My house got run over by a reindeer

Christmas has come and gone and now my household is a wreck. Will stray decorations ever go back in the boxes? I feel maybe my elf is distressed with all the Christmas spirit leaving our home, so he is putting decorations in random places.

How often must I reopen a box or run another item to storage?

I'll tell you something, if putting away the decorations was as much fun as decorating, I would go all out for every holiday. Unfortunately, for me that isn't the case, but definitely worth the effort for the joys of the next year.

Live Without Fear

It's been so interesting (and a little sad in some cases) to see how people are reacting to the "12-21-12" phenomenon... For me, it's been a good opportunity to talk to my kids about *not* living in fear, and not allowing fear to rule their lives.

Rumors of threats at schools Friday had them questioning whether they wanted to go today.

"There are no guarantees in life," I told them, "Something can happen anytime, anywhere, and no one ever knows what tomorrow will bring."

Although the rumors are hopefully just that, SAISD and the San Angelo Police Department are being proactive by placing patrol officers at every campus- even elementary schools.

What does sending them to school teach them? Maybe nothing.

And, of course I pray for their safety, as I do every day...

But, hopefully it will teach them to rise above their fears, live life to the fullest, and never let anyone's words bully them into cowering in their home.

12-21-12 is the last day of school before Christmas Break! Enjoy it~ Lol, it's the last break "we" get for two weeks ;) 

Have a great day!

Contest Announcement!

Well, I was planning to do a big, fun contest during our Blog Blast, but I have been sick! So instead, we're going to go the easy (boring) route and just do a random drawing.

Two winners will get to have their pictures taken with Santa at Sunset Mall!

Just write your name in a comment below. All names will be entered into randompicker.com, and two will be randomly selected. Winners must be followers of SanAngeloMoms.com, and the SanAngeloMoms Blog ("Like" the Facebook page, and "Join" the Blog).

Submissions will be taken until Friday, 12/21 at 9:00 a.m. Winners will be announced at noon on Friday.

Good Luck!

Baby's Health Alert: It's RSV Season

Facts about RSV:  What is it and how is it different from the common cold?  

Flu season brings along with it another thing for Moms to worry about.  Most of us have heard of RSV, but aren't quite sure what the deal is.  Is this something I should be afraid of?  What should I do if my baby is exposed to RSV?  What if my baby is diagnosed with RSV?  There are horror stories going around about serious illnesses and even deaths from RSV.  It’s important to get the facts before we panic! 

What is RSV?   RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is one of many viruses that (in MOST children) causes an upper respiratory infection = aka “the common cold.”  However, in babies who have chronic lung disease (CLD) or babies who were born prematurely (especially before 35 weeks gestation), it can cause serious illness.  It can cause pneumonia and is the leading cause of bronchiolitis (infection/inflammation of the small breathing tubes of the lungs). 

It’s transmitted just like the cold and flu – by direct contact or airborne droplets. 

As always the best way to prevent RSV is to stay away from other sick contacts, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, throwing away tissues, and good hand washing. 

Symptoms of RSV?  - Are the same as the common cold:  runny nose, cough, and fever.  Usually the cough gets worse.  In serious cases, the baby’s breathing will become rapid and difficult (especially in those high risk groups: preemies and CLD).  Sometimes, feeding/drinking can become difficult, because it just takes too much energy for these babies to suck or swallow & they can easily get dehydrated.  Be especially on the lookout for any bluish color around the lips or fingertips.  These are a bad sign that not enough oxygen is being delivered to the baby’s bloodstream. If your baby has this or any of the following symptoms, contact your Pediatrician right away or get to your nearest emergency room: breathing difficulties, baby is younger than 2-3 months and has fever or shows any signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, crying without tears or urinating less often. 

Treatment of RSV is usually treatment of the symptoms.  It is a virus, so it usually has to just run its course, but sometimes inhaled medications called bronchodilators are used to help open up the airways.  Sometimes, this is not much help for babies with RSV at all, and if they are very ill, they may need to be hospitalized for observation, oxygen, and IV fluids.  Antibiotics won’t work, because RSV is not a bacteria.  In general though, treating RSV is just like treating the cold:  supportive treatment.  Nasal saline washes, running cool mist humidifiers, fluids, rest and fever reducers as needed…..and, of course……..Mommy’s TLC!!!!

