhere, random leftovers in your refrigerator that don't smell quite right anymore, and those tiny bits of glitter from cards, gift wrapping and ornaments are just finding their way into every crack and crevasse of your home. You may still feel the guilty bloat of one too many chocolate-covered-whatchajiggies or just the exhaustion of an over-active vacation. Oh yeah, I get it. As you've read, our family was everywhere for the Christmas season, and spread the joy of sickness everywhere we went. I'm also dealing with the overabundance of stuffed animals and other homeless toys in the living room, the kitchen, out bedroom and the bath tub. Yes, the bathub; don't ask.

While I have gotten almost all of our Christmas decorations put away (except for the stockings, which I totally forgot about and are still hanging on the bookcases precariously) and most of the remaining tree debris vacuumed up, I still feel a little overwhelmed at everything that must be done to put the apartment back together. I'm in denial about the fact that some of Aria's stuffed animals need to go, or they will begin to take over the world. I'm much too sentimental to get rid of these things, but I must. Just not right now.

For those with older kids, how do you start the post-holiday de-clutter? Do you have them help? Or do you secretly remove things while they're away in school? Do you donate your stuff, and if so, to who? Or do you simply hide it and "rotate" through their toys?

Aria's young enough that she won't really realize some of her stuffed animals are missing, and even if she does 4.5 seconds later she'll be distracted by a toy she forgot she had. I just dread that she'll get as attached to the many toys that circulate through our house and I do her adorable little clothes... 

What's your word?

This year and henceforth forever more, or at least as long as I remember, I'm hoping to have a "Word of the Year." I've been encouraged by many moms and wives in this area since the beginning of December and I think it's a great way to get your family all going in the same direction, heading toward a common goal together.

This year, I want our family to focus on LOVE. I know it seems kinda basic, but that's the point. The basis of family relationships - all relationships, really - is Love. Our relationship with God, our kids, spouses, parents and even those we don't know. It's rooted in Love, and not just a Love for that person. Many times, our actions need to be rooted in Love for Jesus, because we don't always feel like loving people. (I mean, I don't. I hope I'm not the only one who feels that way.) Jesus said that when we so much as give a glass of water in His name, we're doing it to and for Him. We may not feel like volunteering, getting up in the middle of the night with the kid or folding up another load of laundry. In fact, I usually don't. But it's our Love for both the people in our lives and the Person who gave us our life that motivates all action.

Do you have a theme for this year? Is there a common goal you want your family to work toward? Share it here and we can work at it together!

Happy New Year!

I know, I  know, I kinda skipped over Christmas, and that's coming along with pictures and updates and all sorts of stuff I'm sure only family members will truly be interested in, but I didn't want to get too far into January without wishing all of you a very Happy New Year.
(Update: For some reason, Blogger decided to post my Christmas recap below. Apparently, it thought it knew better than to put Christmas after New Year's.)

We celebrated quietly this year because of the rabid sickness that had infested our home, the fact we returned from WV on New Year's Eve and due to my husband's distaste for large parties. Josh was finally recovering from his bout with the flu, so he was the designated "food finder." This involved him going to Meijer and splurging on a Bertolli frozen meal, some sparkling grape juice and a dozen roses for me *collective, romantic sigh* :) I have a goooood husband.

We watched, as per tradition, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve and ate our shrimp. We made it to midnight to see the ball drop and clank our glasses of grape juice together and then promptly headed to bed. Such are the lives of exhausted parents.

What did your family do for New Year's? Did the kids stay up? Did you stay up, or did you find your bed to be the better alternative? :)

Christmas 2011 Recap

Well, it's over. Christmas has come and gone yet another year. I really can't believe it's 2012 already, and almost all my Christmas decorations are packed up and put away for another year. Crazy. Even though is seems like Christmas starts earlier every year (ornaments next to the labor day cook out gear, wha?!) everything seems to speed up once December hits. And what a crazy December it was.

