New Year's Resolutions

I've never really been a huge fan of New Year's resolutions. And I've never been very good at keeping ones that I do make. But this year feels different somehow. (Though don't we say that every year?)

This year my mind is prepared to go into the new year with an attitude for change. I'm going to take advantage of it and make my resolutions. But more importantly, I'm going to make a plan.

I really have only two resolutions:

#1: To organize the house.

This is as easy and as hard as it sounds. Our house tends to get piles of things just lying around. My goal is to have a place for everything so when I clean those piles (more often) I can put things in a place instead of in another pile. I want to accomplish this throughout the house with a variety of things.

I don't plan on this being a weekend event, I plan on this being a year long event. I'd love to do it in a couple weekends, but I realize before I even start that time, money and patience are going to stretch thin.  Thus, to make the project achievable I'm going to spread it out. My goal is to get done one room every month. I figure that is doable. During that month I will plan the room, buy any storage tools needed and organize the room.

I am going to start with my craft space in the dinning room. I'm actually really excited about this one. I need a way to keep my crafts so a. they are separated and easy to access and b. so Zoey doesn't feel the need to touch and move my craft supplies.

I want to make a separate area for Zoey crafts and my scrapbooking/sewing projects. My problem now is that some things are too much in the open and others are too hard to get to. So, I want it all put away, nice, neat and manageable. That shouldn't be too hard, right?

I found some pictures from Pinterest that illustrate what I'm going for:

Thanks to: Life in the Motherhood

#1: This is pretty much what I have now, several tall storage boxes with a bunch of things on top. However, this picture looks a lot better than what mine actually looks like. The idea of this is great, but after many years my plastic shelving is getting worn out, one of them is even leaning. And with the pull out drawers with colorful contents, my two year old loves to dig through all the goodies. Now matter what I do to dissuade her she will gladly take the punishment to investigate the stamp drawer. So I need a new plan. And some updated storage shelves.

Thanks to: Creating a House of Grace

#2: This is my original plan, to get closed-lid boxes and label individual craft supplies in them. I still like this idea. It was organize my supplies more than they are now and would help deter small hands from investigating. I have a baker's rack almost empty that I could put them on for now.

Thanks to: katiescrapbooklady

#3: I like this idea too. Those closed-lid boxes at the bottom are wonderful. I have several of them for scrapbooking projects that work great. And with the lids, Zoey doesn't often investigate those even though they are right beside the other ones. So this is a nice option, especially those containers on top. But I would want everything closed. This would be good when kids get older for their art supplies (which is what this picture mostly contains). I also like the drop down drawers for construction papers.

Thanks to: Polish the Stars

#4: This one appeals to me because it would be nice to use the wall space behind my craft table. The whole wall is free (except for random Zoey art and comic strips). It would be great to use the space better so things would be organized and have more room. My concern with this is Zoey can get very high very quietly so I don't think these would stay on the wall long in my house.

Thanks to: HGTV

#5: Now this, this is what I would love for my craft space to look like. Oh to dream... There are many things in the photo that won't work for me right now (like the scissors and pens free on the desk), but Zoey won't be small forever and this space is simply beautiful. 

After I finish my craft space the kitchen, Zoey's room, our bedroom, the spare room and well, every room really is on the list. Some are going to be more involved than others, but I secretly love organizing things so it should be fun.

My second resolution:

#2: To read and write everyday:

That shouldn't be hard considering all the forms of each of these I do all the time. But I find myself feeling unmotivated and the easiest way to deter that is to be creative and keep my mind flowing. 

Some of the ways I accomplish this are:

#1: Read the Bible. 

This is one of my favorite books to read because no matter how many times you read a passage or a story, there is always something new to learn. Also, with an open mind God can show you many wonderful things about your past, present and future. I am currently on a plan to read the bible in 90 days. I'll talk more about it later, but it is a powerful journey that I am excited to be on.

#2: Write in my Prayer Journal.

I love to keep track of events and ideas to ponder. So in my journaling over the years I have had many forms of prayer journals. The one I have now is a simple bound journal where I very straightforward write the date and my direct prayer (with a little background so I understand later). I don't only write requests, but also blessings, thanksgivings, sometimes dreams or words that God tells me. It is very powerful to look back and see how your prayers are answered. Sometimes you don't even connect the answer to the question because God often works in ways that we don't expect.

#3: Reading Fiction.

I love to escape into a book. There is nothing as free as being caught up in a story about a fantasy land or intriguing characters. I feel refreshed and inspired by the stories I read. Taking time to read other's imagination is rewarding and fun.

#4: Journaling.

This is a new on that I've started. I love to express my emotions and write out memories in a more free form that scrapbooking (which is essentially creative cataloging.) This allows my mind to open and create and record scripture, quotes, feelings, photos and whatever else flows from my mind to my hand. Here are a couple of examples of the journaling I mean (thank you again Pinterest.)

