I won't pretend to have a good excuse for not blogging in over 2 weeks. Fact of the matter, I write blog posts in my head nearly every day. I just stink at getting to the computer and writing them out and getting the camera to the computer to put up new pictures. Anyway, we have been busy around here with life and since the camera is downstairs and I don't feel like walking 20 steps down and 20 steps back up to put up new photos, I will instead give you a rundown of yesterday, a Terrific Tuesday, which was far from uneventful.
11:00 pm Monday night - finally get to bed after convincing Carter, who took a 2+ hour nap that afternoon that going to bed was a good idea
1:30 am Tuesday - wake up with Hannah who has a cold
4:30 am - wake up with Hannah again
6:00 am - wake up to get ready for work
6:15 am - shower, eat breakfast, and begin waking children and getting them ready for their day
8:07 am - yell for Ellie to hurry up as she needs to be out the door thisverysecond to make the bus
8:08 am - shove Ellie out the door with a quick kiss
8:20 am - dress three children, pack a diaper bag, make a lunch, grab everything I need for my errands during lunch, wipe a behind and redress a child, put shoes and coats on children and myself
8:40 am - head out to van, buckle three children in, make two more trips to load the van with everything I need for the day
8:45 am - back out of driveway
8:55 am - arrive at Grandma's, unload children and all their belongings
9:00 am - head to work
9:10 am - arrive at work, proceed to do my job until 11:45
11:45 am - eat sandwich in car while returning overdue library books to library, getting new books, running to Target to refill a prescription and get milk, bread, and fruit
12:25 pm - arrive back at work, do job duties until 3 pm
3:10 pm - finally leave work after we discussed some issues in afternoon class
3:20 pm - arrive to get children, dress everyone in outdoor gear, load van with all the treasures the kids have decided to "borrow" from Grandma's house
3:35 pm - hit the road to go home
3:40 pm - run out of gas on the interstate 1/4 mile short of my exit (damn it, I knew I should have filled up before heading home!!)
3:41 pm - call Rich to see if he can help me. In a meeting, unable to assist.
3:42 pm - call Deb, who just dealt with my children for 6 hours, to come help
3:50 pm - Deb arrives, load children in her car, head home to get gas can and Ellie, who has been home alone since 3:30
4:00 pm - head back to car with gas can that was half full
4:10 pm - van still won't start as 1/2 gallon of gas is not enough to start a vehicle that is completely out of gas. Pile back in Deb's car
4:15 pm - arrive at gas station, fill gallon can of gas up
4:25 pm - arrive back at van, fill van with entire can, get in van, hear it not turn over the first time, see a tow truck pull up and start to back up to the van (which was NOT called by me), twist key again and SUCCESS, van turns over and starts up, drive off so tow truck can't attempt to tow me away
4:30 pm - drive to gas station and fill the tank up
4:35 pm - get home, unload children from Deb's car where they've been for half an hour, haul everyone into house, deal with a tantrum from Carter because the girls got out of the car before him (he is always the first one out!), thank Deb profusely for all her help, throw the hotdish that Deb had made for us in the oven, deal with Ellie who wants to go over to a friend's house
5:15 pm - eat, get ready to return to work
5:35 pm - drop Ellie off at friend's house, head to work
5:45-7:45 pm - work yet again
7:50 pm - arrive home and collapse on couch
9:45 pm - fall asleep on couch with Hannah, who is already up for the first time for the night with her darn cold that makes it hard for her to breathe
10:00 pm - finally haul myself up to bed and collapse
As you can see, life is far from dull. And I've learned a valuable lesson = when the gas light comes on, don't push it. Fill up right away.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Monday, January 2, 2012
2012 Goals
2011 was quite the year for the Wendorff crew. There were some serious highs (Hannah's arrival) and serious lows (Ava's appendicitis). It was a busy year as I wrapped up my 2nd term on the MN Valley Mothers of Multiples Board and returned to work part-time. Jake played in a softball league and basketball league. Ellie participated in track and field. It was a year in which we all felt like we were constantly running here and there. A good year, but a crazy and hectic year nonetheless.
I'm not one who is big on making resolutions. I prefer to make goals that I try to follow through on the entire year. While I'd love to lose the last 10 pounds I've been carrying around since the twins were born over 4 years ago, I feel that by making that my resolution, I make the weight loss harder and more unattainable. So this year, I have goals that will hopefully get me and this family where I would like us to be in different areas.
Here are my 2012 goals:
1. Get to the gym 4 days a week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. I've studied my work schedule and figured out the best days to go to get into a rhythm, be consistent, and give my body rest time so I don't wear out or get burned out. I'll certainly give myself some flexibility in this schedule as those are also the days I need to use for doctor/dentist appointments, errands, etc, but my goal is to follow this plan as closely as possible every month, give or take a day or two here and there.
2. Increase the family's intake of fruits and veggies. We do fairly good but when everyone wants a snack mid-afternoon, we all tend to go to crackers or chips first. I'd like to eliminate fillers and unnecessary carbs and focus more on everyone eating fruits and veggies for snacks and more at meal times too.
3. Get better at meal planning. Both Jake and I feel we are in a meal rut. We eat the same old foods all the time. I plan maybe two meals ahead of time each week and then we revert to our regular line-up the rest of the week. I want to start putting more thought into what we eat and making sure that each meal is well-balanced, helping with goal #2 as well. I'm thinking the best and easiest way for me to make this happen is to designate certain meal themes for each night of the week. For example, I work Tuesday in the day and have to go back at night. Tuesdays would be a great day for crockpot meals. Wednesday could be chicken night. Thursday, beef night and so forth. Regardless of my final method, I just want to add variety to our meals, make cooking each night easier, and work on eliminating the carbs and adding more fruits and veggies to each and every meal.
