Specially Christmas a.k.a. The one where I use the word "special" at least 62 times

On Christmas, my father-in-law plopped a brown paper bag in everyone's lap.

We opened them at the same time. Contents included:

• an orange
• some hard candy
• a candy cane
• an assortment of nuts

He told us he wanted us to see what his treat was every Christmas when he was growing up 50+ years ago. This treat was so special, that he vividly remembered after all this time.

Before I go on, this is NOT a post poo-pooing giving gifts at Christmas, if that's what you're thinking. It blesses my heart to give and to receive thoughtful and intentional gifts. So, please read on, knowing that's not where I'm headed.

I do believe that sometimes we lose the special. There's so much, and the holidays can be so harried, stressful, overwhelming, _____________ (you fill in the blank), that nothing stands out as special.

This Christmas was so exciting for me and Brad. Our girls are old enough to get excited, and we were excited about their excited.

Along with excited, we want to make Christmas meaningful and special. I think we have to be intentional about making Christmas special, and that takes planning and work. I'm not sure we've quite landed on our unique special yet, but we're working on it.

I've read lots of great ideas about this via the blog world recently of Mamas who have embraced Christmas and lovingly included their children in fun activities to make Christmas special:

• Helene included her children in baking cookies
• Mandy let her babes in the kitchen to make marshmallow snowmen and ice cream cone trees
• Lisa plays "Elf on the Shelf" with her three kiddos
• Melissa made some of her littles' Christmas gifts this year (Gotta love Pinterest!)
• Katie bundled up her twins and walked around looking at Christmas lights.

The above is not always easy for us mamas, I tell you---embracing the chaos that comes along with giving our lovies meaningful and memorable experiences requires lots of yoga breathing (and wine) sometimes.

So, this is what I'm thinking:

(I know Christmas is over. Then New Years will be over. It will still be cold outside, but there won't be any Christmas lights to look at, which quite frankly, depresses me--especially when there's no snow on the ground, in which I can at least take cute pictures of our girls all bundled up.)

I'd love to read and share your Christmas stories---keep the spirit of Christmas alive a bit longer---at least until that groundhog does his thing. I'd love to read about how you make Christmas special in your family.

It can be:

• a tradition
• an activity
• a special book you read
• yummy food you eat
• games you play
• maybe something beautiful and wonderful happened this Christmas that you want to share?

This is an invitation for you to guest post those stories here! Or, if you've shared them on your own blog already, please leave the link in the comment section!

I know there are lots of beautiful stories out there that can keep January sparkling (even if there's no snow on the ground).

If you're interested in guest posting, please email me pontifications (at) hotmail (dot) com

I look forward to hearing from you!!

(My husband thinks this is cheesy, "but that's okay," he says---so, you've got Papa's stamp of approval to guest post--sort of).

No boot camp this week...

...but I got one heck of a workout bundling our girls up to play in the snow!!

Off they go!

It's quickly melting. We were so excited that we were able to tromp around in the snow this morning!

Delight

Everyone should experience the sheer delight of a child.


image credit

Maybe, when you're a parent you do experience child-like joy, just a bit.

Brad and I were almost giddy getting things ready for our girls' Christmas.

On Christmas Eve, at the end of the service,our pastor put up this question on the overhead:

Have you paused long enough at the manger--considering Jesus--to be filled with a joy that is greater than your stress?

I try hard to fill the anxious with thankful--with joy. It's hard. Christmas day with our girls? Pure delight and joy! For them, and for me.

1098. Two girls, in their Christmas jammies, sprinting to their new aprons to go with...

1099. ...their brand new play kitchen!

1100. New books to read.

1101. New pram to push babies.

1102. Playing with cousins.

1103. Adoration from grandparents.

1104. Two girls running to the tree to find a spot for their new ornaments.

1105. The girls respecting the "one finger" rule with the Christmas tree (still standing and all ornaments in tact).

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1105. Snuggles with Hadley at 6AM.