Thanks to: Lil Blue Boo

Thanks to: Pinterest User

#5: Writing (my novel):

Yes, I'm still writing that novel. Since my "NaNoWriMo" I haven't written on it much with the holiday plans, but I intend to get back on it with the new year. As much fun as it is to read about wonderful lives and places, it is more fun to create them yourself. Writing novels, short stories, poetry or just writing about your day makes for a relaxing and interesting adventure of your own making.

#6: Reading Non-Fiction:

It's always great to learn about new things. Reading non-fiction is a way to keep my intellect sharp and absorb new information about things I love.

#7: Scrapbooking: 

I put this one here because it is in the same category for me. Although, scrapbooking and sewing are usually my creative outlets after writing, journaling and reading I still want to continue to scrapbook our adventures and record our memories.

These are my two BIG New Year's resolutions. Sure there are more. I would love to lose weight, and eat healthier and excercise and ...

but, I have come to understand that if my mind and soul are in order and stimulated daily then all the other things fall into place. I move more if I feel creative. I eat less if I feel happy. I am more active if my mind is stimulated. So I am going to focus on my soul and keep the other things in the back of my mind to encourage. I have faith it will all fall in place.

One more thing I want to add here, mostly for my benefit is to make a more structure learning environment for Zoey this year. Next August, Zoey will be three and we will be doing more "homeschool kindergarden" activities. These past two years Zoey has learned a lot, but it's been with whatever we had (learning to count with stuffed animals, learning colors with blocks, etc.) But now that she is older I want to bring ideas to her that we don't always see on a daily basis like time and the weather. I'm excited about doing activities with her and helping her to love learning like I do. I want a learning center with some pre-planned activites. Just something else on the list. 

What are your New Year's Resolutions? Do you think they are silly like I have in the past or do you plan them out and accomplish them? What ever you do I wish you the best of luck and many blessings.

Happy New Year!

Wordless Wednesday: Lego Mania

Lego Mania

Daddy shares his love for Legos with Zoey

as they build his Christmas present

 a plane and a car--Zoey loved it!

Christmas Day at Our House

Christmas is my most very favorite holiday. I love waking up Christmas morning and feeling the magic of family, believing and of God. I'm glad my enthusiasm for the season is rubbing off on Zoey. She had a wonderful Christmas morning. It was magical.

Zoey got several small things including a magic doodle, a monster truck, a night gown, play food and a few more. 

Santa sent her an Elf on the Shelf to start visiting us next year. She was very interested in him so that is encouraging for lots of fun next year. His name is tentatively Ralph, unless Zoey comes up with something better when he first visits next year.

But the BIG gift, the thing that Zoey has been most excited about is her new play kitchen. Zoey loves to help us cook and goes to any type or shape of kitchen while out or visiting friends and starts playing. And sure enough, she was ecstatic about her own kitchen. We unveiled it (we first covered it so she would open a few presents) and she was literally speechless. Then she gave us the biggest smile possible and started jumping up and down. I'd say we (I mean Santa) did alright.

Hope you had a great Christmas as well! Now for a Happy New Year!

Here are a few awesome pictures of our Christmas morning...

Our Christmas Tree 

Zoey loving her Christmas bear

Fun with presents

Yay play food!

The BIG Gift: A Play Kitchen!

Enjoying play cookies baked by Zoey

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas!

From, 

The McCuskers

It's Christmas Eve!

Photo Credit

I'm so excited! I love Christmas and the anticipation of it makes it that much more wonderful.

Today we are preparing. Wrapping the last few presents, making sure there is plenty of room to sit by the tree and open presents, making brownies (Daddy assured Zoey that Santa would prefer brownies this year ;) and letting Zoey know that Santa will be coming tonight.

I remember when I was a little girl, I loved the feeling of Christmas morning. I would be so excited the night before that I couldn't sleep. I would sit in my room and think about the magic of it all. I mean, I was a kid so I was super excited for all the presents that were hopefully under the tree, but it was more a fascination of the whole event. I realize now that I'm older that the anticipation of Christmas morning was what it was really all about. I also love the anticipation of unwrapping the presents under the tree, and anticipating other's reaction to their presents too. It was all so wonderful. And it still is.

All the giddy excitement I had for myself when I was a kid I know have at least as intense for Zoey Christmas morning.

There is so much to do today, but I feel like I'm singing the whole time. And tonight after Zoey goes to bed, Stephen and I get the tedious task of putting together her new play kitchen. If all goes well (or otherwise) I should have some fun tales to regale soon.

I can't get over how excited I am. I think this year is the first year Zoey is really old enough to get into the Christmas traditions, so I'm looking forward even more to see her reaction in the morning. I think I've been bouncing a little all day. Stephen just laughs at me (because I'm the same every year so he just goes with it) and Zoey is feeding on the energy which makes it that much more fun.