The Good News about RSV is that most kiddos are well their way to recovery in about a week and as your baby gets older, the less serious RSV is, because the airways get larger.  After about age 2, RSV presents as just the common cold in most kids. 

The Bad News about RSV is that in preemies and kiddos with CLD, it can be a precursor to and make asthma and other breathing problems worse.  And children with heart disease can especially have a hard time recovering. 

Bottom Line:  Prevention is the key.  No one can say it enough.  Your baby should avoid contact with other sick people, and everyone should be washing their hands frequently, especially after coughs and sneezes.  If your baby was born prematurely, there is a vaccine available, so talk to your Pediatrician about that. 

_________________________________________________________________________________

This post intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on SanAngeloMoms. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911."

Cancer survivor.... I think.

I just finished my chemo treatment for skin cancer two days ago and man was that a wild ride....

Six months ago I went into the dermatologist's office because I knew I had one cancer spot on my face. I knew it was cancer because it never healed... it would look like a pimple and then would crust over like a scab and bleed a little then repeat.... Well I had it for about 8 months before I knew myself it was cancer then I waited another 2 years to have it checked because... I was scared. dumb.

After I healed from my surgery I was told I needed to do chemo to kill all my pre-cancer. For one month I had to apply a topical chemo cream to my face once in the morning and then again at night before I went to bed. Nothing happened for about two weeks and then like some kind of evil magic I looked like I dumped hot oil on my face....

Welts started appearing on the sides of my nose first which wasn't too bad, it was like having a really bad cold and only having paper towels to wipe your nose with, but after the 3rd week I was in total pain. I am in no way complaining because I finished my treatment and am thankful that I caught it all before I had to have more surgeries to have it all removed.

I missed having my baby be able to touch my face and giving her kisses without fear of her touching this toxic cream and getting it on her face. The sun made me feel like a vampire!!! When the sun was directly on my face I literally was in pain like I would catch into a big mass of burning flames and turn into dust. I found myself vomiting and would get random nose bleeds. I was exhausted all the time and just didn't feel like myself which I of coarse expected to happen but things always stink a little more when your actually doing them instead of mentally preparing yourself for them =)

These "spots" or "scabs" look like severe acne from a distance and I have gotten so many disgusted looks and know people talk about me when I'm at the store... gives me a new perspective on people that look different that I see... I have always tried to be compassionate and not to stare and have taught my daughter to do the same though it's a very difficult thing for 2 year olds to do, lol.

I have had people tell me that I should wear makeup to cover it up so I don't scare children during my photo shoots but I can't because it can cause an infection..... through it all I kept a smile on my face.

Luckily for me I have a loving family and friends and wonderful clients that stood by my side and kept me incredibly busy the entire treatment time so I didn't have a chance to sit and dwell on everything and feel sorry for myself. I don't know what I would have done if I would have been left at home all day every day like I had planned when I first found out I had to do chemo. I have received many messages over my treatment coarse telling me of alternate treatments and how chemo is poison and can actually kill you faster than some of the organic remedies, though harsh I don't think my topical chemo is as hard core as the other types of chemo. And it got me thinking.... how does someone decide what to do?

My cancer was pretty easy to treat and made me funny looking but what does someone with liver cancer do? Someone with lung cancer? They know how harsh their treatments will be and that it could kill them... do they do chemo? Do they do the organic remedies and just hope that all the online research is true and that God will pull them through? I am a God fearing and loving woman but I'm not sure that I would be ok with just leaving my life up to this new research and prayers, as horrible as that sounds.

On one hand chemo has worked for some and on the other hand I have read endless testimonies about people dying from the chemo alone. I imagine doctors make a killing off of it too.... no pun intended. I had a checkup 2 days ago and my dr told me that she wants me to do another round of chemo in 2 months to make sure I have killed all the cancer on my face. If this doesn't work I will have surgery on my face yet again and I am very torn on how to feel about this.

