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Acts of Service Day – A New Family Tradition
One of the neatest things about starting a family is getting to start our own family traditions. Last year we spent a day where we focused on others and doing small acts of kindness around our town. While it wasn’t without the challenges you’d imagine with a 3 and 5 year old, it was a wonderful, feel-good family day… and the beginning of a new tradition. So this year I was determined, in the midst of the craziness of the holiday season and the birthday celebration of my youngest, to carve out a day where me and the boys could spread kindness and holiday cheer in our community. For me, the connection…
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A Family Day of Kindness
This past Saturday I put my family on mission. We spent the entire day out in the community spreading kindness and doing for others – we had a Family Day of Kindness. For the last six months or so I’ve been tossing around the idea of giving the kids this sort of opportunity. After reading a blog post by a mom who did this with her children to celebrate her birthday, the notion was laid on my heart. And while December is crazy for everyone, it was important that this experience be part of my kids’ Christmas season because this is what Christmas is all about. And so we did it. We…
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French Toast Casserole
Breakfast casseroles are a must-have during the holidays. We enjoyed this French toast casserole at my in-laws this Christmas and it turned out delicious! It was really easy to make – we were able to make this the night before and throw it in the oven in the morning. This was my first time making this but it won’t be my last! French Toast Casserole 1 loaf crusty sourdough or French bread, cut/torn into 1″ to 2″ cubes 8 eggs 2 cups whole milk 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 3/4 cup brown sugar 2 tbsp vanilla extract Topping 1/2 cup flour 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 tsp cinnamon (plus more…
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Day 21 to 24 – Hostages, sleds, dates and angels
Our elf has been having loads of fun! One more night and then the big guy arrives!
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Day 18, 19 & 20 – Balloons, Briefs and Marshmallow Messages
The latest misadventures of Max… Aside from the fact that Becket is obsessed with balloons and went nuts to get the “buh-ga” (his 18-month-old word for balloon), we’ve been successfully creating magic each morning without dramatics over the favorite toy that’s off limits for the day. Just 5 days left this year! Click here to see what else our elf has done this year.
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It’s Ugly Christmas Sweater Time!
So this year, Blake and I both had company Christmas parties with an ugly Christmas sweater theme. I go big or go home, so it had to be perfect. And so when I stumbled upon a couple’s sweater concept that included one end of the a reindeer barfing holiday cheer, and the other end crapping it, I knew I couldn’t go wrong. And so you have our ugly sweaters… I picked up the sweat shirts at Wal-Mart. I cut out the reindeer from a canvas brown fabric in 8 pieces (head, torso, bottom, tail and 4 legs). The antlers and feet are felt. I initially thought I would iron on…
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Day 15, 16 & 17 – Toilet Paper, Guitars & Reindeer Cars
The last couple days of Max shenanigans looked like this… We’ve been running into some trouble with Beckett – when Max is within his reach, he wants him… and sometimes grabs him, which is problematic because Brogan’s worried he’ll lose his magic. We’ve tried to explain that when little brothers don’t know any better, it’s alright, and obviously Max has not lost his magic yet. The explanation works for now. Click here to see what else our elf has done this year.
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S’mores Cookies & Ginger Snaps
Every year around the holidays I have this list of things I’d like to do during the season. And one thing that is always on my list is to make Christmas cookies. To me, Christmas cookies don’t have to be decorated just so, but there have to be enough to share. And ideally, I’d put them in bags, tie pretty bows on them and give them to my neighbors. Well, it liked to kill me, but mission accomplished! I have to thank Brogan for this feat, because first thing this morning, he started asking for us to make cookies. Since the hub’s new job means he works every weekend, anything…
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Day 11 – Bandaid Bandit
Max got the inspiration for this stunt from Brogan – my child who has been known to wake up in the middle of the night and adorn himself with bandaids (and gloves too). So imagine Brogan’s excitement when our elf was up to his own tricks! Click here to see what else our elf has done this year.
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Day 10 – Max the Mummy
Ole Max turned into a mummy last night. I wasn’t home when Brogan woke up this morning to get his initial reaction, but this afternoon when I asked him what Max had done, he said, “Mommy, you won’t believe it!! Max is a mummy!” Making Christmas time magical for him (and Beckett – although he doesn’t quite get what’s going on) is just so awesome! Click here to see what else our elf has done this year.