This December I celebrated, either in spirit or in person, with several friends who got married. To Jared and Kara, Jeff and Kaitlyn, and Jon and Anna, I wish you all the best as you start your married lives together. Marriage rocks.

I mourned the loss of my Uncle Jim and former schoolmate, Jon. Your families will be constantly in my prayers as this new year starts. I pray for the grace of God to find you in new and miraculous ways, and that His love is evidenced in your lives and the lives of those around you.

Aria with Granny and Papa on
Christmas Eve.

Our Christmas was nothing if not memorable and crazy busy. We started out with Christmas Eve at Josh's grandparent's house. This annual tradition includes lots of food, very close bodily proximity to everyone else in the family and an over-abundance of useless wrapping paper at the end of the night. We all took turns getting family pictures in front of the tree and Mt.Christmas Present. We made it home around 10:30 with more toys than Aria will know what to do with and cookie cutters, with which I will have the same dilemma (Thanks, Shelby!)

Christmas Day started out with just our little family and Aria tearing into her gifts. Josh and I had done our 

Aria playing with Auntie Beth
at Granny and Papa's

 own "Christmases" a little earlier, so the whole morning could be spent with Aria. She most thoroughly enjoyed herself and added to the growing pile of toys that need a home. We then went to church for a short service with our wonderful church family. It was short and sweet and exactly what you'd expect for a Christmas service. The kids got involved and there was lots of singing. Perfect. That afternoon, we went to Josh's brother's apartment to celebrate Christmas with his family. More toys, more wrapping paper and more delicious food. :) Later, around 4:00pm, we headed out of MI to surprise my grandma in VA.

Aria with Papa Moore, after
giving them a Christmas surprise

11.5 hours, several mountains, many tears (from Aria) and much exhaustion later, we arrived at my  grandparents house. We crashed into bed at 2:30am only to be awoken by the sickening (literally...) sounds of Aria vomiting all over her porta-crib at around 6:30am. And thus began the saga now known as "The Christmas of the Flu." It circulated through almost the entire family (although I manged to miss that round) just in time for a respiratory flu to hit Josh, then me, and finally Aria. Despite the sickness, it was great to see my grandparents, whom we hadn't seen since last June, and hang out with cousins and - you guessed it - more food.

Jen (the baby sister;) ) and I at IHOP

Friday afternoon, we left VA, and headed to WV to hang out with my birth family. We spent Friday night in WV watching the "happy half" of the Sound of Music, opening more gifts and eating more delicious food (shoutout to Bree for that fabulous schnitzel with noodles!) The next morning, we feasted at IHOP and started the journey home, thankfully cut in half due to the WV stop-over. Aria may never get in her car seat ever again after this Christmas.

                                                    

And that was our Christmas. 

Merry Christmas, from our family to yours!

Baking with Baby

I must admit, I kinda laughed at myself for putting"baby" in the title, because Aria is definitely not a baby anymore! *sniff sniff* Getting ready for Christmas has always meant lots of baking and cooking for our family, and this year it's been weird for me to be the one in the kitchen instead of my mom. I started out slow - ranch dill oyster crackers and Golden Club Crackers. These have always been some of my favorites since I was little, so I though Aria and I could start her young on these Christmas staples. While Aria isn't a great help right now, as I've said before, the earlier you get your kids at least comfortable in the kitchen, the more comfortable they'll be helping you bake and cook, which will in turn expand their palette and make them less picky eaters. Aria loves trying things I'm working on when she's sitting there if for no other reason than to just be involved. Today was no exception, so she got to snack on a few oyster crackers, club crackers, almonds and coconut while I worked on putting those ingredients together to make "tasty treats," as they are called in our house. Hopefully, after nap time, we'll get some sugar cookies baked up as well :)

Stirring up the butter and sugar mixture for the Golden Club Crackers

Mixing up the dill dressing for the oyster crackers. We're working on keeping
 the whisk down instead of flinging it (and the contents of the bowl)
all through the air.

