She Wasn't a Fan

She would cautiously smile at pictures of Santa. She most definitely grew excited about Christmas through Jackson's enthusiasm and happiness towards items and experiences. 

Nothing prepared her for the big man himself though. Santa in person was a whole different story for Emerson. From the first glance she had of him, wrapping her arms around me, tightening her legs around my waist and staring hard in his direction, she was apprehensive. 

Baby It's Cold Outside

Brrrr...Baby it's cold outside!

 These little cuties had a blast playing hide and seek, sipping chocolate milk (aka hot cocoa), and telling jokes.

Elf on the Shelf 2015

It's that time of year! I may not have all of Thanksgiving weekend sorted out yet, but December 1st, I am ready for you!

Our Elf will be pretty busy this year. I can not wait to hear what Jackson decides to name our elf. But more so, I am excited to see Emerson's reaction.

This calendar is slightly geared to a three year old boy, has ideas repeated from last year, a few lazy days and some new tasks too.

PDF version here.

See last years calendar here. 

The adventures of A Plant

Adventures of “A Plant”

Our Elf has been busy this month. Jackson has enjoyed seeing all the crazy activities that A Plant has been up to (see how he got his name here).

One of his favorite Elf activities was when he brought magic seeds from Santa. 

Jackson & Emerson, 

Plant these seeds in sugar,
Bury them with care,
Wait for the magic,
And see what will grow there.

Love,
Santa

 After he planted them I asked what he thought may grow. He thought about it then smiled and said "A cake!" Close Jackson, chocolate covered pretzels sprouted the next day. This idea was first seen here. 

A Plant will be heading back to the North Pole till next December tomorrow night. It's a good thing too, he whispered to me he's getting tired and is looking forward to some good rest. Safe travels A Plant, see you next year!

Lots of love in a 5x7

 Christmas cards are one of my favorite parts of the holiday. Although this year they were a little more stressful to get actually ordered and sent (and we even joked about an email option), I am so happy with how they turned out. 

So much love and happiness goes into each envelope we receive. Just as much as I love sending out a photo that makes my heart sing, I love seeing pictures and hearing words from all our friends and family. 

This year Jackson took over the role of opening up each card that we received. He loves it as much as I do. He looks at each one carefully, comments and says "Read it!" His observations about several cards were so fun to hear. My friend Katie sent a beautiful picture from her wedding this past year. Jackson stared at it for a while before saying "Mom, its the city!" and "Mom, she get married?....Awww." He asks to know each and every person's name pictured and asks "Who's that?" if he can't identify them right away. 

We used photos from a wonderful photographer when she took Emerson's three month pictures at the end of November. It is amazing to look at them even less than a month later and see how different Em actually is now. I ordered a total of four different versions using various codes through Shutterfly and Tiny Prints. 2015 goal...design my own.

We wish you the merriest of Christmas time!

Christmas magic and frosting

We went on another amazing adventure to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express this year. Jackson was way more involved than last year and had so much fun. Our park district really does a great job with this event. 

We met at a park district building to wait for the Polar Express to arrive.

Jackson was able to write a letter to Santa and drop it in the mail. Although he didn't want me to help, I sneaked in an opportunity to write his address on it so he maybe could get a reply. 

Sure enough a letter from the North Pole arrived at the end of this week. Jackson wasn't as excited about the letter as other Christmas things. I am not sure he fully understood/connected it all but he was interested none the less. 

The trolley ride was filled with the story of The Polar Express, and before we knew it we were at the North Pole. 

Jackson saw Mrs. Claus first and they talked cookies. Then he went to see the big man, asking once again for Ninja Turtle socks. Santa gave him a bell from his sleigh before Jackson said good-bye. 

The Elf hunt was next. Jackson made sure we each had a flash light to find the Elves hiding in the woods. He enjoyed spotting them, but not as much as he just enjoyed carrying the flashlight around. We made a stop at the playground then before checking out the reindeer. 

After drinking some hot chocolate, eating Mrs. Claus's cookies, and Jackson taking a spill off a bench, we took the Polar Express back home. One of the most adorable parts was watching Jackson try to sing Christmas carols with everyone else on the way home. He attempted words very quietly where he thought they should be and listened intently to the whole trolley singing.

