Gwyneth's 2nd Christmas

We had such a great Christmas this year. I can honestly say this is the first year in awhile that I wasn't anxious and genuinely enjoyed the day from top to bottom. Christmas Eve calls for new Christmas jammies. | Santa came.

She got her own little trampoline and is finally the proud owner of a cozy coupe.

At her grandparents Gwyneth got another (!) trampoline and bounced the day away as well as a cute little kitchen. | She fell asleep when we were not even five minutes down the road.

We had a great time visiting with family, being spoiled rotten and watching Gwen enjoy her new toys. Now onto New Year's!

Christmas This Year Is Different

This Christmas is a stark contrast to last year’s. Last year I was at home day in and day out taking care of a baby and my home. We were on a shoe string budget. It was Gwyneth’s first Christmas and it was our time to begin our family’s own traditions. To me, this meant making expectations of an extravagant Christmas Eve dinner, lots of gifts for Gwen and filling our home with decorations.

To make this all happen I had to get creative. I made Gwen parts of her gifts, went to the used-toy store to find her toys within our budget, our family helped with the extravagant Christmas Eve dinner and we made do with our decorations we already had. While it wasn't exactly what I had in mind, it was what we could do. This year is proving to be different. I’m working away from home and the precious time we have together in the evenings and weekends has been stretched thin. Instead of spending months focusing on Christmas, we’ve been focusing on keeping our heads somewhat straight and not giving into the creeping feelings of frustration. There aren’t any homemade gifts for Gwen under the tree, but toys bought on Cyber Monday. There aren’t any elaborate plans for Christmas Eve dinner, instead we’re going out for sushi. I hadn't bought a single gift for anyone other than Gwen until Saturday and didn't finish shopping until last night. Last year was great, I got to prove to myself that Christmas on a budget is possible. With that being said, it was stressful and emotional. This year, I get to prove that things don’t have to be elaborately planned. Gifts can be last minute, plans low-key and we will all still enjoy the holiday, because it's not about plans, money or expectations. It's about enjoying your family, spreading Christmas cheer and believing. This is especially true this year, with the recent tragedy in Connecticut so fresh in our minds. I know we're all hugging our precious babes a little closer and praying a prayer of thanks for the family we are so blessed to get to enjoy.

So, I hope you're all having a swell holiday, whether it be on a budget or jam-packed busy.

The War on Christmas Inflatables

The neighborhood that Gwyneth’s daycare is in happens to be filled with the most magical of Christmas light displays. Some are over the top, like the Griswold’s, while others are classic. Nevertheless driving through the neighborhood has become my favorite part of the day.  As we weave through the maze of streets to get to Gwyneth, I can be found analyzing every light display nightly.

“Those blue lights hurt my eyes”

“Jeese, what’s that thing supposed to be?” or

“Why would anyone buy the Santa in a camper inflatable?!?!”

And then, the husband spoke up, claiming his dislike for inflatables stating that “they’re tacky.”

I am a fan of inflatables and strongly believe they are the best thing to hit the Christmas decoration scene since mechanical reindeer. I think they are crisp, clean and cute and add a certain something to the yard of Christmas celebrators.

Except for the snowglobes that are always fogged up. Save your money on those.  They’re never not fogged up. Or the big polar bears that are poorly lit and you can’t tell what they even are. But all the others? Santa around the campfire with his reindeer or the one with Santa and a puppy that we drive by slowly every night so Gwyneth can say “hi Santa & puppieeesssss!” Those can stay.

I decided to take our battle to Facebook, to let the people weigh in. It seems as if everyone agrees with that husband of mine, or at least the ones who have voiced their opinions on Facebook.  They’re tacky. But I refuse to believe that, because we all know nobody will speak up after the first five people already announced they’re tacky. And 7 out of 190 people who spoke up does not count as the majority's opinion.

So all you people out there who have blessed this world with beautiful, lovely, what I believe to be non-tacky inflatable Christmas decorations? Thank you! Don’t be ashamed, plug those beauties in and let them blow up! I love them, and Gwyneth does too.

Oh {Tiny, Fake} Christmas Tree

A couple of weeks ago we got out our fake little Christmas tree out. Every year we declare that it’s a Charlie Brown tree and we’re going to do something about it. It’s a cheap one we bought from Walmart when we first started living together.