I am facing at least a month of healing for these sores to heal and then I will have a burned/red look on my skin for about a year already.... I would like to hear your thoughts on this subject... am I really off??? But hey... I can hug and kiss on my baby now =)

Perfect Parenting Misperception

I put out some really personal information on my social networking sites this past week.  My husband is seeking mental health treatment and I shared it with my Instagram feed and eventually my Facebook friends.  Most people were surprised because I hadn’t mentioned us having any issues and I definitely hadn’t mentioned that I had moved out for a week and was staying with a friend!  I was concerned about this being seen as “oversharing” but the support we both received was phenomenal.  Many of my friends came forward and shared their own experiences and for one day it seemed like Facebook had been transformed into an environment of positive support instead of the negative site everyone seems to complain about.  That got me really reflecting on what image I’m sending out, both as a spouse and a parent.

Something that has always bothered me about some “moms groups” is the inability to honestly open up and share the hard times with the good.  It’s very common to see first milestones, family celebrations, and lots of positive moments shared with others, but not always the bad moments.  I worry that this leads other moms to feel like they’re alone when they are experiencing normal rough days with the kids.  While I was talking with two friends at the gym about my husband, one of them commented that she was surprised I was under any stress because I always seem so calm and patient, particularly with my 16-month old, Pistol.  It actually took me back because I feel soo far from “calm and patient” especially with Pistol.  She’s the youngest and loudest of four girls, she doesn’t seem to have a single people pleasing bone in her body, she is a rule maker and not a rule follower, and I’m constantly correcting her over and over (and over) for the same things!  My friend actually expressed that she felt like a “bad mom” because of how comparatively calm I am. 

There’s not a perfect parent on the planet and I don’t think there’s a perfect way to parent.  I do think that if you have an emotional attachment to anyone then that relationship will cause you stress.  Who could you possibly have more emotional attachment and investment in than your own children made from your mold?  It seems that if you are an involved parent, you will have a strong emotional relationship with your child for better or worse and both ends of that spectrum are stressful.  Firsts and milestones are overwhelmingly emotional at times!  Some moms cry at the first step, dads melt at the first, “I love you”, everyone bawls their parental eyes out when it’s time for college and marriage.  These are happy moments but they’re stressful because of the emotion you have invested in that little being making all these big steps!  On the other end of it temper tantrums, “NO”s, and regular day to day life will cause you stress.  How much stress and how you handle that stress is completely up to you, but there is no parent, who is actively parenting their child, that avoids these stressors.  Just as much as we share the positive we shouldn’t be hiding the negative, especially not from our support systems.  Whether it be friends, family, or social networking if you have a support system they are there for your day to day stressors just as much as your big crisis. 

I definitely have not been attempting to project any image of perfection and definitely did not expect other moms to compare themselves to me based on 5 minute snippets of my life.  That being said, I had been comparing myself to other moms based on brief snippets of their day to day life.  I have a friend pregnant with her fifth child who can spend an hour vacuuming, watch my child drag a bag of chips upside down across her carpet, and this SuperMom of a woman will barely raise her eyebrow as she says, “Pistol, are you being naughty?  It’s okay” followed by laughter and more vacuuming. That’s an actual quote from her in times that have me red faced, barely breathing, and on the edge of a nervous breakdown.  So here I am feeling like an emotionally unstable parent and others are looking at me at the epitomy of calm parenting and I’m just left dumbfounded on it all.

My point in all of this is that while no one wants to be a “Debbie Downer” we should share our downs as easily as we share our ups.  Maybe not to the same groups of people but to someone!  If you could just briefly share with one of those “perfect moms” in your life, “Man, it really gets at me when Jack throws the ball inside after the 400^th time I’ve said “No ball inside!”” then you might have something shared with you!  You might hear that your “perfect mom” has the same issue or a similar one with her kids.  You might get some great tips or at least a different perspective.  At the very least, I would expect that you sharing that you are not perfect and that you get stressed will give you a sense of relief and you will find others who are willing to talk to you and help normalize those times when you feel like the worst mom in the world.  I actually think being concerned enough to wonder what type of parent you are and to realize you aren’t perfect is a HUGE sign of being a great parent.  Parenting is stressful and there’s no one who escapes the stressors of such an intensely emotional relationship.  Finding a system of support where others will talk honestly with you about their bad moments and their good ones can definitely make any struggle a little easier!

