Truth in the Tinsel & Alternatives to Elf-on-the-Shelf

I'm loving the journey of seeking alternatives for presenting Santa to Ian for Christmas. We decided long before Ian not to participate in the magic and story of Santa Claus and instead to focus solely on Christ's birth and the meaning of the holiday that is Christmas.  Although there may be some of the "magic" of the season that he might miss out on, we believe that the focus on Jesus will actually be just as magical and even more meaningful with various traditions and crafts. See next post.

Go here to see it all.

I know people love the Elf on the Shelf. It’s a magical little tradition that gets kids ready for Christmas and apparently, controls their behavior. (It does sound magical, doesn’t it?!) For those who don’t want to incorporate Santa and his elves into their daily December, here’s a few fun alternatives to a Christmas countdown activity.

1. Christmas Mouse

Source: minimocha.blogspot.com via ohAmanda {impress your kids} on Pinterest

This is the cutest little thing you’ve ever seen! The Christmas Mouse travels the world and takes a mini-vacation at your house during December. Every day he leaves treasures from his travels. {please click over to Mini Mocha and see all her gorgeous ideas!}

2. Christmas Angel

Source: yourchristmasangel.com via ohAmanda {impress your kids} on Pinterest

The Christmas Angel comes with a cute plush angel, a bag of gold  dust and a storybook. The story explains how the angel came to Mary and told her she was going to have baby Jesus. So, like the Elf on the Shelf, when your child wakes up every morning, they look for the angel who has written a message in the gold dust–”hug mom”, “make cookies”, “give a gift”. The idea is to give every day after reading the message from the angel.

3. Book Countdown

Source: vanderbiltwife.com via ohAmanda {impress your kids} on Pinterest

I’m a sucker for a Christmas book. The day after Christmas is my favorite day because Barnes and Noble puts all their Christmas books 50% off! So, grab 25 of your favorite Christmas books, wrap each one individually and every day of December unwrap one and read it together with your kids.

I love this because it gives your kids quality time, you are reading together and it makes for a surprise each day! My friend Jessie has a great list of 25 Jesus-centric Christmas books for this tradition!

4. What God Wants for Christmas

I got this at a Christian bookstore on an after-Christmas clearance a few years ago. It’s a kit that includes seven boxes which house nativity scene figures. Every night for a week, you pick a new box, read the story and open the box. The last night, you think would be baby Jesus, instead it’s a mirror! The gift God wants is YOU!

I love it because it’s only a 7 day countdown. You can fit 7 days into December for sure!

5. Mary & Joseph’s Trip to Bethlehem

I tried to find a link to this online, but just couldn’t find one. It’s such a simple idea that doesn’t require any crazy set-up or even a big purchase.

If you have a nativity scene, set it all up except for Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. Just hide Jesus away and then place Mary and Joseph far far away in another part of the house.Each morning, place Mary and Joseph a little closer to Bethlehem…er, your manger scene. By Christmas Eve, they can set up in the stable and on Christmas Day, place Jesus in the center!

My kids would love to search for Mary and Joseph every day! I think I’m going to do this in December!

6. Advent Wreath

Source: adventtolenttoascensionwreath.blogspot.com via ohAmanda {impress your kids} on Pinterest

This is a meaningful, beautiful piece of art which doubles as a countdown activity. Each day, move the donkey and Mary figure closer to the center of the wreath adding Advent candles as you go. You can extend it (and use it again) during Lent as you get ready for Jesus’ death and resurrection on the cross. You have to click over to see all the gorgeous pictures of this wreath!

7. Light ‘Em Up

Source: lillightomine.com via ohAmanda {impress your kids} on Pinterest

You’ve heard of Random Acts of Kindness during the holidays, right? Well, Courtney at Lil Light of Mine gives over 50 fun ideas, printables and more to light up December with kindness!

8. Shepherd’s Pouches

Source: blog.jamesandjuliepaquette.com via ohAmanda {impress your kids} on Pinterest

I super love this idea. Instead of stockings, hang up small, unadorned pouches. During December, when your children help someone, do chores, are kind, etc. place money in the pouches. On Christmas Eve, take the money from the pouches and use it to buy a gift from Compassion’s gift catalog or give it to someone in need.

This is cool because it gives the same feel as the elf watching your behavior, but with better motivation. Head over to Julie’s blog to read all her wording and ideas on how to implement this with your kids!