This year, I thought about chopping one from the forest, just like my parents did when I was a teenager. We also contemplated buying a live one from Home Depot that you can plant in your yard when all is said and done. Alas, life doesn’t allow for such shenanigans at the moment, so we got down our trusty tree, put it’s three little pieces together and plugged her in.

Now, I have to mention that as we were putting it together Gwyneth noticed something in the tree. She pointed to it and made a big stink about whatever it was. Upon further investigation, it turned out to be a pickle ornament. You know, the one where you’re supposed to hide it and the first one to find it gets a prize? Yep, we played out that tradition without even knowing it. How funny is that?

This year we had a very interested young lady helping us put up our box full of shatter-proof ornaments. Above is a video of her helping us decorate the tree. She was very interested in the “balls” that days before she had discovered in a box and promptly unloaded the box by throwing them across the dining room. This video serves as a precious snippet of how darling she was as she struggled to concentrate and put each hook on its branch. Don’t be fooled. She now rips from the tree and throws across the living room whenever she is bored.
All the meaningful and breakable ornaments are up high, out of her reach except one Disney bulb that I am using to serve as a lesson: she can’t touch all the ornaments. This Disney one just calls her name. I find her pawing it daily and give her a gentle reminder not to touch it. Only once has she dared to take it off the tree.

So, that’s the story of our Christmas tree this year. It has served its purpose dutifully year after year and while it may not smell like a fresh one, or may not be as full as a more expensive fake version, it still delivers that twinkle of Christmas cheer we all look for in our Christmas trees and I'm glad to have this little, shedding fake tree as a part of our family.

Oh, and also at the tail end of the clip is Gwen dancing with the two "kissy bears" I got from Hallmark when I was younger and have toted around as Christmas decorations for 10 years.

Read more about our tree with very flattering pictures of the little beauty at this post.

Due to scheduling conflicts, which the girls and I are having a hell of a time with this year, I wasn't able to attend the wreath party. But that doesn't mean it's not a great idea worth sharing.

You can read about the history of our tradition, here and here.

It's something I look forward to every holiday season. Any excuse to get together with the girls is a welcome one, but when there are Christmas wreaths involved?

And yes, we are complete dorks that take this same photo every year.

Want to host your own wreath party? It's simple (I can't really say this, seeing as I've never hosted one before, but my girlfriend does each year and she makes it seem simple).

**You can also have each person bring their own wreath and one or two decorations to share with the group.**

It's great for all different walks of creative types and leaves plenty of room for interpretation. You simply slap some hot glue on the things you want attached and glue it directly onto the wreath. Don't like what you did? Take it off! It's that easy.

And who doesn't love a wreath in their home during the holiday season? I know my front porch surely does.

Missed you girls this year!

A Night Out At The Ballet

Well, hello everyone. I kind of took a little break from this space, didn't I? Turns out I'm in a bit of a funk, and I have learned that when I'm feeling this way it's best not to sit down and force myself to write something. This has always led to a post I cringe at when re-reading it a year later. So I kept my bahumbug spirits away from this blog until something came up that would be worthy of blogging. And what luck! This weekend turned out to be just that.

You see, in September my MIL gave me and my brother-in-law's girlfriend tickets to see the Nutcracker as well as a dinner out as our birthday gifts. She even drove up from Gardnerville and babysat the little munchkin for us.

We got all gussied up and hit the town. As I kissed Gwyneth goodbye she squirmed out of my grasp only to run over to see what her Grammy was up to. We were chump change since the arrival of her Grammy and it was bittersweet. On the one hand, I'm glad she's not so much of a mama's girl anymore as nothing brings on that mom guilt worse than an infant screaming as you leave. On the otherhand, would it be too much to ask for a little emotion in regards to her mother leaving her? I digress.

After dinner with a poor waitress who was in the wrong profession and was comically terrible, we headed over to the play. Our seats were in the section AA, as in in the front, center row, in front of the front row.

 Guys, this picture was taken with the camera sitting on the stage. No joke. It was like we were in the ballet and could see every last detail of every single pair of insanely thin tightsof each man dancing on stage.  It was pretty cool.