1106. Some answers and solutions to the girls' health issues.

1107. Going for a run by myself, without the stroller, for the first time since the girls were born--it's been so long, I've lost the charger for my ipod.

1108. Pandora on my phone for my run.

1109. Hanging the girls' artwork in our house.

1110. Playdate with Anna and Jill.

1111. A Christmas Eve service that worked with the girls' schedule.

1112. Watching the girls "do" imaginary play.

1113. Play in a pirate boat that keeps an empty cardboard box permanently in my living room, but provides hours upon hours of endless fun.

1114. Reading Mandy's sweet list of blessings through the holiday travel with her family.

Sharing with Ann and Jen.

 

Mama Loves: YOU!

Welcome to another week of Mama Loves! So glad that you've stopped by!

Mama Loves is a linky party where mamas can share anything that has made your life easier as a mama.

Maybe you've found: 

• a toy or book that captivates your child(ren)
• gear you just can't live without
• a recipe your choosy toddler gobbles down
• a parenting book that you've found perspective changing
• an activity that wears your kid(s) out (these lead to good naps, which we all love)
• an outfit that flatters your post-baby body and makes you feel fabulous
• or anything else you're loving--creativity welcome!

Share it with us! Blogging has made me a better mama, because I've learned about all kinds of great things, like those listed above, from mamas just like you. Here's your chance to share it with all of us!

To link your post up, click on the linky tool at the bottom, and follow the directions, it's really easy. You can also add this beautiful button to your post. Just grab the code in the box, copy and paste it into your post. Easy.

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I want to apologize, yet again, for the linky malfunction. There were some really great link ups this past week. Please, take a moment to check them out--child friendly nativity sets, a fabulous magnet board, and high chairs the survived a cross-country move. You won't be disappointed---lots of good stuff!

I am hopeful that this week our linky problems are solved. Please, please, please?!?

I wanted to take a moment to say Merry Christmas to each of you.

And to give you each a big huge thank you for showing up here to read me.

This whole blogging thing---it's a bit vulnerable sometimes. I put myself, my girls, our family out there. It's a risk--there's scrutiny involved. Sometimes people don't like me, or what I have to say. Sometimes I'm not their flava. 

 

Did  I date myself? I think I just dated myself.

Old school rap holds a special place in my heart. Even Flava Flav, who wears a gigantic clock around his neck.

Most of the time, though, there's support, encouragement, and love. Thank you to all of you who take the time to stop here and read, comment or link up with Mama Loves. Each gesture blesses my heart.

I truly am a better mama because of all of you. The wisdom and experience that each you share here--be it ideas for crafts, toys, books, parenting advice, food, safety, useful gear, time-savers, gifts, handy tips and even friendship--all of it benefits me, my girls, and even my husband. Thank you!

I wish for each of you this Christmas:

homes echoing of laughter

bellies satisfied with delicious food

living rooms cluttered with creative play

hearts brimming with love

souls stretched with grace

Love and a very Merry Christmas to each of you!

I can't wait to see what you're loving this week!

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Mama Loves: Technology

I do love technology, but not when it doesn't work the way it's supposed to. I do really love that there are people that are more tech saavy than I am.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for those of you who have posted your Mama Loves the past couple of weeks. Apparently the linky isn't working correctly. I am so sorry about that.

What I love about Mama Loves is that the linky brings us all together. Clearly that can't happen if the linky is broken--DOH!

I do have an email in to the Mister Linky man (or woman?) and am waiting to hear back.

So, since the linky can't bring us all together---I will.

There have been some really great Mama Loves this week; I don't want you to miss any of it!
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Melissa and MaMe Musings and I have talked about our love for Pinterest, and how it makes any gal wanna heat up her hot glue gun. She just made the greatest magnet board, you have to check it out!

And, Melissa, this was my conversation with my husband about your post:

Brad: Did you see Melissa from MaMe Musing's post about her magnet board?
Me: Yes.
Brad: That's a solid idea!

Oh, Pinterest, how I love thee, with all your "solid" ideas. For this and other great ways to entertain toddlers, you can follow Melissa on Pinterest.
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Katie and I have talked about Pinterest a lot too. She's a Kindergarten teacher, so I've gotten all kinds of great ideas to entertain my girls from her.