9. TRUTH IN THE TINSELYou knew I was gonna say that, right? It’s a wonderful and simple idea: read the Christmas story from the Bible, make an ornament to go along with the passage and talk about it with your kids. It includes printables, the words to say and simple tutorials. It doesn’t get much better than that! Get your own copy now! 

10. What’s your favorite fun Christmas countdown, activity or tradition for getting kids ready for Christmas?

Amanda is the author of Truth in the Tinsel: An Advent Experience for Little Hands. She is a mom of two, former Children’s Pastor, Disney-fan, kids’ book lover and collects too many Christmas ornaments. She blogs at ohAmanda.com on a semi-regular basis. 

A Gratitude Jar or Chain

I believe I am going to do this with Ian and Mark this year for Thanksgiving - should be fun! Even if we're almost half-way through November!

Go here for the pdf download from Paper Coterie.

In my 20's - What I Learned...

In my 20's (as told to a friend recently) - I wish I would have told myself: 
* it's ok not to work full-time right now - it's a season
* I am called to be obedient and to do the things that I know are right 
* asking for help is a must and i never know how God is going to work in someone else's life when they are able to help me
* home improvement and organizing/cleaning are my best stress-reliev

ers and help when I am anxious
* not focusing on what I don't know is a must (meaning focus on eternal things and not on what I wish I could change or think I "should" change)
* I feed my anxiety and depression by eating too much sugar...not drinking enough water......thinking that this will last forever...
* there are trigger points for me: not having those important and meaningful conversations with other women/eating the sugar & feeling bad/not exercising or feeling guilty that i haven't moved
* not giving myself grace!

what I totally learned:
* give myself grace
* ask for help or offer to help another
* get out of bed immediately & focus on what I am excited about today
* remember it is a SEASON
* don't say "always" or "never"
* God's power is waaaayyyy bigger than my thinking and my own plan
* it's ok to not know if I will ever use my degrees or get full licensure (master's in marriage & family therapy & social work)
* my role will change with Mark and my boys as my identity changes in relation to how I interact with those around me (my identity primarily in Christ but does transform depending on whom I am around & serving)
* SIMPLIFY
* declutter and keep only what is needed...
* humble myself
* know that God will bring me people who will support me and be there for me (IF I allow myself to access them & allow them to help)
* being vulnerable is a beautiful thing....I am still guarded but am able to discern people much better through His Spirit - HIS doing not mine
* doing studies by Beth Moore & Priscilla Shirer really opened my eyes to what I needed to learn and how to grow...
* change is good
* in your 20's you are still searching for YOU and for what you think you might want or who you are.......as you grow older, it becomes more defined and a bit clearer (although God may change it as He changes your heart)

Right Now...Eli 6 weeks

* you are eager, eager, eager
* I call you a "spirited" baby
* you're falling into a 3-hr feeding routine which I love...and can't wait for a 4-hr routine
* you're eating 2.5-4 ounces each feeding (up to 5-6 at times!)
* you have girth now and are filling out
* you are almost out of the newborn clothes :( and definitely into the appropriate 0-3 month clothes
* you are cracking smiles occasionally but are a bit of a tough crowd
* your song is "Elijah, Go, Go!" or doot doot doot (Ian's version)
* when you coo it's worth it
* cuddling with your head underneath my neck is the most blissful position!

  

 

Right Now...Eli 5 weeks

Today you are just perfect. You are beginning to coo more and to smile which makes up totally for any spit up that ends up on my shirt. You love to look at the walls of frames and to listen to Ian’s voice as he circles around you. You still struggle with the reflux some and end up quivering your bottom lip each time you spit up and seem to say “why is this happening to me, I don’t like it”. Your dark hair and bright eyes are gorgeous!  And you are so strong. You are already strong in your neck with lifting your head (you even did that in the hospital) and your legs prompt you to stand as if you already knew how to walk! You are getting better with tummy time and at 5 weeks of age are sleeping better in the night.

I am amazed by you and amazed by how blessed I feel. Each obstacle we encounter (and there have been a lot with you), we all seem to learn from and move forward with. I know that I have only “moments”  with you and then life begins its crazy routine and course when I go back to work.

I know I will miss you little face with me all day even though I won’t miss the fussiness, grumpiness or spit up but I will miss the expressions and even some of your firsts. But this is a season and you will grow and I will grow with you. What a great little human you are and I am so proud of you…and you don’t even do anything yet!

