Christmas 2014

Christmas for us is always hectic. I'm pretty sure last year was the ONLY year I have ever been able to actually sit home on Christmas Day and enjoy it and that was only because I myself cooked a small family dinner. Since I have divorced parents that means 2 dinners automatically then of course there is Berracs family which makes 3. This year we ended up with a total of 4 dinners, 2 on Christmas Eve and 2 Christmas Day. 

Needless to say although im extremely thankful for family I would much rather be able to enjoy Christmas with my kids at home and watch them play with their toys while they are still young because let's face it one day they won't want toys, they won't believe in Santa, they will eventually be grown and scattering visiting each dinner for a moment trying to 'please' everyone. For the time being I would actually like to ENJOY Christmas but reality is NO ONE ever seems to understand that.

Christmas Eve we were not home until 9pm, Christmas Day opened presents and rushed off. Not home until 9pm again. May I add I HAD to work Christmas Day (night shift), and the 2 following nights with that Sunday spent catching up on sleep and Monday returning to work for second shift. I normally don't work that much but we have to pick and choose holidays to work so it's fair to everyone.

Anyways, as you can tell I didn't get much time to enjoy with my kiddos at all. Again, I am thankful for such a wonderful family and I hate to whine and complain but it's just exhausting and not fun. Not to mention the kids hated not being able to play with their stuff.

ASIDE FROM ALL THAT the boys had a lovely Christmas Eve night and Christmas. We spend Christmas Eve night looking at Christmas lights for free that Buffalo Trace Distillary puts on every year. Once we arrived at home the kids opened their Christmas Eve gifts which consisted of Christmas pjs, pop corn, pop corn bowls, sprite, candy, cookie mix. We ended up making cookies for us and Santa of course, getting dressed in warm Christmas pjs, watching a Christmas movie and pretending we were at the movies with our beverage, popcorn and snacks.

After they drifted off and I was ready for bed I set up my phone to 'catch Santa' (thank you caught Santa app). When they woke up the first thing they done was check my phone where they found awesome Santa pictures!

That caught Santa app was the best thing ever and it's really nice for younger kids questioning his belief but wouldn't think twice that technology created the picture. I also had another app that showed elves walking on our floor and Santa leaving our house with his reindeer. I believe it is called Santa cam FX.

The kids loved seeing the Santa pics and enjoyed opening their presents. Braxton even said Santa brought him TOO many presents. I'm unsure which toy was Braxtons favorite but I do believe Brooxs' favorite was the easy bake oven which he is STILL waiting to use (yes we have been that busy). Unfortunately Berran slept through the entire Christmas morning so we have no footage of him. I finally opened 2 of his presents, shoes & Baltic amber necklace so he could wear them that day and then several days later he opened the rest. 

It's so exciting doing Christmas every year and seeing their faces light up with joy and still believing in Santa Claus yet knowing that it is a celebration of Jesus and that we give gifts just as baby Jesus was given gifts when he was born. After all when Santa is questioned I say but we believe in god and cannot see him, correct? Because seeing is NOT believing. Believing is what we feel in our heart.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Since November is coming to an end I figured I would share this wonderful recipe I found on Pinterest. I followed the directions exactly and all I added was a touch of pumpkin spice creamer. Just like the lady says and I must agree DO NOT SKIP OUT ON THE WHIPPED CREAM!!!

Here is a picture of my yummy latte!

Here is the link! Hope you enjoy as much as I did!

http://prairiecottagerose.blogspot.com/2009/10/pumpkin-spice-latte.html?m=1

A week of giving thanks: DAY 7 THANKSGIVING

 

 

First off I would like to say I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. My family had a very busy but wonderful day. I cannot even begin to express how thankful I am for my family. I am very lucky to have Berrac in my life. He provides for our family in every way possible and he is always going over the top to make our boys and I happy. He works overtime quite often which is what allows me to stay home as often as I do. I do not know what I would do with out him. He is an awesome spouse and father. I wouldn't ask for anyone else in my life.

 

I am also very thankful for my boys. Braxton and I may butt heads (he's just like me) but at the age of 16 he was my life changer and I am so thankful God brought me him at even such a young age. I have enjoyed watching him grow the past 7 years and he is always making me proud.

 Broox is my trouble maker but I am so thankful that he is still a mamas boy. At the age of 5 he still enjoys cuddling with me or letting me rock him anytime I can. Unlike Braxton he still gives me sweet kisses. Cherish those moments with you little ones because one day you wont be cool, you wont get to rock them, hold them, or snuggle with them like you once did.

Then there is our baby bear and he is our biggest gift this year. I am thankful that after being born at 35 weeks old which is considered "preemie" he was healthy then at birth and has continued to grow and thrive as any other baby his age.

 

 Most of all I am thankful for GOD because he is the one who has blessed me in so many ways!

 

Also, I am thankful for every one else in my family. My siblings are all very special to me I have 3. I have 2 of the best sisters in the world and an awesome brother.

