Christmas Wishes....

Hello Bloggy Buddies....

Just wanted to take a minute to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy and Healthy New Year too!  Enjoy the holidays as much as you can. We prepare so long and so hard for just a few short hours. Really take the time to relax and savor the moments. I know I am going to this year : ) I am going to be taking a bloggy break next week as I know most of you are too. I think we all need to spend a little quality time with our families.

So, have a blessed Christmas and be thankful for your health and your happiness....

Almost Wordless Wednesday...

My baking partner....he was eating more than he was helping : )

Miscellany Monday.....

Only 5 shopping days left until Christmas. Seems like that is all I heard this weekend. Yes, retailers, we know how to read the calendar. Thanks for the update : )  Our weekend was pretty good. Good enough for me to have some Monday random musings from the happenings....



ONE. This past Friday night was my annual cookie exchange with my girlfriends. We spend the days before baking tons of cookies. We bring a dozen for each person at the exchange and then come home with that many different cookies. This year we ordered hot food for dinner and cracked open some wine. It was so great to just have some adult conversation and relax. With the stress of the holidays, I feel like we never enjoy it as much as we should. And this was a great way to start enjoying the season.

Baking preparations....

I made 3 different types of cookies...

The thing is this....what am I now going to do with 10 dozen cookies??

TWO. One more thing about the cookie exchange. I got together with the girls at 7:30pm. I was home around 11:30pm. But I was the first one to leave the party (I had my mom at home babysitting). And of course, the 'mom guilt' sets in. Do you all feel like you are always watching the clock?? I feel like I can never truly enjoy myself no matter what I am doing. But I think that the mom guilt needs to go away. Because it seems like there is never any 'dad' guilt!!!

THREE. I also got to spend time with one of my best friend's this weekend. We grew up together and have been friends forever. We have been there to support one another through good times and bad. The thing is, we now have different lives. I am married, staying at home and raising a family. She is single and working in NYC. We don't really get to spend alot of time together for that reason. But after visiting with her, it makes me realize, now matter how different your worlds are, if a friend is a true friend, they will always be around : )

FOUR. This was the conclusion last night of my weekend....

Have a great day everyone......

Phone Photo Friday...

I have finally come into the year 2010 just as it is going to be leaving!! I am probably the only person in the world who has never sent a cell phone picture to their email or computer. It is not that I couldn't figure it out, I just never really say down and thought about it. My phone is loaded with pictures and videos. Most of which are Lego videos that Christopher is making as he plays. Or pictures of gum on the floor from a store in the mall. Well, my friend Shannon over at Webbisodes has been hosting this linky for quite some time and I have yet to participate. So, today, Shannon, as my Christmas gift to you, I am linking up!! Yeah!




Here is what shopping with Anthony is like. He needs not one, not two, but three lollipops in the store to keep quiet. The joys of holiday shopping....

Happy Friday everyone....

Ornament Exchange....

I have to tell you all, I have been so excited these last few days. The mail comes and I love to open cards. The UPS guy delivers packages and it makes me think we are getting closer and closer to Christmas! Well, I got something very special in the mail this week. It was my ornament from the ornament exchange that I participated in with Shannon and Karen.





Both lovely ladies put this together and I knew I had to join in the fun. The best part is that they paired we with someone great. Her name is Jamie and she is from From High Heels to Sneakers. We have so much in common it is actually scary. I think that is why we were partnered together. Her hubby's name is Chris, just like mine. She has two boys, just like me. And their names are Christopher and Antonio, similar to my Christopher and Anthony. I got to know her a bit these last two weeks and I am looking forward to learning more about her and her family. Anyway, here is the beautiful ornament that she sent me.

The packaging is beautiful....

It is so festive.....

And just perfect for the boys' Christmas picture!

Yes, we finally put up our tree last night. Better late than never : ) And it is still missing the Angel topper (so stop judging me). The tree was too tall so the hubs needs to cut the top a bit. It is worth the wait just for the smell....

Thanks to Shannon and Karen for a fun time....

Almost Wordless Wednesday...

What a difference a day makes!

Then....

Now....



Miscellany Monday...

Happy Monday bloggy buddies! Hope everyone had a great weekend and got some shopping, wrapping, baking or crafting done. I have to say, I did not do much myself. The hubs went away Friday night and came home late Saturday night so it was just me and the kiddos. We kind of just relaxed and spent time together. We were going to get our Christmas tree on Sunday when Chris was home, but it rained the entire day. And it is supposed to rain Monday and Tuesday. Are we ever going to get a tree???

And now for a few random musings....



