Candy Sleds/Santa Sleighs

I learned how to make these from my Mother-in-law, Donna. They are super easy, and when you attach a cute " to: from: " tag to them, they really cute-up a Christmas present.

Grab your glue gun.

Candy: Mini candy bars, Hershey Kisses, & Gum

Ta Da!

If I had been on my game, I would have glittered the gum packs silver...

Just add a tag and adhere to your wrapped package. Kids love this stuff. :)

Stuff ...

These two ornaments are the most special I have on the tree. These are the very first that Caeden has made, and I think about years from now, when we're decorating the tree together, I can say, "Oh, Caeden! You made these when you were 3 years old. Your favorite part was putting salt on the candy cane..." Perhaps I'll even be teary-eyed as I say it.

What? He won't help me with the tree but instead will be attached to the newest version of today's Wii??

Well, I will still love pulling them out and thinking about his hands (which still have dimples on them) making his very first ornaments.

I am all geared up for next year's macaroni chain!

Speaking of Christmas, I came across some great tags (FREE!) for wrapping presents- just print and use. How cool is that?

And, look here for great Christmas craft ideas. I did the bottle cap magnets last year and they turned out great.

In other news, our home builder is on it's last leg. Last stump of a leg. They filed bankruptcy last month and it looks like they not make it through this economy.

Take a look at this: Too many liens on property

I wonder whether we will ever be able to move from this place. :(

Caeden's Christmas Concert

Very Far Right. Cream Sweater.


Our sweet little man. He didn't sing, not one tiny bit, but he looked adorable just sitting there. :)


Caeden looking at his friend, as his friend sang "One Little Angel."

The look on Caeden's face: "Really? You are going to sing this stuff?"


Proud as can be after it was all over.

Caeden and his buddy, T.

Caeden, Papa, Claire & Mimi.

As you can tell, Caeden had his Christmas Program this morning. It was his Preschool class, Young Pre-K, and Pre-K. They sang Christmas songs and even had some cute gestures to go along with them. Super cute. Mom said she was going to cry...so I peeked at her during the show, and there she was, crying ... right along with me. It was just so sweet to hear all those precious children singing their little hearts out. And Caeden, who doesn't like music or singing, sat there so patiently while it was all going on around him. It was funny to see (although I was secretly hoping he would sing just a little) that his personality doesn't change at school.

Now it is officially Christmas break. Caeden is off until January and we're busy getting ready for company. Nik and John will be here Saturday. Can't wait!!

Day 2 of Project Sugar Cookie

Caeden did it all ... mixed the colors ... spread the frosting on the cookies ... added some goodies on top ... and then dug in. :) What a fun morning!

Here is my recipe for frosting. I love almond extract, so that's what I use to flavor it, but if you don't, just use more vanilla extract. I love this recipe because the frosting stays shiny, but it "sets" nicely - while still leaving the inside soft. Perfection!

Favorite Icing for Sugar Cookies

2 C powered sugar, sifted
2 TBSP softened butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla
3/4 tsp. almond extract
1 egg white (this is what makes it shiny)
1/4 C. milk

Combine egg and milk. Set aside.
Beat sugar, butter, and flavorings together.
Add small amount of milk mixture until icing is the consistency you like.
Tint with colors.

Sugar Cookies ... Kinda

Today was sugar cookie day. I really thought Caeden would love to use the cookie cutters. Uhhh, that would be false. What he did love, however, was using the cookie dough as construction material to make 1) hospital 2) cars 3) rocks for trucks to haul

Cookie cutter ... or something for the tractor to tackle?

Caeden stayed busy all morning with that pile of dough and flour. What a mess ... but what a happy little guy!


P.S. If you have ever wondered what would happen if you forgot to put sugar into the dough ... and then added it at the last minute. Not pretty, but tastes the same. Hopefully a big dollop of frosting will hide the flaws. The second batch, in which the sugar was remembered at the right step, look perfect!

Getting Caught up on the Days of December Album

I cannot get OVER how much Caeden has grown!