But wait! The fun didn't stop there! The next morning we woke up all the college kids and went out to breakfast, at Peg's Glorified Ham & Eggs in Sparks. It was delicious.

 And seeing as this is now the third time I've had to re-write this post, I think it's best if I just hit publish and let you know that perhaps my funk has passed. Or at least there won't be further declarations that I think Gwen only really needs a pack of twistable colored pencils in her stocking and Christmas decorations aren't necessary this year. I know, right?! What's that about? But as true testament, the house is decorated and Gwen's stocking stuffers have been purchased. And there's more than just a pack of pencils.

A Couple Things Going On....

{Check out their website for more information and to check out all the cool things they have to offer}

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{Thanks for passing this along, Kristy!}

My Love Hate Relationship with Trader Joe's

Oh Trader Joe’s, how I love to hate you so. Your store is teeny tiny and the yuppies who frequent you are too self-important to provide their fellow customers with the standard personal space required whilst shopping.

But then you have to go off and provide the world with the greatest treasure of all. Peppermint Joe-Joe’s.

The imposter candy cane Oreos or knockoffs found in the aisles of the corporate box stores just don’t compare to the delicious amazingness that is a Peppermint Joe-Joe.

It is worth the once a year pilgrimage to your Peppermint Joe-Joe glory.

Mark my words, however, once a year. Personal space is something not to be forsaken but for only once a year.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ok, so on a silly note (because the above poem was anything but), I was too lazy to walk into my kitchen to get the box of Peppermint Joe-Joe’s to see the proper punctation for their title so I googled it. Upon googling, I discovered they have their own Facebook page. You bet your pants I clicked “like” and can’t wait to get their status updates.

Our Christmas

Ordinarily Christmas Eve and morning is spent at our respective parent's homes, but this year we wanted to celebrate at our house seeing as it our first Christmas as a family of three. My parents drove up from Las Vegas and my Uncle flew in from Northern California and we spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning here at our house.



The play castle was a gift to Gwen from my parents and we were instructed not to assemble until Christmas Eve. We opened the box at 9 pm. We didn't get it put together in the 20 minutes that the box boasted, but it was close.

 And check out the killer polka dot squishy mats my mom found. So relieved they're not the the primary colored numbers and alphabet. I was already a little concerned that our living room would resemble a daycare so this helped ease the pain a bit.

Needless to say, the slide was a hit. It took her a day or two to get the hang on climbing up the back but she still hasn't quite figured out that you can't just walk off onto the slide. I'm happy to report that there have been no serious injuries as of yet.

After Christmas morning at our house we all got ready and headed down to the in-laws where Gwyneth was showered with even more of the most thoughtful gifts ever. I may or may not have cried three separate times. And then in the middle of the day we looked up and discovered it must be 2011 seeing as everyone was using some technical device. This was the first holiday that we mixed both of our families and as expected, everything went just swimmingly (which I honestly don't see how it couldn't, but I'm sure there are some crazy stories about families not mixing well).

Gwyneth was way overwhelmed and only napped during the hour car ride down to the in-laws. Lucky for us she just rubbed her eyes a lot and was more quick to cry when scared, but all in all she kept her cool. Can't say I blame the girl, I wouldn't want to miss out on the Christmas fun either.

All in all a fabulous first Christmas as a family of three. I can't wait for the upcoming years when she's going to start getting the whole Christmas deal. This year she was just happy to play, play and play some more. She didn't care about unwrapping presents, traditions or the awesome prime rib dinner we had. But I sure can say I thoroughly enjoyed every last minute of it.

Now all the decorations are being put away and we get to focus on somebody's first birthday. I've made it a rule that no birthday projects can be started until all the Christmas decorations are put away. Yet they still aren't put away. Why isn't there a Santa who magically comes in the middle of the night and puts away all the decorations?

Merry Christmas

The family is in town, my house has never been cleaner and we are going to spend the next three days in baby's first Christmas heaven.  Hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend, enjoying all the joys of the season.

Hooray for Christmas Spirit

Have  you guys heard about the awesome trend of anonymously paying off layaway balances this Christmas season?