ONE. The rocker. I actually spoke of my rocker a few weeks ago and named it as one of the places in my home that I am most thankful for. It is where I have spend many a nights and made many a memories with both of my boys. Well, the rocker has been putting me to sleep. Literally. These last few days when I am sitting with Anthony to put him down for a nap or at bedtime, I fall asleep. Even if it is for 2 minutes, I can't seem to keep my eyes open. Am I just that exhausted?? I can see now why my kiddos have always loved to sit in it : )

TWO. Do I look like a bad mom? Do my kids look like they are neglected? Why is it that strangers find it necessary to comment on my parenting skills? Seems like this happens to me quite a bit. Over the weekend we were on line at Michael's and the kids were asking for candy (of course it is so strategically placed at the cashwrap). Anthony was picking up every one and could not decide what he wanted. The woman on line behind me says "don't buy him the Skittles, they are bad for your teeth. Too much sugar. You should go with the chocolate."  I just looked at her. Who the heck are you lady?? I will buy my kid any kind of candy I want. Mind your business. And the kicker is, her teeth were horrible....I think maybe she had eaten too many Skittles!!

THREE. I am having one of those months. A month where you just can't stand the way you look and you hate your hair. I am going to let it grow out and this in-between stage is just horrible. I either like my hair really long or really short. I am not one that is attached to their hair. I can cut it any way or color it any color and I am always open to something new. Change is good. So, I think I am going to have to do something with the color since I really don't want to cut it. Maybe pink?? Could you imagine...the hubs would die...LOL! I will let you know what I decide.

Have a great day...

The stockings were hung...

Yes...the stockings are hung by the chimney with care. Well, maybe not. We do not have a chimney so the railing is going to have to do..LOL! I had purchased some really cute gingerbread fabric a few weeks ago. My intention was to use the fabric to make bags to store cookies for the cookie exchange that I participate in every year. But, I know I am not going to have the time to make 10 crafty sacs before Christmas. So, I decided that Chris and I needed new stockings. We had stockings that I had just painted our names on many years ago. These were pretty old...and cheesy. I thought the fabric would be great for making some new ones.

You can see the old stockings in the background behind my elf...

I actually used part of the old stockings to make the new ones....

I tried to make the hubby's a little more masculine by adding the brown ric rac. Mine is a little softer with the lace.

Now Santa will know just where to bring the presents....

I am linking my stockings up over at my friends Allie's. Stop by and check out some other crafty ladies.

Have a great weekend....

Almost Wordless Wednesday....

Elf in training....

Home Tour Tuesday - Holiday Decorations

I have to say, I am kind of glad I have been participating in alot of these great linky parties lately. With the craziness of the Holiday season, it makes blogging a little easier. With that said, it is time for Home Tour Tuesday - Holiday Decorations and a Holiday recipe.





We are a little behind this year on the decorating front. I don't know why, but we just are. So I don't have too much to show you. I also decided to scale back a bit this year because of Anthony. He is into everything and I just figured that I would make my life easier and not put out all of the breakable items. So, here we go....

This is the outside. The hubby is in charge of the outside and I do the inside. We actually have really cute twinkling star lights hanging from the roof, but they had already gone off (they are on a timer so I don't forget to shut them at night) when I went out to take the picture.

Note, we ran out of lights for the tall shrub to the right of the door. Hubs is going to get another set tonight : )

This is my living room window...

This is the entry way. We usually hang our stockings here on the railing since we do not have a fireplace or mantel. I didn't get to that yet though...LOL! I used fake garland this year and then I wrapped lights around it.

I try to make it feel festive by adding snowflakes and bows to things...

Note - the replica wedding dress in my curio..I just love this. I was my favorite gift at my bridal shower :)

Yes, the candle holders are missing candles. It is on my to do list!

I decided to place the plush things on the living room table so that my lovely children did not break anything.

Now, you are wondering where the heck is my Christmas tree?? Well, it is not up yet. We get a real tree and don't like to put it up too far ahead of Christmas. The hubs thinks it will catch fire...LOL! When we do put it up, I will be sure to post a picture.

On to the Holiday recipe. Of course when we think of Christmas we think of cookies. Well, every year I do a cookie exchange with my girlfriends. It is alot of fun to get together, have a drink, eat and just enjoy the season. So, I am going to share my 'Monster Cookie' recipe. I usually make this cookie for the exhchange. But I might switch things up a bit this year and so something different. But these cookies are just so yummy!

Ingredients
3 eggs
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (12-ounc) jar creamy peanut butter
1 stick butter, softened
1/2 cup multi-colored chocolate candies
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup raisins, optional
2 teaspoons baking soda
4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant)


Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats. In a very large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and sugars. Mix well. Add the salt, vanilla, peanut butter, and
butter. Mix well. Stir in the chocolate candies, chocolate chips, raisins, if using, baking soda, and oatmeal.