The next day was another second annual event, making gingerbread men. 

The kiddos had fun covering their gingerbread man in frosting and lots of candy. Jackson of course kept asking to lick the frosting had it on more places than just his gingerbread by the time he was done. 

There was five little kiddos decorating and it was so fun to watch them all. They enjoyed holiday shaped sandwiches after ward and ran off their sugar high for a bit. This little tradition started last year with Jackson and his friend Angelina. We are so excited it expanded and prevailed to be on the calendar again. 

It is crazy to see the difference a year makes. What baby faces they had last year and how much more they interact together this year. We definitely still had to bribe them to take this photo, but I am so glad we did.

Meet Santa's Helper

Santa's helper is baaaaaack!!!

Last Sunday, November 30, Santa delivered a special package for Jackson and Emerson. It came while J was napping. I had to wake him up and he was not happy about it until I told him that I thought I heard jingle bells outside. "The jingle bells were loud, they came close to the house, it sounded just like Santa, Jackson!"

He was so eager as we went down the stairs and this bright red and white polka dot package was on the porch. His swollen sleepy eyes quickly filled with extreme excitement and curiosity. He kept looking around for who could of dropped it off. He claimed he even heard Santa too! We brought the package in and Jackson tore it open!

Santa's special delivery contained some jingle socks for Em and an Elf cup for J, the Elf on the Shelf book, a letter from Santa to Jackson and Em, and of course, some cookies. 

We read the letter first (see below) and then read the book. Jackson was intrigued but you could tell he did not fully get it. He was also way to concerned about those cookies. 

Jackson & Emerson,

Christmas is near and there is fun to be had! How do I know if you have been good or bad?

I am sending a special elf to keep an eye on you. He will watch and report to me all that you do.

Be sure to listen to your mom and your dad, so when the elf flies to me each night I wont be sad.

Be sure to give the elf a name, something special you know. Its then important to not touch the Elf or his magic might go.

He will arrive tomorrow from the North Pole. Be nice J and Em, you don’t want any coal.

Love,

Santa

The Elf showed up the next day on our advent calendar (he filled the bags too ;) ). We asked Jackson that evening if he had a name for the Elf yet. He suggested mom, dad, and Santa before finally falling on "A Plant." We questioned it, suggested names, but his mind was made up. It rattled off his tongue with unwavering certainty that despite our little chuckles, it has definitely stuck. 

A Plant had quite the first week adventures. 

He built a Lego fort leaving a trail of unused legos on the floor, 

turned the milk green making "Elf Milk" and left an after school snack of a snowman donut (chocolate chip eyes and Jelly Belly nose).

Do you see the snowman donut on the plate?

He even had some time to do some fishing. 

Jackson eagerly looks for the Elf in the morning, sometimes even talking about him while looking to where he was only to discover he moved. He talks about where he has been before and knows he is watching him. 

A Plant has many more adventures ahead as our Christmas countdown continues. 

Elf on the Shelf - 2 year old edition

The days are long but the years are short. We know we only have a few really good years of completely innocent genuine excitement for the holiday season with our kids. I want to make the most of it and am so excited to see the glisten in Jackson's eyes with all the magic.

Elf on the shelf was a first time success last year. Now that Jackson is two we can't wait to have more fun with it, not just moving the Elf around to new locations.

Full time back at work with a three month old and a toddler has its challenges, mostly that revolve around my energy level. So to be most ready to implement our Elf on the Shelf adventure I created a plan. I didn't want to be struggling to think of something at ten o'clock at night and end up just moving him around (or not and then being sad when Jackson quickly points out that the Elf didn't move, something must be wrong).

This plan is a compilation of Elf ideas that I thought would not only bring excitement out in Jackson, but were doable for my time and resources/space. I am giddy just thinking about putting this plan into action. I can't wait to bring updates as it gets underway!

Some of the ideas are common, seen on many many sites and blogs. One particular idea though that I am excited to try is the magic elf seeds. Check here for original source and explanation. I plan to do chocolate covered pretzel sticks with sprinkles instead of cookies, but I guess we will see what works out.

These ideas don't have the Elf hard to find, play on Jackson's current interests, and incorporate some yummy treats and crazy ideas to really entice Jackson's imagination. I am way to excited to make a mess of the bathroom by tee-peeing it and to tape streamers all over his door in the very early morning so when he calls for me I "can't" get in to get him up.