If not, you can read about it,

"Secret Santa Picks Up Kmart Consumer's Layaway Tabs- The Consumerist"

Which has inspired a nationwide trend,

"Anonymous donors pay off Kmart layaway accounts - The Associated Press"

Which I just read today, has come right here to Reno,

"Christmas spirit: Anonymous donors pay off Reno woman's layaway account - The Reno-Gazette Journal"

What a great trend, don't you think?

I was all ready and set to publish a post about how cranky and insane everyone gets around the holiday season and how we need to all chillax. Then the baby and I did our grocery shopping yesterday and I'm not sure if everyone finally stepped out of their "black Friday haze that's lasted way too long" or what, but it was a completely different experience. People were polite, helpful, smiles were exchanged, gaiety ensued. It was a downright pleasure being in the throes of the holiday shopping yesterday (I think it may have had something to do with Gwyneth being crazy well-behaved).

So instead of a post venting about people being jerks, we're going for the Christmas spirit post that will fill your insides with the warmth and fun that 'tis the holiday season. People paying off other's Christmas gift accounts?!?! Does it get any better than that?

Kind of reminds you of this ol' movie, doesn't it? BUT REAL LIFE!

I think I need a tissue.

 

Our Christmas Tree

May I present to you, our Christmas tree.

It might be small in stature and a little bit fake, but it's an amazing holiday addition to this home of ours. Also quite baby friendly. A little bit crooked on top. But plug it in at night? And it glitters and gleams like the best of the trees out there.

And little inquiring minds loves to poke, prod, investigate and eventually chew on it, which is just fine with me. Now, I better get to wrapping those gifts to put underneath it.

Christmas Things For Your Perusal

A couple of things I found this week, worthy of sharing:

Source: craftomaniac.blogspot.com via Lauren on Pinterest

 

Cute snowman covers for microwave popcorn. What a great, simple and practical neighbor gift. Who doesn't love popcorn? And did you know there's such a thing as marshallow popcorn? Oh my.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: supermommoments.com via Lauren on Pinterest

How charming is this village? Made from recycled boxes wrapped in wrapping paper and adorned with things found around the house. They even have printable templates for the windows and doors.

Source: thischickcooks.blogspot.com via Lauren on Pinterest

A couple stocking stuffer ideas, incase you've run out of ideas.

Source: tatertotsandjello.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Greeting Cards Have All Been Sent

We successfully got our Christmas cards in the mail on my planned date of action. I always have these ideas of what I think is a good deadline. I write it on the calendar and then I forget about it until I get the task done, look at the calendar and think, "that was ambitious."

But not this time my friends. I got my Christmas cards ordered and addressed weeks ago (I will note here that this only happened because Costco had a coupon that was about to expire and I had to get them done by the expiration date). Got the stamps on Friday and on Monday, into the mailbox they went, just as I had planned.

I am in love with the holiday stamps this year. Colorful, cheery, what more could you ask for?

Speaking of Christmas cards, we haven't gotten that many, have you? Is everyone else just waiting for that perfectly planned day to send them like me or are they going extinct? Please don't say they're going extinct! My heart couldn't handle such a travesty.

Top 3 Things To Do This Weekend

This weekend marks the last weekend before the big song and dance that is Christmas. I don't know about you, but I've still got quite a lot to do, including getting the baby's picture taken with Santa. We are in no shortage of plenty of opportunities to get your children's picture taken with the big guy. So it should come as no big surprise that getting your photo taken with Santa is #1 on the top 3 things to do this weekend.

To make things easy on you, here's a compiled list of all of them, just click on each link for more detailed information.

And when you get home, we'd love to see those cuties with the Claus. Shoot us a picture of your little one with Santa at renosparksmom@gmail.com or feel free to share them on our Facebook page.


1. Get your picture taken with Santa Clause

{Free}

 Cabela's 

Circus Circus

Petco

North Valleys Library

All

{Not so Free} 

 Arlington Gardens

Meadowood Mall

The Summit - Old Navy

 

2. Eat breakfast with Santa Clause

Caughlin Atheltic Club

The Summit - Firkin and Wolf

 

3. Swing by Starbucks, get some peppermint beverages and then check out the light show at the Lights of Tanea.

This is the coolest thing ever. If you haven't gone yet, put it on your calendar because my goodness, it's AWESOME (enough for all caps even).