Giving BIG, Even When You Have Little

I am a firm believer that you should always help with a need when you can, but when my husband was in his last year of school we hardly had enough of anything to “help” ourselves, let alone anyone else. I knew there had to be some way I could still touch someone else, make their life a little easier, show them that they are not forgotten… I just had to get creative about it!

For some reason seeing homeless/needy people on the side of the road has always pulled on my hearts strings, hard. It is difficult for me to imagine falling to that level, to have nothing at all and, it seems, no one at all. My children must have inherited that same compassion, as they are constantly willing to try and give out money to the needy. This seemed like a "good enough idea" until, well, we didn’t have any extra money… and by that, I mean none.

This is where that “creativity” comes in to play...

For the most part of that last year of school we had to survive somehow, and cutting money from our grocery bills seemed like it could make the biggest impact, so I taught myself to coupon. I would request samples form companies just for the coupons that came with them. After a while I had WAY more toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, floss, soap, cleansers, lotions, etc. than I would ever use or care to have laying around. My daughter and I decided to put those samples to good use and make little “care packs” to pass out to the needy people we saw on the sides of the road.

We decided we would make a goal to fill ten care packs, once we had given them all away we would make more. We used brown paper bag lunch sacks, which my daughter colored with bible verses and pictures, and filled them with all the samples we accumulated along with some water bottles, cans of soup and plastic spoons we found on sale. Due to the samples, some of the care packs were geared more toward one gender and in that case we would mark the bottom of the sacks “male” or “female”.  Once we met our goal, I told my daughter to put two in the car as we set out to run errands.

I didn’t know until we were way down the road, but my daughter had chosen to bring one female and one male pack instead of the many other gender neutral ones. I said a silent prayer as we drove around that we would be able to find "a male AND female" to pass them out to (seemed a little strange praying for homeless couple to appear, lol). Soon after as we pulled up to a red light, we saw them… two needy people, one male and one female! My daughter was ecstatic, she was screaming for me to roll down the window, I was so excited to see the couple standing there and a little unnerved from the screaming all around me that I was rolling down every window but the one I needed to. Finally we were able to hand over the packs and stop holding up traffic. The smiled on my daughter’s face was priceless!

This small act may not seem like much to anyone else, but by performing it I was able to look and reach beyond my own financial situation, make the day of a stranger in need, and teach both my daughter (and myself) that we can always help others in need... no matter what our circumstances may be.

If you too are wondering how you can help those around you in creative, low cost ways, I have a few ideas for you listed below:

1.     My Coke Rewards: Did you know you could enter online the codes found on the caps and boxes of Coke product  to redeem them for prizes? If you already drink Coke products this cost nothing extra to you. Consider giving prizes like a McDonalds gift card, a coupon for a free 20 oz Coke product or other gifts to those standing out in the elements.

2.     Free Hair Cut Referral Cards: Did you know many stylists will give you a referral card for a free haircut if you simply ask? Think about asking for one of these the next time you are in a salon. You could pass it out to someone who might be in need for a job and will be going to an interview.

3.     Pampers & Huggies Rewards: Did you know that many diaper companies enclose codes in their products that you could enter online in exchange for prizes? Many of the prizes are toys for babies and toddlers. Collect points all year and consider redeeming your points for toys that you can donate to needy kids or Toys for Tots at Christmas time. This takes no more than entering the codes and shipping is even free!

4.     Candy for the Troops: Did you know many organizations are more than happy to take your extra Halloween candy and send it to troops over seas? Who really needs all that candy? Consider discussing your plan with your children before Trick or Treating to help get them involved.

5.     Bahlmans Coat Drive: Did you know you can donate a gently used coat to Bahlmas Cleaners and they will have them dry cleaned and then pass them out to those in need? As moms, we know how fast our little ones can out grown clothes, consider donating last year’s coats to Bahlmans.

I’d like to know what are some other ideas you have had to help those in need in a creative way?

Prayers

Prayers to all those affected by the senseless tragedy in Connecticut, from SanAngeloMoms <3

Merry Christmas!!

