Oh, Christmas Tree!

 

Every year we typically go pick out a Fraiser Fir Christmas tree. We always pick our trees from Lowe's since there are not many tree farms in southern Kentucky. If you remember we tried picking a tree from the farm last year and that was an absolute complete disaster than we can thankfully laugh upon now. 

The first Lowe's we arrived at had such a poor selection of trees. They were picked through and had been there for quiet sometime. So we loaded back up and drove 20 miles to the next, all while listening to Curtis sing George Strait karaoke. 

When we arrived we were the only family in the tree area and thankfully so. I came to find out that I am very picky with trees. At one time Curtis and the workers were holding up 4 trees for me to pick from. I ended up turning away from the Fraiser this year because my heart got stuck on a Douglas. 

We did not exactly mean to pick such a huge tree but it was full, and my favorite. It is defiantly large and in charge of my living room for the next few weeks. 

Charli and I did most of the decorating as Bryar and his imaginary bull, was knocking ornaments down. They were so much help. Charli is a very sentimental old soul, and loved looking through her ornaments from over the years. 

Picking, putting up and decorating trees are one stressful event but it was so much fun for our family this year. So far this day has been my favorite event of the Christmas season. 

Salvation Army Bell Ringing

On Saturday Charli Beth's 4-H Cloverbuds group volunteered to ring bells for the Salvation Army at the mall. I must first say that if you are wanting to get into the Christmas spirit this is a just do.

As you can see I let Charli pick out her outfit of choice for the day. But everyone loved her style. The elder men especially loved her and would bring change over just to say that they had a hat like hers too. 

After being the bell ringers for the first shift we volunteered for another for later in the day. 

During the next slot Bryar and Curtis came along. The mall was more busy so the kids were able to express lots of gratitude for donations. Bryar was so excited to help ring the bell. Although, after two seconds he was finished and wanted to run to see Santa Claus' bell. 

After leaving we went for lunch then on to pick our Christmas tree!! 

What The Elf?

This is the first year that our Elf, "Jingle" has joined our family in December. This is also the first year that I have heard so many controversies and bad mouthing from so many parents and even non-parents. Men and women all over seem to think that they are better for not or simply a "terrible parent" for not joining along for the fun. Which is exactly what the elf is fun.

During the month of November, I get so very annoyed seeing everyone post "Day 3: I am so thankful for my kids..." Because why not be thankful the rest of the days. Why point it out in just the month of November? Is there something fun in a status of thanks? No, not really. But do I rant and rave about how annoying it is. No. I politely scroll through, maybe click a, "like" or two and then happily ignore the rest. 

The point is, if not doing an elf makes you feel like a "bad parent." Then we have a lot more to discuss then just your decision to not participate. If you feel like a failure... Oh gracious, are your priorities obviously way out of wack. 

You may not have had to do anything but have Santa as a child to believe. But my kid does not either. It is just fun to experience with your kid the laughter and  excitement to see where they end up next. Those of you who are not yet parents, you will surprise yourself of the crap you get into one day just to put a smile on your child's face.

When we started our elf Santa sent Charli Beth and Bryar a letter about how he knew they loved Jesus, just like he does. The elf was being sent for Charli to teach grace and second chances to. Because Jesus gives us second chances, Santa does not have a need for a naughty or nice report. It really was such a meaningful letter and Charli has showed such wonderful manners, and well behavior to teach her elf. She also understands that in teaching Jingle, she is also teaching Bryar because he is still young and needs guidance to learn Jesus' word. 

Now you may or may not be doing a Christian version of the elf. I was one of those parents who wanted to stay far away from them for the longest time. But there are lessons that can be taught in any version that you are portraying from Jesus to well behavior tactics. 

Our elf Jingle is quiet the naughty little stinker and loves to get into all kinds of trouble. But at the end of the day, his trouble is causing you no harm and you scrolling right past the photo I posted is not going to harm us either. But to me there is harm in putting other parents down for their decision in using the little creepsters in a learning or even a fun advent way to count down the Christmas days. 

Why can we not just be nice? Isn't a sweet kind spirit and loving one another the magic of Christmas as well? I promise to never judge you for not hosting an Elf for the month and I hope you realize that your judging me in my decision to is just a waste of time. 

Keep Calm and Keep the Christmas spirit alive folks. 

Our Thanksgiving

I'm not sure if I love Thanksgiving so much due to the reflection of my countless blessings, the food and fellowship or the reminder that Christmas is soon to arrive. This year we celebrated very low key but I loves every minute of it. I tried filling our time with crafts and reminders to cherish loved ones by letting them know how much we are blessed to have them. 

Our first craft was something that Charli and I started several years ago. My Mom helped us make these, "Blessing Bags" as kids and we would take them to elderly people in our area. I remember one gentlemen who was so thankful that he did not let us leave until we had a Baggie full of change for our piggy banks. Now my friends, these are what memories are made of. 

We started the bags by letting Charli make Turkey handprints on them. Bryar made one too but he got super excited and stamped everything in sight. The next morning we made brownies, banana bread and cookie to place in them. Although I wish I would of had more time to add pumpkin muffins but maybe next year. 

We filled the bags with goodies and then gave them out to our neighbors and some family. I accidentally forgot the rest at home when visiting my family but hopefully they know how much we love them! 

The night before Thanksgiving the kids made Indian vest and painted all over them. This was tons of fun for them and Charli especially loved it since they have not made any at her school. {Strange I know.} 

Charli was very serious about her vest. Then after seeing the fun Bryar was having while making a mess she went a little wild too. She also named her self Daisy Sunset. 