Merry Christmas to you. And Happy Holidays too! If you are home or away, with many or a few. I wish you the best day ever!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

I like to say Merry Christmas!

But if you were to come up to me on the street or at the store and cheerfully said:

Happy Hanukkah!

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or 

Joyous Kwanzaa!

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or

Merry Christmas!

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or simply

Have a Great Day!

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I would be happy because you took the time to say something nice. It doesn't matter what religion you are or where you come from this is the time for joy, peace and love. God loves all of His children, let's love each other too.

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Christmas Selfishness

Today I am dealing with Christmas Selfishness. It has nothing to do with what or how much I am getting, actually just the opposite. See, since I've become a mom I don't really expect much for myself anymore. Don't get me wrong, I love getting gifts and surprises, but I spent most of my time sacrificing things I want so Zoey and others can have more.

And yet, I am still dealing with selfishness, though it isn't the traditional kind. I am selfish because I don't have enough to give.

photo credit

I want Zoey to have things under the tree and Stephen too. I want to give my parents things to thank them for helping out with Zoey so much throughout the year. I want Stephen's family, especially Zoey's young cousins to have things. I want our friends to have things to let them know how much we appreciate them all year. I want some left over to give to charities and donate toys. I want to give, but I realize we can't monetarily accomplish this. We barely have enough to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads.

I want to stop right here because we do have enough. We do always have the things we need. Stephen pointed it out correctly when we were discussing this...we feel Christmas is a time for aplenty. In reality, it is the same as the rest of the year. We have no more money than any other month, but we are trying to do more with it.

But it's the end of the month and since I stay at home with Zoey we are a one income family and tend to live paycheck by paycheck no matter how hard we try to save. And the sacrifice is worth it to us all the time, it just seems that sometimes it feels more like a sacrifice than other times. So with a week left until the end of the month (Stephen gets paid bi-monthly) we are tight as we tend to be every month. But for some reason it feels different because it is Christmas.

So anyway, the reality that we reached our limit for the month (and still have enough to travel to see Grandparents next week) caught me a little off guard. We pretty much finished Christmas earlier this week so there will be nice things under the tree Christmas morning, just like we planned. But for some reason my head was still spinning with things to do.

After feeling the weight of this realization (that I honestly should have see coming anyway) made me a little depressed. As I sat there feeling blue I realized it was ridiculous. So I took a nice warm shower. There is nothing like a good shower to get your perspective back. And it happens to be some of my best God-talking time--sometimes I even talk out loud.

This morning was definitely some good God talking time. He helped me realize that we do have everything we need, even more than that. He also reminded me (once again) that it isn't the things, it's the people, the time and the love behind it. Those things we really do have aplenty. Most importantly, God gave me a peace in my heart that He loves me and my family is taken care of.

photo credit

Now that the day has continued (I don't get to write until nap/quiet time) the peace is still there. And even in that short amount of time God has shown me a reason for the realization I had because we can help some friends with what we have left. That just makes me so excited. It means we will have less, but God is in control and in the end we will have more.

Most of our gifts (especially to adults) will be handmade ornaments and pictures from Zoey. They weren't bought from a store, but the meaning is so much more. I'm still excited for Christmas morning. There are still things under the tree that will brighten a two-year-old's day and I can't wait to see her face when she sees that Santa has come. We will also get to see family and friends in the next two weeks and it is going to be the best gift just to spend time with them.

Jesus is the reason for the season, not things. To celebrate giving, love and joy. That is what makes all the craziness worth while. Today I dealt with selfishness. And today God has helped me overcome my obstacle. God is good!

Merry Christmas!

Proverbs 30:8-9:  “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”

Do You Believe In Santa Claus?

I do.

Not that I think a man will be coming down our chimney (which we don't have) and put presents under the tree (which we do have.) However, I believe in the spirit of Santa which represents giving, love and merriness. These are all among the same principles that God holds highest.

I ask this question because it was brought up this year by someone that we should not celebrate or believe in Santa because it goes against Christian tradition.

I find this idea erroneous, but I wanted more than just my opinion on this matter, I did some research. I want to share what I learned about Santa Claus and why we carry on the tradition of the jolly old elf.

Saint Nicholas
Photo Credit

The first thing to notice about Santa Claus is that is stems from a Christian Saint still honored by many of Catholic and Orthodox traditions. Saint Nicholas lived in the 3rd Century A.D in a port town called Patara (now part of Turkey). He inherited wealth and a strong Christian character from his parents who died of epidemic when he was young. As he grew, in care of his uncle also name Nicholas, he put into practice Jesus' words in Matthew 19:21, "...if you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me."