Before I get to this blog post, I just wanted to share a few things about it.  I originally had this published in a paper I write for (Laurel Leader-Call) with the hopes that others would read it and share with me some of their own ideas about "gift condensing," and that's exactly what they did! With that being said, please post in the comment section any ideas or gift giving traditions that play out in your families on Christmas morning. I'm always eager to learn. This post does reflect my religious belief, but I'm going to hope no one takes offense to it. I promise I'm not trying to push any thing on anyone. :)

Santa’s Black Card

“I want this, and that, and one of those!”

It’s Christmas, and the must-have-it-all attitude has nearly consumed the children in my home. 

“You’ll probably get a few things from your lists if you’re good,” I said to our sons as their lists began to mirror the complete inventory of Toys-R-Us, “but you know you can’t have all of these things, right?” 

Their smiles crumbled.  Our youngest son was completely heartbroken, and looked at me as if I told him we were destitute and soon to become homeless.  The oldest, our logical thinker, quite seriously said, “It’ll be okay!  I know Santa doesn’t have elves to make that much stuff for all the kids.  That would be impossible.  He has a Black Card.”

The American Express Centurion Card, solid black and made of titanium with requirements of at least $21,000 that must be charged and paid in full each month, is about as attainable to the Walters family Santa as a free trip to the moon.  I looked at my little guys who were waiting for me to assure them that Santa could find a way to get them whatever they asked for.  They’d worked so hard all year helping others and love to give to those in need, so I wondered how on earth I was going to tell them Santa doesn’t really have a Black Card.  Or better yet, that no matter how deserving they were, no one really merits that much stuff.

I remember being the same way as a child, despite my parents setting good examples of what it means to live selflessly.  Even the most altruistic of children get a little wayward at Christmastime.  As a young child, I would wait so impatiently for the J.C. Penney Christmas catalog to arrive in the mail.  Once I had the book in my possession, highlighter and pen in hand, I would make list after list of everything I thought I needed.  A time or two, I sent my massive lists to relatives, and couldn’t understand why they thought I was being cute.  In fact, the first time I was nationally published was in elementary school when I wrote a complaint letter to a newspaper.  My complaint was that my parents had bought a C.D. player for my brother and I to share, and I thought I deserved to have one for myself alone.  I pouted on paper in hope to seek attention and validation, but instead I hurt my parents and my own image.  It never occurred to me how ungrateful I was being, and how that may make people feel about me.

It was a life-changing moment for sure, and after the Black Card proclamation I wanted to make sure more than ever that our boys understood that life was not about getting a C.D. player of your own.  I wanted to kick the habit good and well before they reached adulthood and had children of their own on top of that.  Too often we see grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles in a race to give the better or most gifts.  The kids end up bombarded with toys they don’t even take out of the packaging until April.  It’s a battle that can’t be won!

So how do you tell children that Santa doesn’t have a Black Card?  It’s hard to explain to young minds that Santa is broke or on a budget in a way they can understand.  I took the problem to my friends and learned of some clever solutions.  My favorite suggestion is one several of my friends are participating in now.  The idea is for Santa to deliver just four presents to each child.  The children are then explained (via letter from Santa) that three of the gifts represent the gifts the wise men gave to Jesus the day of his birth.  Since gold, frankincense and myrrh aren’t practicable gifts, in their places the kids receive something they want, something they need, and something to read.  The fourth gift, something to wear, represents Mary’s gift to her son when she wrapped in him swaddling clothes. 

Through the process, the story of Christmas will take precedence over the legend of Santa.  It’s a beautiful tribute to the real purpose of celebration, and the little ones learn to become ambassadors for the message of Christmas: hope, love, and giving.  Jesus, the reason we celebrate, was satisfied with four gifts and later devoted his life to helping others.  Who could argue it doesn’t work?  I think it’s about time for Santa and his helpers to cut up those cards.

Every year it seems I tell myself, “could the year go by any faster?” and every year it seems to do just that.  I am amazed that the holiday season is upon us.  As a new mom, I must admit that I have gone a little Christmas crazy!  : )   Decorations and singing figurines have found themselves in every nook and cranny of our home.   We have watched every Christmas special on television and have overloaded on holiday movies.   I am relishing every moment.
 

