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...