My mom and dad support me and are always there for me no matter what and without them I wouldn't be here. I am glad to have good relationships with them both. My step dad has been in my life since I was 3 and I am thankful that my mom chose him.

My cousin Shelby has been my best friend since birth and even if we do not talk that often or see each other very much we always know we are there for one another. I definitely believe everyone should have a cousin best friend that you spend your entire life with because there is nothing like a friendship of someone you have grown up AND share a family with.

My granny, she is the back bone of our family. She is the one who keeps our family running smoothly. She worries about everything under the sun and stresses out for no reason but she wants to make sure everyone is taken care of so I guess worrying and stress goes hand in hand with putting others before yourself. She has taught me how to be nice, loving and caring. She is the one who has put the love for cooking and crafting in my life. I am also so thankful for her biscuit and gravy (none like it)!!! I do not know what I would do without her she is one very special lady!

my sister summer

my granny

my sister summer and my mom

broox, braxton & bryce (shelbys son)

my granny & cousin Shelby

my dad

baby bears first thanksgiving

my brother

A week of giving thanks: DAY 6

Tonights post is Broox and I giving thanks. Earlier today Broox was a big help. I had a ton of dishes to wash and he wanted to help me. Now I didn't trust him washing the big dishes so once I was done I left him a few small items and the silverware. He done an awesome job so today I am thankful for Broox and his helping hands.

Broox said "mom I already done my I am thankful for today" but I told him that, that was me being thankful for him helping me out so he said he is thankful for his Legos. Him and Braxton could play with them and build all day long. They have an already big but growing collection of Legos.

We have and extremely busy day tomorrow and then I have to go to work but I am hoping I get around to my final thanksgiving post. If not posted tomorrow then it will be posted on Friday.

A week of giving thanks: DAY 5

I know it's actually been 2 days since I've posted. I ended up working a double on Monday and was busy with the fam and catching up on sleep yesterday. Today I will end up having 2 posts for day 5 and day 6.

Today is our day 5 of giving thanks post!

Today we are thankful for family date nights. Unfortunately they do not happen as often as we would like because sometimes we are just so busy or low on money or both so we tend to spend a lot of time together in the house. When we actually get out and do fun stuff the boys are so excited. 

Last night we surprised the kids by taking them out to eat at zaxbys (can't go wrong with chicken tenders & grilled cheese) and then we went to watch the new movie Big Hero 6. The movie was awesome and I'm hoping there will be a sequel. It was obviously Berrans first time at the movies and he done great! He watched almost all of the movie. He ate for 10 minutes in the middle and then fell asleep the last 15 minutes. I think that's pretty impressive for a 5 month old.

Broox wanted me to take this picture because he said he is thankful for the baby swing which he thinks is his swing to sit in and watch cartoons. 

I'll be back later with the day 6 post!

A week of giving thanks: DAY 4

Today we had out first Thanksgiving meal of the week. Every year we have a meal at my great aunts house with our extended family great aunts, uncles, cousins, granny. It is all of my grannys sisters, brother, their families and my close family as well.

So today we are thankful for family and the time we get to spend together. It is nice and very important to us all especially my granny that we all remain close and that we all get together during the holidays. Pictures left to right is my uncle Dave, granny, Shelby (cousin), Lucas (cousin), summer (sister), Bryce (cousin), Broox (son), mom, Braxton (son), Berran (son), me & Chris (step dad). We may be a dysfunctional family but hey whose family isn't?! and I love them all so very much! 

Looking forward to Day 5 tomorrow!

So long October & hello November!

  I know, I know yes I have been neglecting my blog for eh, I would say the last two weeks now. I have ALOT of posts to catch up on this week. I have been extremely busy. I wont say too much because some things make for a few new posts. One week of my life was pretty much dedicated to building my milk supply back up. Baby Bear and I were in the bed nursing 24/7. Then it was time for this mama to get into Halloween mode.

Halloween week went well for us. We got our pictures back just in time to hand out our home made Halloween cards with a picture inside. We visited with family. We live an hour away from family so anytime we go back it is a day spent of visiting and it is always so exhausting! 

 

 

 

Funny little story here I waited until the last minute to find pumpkins to carve. Unfortunately there were NONE anywhere. I searched both sides of town and nothing. I mean even if it was last minute WHO runs out of pumpkins? Well I ended up settling for spaghetti squash and we painted those. I was very pleased with our results they turned out so good! My boys done an awesome job.

Actual Halloween day was wow just wow filled with snow. Yes snow in October! Crazy I know. It was so cold and yucky out. We just took the kids to a trunk or treat at a nearby church. It was very crowded and we didn't get to do like any other activities but at least they got candy, right?! Next year we will be sure to leave the house early and arrive early! I work in a residential assisted living facility so when I got to work I trick or treated for my kids there and surprised them with a ton of candy and cotton candy the next day.