MY WORD & Holiday Eating: Mission Possible

I'm prepping myself for the holidays and for intentional eating where I can lose this baby weight in order to help my body return and improve to a better condition. The key word for 2013 I think I know already...{consistency}.

It isn't about me running a half marathon 4 months post-baby (which I did twice after Ian - CRAZY) but rather about re-establishing a base for my body to build off of for years to come. I was privileged to do Yoga and Pilates classes after Ian and that is just not the case now so I'll have to figure out another way to help my core to rebuild.

                                           

Probably my consistency needs to be primarily in my relationship with God although my tangible brain if more ready to pursue a running/cycling/swimming routine. I'm not sure how this will look but I know it is of utmost importance.  Consistency in parenting...with Ian in discipline and love and with Eli's routine. 
                                                 
Consistency in fitness and pursuing a base to build upon. In addition, I'd love to continue to gain knowledge in running and in triathlon training. I love speaking to other women about it and how they can gain confidence, gain energy and help any depression or emotional turmoil in their lives. So we'll see - so here's the article I wanted to share and remind myself of as Holidays come upon me:

If you've ever tried to stay on track with nutrition throughout the winter holiday season, you can forget the saying "it's as easy as pie." Weight gain, stomach distress, lethargy and poor body image are a few of the many common side effects of approaching the holidays with an unhealthy relationship with food and the body.

Do you feel out of control with holiday sweets? With 365 days in a year and only 3 federal holidays between November and January (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day), consider that your anxiety about preventing the typical holiday weight gain may be a bit exaggerated. Perhaps it is the added stress about an overabundance of seasonal holiday food (much prior to the actual holiday), alongside the unintentional weight gain from January until November, that causes you to feel uneasy about the holiday festivities.

Do you feel better after you eat than before? If so, there's absolutely no reason to worry about a few trivial added pounds over the holidays. Instead of speaking poorly about your body in front of the mirror (thus forgetting what your body has allowed you to do in life, like crossing finishing lines), find enjoyment as you indulge in your grandma's cobbler, prepared with love and memories. Whether you are eating a balanced, wholesome diet or enjoying the occasional treat, never forget the importance of mindful and intuitive eating. As you eat for fuel and for health, eat with a plan and a purpose.

Instead of adding to the hundreds of tips available on the internet on the topic "Healthy Holiday Eating," here are a few tips to overcome the anxiety that comes with having an unhealthy relationship with food. 
Instead of saying......
 

1) "I shouldn't eat this," say
"I am so thankful that I have an opportunity to enjoy some occasional treats (prepared with love) with the people who I care about the most in this world."

2) "It doesn't matter if I eat that, I already ruined my diet," say
"I am really proud of myself for being able to regret, reflect and change my past habits, which will ultimately help me reach my short and long term goals."

3) "I may as well have another because I already cheated," say
"I am thankful that I have a balanced diet where no food is off-limit. Because I eat well most of the time, I don't have to worry about the rest of the time."

4) "I'm being so bad," say
"Knowing that my daily habits such as not going into a meal starving, eating balanced meals, snacking nutritiously with a purpose, drinking plenty of water and focusing on wholesome foods are helping me to control blood sugar and reduce cravings/overeating, I feel great because I know I will stop eating when I am satisfied and will be well-fueled for my next workout."

5) "I am going to be so fat after this," say
"I know that my weight fluctuates throughout the day and not all is lost or ruined in one day or in one meal."

6) "Uggh, I need to find a diet to help me lose weight, fast!" Say,
"I know that an extreme diet is not a lifestyle. I want to create balanced eating habits in order to live a quality life in order to reduce my risk for disease, to help increase longevity and to improve my fitness. If I cannot address my weaknesses on my own, I will seek out a qualified professional (ex. Registered Dietitian) to help me in my personal nutrition journey."

Final reminder: If your body is in good health, recovering from injury/illness/disease or if you are overcoming obstacles in your life, spend your energy on being thankful for living another year. Never forget that food should not be your life. Use food wisely and let it enhance your life.