Everything is new for us as a family.  I am especially looking forward to the first Christmas day with my son.  I know it is going to be one of those memories that get tucked away in my heart forever.  I am also excited to begin some traditions that I hope we can continue for many years to come. Visiting Santa Claus, watching the Charlie Brown Christmas special, the lighting of the tree in Rockefeller Center, driving through the beautiful lights downtown, sipping on hot cocoa in our pajamas on Christmas morning are all things that I enjoy and want to create those special memories for our family. 

However there is also another tradition that I feel is just as important and that is to remember those who are less fortunate.  Whether they are unemployed, battling an illness or alone, they do not feel the joy that so many of us are relishing during this time.  I want to encourage my child to think of others and while the needs are always there, it seems especially important during the holidays.
Whether it is serving meals to others, donating a gift, visiting a shut-in, or another worthwhile cause we share the true meaning of the holiday season. 

In our everyday lives it is so easy to forget that there are many out there struggling. My son is too young  to fully understand what the statement of “give and you shall receive” really means, but there is no time like the present to start teaching that philosophy.  That falls upon me as his mother to encourage and foster a spirit of giving.

Life can be so hectic this time of year with gift buying, cookie baking, decorating, wrapping, parties and festivals, that our stress levels can go through the roof.   I encourage every one of us to do something for someone else to foster a spirit of happiness and love this holiday season.  Simply smiling at someone can help to change the world we live in and enjoy …plus it is a gift that doesn’t have to be wrapped.  : )

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  

Happy 12-12-12, SanAngeloMoms! I don't know about you, but I am so much happier with the "Magic" that everyone is giving today's date, versus the "Doom and Gloom" of 12-21-12.

I remember a couple of other times throughout my life that the world was supposed to come to an end- One was the year 1984, where people spent the entire year thinking that George Orwell's book, "1984" would come to fruition, and the world would end up under the rule of Communism or something like it. The other was New Year's Eve, 1999 (and then again on NYE 2000, when people said that THAT was the actual new beginning of the millennium).

I actually had a saleslady in Florida tell me that "at least I wouldn't have to renew my driver's license," since it expired on my birthday in 2000.

In all three cases, we managed to survive, political parties intact, and woke up the next morning with a (insert sarcasm here) collective sigh of relief.

I plan to do the same on 12-21-12. (And if I'm wrong, this post won't matter, will it? ;) )

In the meantime, I plan to merrily take part in all the "End of the World" sales and parties that seem to be planned. Did anyone else go past the sign on Knickerbocker, see the "Mayan Calendar Sale" sign, and think they were going to be able to go buy a Mayan calendar?

My daughter did, told me about it, and I was *in the parking lot* telling my husband about it on the phone, when he filled me in, that it was just a gimmick!

I know, I know, some of you have probably just lost h-u-g-e amounts of respect for me, but, admit it-- WHO else thought the same thing?  I know there are others out there!!!

Now that I know it's a sale on JEWELRY, I'm going in today to buy a Christmas gift for my daughter. Lol, and just for fun, I'll ask them if there was anyone else who thought they'd be selling Mayan calendars!

I'll let you know what I find out.

Fun Gift Ideas

              Want to give some great personalized gifts, but don't want to pay high prices? Well I have a solution for you! It requires thought, love, and a little bit of your time but it is way cheaper, and often more precious than a storebought bauble.

Here are some great ideas for gifts that family will love and won't break the bank:

1. Bath salts
(Pictured)
  http://christmas.organizedhome.com/crafts/gifts-in-a-jar/candy-cane-bath-salts
   
2. Tea soaps
(Pictured)
http://www.cucumbersome.com/time-for-tea-soap/

3. Glass etched plates and bakeware

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=3N8H8xhbv70&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D3N8H8xhbv70

4. Homeade lip balm
http://www.crunchybetty.com/3-simple-homemade-lip-balms-your-lipsve-never-been-yummier

5. Recipes in a jar
http://www.mixesinajar.com/

6. Photo magnets
http://www.notmartha.org/tomake/marblemagnets/

7. Canvas pictures
http://www.bhg.com/decorating/do-it-yourself/wall-art/14-canvas-wall-art-projects/?page=2
8. Homeade playdough

9. Homeade bubbles
http://babyparenting.about.com/cs/activities/a/bubbles.htm

10. Jewerly
You can do anything from friendship bracelets, glass necklaces, earrings, etc. Skill levels beginner to intermediate. Check your local craft store for ideas

12. Photo keychains
Buy a photo keychain and add the photo :-)
     
...and more. Be as creative as you can be. Just google or pinterest what you want and let the fun begin!