Katie and I are very similar. We love to do our Christmas shopping in our yoga pants.

Point and click.

Since my girls came along, I do most of my shopping this way. If I could grocery shop online, I totally would.

Anyway, Katie has a great list of bargain websites that you should check out.

Getting the best deal + wearing comfy clothes + drinking wine = perfect!

And, since we're speaking about great deals. Do you guys have any Little People toys at your house?

We have the school bus.


Talk about durable! The school bus is definitely a favorite around here!

Did you know that there is a Little People nativity set?! Katie will tell you all about it!

This so fits with the whole Montessori way of learning--hands on. Your wee ones can chew on Mary's head and throw Baby Jesus against the wall, and it doesn't matter, because those Little People are tough little critters.

Brilliant! Thanks so much for sharing this, Katie! I can't wait to pick up a Little People nativity set for our girls!
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We love our portable high chairs! Finding a good one is so important! Light weight, easy to move around---these are all important things! Especially when you have two!

Olusola will tell you about her very favorite high chairs. She has recently gone through a huge move, and these have definitely been one of the things she's kept with her every step of the way.

Thank you for weathering our technical issues. Hopefully they'll be resolved soon!

P.S. If I've missed anyone, please, please let me know!!

Life is Beauty Full

Celebrating a life that is beauty full.

image credit

Because it is. All these gifts. They are chalk-full of beauty.


Having the eyes, the ears, and the heart to see it all---that takes some work sometimes.

The result is so totally worth it!


1088. First tastes of sushi.

We need to work on proper chopstick technique!

Not quite sure about all these new tastes :)

1089. The girls' love of eggnog (without So. Co.).

1090. Impromptu visit from my parents.

1091. Girls playing with their grandparents.

1092. Boat rides with Grandpa.

1093. Link fun with Grandma.

1094. New voices to read their dear stories.



1095. Brynne being so, so, so proud of her towers.

1096. Both girls being so excited that they have an ornament that they made on our tree.

1097. A surprise phone call from dear, sweet Melissa this morning!

Sharing this today with Ann and Heather.

Mama Loves: Stickers

Welcome to another week of Mama Loves! So glad that you've stopped by!

Mama Loves is a linky party where mamas can share anything that has made your life easier as a mama.

Maybe you've found: 

• a toy or book that captivates your child(ren)
• gear you just can't live without
• a recipe your choosy toddler gobbles down
• a parenting book that you've found perspective changing
• an activity that wears your kid(s) out (these lead to good naps, which we all love)
• an outfit that flatters your post-baby body and makes you feel fabulous
• or anything else you're loving--creativity welcome!

Share it with us! Blogging has made me a better mama, because I've learned about all kinds of great things, like those listed above, from mamas just like you. Here's your chance to share it with all of us!

To link your post up, click on the linky tool at the bottom, and follow the directions, it's really easy. You can also add this beautiful button to your post. Just grab the code in the box, copy and paste it into your post. Easy.

<center><a href="http://pontificationsofatwinmom.blogspot.com/search/label/Mama%20Loves" target="_blank"><img alt="Manic Mother" src="http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv66/MaAldrich/MamaLovesButtoncopy.jpg"/></a></center>

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I wanted to thank all of you that have taken the time to blog and share your Mama Loves here. I have been, and continue to be so blessed by all your great ideas!

We have a new love around here.

Stickers.

Oh, boy! Do we ever love stickers.

This past weekend we went to a birthday party at our local Children's Museum. The girls loved the craft--putting foam stickers on a foam visor.

Just so happens, I have some stickers. They're at least 10 years old, so I'm sure they were delighed to be thought of again. I was pleased to have a purpose for them. So, it was a win/win for the stickers and me.

I needed a project for the stickers. I didn't just want the girls to endlessly stick stickers on a paper, or their shirts, or whatever.