Here is my sister and my Grams at Aunt Lyndee's house last Christmas. Grams died right before Claire was born earlier this year. I still haven't written on this page (hence the blank, blue label) because I just can't bring myself to think about it. I miss her so much.

Last year's front door.

Subject Change:

Also, came across this site on Etsy: Elsie Rub Ons. The welcome home one is just awesome - I also love "x" marks the spot, too. These are vinyl, and peel on and off with ease. Super cute.

Countdown Til' ...

This year I stamped our Monograms onto tags and tied them on the kids' Christmas tree (upstairs, by their bedrooms).

Their tree is my favorite. I started decorating one for Caeden and haven't stopped. All the ornaments are red, white, and green. I have tons of pictures hanging from frames (found a Pottery Barn Kids). I always pick up more after the holidays for the next year ...

It is precious to look at the tree and see how big Caeden has gotten ...

And how our family keeps growing ...

Subject Change:

Caeden is trying hard to wrap his head around time and dates. He'll say, "I liked the spagetti we had last year for dinner." -- Meaning, last night.

Or, "Grandpa and Grandma will be here in 10 months?" -- Meaning, days.

So, today I printed off a blank December calendar that we are going to decorate when he gets home from school that we can mark off each day - to help him with today, tomorrow, next week, etc. Not sure why I didn't think of that before...

Off to Caeden's Christmas party ... I hope the kids like the candy cane reindeer and don't eat me alive. :)

Lazy Sunday

We discovered window markers at Micheal's Craft Store today ...

Tried to stay warm by drinking lots of coffee (me), tea (Wayne), & taking baths (Caeden).

How many monster trucks does it take to coerce little boy into the bath?

13.

Tonight the low is 0 degrees (but it is -2 right now??) and tomorrow the high is 23. I think winter is finally here.

Oh! We watched Dark Knight last night with surround sound. It was fabulous - both the movie and the sound. I'll say it again, thank you Wayne!!

Saturday Night Surfing

The kids are in bed ... Wayne is getting our speakers hooked up and figured out (yay!). A movie in surround sound is BETTER than going to a movie (imo). The general public drive me crazy. Crazy with their cell phones that have screens brighter than my flash light. Crazy with their chomping of popcorn. CHOMP CHOMP CHOMP. Crazy with wrappers unwrapping contraband candy that they snuck in (there is a reason all the of candy sold at the movie theater is in boxes, people.).

So.

The surround sound thing at home is huge for me. Thank you, Wayne. My tech-savvy husband will get a free pass from tearing my house apart as he installed the speakers. I be lovin' you, honey!

Anyway, so while all of this is going on, I am surfing the web, looking for things to buy that I know I won't. Look at this dress. LOVE this dress from Boden.

And then I came across this site: 10 Pieces Every Mom Needs in Their Wardrobe.
How sad is it that I have only 25% of that list???! Apparently, I need to stop buying Baby Lulu clothing for Claire and pony up for some decent clothes for myself. That little girl out grows million dollar outfits weekly.

Then I went here -- A Dinner Party Blog and found a recipe for some yummy parmesan-black pepper popcorn. YUM! I think I will make a batch when family comes to town.

Then, I went to Karen Russell's website to inquire on photography classes. I signed up, only to learn I am #325 on the waiting list. Nice. I'll be sure to hold my breath for that.

Off to find something to eat. Wouldn't it be nice to live in NYC and be able to have anything you wanted delivered? I love how everything is casually take-out (not just greasy Chinese food, you know?).

Craft Time

I am in charge of the preschool Christmas craft on Monday and decided on candy cane reindeer. Easy for 3 year olds. Maybe I will have them make one of the gang, and one of Rudolph with his red nose.

This is the craft I would really like to do (mini versions in mason jars):But it's too hard for little fingers. Maybe next year! Found the idea on Martha's website, of course.

Day 12: Mom baking her Almond Cherry Bread.

What a Difference a Year Makes

Here is Caeden - a year to the day we were making the exact cookies. I cannot believe how much he has changed. Wow.

Look Who is Sitting Up

Claire is 6 1/2 months and has decided it is time to see the world from another vantage point.

