Good-bye 2013, Hello 2014!

Can't believe another year has passed.  Seems like just yesterday I was still pregnant with Wyatt, who is 6 months old now.  2013 was a good year.  I started the year by turning 30 on January 1st.  I didn't celebrate much as I was pregnant and depressed to be turning 30.  I also began the year staying home with Rylee full-time.  She and I made a lot of good memories (well at least I will remember them) this year.  We took a trip to Georgia together, and had many, many Mommy-daughter dates!  She is such a little adult now with quite the personality and is so much fun to hang out with.  It's great that she can hold a conversation with me.

James and I got away for our 4th wedding anniversary this year.  As previously mentioned, we took a short trip to Pennsylvania, which I loved! 

The best part of the year was the addition of Wyatt to our family.  He hasn't been the easiest baby, but hopefully it will only get better from here on out.  As much as I never wanted a mama's boy/girl, I am really loving all of the cuddle time I get with Wyatt.  His smile lights up a room and melts my heart!  Rylee loves him so much too and is an amazing big sister and helper! 

Another fun thing I got to do in 2013 was a weekend long line-dance camp in Kansas City with some friends.  It was the hardest and most fun work-out I had all year!  I also got to meet and dance with my favorite choreographer.  I enjoyed the time away and being with good friends. 

Starting my blog was fun this year!  I have been enjoying sharing my thoughts with you all.  Thanks for reading; I average about 100 views per post!  I wish I had more time to write. 

I should definitely probably mention my mini-van too -- best purchase in 2013 -- or ever!!  ;)

2014 -- not sure what it will bring.  Hoping to sell our house in West Des Moines so we can purchase a camper and do some camping.  Wyatt will turn 1 and have lots of "firsts" this year.  Rylee may be starting 3 year old preschool in the fall.  James and I will celebrate our 5 year anniversary -- maybe a short trip somewhere. 

As for my new year's resolution, I never make one.  I know I would never stick to it, so I'd rather just not stress myself out making one.  In fact, I have decided to stop trying to change my habits, because I find it more stressful than anything.  I prefer to just take things one day at a time and enjoy myself.  If I want to eat 2 bowls of ice cream one day, I will.  If I want to let Rylee watch 6 movies in one day, I will.  If I want to get up at 5:30 to exercise, I will...but if I don't feel like it, I won't stress over it.  I'm finding my days much more enjoyable when I just do what I want and not worry about what I "should" be doing. 

I'm looking forward to the new year.  I made some new friends in 2013 and reconnected with old ones...hoping for more of the same in 2014. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF MY READERS!!  I hope nothing but the best comes your way!!

Merry Christmas!

What a fun past couple of days we have had leading up to today.  On Monday we checked into a hotel so Rylee could go swimming.  What a little fish she is turning into!  I was so proud of her for being interested in learning how to kick her feet and float on her back.  Wyatt also got to play in the pool for the first time; he did very well.  We ordered take-out for supper and watched The Polar Express as we all sat in bed together.  Spending much needed quality time together was the perfect way to start Christmas week. 

Yesterday we had Christmas with my family.  I've always loved the tradition of going to my aunt's house on Christmas Eve.  Her house is always decorated with colorful whimsy decorations, smells like yummy food, and Christmas songs play in the background.  She always has a large, real tree that is full of bright ornaments....and of course, a mountain of presents underneath.  This year, the mountain overflowed!!  There were 3 more kids at our gathering this year than there has been in the past, due to the addition of Wyatt and my brother's family being back in Iowa.  It was so much fun to watch the kids open presents one by one.  Rylee was excited about her presents as soon as she tore the paper off and BEFORE she even knew what the gift was :)  I'm not sure that Santa Clause needed to come to our house after she and Wyatt got so many gifts at this Christmas gathering. 

However, Santa did come, and we saw his sleigh flying high in the air on our way home Christmas Eve (or was that just an airplane??).  I always saw Santa's sleigh in the air on our way home growing up, so I was pretty excited I got to point it out to Rylee this year!! 

We put our Christmas jammies on when we got home, watched a couple of Christmas shows and sat by the tree to read "The Night Before Christmas".  Right before bed we stopped in the kitchen to pick out a decorated sugar cookie to leave for Santa...only to discover the Mr. of the house ate them all!!! I almost panicked.  On Sunday night, I considered telling him not to eat them all, but I figured since there were so many left (8-10) and we would be gone the next couple of days, that it wouldn't be an issue....I was wrong.  Luckily, we had some fig newtons in the pantry and Rylee was okay with that.  She thought the fig newton's needed sprinkles though, so we did do a little cookie decorating.  We also left carrots outside for the reindeer. 