So, the first project--to put stickers on the backs of our Christmas cards. They did a great job! Some of the stickers were put on a little crooked (sorry if you got one of those), but overall I was pretty impressed. The girls worked really hard to do a good job.

I remembered that my friend Mandy at Twin Trials and Triumphs had done a sticker project with her girls awhile back. I found her project and Pinned it for safe keeping.

The other day, we put sticker bingo to the test. The girls were to put one sticker in each box on a grid.

As you can see, they got a few extra stickers. The skill for them to put a larger sticker vs. a smaller sticker on the paper was different, so I wanted to let them practice with both.

I was so pleased with how well they followed directions, and concentrated so dilligently to put the stickers where I asked.

At the rate we're going, stickers aren't going to last around here.

So, Santa, if you're listening, Mama could use a few packages of stickers in her stocking. The girls are partial to the Dr. Seuss stickers (so sorry if your Christmas card had a The Grinch sticker on it---please don't take that personally) if you're taking specific requests.

Can't wait to see what you're loving this week!

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O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree...

...Pinterest will forever change thee...

As the rain poured down the other day, providing the perfect napping conditions, my Hadley refused to nap longer than 45 minutes. So, I put my crafty thinking cap on, and came up with a Christmas-themed craft. Inspired by this idea and this idea combined.

Since most every Pinterest craft for toddlers involves those puff-pom-pom things, I'd bought some, without a designated purpose for them.

I got those out, and some plain, clear glass ornament balls* that was part of an never-attempted craft idea I had like seven years ago.

I checked the edges of the glass ball to make sure they weren't chipped, or sharp--then let Hadley get to work, filling the glass ball with puff-pom-pom thingys (my official name for them).

She was very proud of her work.

We added a bow, secured it with a bit of hot glue, and put it on the tree. She couldn't wait to point it out to her papa when he got home.



There you have it. The perfect rainy-day-Christmas-craft for your toddler.

*If I were buying the materials for this, I'd look into plastic, rather than glass balls. Lots of supervision needed with glass!

All is calm...

Or so the song goes.

When I hear Silent Night, I think of immense quiet. That "you can actually hear the snow falling" quiet. Some of you southerners, sadly, won't know what I'm talking about, and for us notherners, it's getting hard to remember--what is up with 60 degrees in December?!

Anyway.

Even more "sadly" is that amidst that hustle and bustle, I find the words in those lyrics seeming so unrelateable.

The words calm and bright seem foggy.

Instead of resting. My soul is restless, discontent.

It's not that baby Jesus doesn't do it for me.

He does and did.

I feel like one of these women on the right:



I feel harried, frantic, insane, out of touch with what's important (sorry if you were one of those women on the right--grace to you, I'm sure you got one helluva deal).

Grace.

This morning I am counting my thanks, because last week was a pretty terrific week. In the midst of my counting, I'm breathing. Attempting to find that "calm and bright" feeling---it's around here somewhere.

What do you do around this time of year to get that calm and bright thing going on?

1079. Bundling the girls to go outside to see the full moon.

1080. A little mittened hand in mine.

1081. Letting the girls run around outside in their winter garb.

1082. A row of pigtails.

1083. Crafting at the Children's Museum--foam stickers and hats.



1084. More Children's Museum fun!

1085. The pure and utter joy and delight that comes from playing with a balloon.



1086. Celebrating second birthdays with friends.

1087. Pinterest!

...all is bright...

Mama Loves: Cheap Ways to Entertain Toddlers

Welcome to another week of Mama Loves! So glad that you've stopped by!

Mama Loves is a linky party where mamas can share anything that has made your life easier as a mama.

Maybe you've found: 

• a toy or book that captivates your child(ren)
• gear you just can't live without
• a recipe your choosy toddler gobbles down
• a parenting book that you've found perspective changing
• an activity that wears your kid(s) out (these lead to good naps, which we all love)
• an outfit that flatters your post-baby body and makes you feel fabulous
• or anything else you're loving--creativity welcome!

Share it with us! Blogging has made me a better mama, because I've learned about all kinds of great things, like those listed above, from mamas just like you. Here's your chance to share it with all of us!