Bryar worked very had at getting as dirty as possible so he could enjoy his bubble bath afterwards. This boy has a bubble obsession.

My Mother in law also had the kids to stamp their hands on her table runner to start a new tradition with. I think this is such a cute idea and will be so neat seeing their hands over the years. 

We shared Thanksgiving lunch with Curtis' family and dinner with mine. Sadly, Curtis worked a security detail due to the crazies at Target so he missed dinner. But he was able to grab a deal later than night which has officially made my non-coffee loving self fall in love with the Keurig. I may just turn into a cup of hot cocoa before it is over with! 

This was such a wonderful day of amazing food and family time! 

Potty Training a Boy

When we opened the card that said, "It's a boy!" I will never forget the thoughts that ran through my head like how would I take care of his circumcision, or that I had always been told that it takes boys forever to learn to use the potty. Then I heard the horror stories of my Husband. But let's not even go there...

So to say if honestly, I was scared. I was scared of all things, boy. I had really never been around little ones other than Charli and truly I thought I would only be a girl Mom even though my gut was scare among boy. 

Then Bryar came along and I realized how not scary he was. The circumcision healed without trouble, I did get pee'd on and probably pooped on too. He never liked the typical baby food and moved straight into cut up foods. 

So when speaking potty training I knew that I would not push the issue. It really was not something I wanted to rush. But apparently he did when started using the potty fully for #2, about 3-4 months ago. Then Charli showed him one day how using the potty was fun and we have been game on since. 

I'm really not sure how but he has been dry for the last 6 days except at night time. Although I am not considering him as potty trained he does remember on his own to go. 

We have been using The Potty Watch for a couple of days but mainly it is just for fun. But I do recommended this for any child that is needing that extra push of fun to go. It plays music and lights up when the timer goes off at your discretion of every 30, 60, or 90 minutes. 

So once again Bryar has proved to me that I should have no fears in this journey of being a boy Mom. That is until he becomes a teenager... 

School Thanksgiving Lunch

Since Charli started school one of my favorite functions is the Thanksgiving lunch. Your family can attend with the child during their lunch. This year was super cute as well. They had bouquets of flowers on the tables in mason jars. Obviously, they know the way to this Mommas heart by using masons. 

Sadly, Curtis was training out of town and my Mom was busy with work due to the tornadoes in Indiana so they were not able to make it. But we were so thankful and happy to have Mimi and Papaw to join us. 

Charli went around asking us questions like, where would we live if we could pick, or what charity would we donate $100,000 to. I'm pretty sure that Mimi and I put way to much thought into the questions by asking if we could move during bad seasons. 

Bryar loved school lunch and ate so good. Hopefully he will remember just how fun school is in a few years, when it is his turn to attend. 

Isn't she just the cutest without that tooth? Hopefully the other one will come out before the right pokes through more. I just adore toothless grins. 

Can anyone imagine how hard it is to get this kid to look at the camera lately? Instead of smiling like we asked, he of course thought it was a perfect time to give a hug to hide his face. 

Soon after Charli had to head back to class. Bryar and I came home to rest before his two year {late} appointment. While waiting I thought I would snap a selfie of my outfit. I never do this anymore but this is a style that I love! 

Even though you can see chevron everywhere in this picture, I'm actually not a fan of it. Isn't that silly? I just flow through the trends until the next arrives. Except the phone case was a must since every otter box I have owned became junk in two months by stretching out. 

Next up, Bryar's appointment and more! 

Last Week Randoms

Last week on Veterans Day we just so happened to be at every kids favorite Chick-fil-a. We have never been there when the cow has come out for a visit. It was practically Christmas morning for Bryar.

Some kids were scared of him but Bryar would not leave his side. He kept giving him high fives, knuckles then rubbing his shoulder in amazement. He was so sad to see the cow go. 

While Daddy was back away hunting for a few nights, my bed was the full. Typically, people would add in just how full their hearts are at their sweet babies. But my heart was hurting at the lack of sleep these two caused by kicking me from the bed. Haha! They were just to cute to move though! 

Gunner even slept inside for two nights when the temperature was very cold. He randomly jumped on the bed both mornings at 6, waking us all. It then in return took me 15 minutes to bribe him out. 

Before waking us up he was really good though. He actually slept right next to the bed all night and never made a peep when I had to get up with Bryar. By the time, Curtis returned Gunner was furious when he heard his voice. He knew a man was my suppose to be in the home. That was until he realized it was his Daddy... 

Thank goodness hunting season is over and our deer jerky is on the way. 

Tooth Fairy Stresses OUT

The tooth fairy is obviously a slacker and has become a walking disaster since I was a kid. She never knows how much money is correct. Or when she tells someone how much she gives, they gasp at how rich that she is. 

Ah, hold up. 

No. 

How about the tooth fairy is just clueless and is tired of stressing over the appropriate amount. So she throws in the white towel and stuffs whatever under that pillow. 

It was $5 for the first tooth. Because its a huge milestone of course. $1 for the next 

and now we are here...

Yep, that's right. The first top tooth. That big Mama got $3. I can hear your gasping as you're reading this. But seriously, hush it. Because the tooth fairy is doing good just to not wake the kid up. 

It seems that every time Charli looses a tooth. I almost have a massive heart attack, from the stress of moving the pillow. Then when she gets face to face with me, of course there I go straight into a-fib. 

Being a parent is stressful but being the tooth fairy, Santa and the friggin' Easter Bunny is stressful. 

But my gosh, she is so cute toothless.