Fast forward to 5:55am this morning.... 
"Mom, wake up!  Let's go find Elfie and see if Santa came." 

We all got up and went out to the kitchen to see that Elfie had left us some donuts for breakfast, along with a note telling us thanks for letting her stay at our house and that we would see her again next year. 

Next, we went to the living room and saw that Santa had been there and left a few presents and filled our stockings!!  Rylee wanted to open them right away, but settled with eating our donuts first.  (Yes, I decided to wrap my Santa gifts...though mine were always unwrapped as a kid and I enjoyed that).

By 6:30 we had all of the presents opened and by 7:00 they had all been played with.  "Now what?", I thought to myself.  The Disney parade wouldn't be on for two more hours.  We watched a couple more Christmas shows and played some of Rylee's games she got.  We also looked out the window once the sun came up and saw that the reindeer had eaten all of the carrots and there were tracks from Santa's sleigh!! 

I'm so sad that all of the fun is nearly over.  We had 5 Christmas celebrations and it all went too fast. I'm already excited for next Christmas!!  The holidays become even more fun than they already were when kids are in the picture.  Hopefully next year Wyatt will be able to open his own presents and be a little bit excited about his gifts.  Maybe a trip to see Santa will even be possible next year.

Of all the fun things we did this month, my favorites were Disney on Ice and watching Rylee open presents.  There's no better feeling than seeing excitement in a child's eyes. 

I hope you all are having a very Merry Christmas!!! 

Present Presentation

"Six inch ribbon curls, honey.  Six. inches."  Name the movie...  

Yep, it's Elf.  The part when Jovie is wrapping presents in the make-shift North Pole in the department store.  I used to put ribbons on Christmas presents and spend lots of time making them look pretty.  I used to know someone who made the most beautiful bows and I never wanted to open the gift...it was just so pretty to look at.  I can't remember the last time I spent time making "accessories" for a present.  Instead, I find the beauty of the paper itself to be enough. 

I know it's silly to spend money on wrapping paper that will just get thrown away, but I think the paper is part of the present and I choose the paper wisely for each recipient.  I don't care how much it costs....if Rylee would love Minnie Mouse paper at $6/roll, you better believe I'm going to buy it (luckily Santa took care of the Minnie paper this year).  I've been to plenty of "grab bag" type of parties where you get to pick a random present --- everyone always chooses the pretty ones first and the less fortunate looking ones get picked last. 

There is so much cute wrapping paper out there today, I don't know how the "less cute" paper is even still around....except to provide a cheaper choice for those who are practical and realize that spending money on paper to be thrown away is wasteful (Scrooges!!  Just kidding.).  I have tons of wrapping paper in my basement right now and I'm tired of all of it.  I don't mind if I don't use an entire roll; I like buying new each year (though I've been using a couple of the same rolls for 3 years now).  I usually buy after the holidays though, when it is on sale.  Maybe I should start a wrapping paper exchange where we can all swap left over paper after the holiday....

Rylee helped me wrap all of the presents for her cousins this year and she too enjoyed selecting the perfect paper for each recipient.  She would say, "I think (insert name) would like this paper."  It was cute.  She also knows which gifts under the tree she wants to open based on the paper it's wrapped in....boy will she be disappointed when she opens Wyatt's bibs :) 

Sometimes it's hard to find the right size box to wrap gifts in, but I think the presentation looks so much nicer when gifts are in boxes.  There are definitely times that I don't worry about a box (Wyatt won't care what his gifts look like), but in my opinion, boxes are almost always a must for the perfect presentation....and to keep the gift from getting guessed before it's open. 

Did anyone who "likes" the Today show on Facebook happen to read the over 1,000 comments on their post yesterday about the number of gifts kids should get for Christmas?  No?  You mean, no one else spent an hour of the day reading nearly all of those comments besides me?  Weird. 