To link your post up, click on the linky tool at the bottom, and follow the directions, it's really easy. You can also add this beautiful button to your post. Just grab the code in the box, copy and paste it into your post. Easy.

<center><a href="http://pontificationsofatwinmom.blogspot.com/search/label/Mama%20Loves" target="_blank"><img alt="Manic Mother" src="http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv66/MaAldrich/MamaLovesButtoncopy.jpg"/></a></center>
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I'm done Christmas shopping.

Wanna know a secret?

I never set foot inside a store to get it done.

Truth? Shopping around the holidays makes me sweat (a lot). Add in two toddlers? Insanity!

I, like Katie, did all my Christmas shopping in yoga pants enjoying a tasty beverage.

Katie has a great list of websites you should check out to get great deals. Over the past months, I've gotten some killer deals on Christmas gifts for the girls by keeping tabs on those great bargain websites. You can "like" them all on facebook, or get daily email updates. Check out Katie's post, and don't miss an opportunity to get a great deal!

Did I mention there are some great deals to be had? Sheesh! I need to stop saying "deal"---there's gotta be another word for that. I'm too tired to come up with it right now. So--deal. Ha!
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I may have mentioned my obsession love for Pinterest. Yeah, okay, maybe more than one time this week.

Today will make it three. (Sorry if this is getting old for you).

When I find ideas on Pinterest, I think they're all great ideas. My girls are the ones that determine if they actually are great ideas.

This one proved to be a great idea. Mama and twin approved!

The best part? It cost exactly $2.

I got some sparkly pipe cleaners at Target for $2, and got out my colander (it was a wedding present, so it was free).

My girls will sit and work on putting each end of the pipe cleaner into the holes in the colander for a good 20 minutes.

This is the end result:

Easy, fun activity for toddlers on days when it's

Too wet to go out

And too cold to play ball.

It's much better than sitting in the house and doing nothing at all.

Yeah, okay. We love Dr. Seuss around here.

Happy Saturday everyone! Can't wait to see what you're loving!

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To Tree or Not to Tree

For those of you with toddlers, did you put up a tree this year?

It took us forever to make up our minds about it.

I toyed with just doing this:

(thank you, Pinterest!)

Our girls do a pretty good job of obeying us if we ask them not to do something, but sometimes they need reminding. My fear is that they'll need a "reminder" in the 2.3 minutes I'm in the bathroom, and our girls will pretend to be woodsmen woodswomen and "chop" down our tree.

For instance, yesterday when I went to the bathroom, the girls "forgot" that they weren't supposed to open the craft cabinet. They emptied the box of 64 crayons, the box of 24 crayons, and a package of 5 crayons all over the floor.

That was 93 crayons all over our wood floor. To say nothing about the marks on the floor. Washable crayons--genius!

Anyway.

We did decide to put up a tree for two reasons:

1. Family, with whom we'll be spending Christmas, has their tree up. We thought it best to desensitize them to the sensational nature of dangling shiny bobbles that they can reach.
2. It just wouldn't feel quite like Christmas without a tree.

So...the tree's up. Our fake, lightweight, ugly, cheap Christmas tree. Decorated with our non-breakable ornaments, just in case. These ornaments, subsequently, seem to all be coated in glitter. Who thought glitter was a good idea--ever? There is so much glitter in our house, despite my best cleaning efforts, I'm pretty sure I'll awkwardly spot glitter on the bottoms of visitors well into March.

Our toddler-proof ornaments also include the candy canes I made out of pipe cleaners and beads when I was in pre-school.

The girls are learning to touch the tree with just one finger.

Do you see what I mean about the glitter?!

And---this is our Christmas tree--in all its boxed-in, glitter-fied, toddler-proofed glory:

Joy to the World!

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In other, Joy to the World related news, my husband is guest blogging over at the lovely MaMe Musings today. Looking for some helpful tips to get you through the holiday? He's the man you want to listen to! Check out my husband's (ahem) serious and thought-provoking post.