Nicholas later became the Bishop of Myra and continued to serve God. He was known for his generosity to ones in need, love for children and concern for sailors. He would often give to those in need, especially children, but he did not like to be seen. He was persecuted for his beliefs and imprisoned. As Saint his feast day is December 6, marking the day of his death (343 AD). He was buried in his Catholic Church in Myra where a healing liquid known as Manna formed in his grave. This is the man our idea of Santa Claus is based on.

Irving's "History of New York," 1809
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In America, the idea of Santa Claus has grown in detail and legend through popular culture. As early as 1773 and 1774 New York papers introduced the tradition and Dutch name of "Sinter Klaas" (which is a shortened form of Saint Nicholas) that our name for Santa Claus is derived from. From there, Washington Irving helped the popularity grow after mentioning Santa Claus (still referred to as "Sinter Klaas" or St. Nicholas) in his publication "The History of New York" in 1809.

From Moor's handwritten version of
"A Visit From St. Nicholas," 1822
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It was in 1822, when Clement Clarke Moore (who was an Episcopal minister) wrote "Twas the Night Before Christmas" (actually entitiled "An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas" when published) that our modern Santa Claus was born. His long poem received an immediate favorable response. Later in 1881, Thomas Nast depicted Santa Claus by taking from Moore's poem adding the red suit, North Pole workshop, elves and Mrs. Claus in a cartoon published in Harper's Weekly. It is this image that first matches our modern idea of Santa Claus.

Thomas Nast's image of Santa, 1881
Picture Credit: Britannica

Through popular culture and time the image of Santa Claus has changed. But in my mind I celebrate the meanings behind Santa that Saint Nicholas honored in his lifetime devotion to serving God. During the holidays we celebrate giving, love and joy. Santa Claus is a big part of our tradition. I grew up believing in Santa Claus and I still believe in the meaning of Christmas. Santa will be visiting Zoey this year. Yes, we put the presents under the tree, but I want her to believe in the magic of Christmas while she is little because then she can believe in magic all year round for years to come, just like I do.

Merry Christmas!

I got my information from the following websites:
St. Nicholas Center
The History of Christmas
Wikipedia: Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas
History.com: Santa Claus

Wordless Wednesday: Rock Star Zoey

Rock Star Zoey

Christmas Crafts

This Christmas we have been doing lots of crafts. Zoey is old enough this year that we can do some more complicated projects. Also this year I have introduced painting with acrylics, which she LOVES. These are some of the crafts we have done this year:

We have been coloring in wooden puzzles. We use just simple markers for this one, but Zoey loves to draw and color on them. Then comes the best part, taking it apart and putting it back together. I have been very impressed with her puzzle completion skills this year. It's been a fun time watching her learn and grow.

Zoey's favorite this year is glitter. She started using this just this Christmas season. She loved putting glitter on the snowflakes to make ornaments. These are foam snowflakes I got from the store and glue glitter that you simply squeeze out the tube (less messy, if that is possible). I just punched a hole in the top and tied a ribbon to it to hang on the tree. It is easy and so much fun.

Acrylic paints are one of Zoey's favorites this year. I do a lot of wood and plaster painting so it is around often. Zoey likes this best because there are more colors and she likes using a brush. She got to paint her very own ornaments this year, very similar to the ones I paint. This is a set of six Christmas themed plaster ornaments I bought. She used the paints that came with it (in the picture) at first, but we soon used our regular acrylic paints. She had a blast with this one. I can't wait to hang these on the tree.

A good staple for us in crafting is fingerpainting. We have the large coloring pages that are super fun to color. We just finished one with markers and Zoey wanted to do the next one in finger paints. It turned out beautiful and is now hanging on our art wall. We used squeeze bottle crayola finger paints, though I think the next ones I buy will be ones out of a jar (or just make my own).

The last ornaments we did were gingerbread men. Again, these are foam cutouts I bought. Zoey really liked putting googly eyes on him and covering him with glitter. We had fun with these. I even wrote Mommy, Daddy and Zoey on three to hang on the tree. I punched holes in the top and used ribbon just like the snowflakes. 

I love all of our crafts, it makes Christmas so much fun. There almost isn't enough time to do everything I can plan. Zoey has fun getting involved and showing off what she does. And, what 2 year old doesn't love to get messy with bright paints and glitter. I love our tree full of homemade and special ornaments. It makes it a treasure to put up every year. Only 5 more days until Christmas, I love this time of year!

What crafts or traditions are you doing this year? 

Christmas, Signs and Cows?

We don't really do a whole lot to the outside of our house, but I like to give it a little Christmas where I can. Our lawn decorations were made by my parents and given to us the first year we owned our house. It was an awesome present and I proudly display them. 

This year is particularly fun because Zoey loves to be a part of every process. This year after we got the tree up and decorated she supervised Stephen while he put up the signs in the yard. She will now go behind each sign and say "bam bam" and motion like she is hammering it in the ground.