Anyway, I was quite entertained by the responses people gave to the posed question.  A lot of people follow the bible and give their children each 3 gifts.  That makes complete sense to me.  And then there were people on the other end of the spectrum who give each of their kids 20+ gifts and spend hundreds of dollars on each of their kids (one woman said she got her son a go-kart, 4wheeler and dirt bike --- seriously?!?!?!?).  I loved Christmas presents as much as the next kid, but I was just as happy with my few presents as I would have been with 20+.  What kid has more than 20 items on their wish list anyway??  How could you play with 20+ gifts in one day??  I couldn't even think of 20 items to get my kids. 

I guess looking at the big picture, my kids get over 20 combined with grandparents and aunts/uncles.  But from Mom and Dad and Santa....20+ seems a little overkill to me.  Just my opinion.  Some people said they don't buy their kids anything during the year and they save it all for Christmas...I guess I could see the large amount of gifts in that case.  I am a pushover and buy things for Rylee all year long, so Christmas isn't really a huge deal.  Some people give lots of necessary items, like clothing, as gifts and I can see where that would increase the number of gifts too.

Anyway, back to present wrapping....I'm about all wrapped out after 10 gifts, so I can't imagine having to wrap 20+ just for my own kids.  Thank goodness Santa and his elves help me with some of the wrapping!  Which reminds me...I don't think all of my gifts from Santa were wrapped growing up.  I remember running out to the living room with my brother in the morning and being able to see what Santa brought us.  I would think Santa would do the same thing for all kids, but I suppose he likes to keep everyone on their toes :)  One would also think Santa would give all kids very small gifts so he has room for them all in his sleigh.....

Anyway -- no matter how many gifts you give or what kind of paper you use....
HAPPY WRAPPING!! 

Dear Santa

I believe in Santa, but someone posted on facebook this week that Santa isn't real.  Scrooge!  Just to be sure, I have decided to send Santa a letter this year to test out his existence. 

Dear Santa,
It's been a very long time since I have written to you; I'm sorry about that.  I'm sure with the millions of letters you receive, you didn't miss mine.  Anyway, I know my daughter has already told you what she wants for Christmas, but I thought I better make sure you know what the rest of my family would like as well (and I will translate Rylee's request too, just in case you don't know what a "panyo" is).

Wyatt is just starting to sit on his own and would like some new toys that he can play with from a sitting position...preferably ones that make noise and aren't girly.  Other than that, he's not picky.

Rylee, as you know, wants a "panyo" (translate: piano) and a Doc McStuffins toy.  She also likes greeting cards and is probably expecting one from you, so please don't disappoint her.  I don't think you ever gave me one, but if you are able to stop at Walgreens quick to pick one up, that would be great.  They are open 24 hours I think. 

James would like our other house to sell.  Your elves don't even have to make anything for this one to happen.  And Santa, James is sort of questioning your existence this year, so this would be huge for us all if you could make it happen. 

Finally, my wish.  Judging by my recent Facebook news feeds, I think I am requesting the "hot item" of the year unfortunately.  I hope you have employed extra elf help this season for this one.  So, everyone is requesting "sleep" or "sleeping in for a day"....I would actually like an entire 24 hours in my house alone.  This would allow me to go to bed whenever I want, sleep as long as I want, read as much as I want, eat whatever I want and whenever I want, watch whatever I want and generally just help me recharge.  I know this is a lot to ask.  Maybe after Christmas (and maybe just a few days later so you and your elves can rest first) you and your elves can whisk my family away to the North Pole for a 24 hour tour.  In case this is too big of a request, my second choice is a trip to Disney World. 

Hopefully we haven't asked too much of you.  I think we have been fairly good this year.  We did our good deeds for the season and gave to less fortunate strangers.  We also made you a lot of cookies and have been taking good care of Elfie while she is a guest in our home.  If there is anything else you need (don't ask for a rail on our deck though), please have Elfie let us know and we will do what we can to make sure it's done.  I hope your final preparations for the big night are going smoothly.

Yours Truly,
Emily Schaack - Believer

O Christmas Tree

Real or artificial?  White lights or colored?  Themed ornaments or random?  Angel, star or other topper?  Ribbon, garland, tinsel??  There are so many types of Christmas trees and I love to see pictures of them on facebook (or in person)!!

I prefer an artificial tree because 1) you can put it up whenever you want, 2) you always know what it will look like, 3) ornaments are easier to hang on it, 4) you don't have to water it and vacuum needles and 5) it's the least expensive.  That being said, James and I have always had a real tree because he prefers them and his opinion trumps mine.  I'm fixin' to get me an artificial tree when they go on sale after the holiday though and starting next year we will just have two trees :) 

We do agree on the lights though -- definitely white!  I have a small pre-lit tree that has colored lights and it is pretty too, but the big tree must have white lights....that twinkle too of course.