Drop by tablespoons 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.


Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Do not overbake. Let stand for about 3 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool. When cool, store in large resealable plastic bags.

Serves: 3 dozen

 

Miscellany Monday...

Okay...it is the start of a new week and just 19 more shopping days until Christmas!! Yikes...time is flying by so quickly. I have so much to do...I shouldn't even be on the computer...LOL! Presents to buy and wrap, decorating to finish and cookies to bake..oh, my! If anyone knows any elves, please send them my way. I could really use them about now. On to some randomness for this Monday.....




ONE. My life just may have gotten alot easier!! Over the last few days my little Anthony has peed on the potty 5 times!! Yes, you  heard me right. He just turned 20 months and I think we starting to train already. This is a miracle. Christopher was pee trained by 3 and poop by around 3 and a half. Yes, I guess boys are later. But if Anthony is serious about this, I will be in heaven. He watches Christopher go and tells me 'potty'. I really didn't want to put him on there thinking it was a waste of time. But I figured let me just do it and see. Of course there are plenty of times I put him on there and nothing happens, but then there have been the few times that he went. It is actually really cute to watch him do it since he is so little. I am hoping that this continues. So, thank you Elmo potty seat.

TWO. I had a little bit of a mental breakdown over the weekend. I think that just feeling so overwhelmed with the Holidays and just everyday life, I needed a good cry. My hubby, just like most, can sometimes get on my nerves. And the kids can get to be a handful too. It is alot. I have to say, being a SAHM, is way harder than I ever thought it would be. It is mentally and emotionally draining sometimes. Life was much easier when I got up, go dressed and hopped on the train into NYC and went to work : ). I think that sometimes we start to lose who we are as a person and get caught up in the wife and mother role. So, I am going to try and just put it in perspective and work on not getting so stressed about the little things. I am very blessed with a happy and healthy family and that is all that matters : ). Please, someone, remind me of that again in a few days.

THREE. Well, there is no stress that can't be cured with a little shopping. As I was buying some presents for others, I saw these really cute rain boots from Coach. Do I really need rain boots? No. But what the heck, it is Christmas and I deserve it. They were on sale for $59 and I had a 25% off coupon!! How can you beat that??

Mail....

I have been checking my mailbox everyday for the last few weeks like a little kid. I had ordered a vintage dress form to place next to my sewing machine and it has finally arrived. Yeah!! It was only $20 from http://www.ltdcommodities.com/. What a bargain, right? I have always had a thing with forms....I guess because I worked in visual merchandising and was always dressing windows. I think she looks nice next to my sewing maching and maybe she will give me some inspiration : )

By the way, when I put it together Christopher asked "where is her head?" Kids are too funny.

I have been working on a few Christmas gifts and a birthday present for my friend. I thought I would show you another apron I made last week. I know, you are sick of aprons by now. But I think they are so cute and I think everyone should have one! Oh, and my new form serves another purpose....she can be my model.

I am going to link this up over at my friend Allie's. Check out her site for lots of other crafty ladies : )

Okay...now on to weekend of decorating and shopping. Enjoy...

Almost Wordless Wednesday...

Snuggling on the den couch before bed...

Home Tour Tuesday....My Peaceful Place

It is Tuesday again and time for another edition of.......






This week the theme is 'My Peaceful Place.' I am not going to lie, I really don't have too many places in my home that are considered to be 'peaceful.' With 2 kids and a hubby, does any mom ever truly have peace? Sometimes I wish I did have a place where I could just escape it all. But, the reality of it is, this hectic life is mine and without the noise and craziness, I wouldn't be happy : )

So, here are two place that I like to relax. And you have already seen them both. The first is outside in our yard. We have a really nice, big pond in the back with koi fish. I love to sit outside, especially at night, and just listen to the sound of the water. Of course, my hubby did all of the landscaping and did the pond from scratch and that makes it more special. I can't find the rest of pics, so this will have to do. And I can't take a picture now as it is covered in leaves...LOL!

I bought this lounger over the summer. The pic above is the stock picture. I guess I never got around to taking photos of my own. But I love to sit here, next to the pond, and just relax.

The second place I like to go to escape is here....

This is my sewing area. When I am down here, I am alone. No kids and no hubby. It is quiet and I can just sit and create. Here is where is truly is the most 'peaceful.'

But, someday I told my hubby I want this....

A cozy little cottage in the woods. Just for me. Obviously that is not me in the picture, but I can see myself standing out front, couldn't you? This would really be my 'peaceful' place.

 

Have a great day....