Some back up ideas I have that can be used to replace something that doesn't end up working out are:

-Have the Elf "cooking" in Jackson's kitchen

-The Elf is a pirate by making a paper sword and a ribbon bandana.

-Elf is taking a nap with Jackson's giraffe (the back up giraffe I have as he will be sleeping with his actual one ;) )

-Then honestly there are four places that I would love to put the Elf and only listed three times to just move him.

November, you truly help me realize all that I am thankful for, especially as I plan for December. I am so very eager for you to end though!

Joyous Christmas

Jackson brought a whole new meaning to Christmas joy this year. 

My husband's Grandmother was in town for the week. She hadn't seen him in about six months. Jackson is always quick to giggle around her and it just makes you smile to see them spend time together. He is so fortunate to have four generations of family on both sides. 

Belly laughs with Great Grandmother

We went to church on the 23rd. The service was beautiful and time together with Matt's family and mine was even more of a blessing. To avoid public embarrassment, we sat with Jackson in the parents room. He ate his snacks, played with Mickey stickers and quietly made it through the service while allowing Matt and I to enjoy it too. Afterwards, he was so excited to show family members his little Mickey books and have them read to him. 

Family picture after church

Jackson loves to play with toy kitchens and drink ware. Christmas Eve at Matt's parents house he found it hilarious to bring Papa tea in the kitchen, ask him if he wanted more and then go get another cup. 

Bringing Papa his umpteenth cup of tea!  

 There was one exciting early Christmas gift to open from Nana and Papa...a Little Tikes Power Cycle! He had the cutest serious expression while "driving" it! It's powered by a button you hold down on one of the handle bars. Up until this point he has only known buttons to push and release. So when he pushed this one quickly he would jerk forward momentarily and then stop. So he'd push it again, and again, inching forward with little jolts sending his head back and gripping his hands tighter. After some practice he held it down long enough to crash into the furniture or wall however many feet in front of him. He overall loved it! Next driving lesson, steering!

Power Cycle

We spent the afternoon/evening relaxing, eating and enjoying each other's company. 

Missing Nana & Papa in this one

Christmas Day was by far my favorite memory. All Jackson asked Santa for was a Mick-me (Mickey Mouse). The kid is still completely obsessed! Santa fulfilled his magical reputation by bringing Jackson a Mickey Mouse classic book and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse figurines. 

Immediately read the Mickey book

 Jackson's reaction when opening the figurines was PRICELESS! There was pure magic in his eyes as he quickly realized what he had unwrapped and became overwhelmed with excitement. Looking back I really wished I would have video taped this moment because words do not do it justice. His arms started flapping as he tried to develop the words to request us to open the box. His breathing quickened to an almost hyperventilation state. Christmas magic. Matt and I were grinning from ear to ear too :)

As I opened the box and took out Mickey to hand to him his entire facial expression lit up! He was once again star struck by Mickey. He smiled at it and said his name. As I handed him each of the remaining characters he said their names and the proceeded to try and carry all six of them at the same time. 

The expression on his face while meeting Mickey says it all

He swooped them up (with some assistance as he literally tried to stand up without and hands as they were holding his Mick-mes secure) and brought them to the kitchen. He was wrapped up in his own imagination, putting them in and out of his boots and diaper bag for quite some time. 

My parents and brother joined us a little while later for more presents and good company. Jackson would open each gift and want to play with it. He would stay focused for a while on each toy that we let him open. At times he seemed overwhelmed but then he'd bounce back and be excited for the next gift. 

Puzzle from Uncle Bryon

The world-wind of Christmas continued with my dad's side of the family. Jackson loved my Aunt Marcia's Christmas tree, enjoyed reading her many Christmas books, and was a champ for not having a nap. 

Grandma tried to help him get shut eye

Determined to stay awake, tempted by every soft surface to put his head down.

 A little Christmas trooper Jackson was. He crashed hard on our way home from my Aunts and stayed asleep till the next morning. We are so blessed to have spent the few days with our amazing family. Jackson received so many wonderful gifts and is an even bigger Mickey fan now.

2013 was a joyous Christmas, many wonderful, magical memories.