Ornaments.  I really don't have that many and I don't even know where the ones I have came from.  I'm guessing gifts, but I couldn't tell you who they are from unfortunately.  Most are too big and heavy for my tree too.  I like a themed tree and have previously just done a certain color(s) of balls and ribbon, but this year I put all of our ornaments on it, along with a strand of burlap (that only wraps around a third of the tree -- must get more!). 

While visiting a relative this past weekend and listening to her tell me where all of her ornaments came from, I got to thinking about how a tree full of ornaments from family and friends truly represents what Christmas is all about -- being with loved ones.  It's a wonderful symbol. 

I think I will start a tradition of giving my kids ornaments each year....or maybe just every other year, with a family ornament for the in between years so they don't end up with so many ornaments to take with them when they leave the house. 

Yes, I will have 2 trees next year...and maybe even a 2nd small one too :)  I LOVE having my house all lit up by the twinkling lights in the evening when it's dark outside.  One thing we have never done is put up outdoor lights .... next year!!!  I'm so glad it snowed yesterday -- it looks so pretty and christmasy out :) 

Christmas FUN

I cannot believe how soon Christmas will be here...there's so much to do yet!!  Rylee is now at the age where she enjoys and is able to participate in many activities.  I am trying to start some traditions this year that we haven't done before to make sure we make the most of the season. 

So far we have put up our Christmas tree, which she was so excited to decorate!  Did anyone else decorate their tree in their undies??

 

I put out all of my other Christmas decorations Thanksgiving night while Rylee was sleeping off her turkey in the middle of the living room. 

Yesterday we wrapped all of our Christmas presents.  Rylee picked out the paper for each gift, taking careful consideration to the person receiving the gift.  She was also concerned that we didn't have presents for some people....gotta love her soft heart!! 

We also made a paper chain.  My thought was that we would take one link off each day until Christmas gets here.  She had fun running the glue stick!

Our Elf on the Shelf appeared this year, and oh boy is that fun!!  I don't know who is enjoying it more...Rylee or James and I.  Ry wasn't really interested in it the first day, but we are on day 4 now and she has taken a liking to Elfie.  Elfie appeared in our tree this morning and Rylee said to me very disapprovingly, "Mom! Elfie's in our tree!!"  She also left Ry a letter, which she wouldn't let me read to her...she told me she could read it herself. "It says, 'ABC, Santa is going to bring presents, Doc McStuffins.'"  Okay....well....I'm pretty sure that's not what it says, but whatever.  There was an Elf on the Shelf show on last week that we DVR'd and have watched several times already as well.  Kudos to the family who created this wonderful Christmas tradition! 

Later this week we will drop off our Toys for Tots items and the supplies we bought for the Ronald McDonald House.  We also sent a request to the local school to see if any families are in need of winter attire -- sounds like we may be doing some shopping for that soon as well. 

The rest of our Christmas "to do" list includes decorating our gingerbread house, driving around looking at Christmas lights and baking and decorating cookies.  I'm not really a fan of sugar cookies (except for the one's my SIL's family makes)....mostly just because they are a lot of work, but if Rylee enjoys decorating them this year, I will make it a tradition. 

I had planned to visit one of the Festival of Trees events as well, but didn't quite make it...will keep it on the list for next year. Another item we won't be doing is visiting Santa -- Rylee won't even look at him from afar at the mall.  I suppose I should take Wyatt though.  And speaking of Wyatt -- James still has to make him a stocking yet.  Yes, I said that right...James has made all of our stockings...the man can run a sewing machine in addition to chainsaws, tractors and skid loaders.

Oh, and there are so many great Christmas movies to watch yet and songs to listen to.  We have only seen Elf and Polar Express so far....Christmas Vacation, Home Alone and Santa Clause top my list of other movies to watch.  And I just downloaded a bunch of Christmas music this morning so I can listen to it as I go about my days.  My favs are as follows:

"Let it be Christmas" by Alan Jackson
"O Holy Night" by John Berry
"Santa Baby" by Kellie Pickler
"All I Want for Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey
And really, many more....I probably love them all!!!

Merry Christmas everyone!!  Enjoy the season, as it will be over before we know it!!