Advent Countdown Causes Slight Panic

Since Gwen is too small to comprehend an advent calendar and I've been banned from Trader Joe's due to a slight Peppermint Joe-Joe fetish, we don't have the chocolate one I prefer. So, we've been using this big ol' snowman one I got a few years ago. Gwen likes to hold onto the little candy cane for dear life while I count down the days.

While this sounds romantic and like a "Mommy teaching baby her basics" moment, I have to admit that it typically results in me getting frustrated that she won't put the candy cane in the slot. I then yank it from her clammy little hands and put it in the slot which is followed by  a slight temper tantrum until I let her play with the snowman's nose. It just didn't feel right writing that first paragraph and leading everyone on like that. 

Anyways, can you believe we've only got 9 more days left? What the what? I'm beginning to freak out a little. I don't even have the proper wrapping paper or bows, or ummm, I don't know, presents. Is this what advent calendars are all about? A constant daily reminder of the things you have to do and how time is dwindling away? I like them much better when there's candy involved. We're definitely getting a chocolate one next year.

Practice Christmas

As we sat watching Gwen play with her world's-most-awesome-Christmas-train under the tree we got to talking about the values of Christmas. Which ones we want to adopt which we don't and how we're supposed to instill said values into our children.

The beauty of Gwen's age is that this is year is practice. This is where we get to learn what it's like to be parents during Christmas without the threat of screwing it up and scarring our child for life (you know you remember that one Christmas, it exists for everyone no matter how perfect your parents are).

For instance, she won't remember how her mother let her play with every toy that she's gotten as a gift the entire month before Christmas. She will be just as surprised to play with her toy Christmas morning. And I'm fairly certain this is the only time that can happen.

This is just the beginning of a bunch of mistakes I'm sure we'll make. But knowing that they're not life altering and won't be spoken of as years to come (ask me to tell you my story about decorating the Christmas tree and liver someday) makes it that much easier to sit back and enjoy the wonder and merriment of the holiday season instead of worrying about if what we're doing is right.

And don't worry, I saved a couple toys that she hasn't played with yet that she'll be getting Christmas morning. You know,  just incase she's a genius baby making memories or something of the sort.

Practice Christmas

As we sat watching Gwen play with her world's-most-awesome-Christmas-train under the tree we got to talking about the values of Christmas. Which ones we want to adopt which we don't and how we're supposed to instill said values into our children.

The beauty of Gwen's age is that this is year is practice. This is where we get to learn what it's like to be parents during Christmas without the threat of screwing it up and scarring our child for life (you know you remember that one Christmas, it exists for everyone no matter how perfect your parents are).

For instance, she won't remember how her mother let her play with every toy that she's gotten as a gift the entire month before Christmas. She will be just as surprised to play with her toy Christmas morning. And I'm fairly certain this is the only time that can happen.

This is just the beginning of a bunch of mistakes I'm sure we'll make. But knowing that they're not life altering and won't be spoken of as years to come (ask me to tell you my story about decorating the Christmas tree and liver someday) makes it that much easier to sit back and enjoy the wonder and merriment of the holiday season instead of worrying about if what we're doing is right.

And don't worry, I saved a couple toys that she hasn't played with yet that she'll be getting Christmas morning. You know,  just incase she's a genius baby making memories or something of the sort.

Christmas Party

Over the weekend we put our aforementioned Christmas party pants on and attended Jake's office Christmas party.

So we drove to Gwen's grandparents, dropped her off, gussied ourselves up and went to dinner.

It was in a buffet at a casino so we were a little skeptical, but really? It was a great idea (and a really good buffet). Did you have prime rib and crab legs followed by every dessert humanly possible at your office Christmas party? 

Tables were all perdy. 

Good times were had by all. 

Don't you just love all the get togethers during the holiday season?

Christmas Party

Over the weekend we put our aforementioned Christmas party pants on and attended Jake's office Christmas party.

So we drove to Gwen's grandparents, dropped her off, gussied ourselves up and went to dinner.

It was in a buffet at a casino so we were a little skeptical, but really? It was a great idea (and a really good buffet). Did you have prime rib and crab legs followed by every dessert humanly possible at your office Christmas party? 

Tables were all perdy. 

Good times were had by all. 

Don't you just love all the get togethers during the holiday season?