As most Mothers know, young children learn with their senses. We can say something until we are blue in the face, but until they actually see it or feel it they really don’t understand what you are talking about.
I have found as not only a Mother, but a preschool age educator, that visual aids are the best way to make children understand what you are trying to teach them. One of my favorite activities goes beyond a temporary visual aid.
Our children grow on a daily basis. We don’t notice it on a daily basis, but one day we look at them and realize they are getting big a lot sooner than we want them to. I like to show them the process of growing requires love, nurturing, and nourishing.
Plant a seed with your child to show them all of these things.
While planting the seed, explain that the seed is small and requires water, sunlight, and their attention to grow. After planting the seed, take a picture of your child holding their pot. During the growing process of this plant, explain how the plant changes on a daily basis and how your child’s love is helping the plant to grow.
After 6 months, take another picture of your child with this plant and you will be amazed at how much they have grown. Then a year later, take another picture of your child with the plant and compare it to the two previous photos. Point out to your child all of the growing they have done since the previous photos, and explain that good nutrition, love and nurturing have contributed to their growth just like they offered to their plant. This is a great project to begin the new year with.

Getting Out

Being military, I think has a lot of perks. One of my favorite perks is "getting out" in our new home and learning the new areas around us.

We have had the privilege of living in some nice areas. Well I say "nice," most would not say Fayetteville, North Carolina (or it's popular moniker "Fayettnam"), is nice but I'm totally going to include it on my nice list and Tampa, Florida. Oh we loved living in Tampa. There was always so much to do and the best plus ever, my sister lives there.

Our favorite thing to say about our duty stations is, "It's what you make of it!" if you want it to be fun, you will make it fun. If you don't.. well you get my drift.

Pass-a-Grille Beach, Florida

Getting to know the areas that we are stationed in is one of our favorite things to do as a family. I mean why would we just hole up in our home the whole time? I actually know of people that don't get out, personally I think it's a shame. Uncle Sam is giving us the chance to get out and explore our beautiful United States; that is definitely what our little family does. We get out and have fun doing it. 

Since being in San Angelo, we have gone to visit family in Abilene a few times, took the boys to LegoFest in Austin and enjoyed some brews during Oktoberfest in Fredricksburg. I even attended a blogging conference in Dallas. Score! We have also visited the State Park here in San Angelo and I've had a blast shopping at local stores. I totally enjoy "keeping it local". I have found that San Angelo is a wonderful city with lots of local vendors with fantastic talents.  

This weekend we got out and participated in a couple of the Christmas events happening around town. On Friday, we drove thru the Tour of Lights. One Word: Amazing! There was Christmas music playing in the background and the splendor of the lights just capped the week  off perfectly.

Our son participated in the Military Bootcamp at Christmas at Old Ft. Concho. It was such a cute event, we will def do it again next year. We didn't get a chance to walk around much as we had a Christmas party to attend so today we are headed back! It is an experience I recommend to any and all military families stationed here in San Angelo. 

Bootcamp Christmas at Old Ft. Concho- San Angelo

Hope all of you had a chance to attend some of the awesome events this weekend here in San Angelo! 

Question:

What did you do this weekend? Did you attend the playoff game on Friday or any of the Christmas events in town? 

Elf Hate. Really?

Who would have thought this would be such a controversial topic?

 Elf on the Shelf.

 I don't understand the hate.

Actually, it boggles my mind. Love him or hate him, he (or she) is all the buzz this year. It's a tradition that my family started last year. He arrived on our fireplace mantle and has been a Christmas fixture for a second holiday season in a row.

Just a cute little tradition. Right? Apparently some don't think so. Us "elf moms" have been accused of using our elves as leverage with our children. He's an evil, little, tattle-tale spawn of Santa that only serves to spy on our children. I know. Like I said. It's mind-boggling.