Zoey enjoys to name things now. She went up to each sign and gave it a name, "Ho Ho" to the Santa Claus, "baby" to the elf and "Snowman" to the snowman. Snowman is one word that she has down this Christmas. She is now starting to say "Christmas" which is actually really cute. The one that gets me is that she calls the reindeer "cows." When we went into the house later this afternoon, she said "bye cows, see you soon." I tried to tell her they were reindeer, but she was convinced--"cows."

Zoey enjoyed riding the reindeer (I mean cow). She thought it was the funniest thing to get on it and say "go!" 

When the reindeer (I mean cow) didn't take off with her riding it, she decided to get in the sleigh and direct. I called her Santa Zoey and her response was "Ho Ho!" Perfect. Zoey really is enjoying the holidays this year. She is able to understand more of the symbols, the tradition and of course the gifts.

Merry Christmas everyone! Only 6 days left!

Duggar Tribute to Jubilee Shalom

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Duggar family and this time of loss. A miscarriage is a hard thing no matter how early or late it is. It doesn't matter if it is your first child or your twentieth, the pain is real. There are so many emotions all happening at once, I remember.

There are many opinions of the Duggar family, their choices, their beliefs and their 19 children. My opinion happens to be a positive one. I wouldn't exactly make the same choices they do, but I respect them for the passion behind their decisions. I admire their love for God, their family bonds and their attitude about debt, children and love.

I saw this letter Michelle read to her unborn child during the tribute for Jubilee and it brought me to tears. They are the words I felt like I never had when we lost our child due to a miscarriage earlier this year.  [Listen to it thanks to A Wise Woman Builds Her Home]

This is an article from New York Daily News about the tribute they held for Jubilee. According to the vote the public seemed about 50-50 whether it was touching or offensive. I think the biggest concern was for the photo they showed. I saw no pictures that were in the least bit disturbing, only how the baby connected with Michelle (baby's hands and feet). My opinion on this is probably skewed since I have had a miscarriage. I envy the fact they were able to meet their little one. My miscarriage wasn't as far along so I never got to see my baby's hands and feet. I also think the tribute as a whole was a beautiful idea. What a wonderful way to find closure and celebrate life. [Read the article thanks to NY Daily News]

I've read many other articles some uplifting and some not so. I feel for them because they are dealing with such a personal event on a national level.

Their own blog is beautiful and there is more about baby Jubilee on there too. [Duggar Family Blog]

My heart pours out for this family. God Bless you Duggars.

An Internet Hiatus?

If you tried to access my blog yesterday, you found that it was unavailable. This is because Google disabled it, I still have no idea why. But they sent me an email saying they were sorry for the inconvenience and that it was back online. This troubled me and got me thinking. I wrote this post yesterday in response to my entire Google account being shut down. The problem is not fixed with no further issues, but I still have no explanation.

An Internet Hiatus?
December 15, 2011

At first this thought excited me, but now I wonder if it is even possible. I'm actually not sure that it is. I had to look up how to spell "hiatus" on the Internet because I couldn't find a dictionary.

First of all, let me explain where this came from. Today my Google account was disabled. i have no idea why. Stephen sent me a text saying that he couldn't access my blog. I was concerned. Upon checking it out I find the message "Account Disabled." But you have to understand that Google is so integrated on the Web that I can't check my email, can't write on my blog, can't visit Google+, can't access contacts or my calendar events, can't look through the picture gallery, can't view Google Docs, I can't even sign into YouTube. It seems great that all of this is connected--until something goes wrong.

Needless to say, I don't feel comfortable being on the Internet today. I have no idea if I did something wrong--it wasn't knowingly by any means. I have no idea when I will know. It definitely changed my plans for the day though. Zoey is napping and that means I would usually be writing on my blog and reading other's blogs. However, today I can't. It makes me wonder if everything gets cleared up will I want to tomorrow. Right now I'm thinking not.

In fact, my first thoughts drifted to how much I use the Internet, computers and technology every day. It has increased in the past several months with my blog and my iPhone. Instead of getting into playing blocks with Zoey I find myself bored unless I am checking Facebook, Pinterest or email. This is not who I want to be. I miss sitting down with a pen and paper and pouring my heart out. I was at first timid to write publicly on a blog, but there was a switch somewhere to make it so it didn't feel worth writing unless someone read it. It's amazing how quickly your whole perspective can change.

I realize it is impossible in this day and time to turn from a computer, even the Internet. If I am serious about publishing a novel, I will have to write it on a computer. If I want to continue photography a computer is essential. I mean seriously, I can't even spell without a computer correcting me. Though I think I will find/buy myself a dictionary.