Christmas Tree Wonder

Aria's a little obsessed with our Christmas tree, and I can't say that I blame her - what toddler wouldn't like a large object loaded with lights and "toys" just sitting in their living room? So far, she's been really good about only touching, and not pulling on, the ornaments. She just loves "poking" the ornaments to watch them swing and sparkle. Nighttime with the lights on and music playing... memories that make Christmas seem magical.

Josh reading to Aria by the tree

Gently touching the ornaments

Parent's Night Off

A few months ago, I blogged about the importance of parents being able to get away and spend quality time with each other. I mentioned that this was important because happy parents equal a happy home (it goes both ways as well... if you're stressed out with your spouse or just in general, it's going to affect your kids, no matter how young they are.) Recently, it's been getting increasingly harder for Josh and I to get away due to everyone's busy schedule - including all possible babysitters. However, last night, some friends offered us a couple extra tickets to go enjoy a Mannheim Steamrollers' concert in Detroit at my favorite theater, the Fox. Josh and I had a blast and really enjoyed the concert, even with it's odd choice of graphic themes.

With all the craziness of the Christmas holiday coming up and the kids being home from school, make sure you and your spouse have some time to get away from it all and really enjoy each other this season. It will pay off, I guarantee it.

Josh was not a fan of the bright flash

Bronner's Trip 2011 Videos

Christmas Traditions

We all know that repetition aids memory, so for me, making and continuing family traditions is a given for creating good memories for your children. Christmas memories are some of my favorites, and I can't wait to continue some of them for Aria and make new ones as our family grows and gets older.

Every year since I was little, my parents would take us to Bronner's Christmas Wonderland and we could all pick out an ornament and sit on Santa's lap. I loved walking into the gigantic, sparkling store and gazing in awe at all the toys they had on the walls, on shelves and hanging from the ceiling. For a kid, it's truly like landing at the North Pole.

We took Aria again this year to see Santa and pick out a couple ornaments this past weekend. She was dazzled by the lights and was slightly overwhelmed at all the toys sitting around within arm shot. :) We took some fun pictures and waited for her group to be called to see Santa. We didn't know how she'd react this year, since last year she was too young to understand what was going on. This year, she loved Santa....until we put her on his pal. I then received the "oh no, you are NOT going to leave me here with him" look, and it was downhill from there. We got a couple pictures, but neither her nor Santa will exceptionally thrilled about the experience. Oh well, we'll just try again next year :)

What are some of your family's Christmas traditions?

Christmas Card 2011

In lieu of Christmas cards this year, we're sending out a Family Greeting online. (It's much cheaper this way.) Thank you all for being a part of my and my family's life! Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Toddler Intelligence...

Me: "Aria, can you say 'trick or treat!' "
Aria: "RAWR!"
Me: "No.... trick or treat!"
Aria: "BOO!"
Me: "Kinda... Trick or treat" (said very slowly)
Aria: "Cookie?"

... I think she knows more than she's letting on....

Valentine's Day

so, i know i'm super late, but i was sick with the flu all last week and wasn't writing on the blog.

this year was obviously aria's first valentine's day and, unlike my husband, i like to celebrate every holiday with aria, regardless if she'll remember it or not. josh's brother and soon-to-be sister-in-law bought aria the cutest little outfit for valentine's day, and so she was all decked in hearts and red and pink. more importantly, we spent the whole day playing, being silly and just spending lots of time together. valentine's day is all about love, and even if aria had no idea it was a hallmark-holiday i was still going to show her extra love - it's not like it's that hard! :)

before i became a mom, i had NO idea how much i would love my daughter. i mean, you know you're going to love you child, i just had no idea how incredible it would feel to hold her for the first time, to snuggle with her at night or to play with her and listen to her jabber on and on to her stuffed animals. it really is an indescribable love. and whether valentine's day is an industry-created holiday or not, what's so wrong with celebrating the loved ones in your life? having a special day to say "i love you" is kind of like having a thanksgiving day to me - we should always be thankful, just like we should always show love to those around us, but it's a good reminder to have a day once a year to remind us how important it really is.