Marni Sumbal, MS, RD, LD/N

Marni works as a Clinical Dietitian at Baptist Medical Center Beaches, is the owner of Trimarni Coaching and Nutrition, LLC and provides one-on-one consulting in the Jacksonville, FL area. Marni is a Registered Dietitian, holding a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology and is a Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN). As an elite endurance athlete, she is also a Level-1 USAT Coach and a 5x Ironman finisher. Marni is a 110% play harder, Hammer Nutrition and Oakley Women brand ambassador. Marni enjoys public speaking and writing, and she has several published articles in Fitness Magazine, Bicycling Magazine, The Florida Times-Union Shorelines, Lava Magazine, Hammer Endurance News, CosmoGirl magazine and Triathlete Magazine, and contributes to IronGirl.com, USAT multisport zone and Lava online.

Email trimarnicoaching@gmail.com
Blog: trimarniblogspot.com
Website: trimarnicoach.com

The Plan

My goal is to keep the gains I made during off-season while enjoying the break. In an effort to keep in shape and rest at the same time both  athletes and I use some of the following strategies.

1. Try something new. Fall is a great time to try that new aerobics class you heard about at the gym or new workout tape you have been wanted to try from the television. During the season you are really tied in to a specific plan and there is not always a lot of room for creativity or something new. Use this time to spread you wings and exercise for fun alone.

2. Flex Those Muscles. I am an advocate for year-round strength training but for those athletes who have not incorporated it into their regular training schedule the Fall and offseason are the perfect time to start. When you start the offseason lifting program, you do not want to gravitate to the major muscle movements. You really want to hit the smaller ones first. These should also be done at a slightly slower movement rate to help work on stability, balance and strength simultaneously. This will help you to focus on areas that can be the most vulnerable for triathletes and runners such as the hip/glute complex, core, and shoulders. If you are unsure as to where to start I encourage you to seek out a local training group or coach who can help you in this area.

3. Eat with a plan. When you reach the Fall and your offseason you know that you will be navigating the dietary minefield of the upcoming holiday. By having a plan of you can stay ahead of the game. I recommend spending a few hours each Sunday stocking your kitchen with healthy foods and planning your menu for the upcoming week. When you plan ahead and are prepared you are less likely to fall in to the food traps the holidays can bring and lose the progress you made throughout the season.

Fall can be a treat for the senses: the crisp air, apple picking, pumpkin carving, a gorgeous canopy of fall foliage, and the crunch of leaves underfoot. It can also be a time of rest and relaxation. By employing a few of these strategies you can enjoy the offseason without sacrificing the gains you made during the season.

Kristen is currently a full-time triathlon coach, personal trainer, and kid wrangler. Her love and passion for the sport can be seen in many aspects of her life- as a competitor, coach, and fitness writer. Kristen races in sprint to iron distance races, 5K's to marathons and is the founder of Moms Who TRI (Train Race Inspire). She holds a Masters in Administration as well as a degree in Sports Medicine and a degree in Education with a Kinesiology focus. She is a Nationally Certified Athletic Trainer and Certified USA Triathlon. For more information about Moms Who TRI, visitwww.momswhoTRI.com. 

Blogs & Thoughts

women's blogs and their form of "art"....

http://www.superherolife.com/good-things/

http://kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com/

http://planetsark.com/

http://mightygirl.com/mighty-life-list/

I think my creative self comes out more in down times...working full-time can suck some of my life out...in that way; although I consider my work at the hospital as art as I document (write about others' experiences & information/details), meet with families (create experience), follow & adhere to system rules & protocols (systemic work), be a broker with patients & facilities (an in-between within paths) and minister to my co-workers (creating relationships along with new parts of myself).  But when I stop, explore others' blogs or speak with you and other strong & brave women, I am enlightening and more acutely aware of my own thoughts, opinions and feelings. Each person brings out a part of myself that create more of me.  I think that is why reading Scripture is so important as much as I do not do this - b/c it influences my thoughts, choices and actions just as those conversations with others shape me.  Think about who you speak with the most including God...how much are you shaped or swayed by others (not necessarily a bad thing when you take the best out of each conversation you have).

Fall Festival - Ian's School

This year we had great fun at the Fall Festival at Ian's school!! We made a family scarecrow which was wayyy fun!

Birth Announcement :)

Here is one of the birth announcements we will be sending out at some point in the near future...

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

Trunk or Treat - Fall Fest @ TCC

Love this Idea!! - But here is what we did this year!