She can sit long enough for me to take a few pictures, but then I am diving to catch her as she starts to wobble. No babies were harmed in the creation of these pictures, I promise.

This one is so sweet because Caeden was sitting beside her (with a large booger that he refused to wipe from his nose - hence, not in the picture) and sneaked in to grab her hand.
"Look Mommy, I love baby Claire."
Awww, should have snapped that picture with him, booger and all.


Day 11: Caeden and Wayne playing on Christmas Morning

Treat Idea

I totally stole this idea from here: Stacy

Caeden will be taking them to his Preschool class on Friday (Christian school).

Basically you package up some red and green M&M's to give as gifts. Attach this poem:

Red is for Christ's Love and Green Eternal Life. But wait, before you eat ... turn each candy to reveal a special treat ... the 'M' becomes a 'W' ... an 'E' ... and then, the number '3.'

These candies tell the Christmas Story -- it's very plain to see.

The 'M' is for the Manger, where Baby Jesus slept that night.
The 'E' is for the East, where the star shone so bright.
'W' is the Wonder of Angels and the shepards that came.
And '3' is for the Wisemen bearing gifts to honor His name.

As you eat these candies and share them with your friends, remember the meaning of Christmas and the JOY that never ends.

Day 10: Playing in the snow

Ice Wreath

Now, for all of you living in balmy weather, this is an absurd idea (unless you hung it in your freezer ...).

BUT, for the rest of us, freezing never looked so good! I found the idea here.

There is no such thing as a Candy Cane Quota

I'm worried about our Christmas tree. It doesn't have enough candy on it.

"Hmmmm .... this tree is candy cane lacking."

Each branch needs at least 4 0r 5, no?


There. Perfect.

Cold and Flu Season

Caeden came home from school yesterday and promptly got sick all over the living room sofa. So, into the tub he went - I was a bit over-attentive, and getting on his nerves.

"Mom, I need you to leave."
"Why?"
"Just go cook something in the kitchen."

He was up in the night not feeling so hot, Claire was up (of course) and I so I am really glad we are snowed in today. No where to go. No reason to get dressed. And, hopefully, I can convince him to nap when Claire does so I can scrub the house with Clorox.

Day 9: Last year, Caeden *really* wanted this cement truck for Christmas. The look on his face when he upwrapped it was precious. Totally excited and thrilled. Genuine happiness that made us puff up with pride that we delivered on his big wish.

Another Monday ...

Wayne and Caeden were in SD all weekend, so Claire and I baked up a storm. We made Cherry Bread, and three different cookies:

Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies (The dough smelled awful, so I thought this cookie was going to be gross. Wrong. They are SO good. Cookie exchange good. Make. every. single. year. good. That Martha knows what she is doing!)

Pecan Praline Cookies (I think the frosting turned out too sweet)

Chewy Orange Almond Cookies (didn't add the anise to it; these are a holiday favorite around here. Soft and chewy, and the orange zest makes me think they belong in the health category of fruits, not cookies.)


And, the best part? I only tried the Gingerbread ones. The others all went into the freezer for Christmas. How is THAT for self-control?

In other news, Day 8 of the December countdown. This is Caeden getting off the Ferris Wheel after riding it all by himself.


It feels great to have Caeden home again. I picked him up from the airport this morning and he ran to me and wrapped his little arms and legs around me ... I could have breathed in his smell all morning. Now, we're home, and already reality has set it. The kitchen is full of crumbs, my bathtub full of toys and shaving cream, cartoons are on TV, and my heart rate is slightly elevated from running up and down the stairs trying to get Claire to sleep while keeping Caeden entertained. Yup, back to reality.

Santa Claus

Caeden was so excited to see Santa this year. He ran up to him and gave him a hug!
As soon as he got on his lap, he started talking about the silver monster truck that he wants (with an extra tire, please). Santa asked if there was anything else he wanted ...." Uh, no."

When Caeden got up to leave, he said, "Merry Christmas, Santa." That just about broke me! Such a sweetie - and so fun that he is at the age to get it - and believe in the magic of it all.

Can't really see the picture that well, but it's the stocking line up at Dave and Donna's house.