Some say he's even creepy.  (I think it's the eyes.)  But if you think about it, the whole concept of flying reindeer (one with a shiny red nose) and a fat man sliding down a chimney in the middle of the night bearing gifts - - that sounds pretty creepy.  Unless you allow yourself to play along with the magic of Christmas.

And that's what we do around our home.  We celebrate both the religious and the traditional.  And we're not ashamed of it.

Stanley (our elf) has been a lot of fun.  He's not mean.  He's not angry.  He doesn't destroy things.  He doesn't scare our children.  And he doesn't make me crazy trying to come up with things for him to do.  I have fun with Stanley.  I don't have a calendar with crazy antics to follow.  I just do it.  Some ideas I get off of Pinterest (the new crack for women) or believe it or not, some of the ideas just pop into my head.  Sometimes those ideas hit at 6:00 a.m. when I wake up and realize that Stanley didn't "move" during the night. (Hence him planking on the fireplace mantle this morning.  That was a close call.)

But you know what?  If Stanley doesn't move, he doesn't move.  It's not the end of the world.

I also don't feel the need to sleep with one eye open either.  I don't think he's going to kill me in my sleep.  (If he does, PLEASE mention it at my memorial service.  That would SO be worth mentioning.)

I digress.

Here's the thing.  Not everyone does Santa.  Or the Elf.  Or Christmas.  Your house, your choice.  But don't steal the thunder from those of us that do celebrate.  Just "merrily" hide us on Facebook until after our elves leave and life returns to normal.  (That's what I did with my November "thankful" friends.)

Don't hate on the elf.  Be glad that he/she brings some extra fun to an already hectic time of the year.  And if you get the added benefit of slightly better behavior, be glad.

Ho, ho, ho,

Becky (and Stanley)

P.S.  Comment and leave your elf on the shelf ideas.  Copy.  Use as your own.  And HAVE FUN!!!

Let the Craziness Begin!

Well, the night has arrived... Our last "quiet" night of the month. December is our busy month. I know, everyone is busy this month, but we are B-U-S-Y!
We celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah in our house. The first night of Hanukkah starts tomorrow night (12/8), and it runs eight days (nights) through Saturday, 12/15.

For those unfamiliar with the holiday, we light a menorah, one candle for each night, every night for eight nights. So tomorrow, we start with one candle (two actually, including the "leader" candle), and end up with eight (nine) on the last night.

 
The kids get a small gift each night, but "small" is relative. While I can get away with dollar store items with my little ones, it's a little harder to please the older ones. And, even though "it's not about the gifts" (sound familiar?), I don't want them to think of Hanukkah as the holiday where they got the "cheap" presents, and Christmas as the "good" present holiday, so we try to mix them up. Again, I know it's not about the gifts, but, kids are kids. :)

Either way, I have four kids, who each get a present a night for eight nights. Yup, you got it- 32 gifts in a week and a day! In addition, I have a couple of Hanukkah presentations, a Hanukkah party, and LOTS of cooking (all yummy, fat-filled foods) over the next week.

Then, the fun begins. Since Hanukkah and Christmas don't run through each other this year (they sometimes do), we are going to decorate for Christmas starting on December 16, after the Hanukkah celebration is over.

But, in-between decorating, Christmas parties, and last-minute shopping, my husband and I celebrate our wedding anniversary on December 20 (9 years this year!).

Finally, Christmas comes five days later... My husband usually takes pity on me, and we go out to eat, instead of me cooking more :) So, after a morning of opening presents, putting things together, and playing with new toys, we get dressed and go to lunch. Then, movies in the afternoon! Sometimes at home, sometimes at the theater- THIS year, I'm going to see Les Miserables with some friends, and whichever of my children I can get to come with me!

After Christmas is over, we have to get it all put away, because we're off to visit family for New Years.
And, while we're there, we celebrate my son's 15th (!) birthday!

Then we come home, rest for a couple of days, and get ready for school, and the REAL craziness of the spring semester :)

Crazy, you say? Yes, I have to agree. But, I wouldn't have it any other way. As busy as our December is, it is filled with traditions, celebrations, and most important, family. 

And THAT's what the spirit of the holidays should be.