Despite the kids being sick for awhile this month, we were able to do a lot of fun Christmas stuff. Manny is just like me and absolutely LOVES Christmas. He's always asking to sing Christmas songs and look at "Christmas tree lights". He doesn't quite understand why he can't see them during the day, and when we leave our house he asks where everyone's Christmas tree lights on their houses went. He's going to be bitterly disappointed after Christmas when they all come down! I need to do another post on some of the other fun Christmas stuff we've done, but I'll save that for another day as I'm on a time crunch during naptime with other things that still need to be done. AKA I'll always be a champion procrastinator! Some things never change. :)
December 21, 2012
Santa Visit {2012}
Despite the kids being sick for awhile this month, we were able to do a lot of fun Christmas stuff. Manny is just like me and absolutely LOVES Christmas. He's always asking to sing Christmas songs and look at "Christmas tree lights". He doesn't quite understand why he can't see them during the day, and when we leave our house he asks where everyone's Christmas tree lights on their houses went. He's going to be bitterly disappointed after Christmas when they all come down! I need to do another post on some of the other fun Christmas stuff we've done, but I'll save that for another day as I'm on a time crunch during naptime with other things that still need to be done. AKA I'll always be a champion procrastinator! Some things never change. :)
December 19, 2012
December 18, 2012
Christmas Season Traditions
Ornaments for Kids: This was a tradition I saw several people mention last year, and I was so bummed I hadn't thought to do this from Manny's first year. But then I realized...who cares? It doesn't have to be perfect to be a tradition, and he won't care that he's "missing" 2 ornaments. So I decided I would start doing it this year. I bought an ornament for each kid to "reflect the year". Of course Maeva's is a Baby's First Christmas, and Manny picked out a truck with a cow in it. So fitting for him as he loves cars/trucks and all animals right now. I got both of these from Kohl's for less than $5, and just wrote their name and year on the bottom with a Sharpie.
Kid's Trees in Rooms: Growing up, my parents always let my sister and I get a tree for our room. We would pick it out, my dad would cut it down, and we'd take it home and decorate it. I clearly remember falling asleep at night staring at our little tree in our room and I love the memories from that. Now that Manny's old enough to get into Christmas, I thought this would be a good year to start this tradition with him. So we went to the Christmas tree farm and picked one out, and it's now proudly displayed in his room with all his favorite ornaments (including some he's made as well as a set of Thomas ornaments he picked out at Target.)
Advent Calendar with Chocolates: When we were kids, my grandparents would mail us an advent calendar with a chocolate in each window. I always thought those were so neat, and when I saw one at Hobby Lobby this year I thought it'd be a fun thing for Manny. Next year I hope to do one of the activity based advent calendars...couldn't get my act together in time this year. But Manny looks forward to this each day - and I'm sure it's to hear the scripture, not just get the chocolate. ;)
So there are our new things for this year. Like I said, I've decided to tell the perfectionist in me - so what if you haven't done it every year? All that matters is the present, and making the most of each holiday spent together. What is your favorite Christmas tradition? Anything I'm missing out on that's a must? :)
December 16, 2012
Christmas Card {2012}


December 14, 2012
12 Days of Christmas for my Husband

I posted a picture of Patrick's 1st gift on Instagram last night, and several people asked for details so I thought I'd go ahead and do a post here (he doesn't read my blog so I'm safe). I should also add he was SO surprised and absolutely loved it. I'm giving him the gifts at night (mostly because I can't get my act together in the morning and also because he leaves at 5 am and I'm usually not awake at that point.)
Anyway, it might be crazy, but I don't think it's too late to do it this year if you'd like. If you start today (the 14th), then it will run through Christmas Day. Since I started the 13th, mine will end Christmas Eve. And actually come to find out, I guess the 12 Days of Christmas historically starts on Christmas Day, so there's another option for some that might want to still try to do this this year.
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via |
I did put together a Word document with some blank tags so you can fill in whatever you want, or erase the text box and print them blank and hand write them in. You can download it here.
So here's the list of what I plan to do. Some of the things I just used Sarah's list; others I changed to fit Patrick better, or to use things I'd already bought him anyway. (I won't be doing a stocking since I'm doing this.) So far I have like 3 things on it, so I need to get to shopping! Hopefully they'll all work out. As far as the details on some of the gifts, they remain a surprise! And not because I don't want to share, but because I don't know what they will be yet. I also listed the rhyme I'm using that I got from Sarah. Yes, they are cheesy but I had fun customizing some of them for his gifts. And I love them - they make me laugh! :)
Day 1: Sweater
A partridge in a pear tree? How boring a start! Here's a new sweater. This will keep you warm when we're apart!
Day 2: Pair of Cuff Links
Two turtle doves are very rare, nowhere could I find these.
A pair of cuff links I got you instead, I know you’ll look debonair when you wear them -
don’t let it go to your head!
Day 3: 3 Ties
I did get French hens, but they took flight! Instead I bought you 3 ties.
When you wear them you’ll be quite the sight!
Day 4: 4 Pairs of Boxers
Five golden rings, that's rather extreme. I love you dearly, but that much money's a dream! How about 5 things for when the weather hits, hopefully the cold won't make you scream!
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Here are a few posts I found when I was searching for ideas on this:
via Passionate Homemaking
via The Biker & The Baker
via All our Days
via Power to Change
December 13, 2012
Thanksgiving 2012
December 12, 2012
Birthday Weekend Fun
A couple of weekends ago, we went down to Dallas to celebrate my niece Ellie's birthday. She had a princess tea party, and my sister did such a great job putting it together! She even bought Maeva a Snow White princess dress so she could dress up too. I mean, seriously? Cannot deal with the cuteness here!