Getting away from the computer may be impossible, but I can tone down my reliance on it. I miss crafting and being there 100% for Zoey. Perhaps if blogging, Facebook and emails are not perpetually in the back of my mind I can be free to be more hands on. It would be nice for my mind to be in more creative/productive areas than surfing the Web.

Today I am aggravated and worried about what happened with my account. I don't want there to be any further trouble with it. However, I'm not sure that I would be sad if I just tucked it away for a while.

[end post]

Today, after all has been restored, I have a clearer perspective. However, the whole occurrence got me thinking. I enjoy blogging, Pinterest and keeping up with people online too much to actually go on an Internet  hiatus. At the same time, I am making an active attempt to limit my time and thoughts with the Internet to one large block of time a day (during naptime.) That way, I have time in the day to look through everything that I want to, but it doesn't consume me throughout the day. Of course there are times when you need to look things up and shopping online seems to be bigger this year than ever for me, but the idea is there. The goal is to stop thinking about it constantly and live in the moment, whatever I am doing.

Christmas Traditions

It's Christmas time again. Is it just me or does this time of year get here faster and faster every year. I can't believe it is already only 11 days until Christmas. I still have so much to do, that I want to do. Everything from shopping to crafts to watching that Christmas special on TV. And did I mention Christmas cards? Oh yeah, I almost forgot about those. But that's only the busy part of Christmas, there is so much more.

This time of year I think a lot about traditions. I also think a lot about my Christmases as a kid. I loved this time of year growing up. It was always so special to me. Now that I'm a mom, I am finding I want Zoey to experience Christmas a lot like I did. That isn't entirely possible of course because she isn't me, but I want to do many of the traditions that we did as a family when I was young.

The funny part is that growing up I didn't really see them as traditions. To me traditions were stuffy things you did because someone told you to. Now that I'm older and a mom, I think back on all of the activities we did each year with love and longing. Stephen said it best: the best traditions are the ones you never realize you are making. I think he is right. Now that I'm on the mom-side of Christmas I am seeing the things we do as a family as our own traditions. I am enjoying every minute of it.

Some of our traditions:

Zoey helping Stephen get the tree ready.

Getting a Christmas Tree: This is a tradition that is actually Stephen's. We get a real Christmas tree together and set it up and decorate it. When I was growing up, we always had a fake tree. In fact, we only ever had two different trees that entire time I lived with my parents (about 18 years). My first real Christmas tree was actually the first Christmas Stephen and I were together. We still have the trunk cut from that tree as an ornament marking my first real Christmas tree. I really like this tradition because it involves the whole family. I even enjoy watching Stephen and Zoey put the tree up together and hearing Stephen grumble at getting the lights on it. Then I feel like I'm in a cloud while we put ornaments on it.

Zoey finding her box for the day.

25 Boxes of Christmas: This is a unique tradition, one that I did when I was a kid. My parents got me a little advent calendar of sorts that was 25 boxes in a sleeve that you pull one out everyday and inside is a little treasure. Growing up it was things like pencils, erasers, a piece of candy. Once or twice a week it would be something bigger like an activity pad or something small like that. Whenever the treasure wouldn't fit in the box, there would be a note with a treasure clue on it. That was my favorite. I remember waking up in the morning and running to my box to find my treasure and counting down the days until Christmas. This is one tradition that I said, even when I was a kid, that I would pass on to my kids. And I have. We no longer have the boxes, they are long since destroyed, but I keep the idea alive by wrapping up a little treasure in a box and putting it under the Christmas tree. Now Zoey runs out in the morning insisting the tree to light up and to find her treasure. This is one that I wonder as a mom if I am encouraging the materialism of the season with this tradition. However, I turned out okay and we do much more to celebrate the season, learn the story of Jesus and give back that I don't think the message will get lost. I just remember the joy I got from something so small, and I see Zoey's eyes light up too.

Zoey making ornaments for the tree.

Homemade ornaments: Our tree will never make the Martha Stewart magazine, it has no color decor and you will never find another tree just like it. It is one of a kind. All of the ornaments on our tree are handmade,  painted or given as a special gift or occasion. We had ornaments from every year Stephen and I have been together and every year as a family. I think we have at least three or four Zoey's first Christmas ones and several that she has made. I paint new ornaments each year to add to the collection. We don't even put the glass balls or store bought ornaments on the tree anymore. Zoey loves to help me do this now. She has her own painted ornaments to put on the tree this year.

We have other traditions too, like watching Rudolph the red nose Reindeer (Zoey's favorite), baking cookies, visiting our friends and of course seeing our family. Christmas and it's traditions will likely change as the years go on and as Zoey gets older, but I have a lot of fun this time of year no matter what. Somehow I feel so full of joy and thankfulness for every part of my life, especially my wonderful family. I hope Zoey grows up knowing the love of God and feeling excitement about sharing this time of year with others.

What are some of your traditions?