Source: itswrittenonthewalls.blogspot.com via Melanie on Pinterest

YEAR 32

I've heard that imitation is the best form of flattery & it is something that I do take from others. Thus, I will flatter a blogger that I enjoy reading (www.martawrites.com) - she is a new momma with her second boy - just as I will be soon & she embraces life as it comes. She is a graphic design person and I've found that I love looking at other people's works of art - although my work of art is in working with people and in conversations & perceptions. I've snipped portions of her latest post b/c it totally applies to me as well & she ironically just turned 32 as well!)

birthdays are my favorite time to resolve to be a new, shiny person.

am planning toenjoy the best things in life.
figure out how to get this baby weight off.
(any good workout tunes suggestions?)
care more about what i put into my body.
it'll be the last one for a long time.
am hoping to write in my blog or my notebook a lot more often.
more lunches with mark.
more long chats with "sisters" on the phone.
less time in front of the tv (we do this pretty well already).
more eating good healthy breakfasts.
finding opportune times to exercise.
will try not to avoid hard tasks.
i hope to be the type of person i hope my kids will be.
discipline with a lot of love.
go on more date nights! (try new restaurants!)
eat excellent desserts.
bathe in bubble baths.
feel less guilty about what i haven't gotten to yet.
participate in some kind of athletic event with friends on their bucket lists.  (totally all mine)
support mark in all of his!
learn a new skill: renegade sewing perhaps?  (again totally mine)
find ways to make someone smile.
build family traditions.
celebrate holidays!
be optimistic!
remember to read scriptures and apply them to my life.
start handmade christmas gifts early (like now).
try hard to remember others and serve them.
pray and communicate with God.
be kinder and ready to listen.
make others feel important.
live without regret.
be genuine.
be more obedient in God's calling for my life and mission.  (always a tough one)
make good decisions. (be more decisive!!) & intentional
make time to write sincere thank you notes.
enjoy this new season of life without fear or regreat & embrace this time.  (me again)

to my Little Man (Ian) & to my Little Babe (?)

dearest Ian,
you've grown so much over this last year, it's hard to recognize you sometimes. you've become quite the awesome little man and so much like your daddy.  you love to play with your cars and to make sure that most things can fly.  you are protective of your kitties and trying to be nice to them rather than yelling at them and chasing them off.  you realize that there is something happening in mommy and that your baby brother will be coming soon.  you are quite excited.  you seem to think that each meal we have will have dessert and although we try to steer you otherwise...it's not quite working out so well.  we hope you will understand during this upcoming year as your baby brother is growing that you are very, very important to us and that even though we might need to give him attention - you will remain our little man. we love you so much and pray for you. we pray for you to grow up to know and love Jesus and that you will be confident in yourself and in what God will do in your life - trusting that He is in control.  we cannot express how proud we are of you and how much you make us laugh.  :) i have grown to love hearing you say mommy and mom and can't wait to hear this each morning and evening of each day.  your hugs and kisses are so precious and priceless to us.

love momma

dearest little babe,
although we have not seen you yet, nor have we named you...we are so excited to meet you and mommy is very protective and aware of you. we are so proud of you before we have even met you. we want you to know that you are so special to us and that we are attempting to prepare for you and to hope that we can be our best with you and for you. God has His own plan for you and you will have your own personality we are sure, but we hope that we can adjust and love you to the best of our ability.  we aren't sure if your hair will be brown or blond...eyes blue, green or both or if you will have your daddy's ears or your mommy's nose. you will be distinct in and of yourself. we pray you will follow God and know and love Jesus just as we pray for Ian.  we hope you will enjoy your big brother and can become great friends in the years to come.

all our love little babe,
mommy

what I've learned....from martawrites.com

when your bundle arrives,
hold out your arms and whisper, here we go. 
welcome to one of life's great adventures.

i have learned that your baby will love you and need you like nothing you've ever known. i have learned that you don't need to hear a thank you from your tiny one; their contented face is enough. i have learned there is nothing more peaceful than a baby sleeping, and you will run and leap like a leopard to answer your blaring phone in fear the baby will wake up. i have learned to trust my instincts. i have learned to let my husband help out, a lot. even from the first moments, and i'm so glad i did. i have learned to nap when the baby naps. am still doing it, every chance i get. i have learned that babies will figure out their days and nights and eventually they sleep through the nights too. consistency is everything. still, babies go through phases. i have learned to be flexible.