Manny absolutely adores Ellie. Like seriously obsessed. So it came as no surprise that he wanted to be front & center in the action at her party! It seriously took me aback how grown up he seemed "following along", running, playing, and cheering when the group (of ALL girls) cheered. He was having the time of his life. He talks about Wawa's (what he calls Ellie) princess party all the time and asks to go back to it. So sweet. :)

He even played pin the crown on the princess (or something like that) and also tried to hit the pinata. I loved watching him wait his turn for each thing, and then he'd be real bashful but still do it. He just had to be one of the big kids!
This picture makes me laugh so much. Rachael was explaining the game they were about to play and Manny was trying to weasel his way to the front, not to be left out of course.
Sunday was my 32nd birthday. Kinda sounds old, huh? So on Saturday night, my mom, 2 of my sisters, and niece Gabi had a girl's night to celebrate my birthday. We ate at Mooyah (LOVE this place - best burgers and sweet potato fries ever!!) and then went to the movies. We saw Pitch Perfect, which took me back to high school and was so hilarious. On Sunday morning, Manny & Patrick surprised me with Panera bagels (my fave!) and flowers. It was so cute to hear Manny say happy day-day to me.
I love weekends like this just spending time with family...I am thankful for another year with them, even if it does mean I'm getting older. :)
December 11, 2012
Cetaphil: A Time-Tested Favorite
There are some things in life that you find, you use, and you love. And for one reason or another, you stop using them for a while. And when you're reintroduced? You're excited to fall in love with the greatness all over again. Such is the case for me and Cetaphil products.
Let me back up for a minute here. I remember really odd things, and typically by association. For instance, I remember that in this particular picture, my cheer squad had just traveled to California to perform in the Hollywood Christmas Parade. While on the way there, the flight attendant had told me I had really pretty skin and asked what kind of products I used. I told her I used Cetaphil products, and embarrassingly admitted that I wasn't sure if it was pronounced "See-ta-phil" or "Set-a-phil"...but that's what I used. See? I told you...I remember odd things.
That being said, this was a time in my life when Cetaphil products were a big part of my daily routine. I was first introduced to them when my BFF told me that her dermatologist told her that she should try Cetaphil products. And upon learning that Cetaphil products were recommended by more dermatologists than any other brand, we both knew it was time to give it a try. If that many people are recommending it, it's gotta be a good thing, right? And it was.
Cetaphil brand will also be offering a printable coupon to save $3 on any two Cetaphil products.
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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to respond, otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here. This sweepstakes runs from 12/11/12 - 1/7/13. Be sure to visit the Cetaphil brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggersà reviews and find more chances to win!
The Proof is in the Pin {Volume 4}

December 7, 2012
Friday Fragments

So it's no secret here that my memory has dropped off the radar. Well a couple of weeks ago I saw a shirt for Patrick I liked and decided to buy it for him. One night he put it on, and I was in our closet when it struck me: the reason I liked that shirt so much, is because I already had it in the exact same print for myself! I told him to hang on a second and I quickly changed into my shirt, then walked out and said I was ready to go. I'm pretty sure he almost fainted. The look of fear in his eyes made it apparent he wasn't sure if I was joking or serious. He did humor me and take a picture together though. If only the kids were in it this would have been the perfect Christmas card picture.
Patrick got us tickets to go see comedian Brian Regan last night. We almost didn't go with the kids being sick, but luckily it started late enough that we were able to basically get them to bed then leave. I'm so glad we decided to go! Brian Regan is hilarious and he is the rare exception in that his material is all clean. There were even several kids there, and he didn't cuss once. Not to sound like an old fuddy duddy, but it was just refreshing. One of the first bits I saw him do was on Dora the Explorer...you can check it out here if you're interested.
It's already time for another round of Proof is in the Pin! Have you tried any pins lately? Fails or successes, I'd love for you to link up on Tuesday.
Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! :)