 

So now that brings us to November! November 1st was also cold yucky and accompanied by snow. The boys had a football game. I felt so bad for those little boys almost every one was crying from the coldness, but it's just apart of the game and the season is almost over so they will be alright. My poor Broox came running off the field crying as soon as it was over but he is so tough he stayed out there the entire game despite the coldness. Braxton of course being the big tough bro he is had to make sure we knew he DID NOT cry!

 

I'm looking forward to the week of playoffs and everything else that this wonderful month has to offer. I'm sure I will have PLENTY of things to share this month. Hope you all enjoy the start of the holiday season!!

Power Ranger partial DIY idea

Last week was Charlie Brown, Sally Brown & Snoopy. This week I am bringing you Power Rangers. I don't know about you but I grew up watching this show I think the pink ranger was Kelly at the time and that is who I wanted to be. When my boys started watching Power Rangers I had no idea it was still on Tv but it was. 

 

Two years ago they wanted to be power rangers. I searched our local walmart and the only costumes available were very cheap and had no muscles built in and I did not want to spend my money on something like that. As a last resort I went online. They had the costumes for ALL the different types of rangers. As you can tell in the picture the costumes were a bit different.

 

Once that was taken care of I was left. I looked into just buying a shirt with power rangers on it but not for $20!!! People are crazy. Instead of buying something I decided to make something.

I USED to have a huge art stash but over the years it has been mostly used up, lucky me this was the year I still had it all. The only thing I HAD to purchase was a pink shirt which was only $5.

What you'll need: 

•long sleeve shirt

•acrylic paint 

•paint brushes

•cardboard box

•pen

•colored pants/leggings and boots (optional)

How to:

•cut card board box so the pieces will fit in middle and arms of shirt.

•lay out shirt and put in the card board

•get your paint and brushes ready

•get out image or pull up image on your phone

•use piece of card board box to make a strait line by using the pen. I used it on the arms, belt and the black thing in the middle (optional if you can free hand)

•flip over shirt and continue the line for the belt (optional)

•draw on the circle in the middle of the belt

•once you're done with that you may start painting following your picture or doing it however you'd like. Let front dry before doing back or the white and black outlines.

•after I let it sit for a few hours I done the outlines on the front

•let dry over night

•finish painting the belt on the back 

•after back is dry touch up any part you feel may need it

I then paired this with some things I had around the house so I could save money. I didn't have pink or white leggings but I had black skinny jeans. I wore them with black boots. There you have it!

October baby/toddler photo idea

I LOVE taking pictures, if I had a big nice camera I'd NEVER have professional pictures taken of my kids. When I try hard I even get awesome pictures with my iPhone, so when I have a cute idea OR run across one on Pinterest I try my best to create a little space so I can't have a photo shoot.

 

A couple weeks ago my cousin sent me a picture of her little boy with a pumpkin butt!!! Cutest thing I have ever seen. I just knew I had to do this with Berran. Now the cousin is a toddler so it was a little easier for his mom to snap a shop versus a baby who HATES being on their tummy but I thought I'd give it a shot anyways.

 

I gathered some items to use as props; baby's 1st pumpkin, black basket box, fake fall leaves and used my car seat canopy to lay on the floor. Now I must say I had SEVERAL awful pictures and it took a few tries to get a good shot. I actually meant to save the fails to share but I accidentally deleted them! Luckily I did get 2 very cute pictures. One emphasizes the butt and the other the pumpkin. Thank you instagram for the quick and easy iPhone edits making us all THINK we are professional photographers. If you do this please share with me as I'd love to see your cute pictures as well:)

 

Babies first Halloween pumpkin

I seen this awesome idea on Pinterest where you cut out hand and foot prints on a pumpkin. This is good for any young child but I thought it was a great idea for babys first pumpkin. 

To do this you may either free hand the prints because it is hard or you can trace them. I wanted it to be more personal so I decided to trace them. My crafty friend was over that day and it did indeed take two people to get the tracing job done.

After the tracing was done I cut it out as you would any pumpkin design and then I painted 'Babys 1st' on the pumpkin with acrylic paint.

Hello September

September is a great month, well if you love fall. This is the month when every one begins to set out their beautiful fall decorations, football on Friday nights, hot apple cider with the family, fall festivals begin and most importantly my oldest sons birthday!

It has been a hot past 2 weeks so I am definitely looking forward to some cooler weather. Fall is one of my favorite seasons (next to spring). I personally feel as if it is the season that brings us closer together as a family. We enjoy the festivals together, pumpkin patches, Halloween, and one of my favorites Thanksgiving. Yes, I know Halloween is in October and Thanksgiving in November but with September here that means they are nearing soon.

In September id really like to attend 2 new fall festivals. We just moved about a year ago therefore this is our first September here and I'm sure there are a few festivals we can find rather than going to the same hometown ones we grew up attending. I'd also like for us to attempt hiking as a family again (we did back in July) but this time actually make it to the correct destination. I'll definitely keep you posted on how those things work out for us!

Hope you are ready to enjoy the beautiful month of September as well.