i have learned that you do not need every cool gadget on the market. we borrowed a lot and postponed buying things too. i have learned to be more patient, with feedings and diaper changes and outfit changes and attempting to have a life on the side... embrace the changes. every time benji and i got up at three in the morning, i would tell myself, this situation won't last forever, this is our special time together to get to know each other.i have learned that boxing up all of my cute regular-sized-clothes and not bringing them back out until benji was seven months old was a very very good thing. stretchy pants to the rescue. let me just say, those first days are not pretty. you will have no time to look in the mirror. still, you glow, even though you don't realize it. and thankfully, everyone is looking at your baby, not you.everything will work out with time. your body will eventually stop aching and you will recognize it again someday.

the main thing i've learned is how much a baby changes you. you will grow and bloom and become more than you thought you could be. suddenly you will be up for the challenge, no matter how difficult the challenge may be. all because you have given birth to a new purpose in life. you will now understand why your mother was always so worried about you. you will understand why your dad spent all that extra time with you. you will know what love feels like. you will check on your baby sleeping in the nursery, just to see him again. you won't be able to get enough of him. they call 'em bundles of love because really truly they are bundled up with surprises. it will surprise you how much you laugh. it will surprise you how much you smile. it will surprise you to see their personality unfold. it will surprise you how much they will teach you about life.

31 Things Learned at 31

In no particular order.....
1) 30's really are better than 20's emotionally
2) yep your body really does change after 30
3) intense grief can create intense growth
4) loss in this life becomes gain in the next
5) just because "I know" & think "it's not about me" my own tendency is to bring it back around to me
6) pride & humility are my continual battle ground
7) obedience - especially in a move, makes a huge difference & brings significance
8) my word "Mission" - is to love people, although this year I have been the one whose felt loved
9) moving forward & looking forward really does help the present --> I just can't forget to "be" present
10) "career" is a word that doesn't make much sense to me - I'm a personality, have & seek a purpose, work for God
11) I still have many questions - but I know eventually I'll live into the answers
12) God does "give much" & takes away too - for our benefit
13) true friends are ok with distance & your known faults...and love & pursue you anyway
14) THIS IS A SEASON
15) I really don't need to subscribe to magazines - only buy the ones I really want at the time I'll actually read them
16) couponing is slightly, well stressful! but does feel like Black Friday deals with each Ad
17) I like my hair short
18) a child does need discipline, boundaries & hilariously fun moments & rituals
19) pushing through my anxiety really does pay off
20) training for a race is really more about consistency than speed or outcome - it's the journey
21) pregnancy mellows you & forces you to recognize you are not in control nor were you really ever, you give yourself more grace & allow yourself to rest (& so do others)
22) with a spouse & a child you can really never just think about yourself
23) doing something on your bucket list may inspire others
24) my favorite words: abandon, surrender, allow, opportunity, grace, WOW!
25) selling a house (preparing it, is so totally stressful & freeing at the same time)
26) buying a house creates excitement & total uncertainty
27) Mark & are at our best when we serve one another without expectation
28) NOT being the preferred parent is hard but I am to love him anyway like God loves me
29) you can only go so long out of Bible study before your attitude gets sour
30) God does surprise me - I thought for sure part-time & He gave me full-time and I've loved it
31) I am so blessed to have both my parents living & time with my grandma is very important

Right Now...

> a bit scared about delivering baby early (just not quite ready although I guess as ready as I might be anyway
   : wanting to be able to just be at the hospital already and not have to travel in there...30-35 min drive
   : hoping my water doesn't break in public or in my own bed...would rather just be working in hospital already again
    : wishing I could eat consistently enough and healthy enough to just let go the fear of puking during labor
    : I'm about done with the having to the bathroom every 15 minutes
> too tired to care at times about what is happening around me
> wanting to soak up and remember all that Ian is doing
   : his favorite colors - blue & green
   : his favorite words - rhyming anything...blue, glue, baby, laby, silly goose, silly moose
   : his favorite fruit - blueberries
   : some favorite toys - anything CARS, legos
   : favorite activity - running around & biking
   : his loves dessert way too much for my taste and always wants to ask for it
> cleaning occupies a large portion of my brain (I like to feel clean and uncluttered)
> house hunting - we are eyeing one particular house but there are still things to consider & people to speak with
> reading God's Word - eating up my curiousity about certain verses, topics and names (their meanings)

Wanting to begin a Christmas list....
* This December Daily Kit  $89
* this shampoo & conditioner that I was able to experience at Kingsgate Marriott Hotel over our Anniversay (Bath & Body Works - Citrus Ginger) -- want big bottles $10