Wordless Wednesday: Daddy-Daughter Team Saves the Day

Daddy-Daughter Team Saves the Day

I usually let Wordless Wednesdays stay wordless, but this one needs a little bit of explanation. When we got our Christmas Tree home Stephen and Zoey were fast at work getting it on the base and ready to come inside. However, they caught a glitch where the base didn't fit quite right. I love this picture because Daddy and Daughter have the same puzzling face on like they are discussing the problem and possible solutions. Perhaps they were. They really do make a good team. It was a simple fix: cut off some branches and presto, perfect fit. Then Zoey was right there to help Stephen tighten the screws to hold the tree in place. Zoey is very much a Daddy's Girl--I love that.

(You can see more of our decorating via O Christmas Tree)

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

O Christmas Tree

We now have a beautiful Christmas tree decorated in our living room. It is one of my favorite parts of the holiday and I think Zoey agrees. She loved picking out the tree and decorating it. I'm glad we can share these Christmas traditions with her.

Step One was to find the perfect tree. I think we accomplished that easily enough. Then came the harder part. Getting it ready for the stand. Stephen was smart about this and get it ready outside so the pine needles fell harmlessly to the ground instead on in the carpet. Zoey was right there helping Stephen tighten the screws that hold the tree and making sure it was straight. She was so cute...Daddy's little shadow.

Zoey is such a Daddy's girl, which reminds me of how I was with my Daddy when I was a little girl. I was also a Daddy's girl, through and through. Zoey is always one step behind Stephen waiting for a chance to lend a hand and learn something new. I did that with my Dad all the time and learned so much, I owe much of my useful life knowledge to watching and helping my Dad. I'm glad Stephen is so patient with Zoey so she has the same opportunities to learn and grow. 

We got the tree in and Zoey was immediately ready to decorate. We had to wait a couple days before doing this, but she was still very excited once the time came. I love this picture of Stephen and Zoey with the lights. Daddy's little girl is helping again, which I just love. They didn't exactly fight with the lights, but it didn't go as smoothly as it could either. I was taking pictures and staying out of the way while trying not to laugh. Zoey loved when we got the lights on and the whole tree lit up. Even now the first thing she does when she wakes up in the morning is run to the tree and wait to see it light up.

Now the real decorating starts. This is where I stepped in and gave Stephen a break. Zoey got the bottom half of the tree all to herself, which she loved. Honestly I think it changes at least once or twice a day. She just loves hanging and rearranging all of the ornaments. The ones for her are the wooden ones and others that she made. So they are all fair game for her to mess around with. I handled the top half of the tree where I hung our family ornaments and other ones that we have made throughout the years. We don't have any glass balls or really breakable ones, though the plaster ones will crack they don't actually shatter (usually). 

Anyway, the tree it up and I love it. On it you can live through many years with each ornament. We don't have any up there that don't mean something, we made or are long time favorites. I love our home decorated Christmas tree. It isn't ever going to be in Southern Living, but it is special to us and that's all that matters to me. I hope Zoey can grow up to be proud of our tree and our history just as I have.

I hope you have a wonderful time spending this time of year with family and friends no matter what your beliefs. As for me, I'm going to say Merry Christmas to All and to All and Good Holiday!

New Layout

I've decided it's time for a change in the way my blog looks. I liked the quilted effect, but it seemed over powering on the page and I wanted a simpler look. I will possibly be tweaking this look for a week or two because I'm not 100% sure I like it. Especially the title needs lots of work. I want a more updated picture for one, since the one I have up there is over a year and a half old. I see all kinds of cool titles and layouts out there. How do you decide your layout with pictures, etc? I'm curious if anyone has any cool tricks without getting too involved. What do you think of the pink of this new layout? Too much? Not enough? I would love some constructive feedback or if there is something you like. Well, that's it really, just a warning of layout changes and a plea for suggestions. Hope you had a great Monday.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

I'm going to be honest. This has been sort of a ho-hum week. Not a bad week, just sort of blah. We all have those days, where you don't really care if it began or when it ends. It isn't a good feeling.

Every day should be taken by the hand and danced through. That is something I believe. Carpe Diem, right? SEIZE THE DAY! No matter what you are doing, whether working, staying at home, running around like a crazy person or like me doing laundry and taking care of a two year old day in and day out. We have to make the most of it and find joy, even in the mundane. That is another thing I truly believe.

However, just because I believe it doesn't mean I always succeed at the follow through. I sort of work up yesterday when I looked at my daughter and saw her laugh. Like most kids, I suppose, Zoey has a wonderful, infectious laugh. Ever since she was a baby her smile just lit up her entire face, like you could see the joy behind her eyes. It has always been one (of many) of my favorite characteristics of her.

Well yesterday we were playing and she started laughing. I don't even know what now honestly, my mind was somewhere else, probably thinking of all the dirty dishes piling up in the sink. But her laugh really got my attention. And I started laughing too. We just sat looking at each other and laughed for at least 5 minutes. Let me tell you, I felt so much better.

Laughter really is the best medicine.

Today has been so much better. My mind has kick started thanks to my daughter reminding me what is really important in life: each other and laughter.

Proverbs 17:22 says "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones" (NIV). Even God wants us to find the fun in life and laugh often. By letting ourselves get into passive moods we crush our spirit and dry out. Life is too good to waste...so Seize the Day!

Vivi Bene, Ridi Spesso, Ama Molto
Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much

I Never Got the Hang of Thursdays...

I first want to say that if you've never read "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams, you should. That is what the title quote is from.

Secondly, I will say that this is mostly a rambling post, so beware.

This week has been long. It already feels like Friday. I think I'm just so excited about seeing our family next week for Thanksgiving. I can't wait!

I haven't been blogging very much. I sort of miss it actually. I've been writing on my novel for November writing month and I haven't been doing a whole lot else. I haven't been scrapbooking, keeping up with my pictures well or most of my other hobbies. I am finding success in the writing challenge though because I have written at least around 800 words everyday, most days much more than that. I'm really enjoying getting lost in my story and even found inspiration to lay foundation to another one. Who knows, maybe I will become a novelist after all. So far I have managed to write almost 25,000 words, which means I am almost halfway to my goal of 50,000. My concern is that with Thanksgiving coming up I won't have even as much time to write as I do now. I suppose I'll just have to buckle down a couple days to get the average up.

The only other thing I have made time for myself apart from my family is to read. I am reading Twilight: Breaking Dawn...again. Yeah, yeah, I know. It is so my guilty pleasure though. And the movie, part 1, is coming out in theaters this Friday and I can't wait to go. I started reading because of that and I just couldn't stop. I thought I would get the first half of the book read before seeing the movie this Friday and it turns out I am already almost finished with the entire thing.

Zoey is growing so much. She can now count to twelve, but a lot of times after ten she will say "liftoff!" She is talking very clearly and has so many words and phrases now. It is fun to talk with her now. Today, she used her stool to get a piece of candy (which we allow in moderation) and strolled into the living room. I asked where mine was, and you know what. She had two in her hand and immediately handed me one. I was impressed. She constantly surprises me with how much she understands and is able to do for herself.

One morning this week I asked her what she wanted for breakfast. She said eggs. She pointed them out even though they were in a different place. I set two aside for her and she cracked them in a bowl, scrambled them with a fork and then poured them into a pan. I was right beside her the entire time. She even scraped them in the pan some. I finished up the cooking part while she gathered her cup and got a plate for me. She ate both the eggs and enjoyed her special breakfast.

So that's probably enough rambling for now. I'm still here and even though I still have lots to talk about I'm focusing on my writing not blogging right now. Even this post is a good 600 words that aren't going to my story. So I will bid you farewell. But have a great day! And I will be back in full sometime soon.

NaNoWriMo Update:
Nov 15: 886
Nov 16: 1488
Total: 24,634

NaNoWriMo Update

I haven't written much on my blog the past week or so. I suppose I've been too busy doing and writing. I'm been meaning to put this update up for a while, but I'm doing fairly well in the NaNoWriMo challenge this month.

Here's my progress so far...

Total Words per day:
Nov 5...650
Nov 6...1134
Nov 7...1331
Nov 8...1172
Nov 9...772
Nov 10...2439
Nov 11...1148
Nov 12...801
Nov 13...3408
Nov 14...1594

My words total for the whole month is...22260!

Almost halfway through the month and halfway to my goal of 50,000 words!

Zoey Playing Mommy

I believe that us taking care of our friend's daughter and meeting their new baby yesterday had an impact on Zoey too. This morning she woke up and kept asking, "Where's the baby?" It was the cutest thing. I tried to explain that they were at their house and reminded her how we went to see them last night. She seemed to understand that fairly well.

She went and found her baby doll and tried to but her in the crib. Zoey said "baby go night night." I got our boppy out so Zoey could lay her baby in it and cover her up with a blanket. Zoey gave her baby doll a kiss on the forehead and sang her a lullaby. She talked to her baby and held the little hand, and my heart melted. She is going to make a wonderful big sister when the time comes.

Of course, Zoey is still two and the baby doll is not real so inevitably she picked the baby doll up by the feet and inadvertently banged her head on the side of the crib, but hey, the sweet moments were priceless. And it's cool she understands the idea of a baby at least a little and she definitely knows how to have fun.

Zoey Playing Mommy with her Baby doll

Giving Baby a kiss

Tucking Baby in

Singing Baby a lullaby

Playing Pat-a-cake with Baby

Cuddling with Baby in the crib