4. Get better at budgeting. Jake and I have an excellent 3-4 year plan to get everything in line and be ready to move on to a bigger house in a few years. (Provided the market turns around some and we can at least break even on our current house! If the market and things stay as they are right now, it may be a 5-6 year plan!) Anyway, I have come to the conclusion that we toss a lot of money away each month. Whether it is on going out to eat, last minute grocery store runs due to poor meal planning, buying a child a full wardrobe only to have said child grow a size or two a month later, a lot of money goes unaccounted for each month. I would like to start watching where we spend our dollars and getting an idea of areas we need to improve on. I'd also like to start comparison shopping our cable and cell phone plans and trying to get better deals versus just being complacent with price changes.
5. Finally buy my DSLR camera that I've been lusting after for close to two years now. Yes, I realize the goal of buying a $600 camera blows to heck goal #5 but I am determined to get the camera this year. I've already figured out how to finance the camera (multiples' group spring sale and birthday money) so I can hypothetically have the camera by April! While it may seem as though I'm wasting money on something so frivolous, I think it will earn its cost. Jake has never enjoyed our fall photo shoots and with a fantastic camera, I could take the pictures of the kids myself. The savings in paying a photographer certainly make the camera more reasonable. Anyway, my rationale aside, I will not say good-bye to 2012 without my Canon DSLR in my hand!
6. My final goal is to take more time for me and to not feel guilty about it. Once I buy my camera, I want to take some classes to learn how to use the camera to its full potential. I want to work more on my crocheting and I'd like to actually make it to the book club to which I'm a quasi-member. Long story short, it's time to reconnect with myself again.
Jake has one goal for 2012: to get in the best shape of his life!
Here's to a new year and lots of big things ahead! Hannah's 1st birthday, Ellie's 9th, Ava and Carter turning 5, Jake reaching his last birthday in the 20's, the purchase of my camera and all the other great things in store!
I'm not one who is big on making resolutions. I prefer to make goals that I try to follow through on the entire year. While I'd love to lose the last 10 pounds I've been carrying around since the twins were born over 4 years ago, I feel that by making that my resolution, I make the weight loss harder and more unattainable. So this year, I have goals that will hopefully get me and this family where I would like us to be in different areas.
Here are my 2012 goals:
1. Get to the gym 4 days a week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. I've studied my work schedule and figured out the best days to go to get into a rhythm, be consistent, and give my body rest time so I don't wear out or get burned out. I'll certainly give myself some flexibility in this schedule as those are also the days I need to use for doctor/dentist appointments, errands, etc, but my goal is to follow this plan as closely as possible every month, give or take a day or two here and there.
2. Increase the family's intake of fruits and veggies. We do fairly good but when everyone wants a snack mid-afternoon, we all tend to go to crackers or chips first. I'd like to eliminate fillers and unnecessary carbs and focus more on everyone eating fruits and veggies for snacks and more at meal times too.
3. Get better at meal planning. Both Jake and I feel we are in a meal rut. We eat the same old foods all the time. I plan maybe two meals ahead of time each week and then we revert to our regular line-up the rest of the week. I want to start putting more thought into what we eat and making sure that each meal is well-balanced, helping with goal #2 as well. I'm thinking the best and easiest way for me to make this happen is to designate certain meal themes for each night of the week. For example, I work Tuesday in the day and have to go back at night. Tuesdays would be a great day for crockpot meals. Wednesday could be chicken night. Thursday, beef night and so forth. Regardless of my final method, I just want to add variety to our meals, make cooking each night easier, and work on eliminating the carbs and adding more fruits and veggies to each and every meal.
4. Get better at budgeting. Jake and I have an excellent 3-4 year plan to get everything in line and be ready to move on to a bigger house in a few years. (Provided the market turns around some and we can at least break even on our current house! If the market and things stay as they are right now, it may be a 5-6 year plan!) Anyway, I have come to the conclusion that we toss a lot of money away each month. Whether it is on going out to eat, last minute grocery store runs due to poor meal planning, buying a child a full wardrobe only to have said child grow a size or two a month later, a lot of money goes unaccounted for each month. I would like to start watching where we spend our dollars and getting an idea of areas we need to improve on. I'd also like to start comparison shopping our cable and cell phone plans and trying to get better deals versus just being complacent with price changes.
5. Finally buy my DSLR camera that I've been lusting after for close to two years now. Yes, I realize the goal of buying a $600 camera blows to heck goal #5 but I am determined to get the camera this year. I've already figured out how to finance the camera (multiples' group spring sale and birthday money) so I can hypothetically have the camera by April! While it may seem as though I'm wasting money on something so frivolous, I think it will earn its cost. Jake has never enjoyed our fall photo shoots and with a fantastic camera, I could take the pictures of the kids myself. The savings in paying a photographer certainly make the camera more reasonable. Anyway, my rationale aside, I will not say good-bye to 2012 without my Canon DSLR in my hand!
6. My final goal is to take more time for me and to not feel guilty about it. Once I buy my camera, I want to take some classes to learn how to use the camera to its full potential. I want to work more on my crocheting and I'd like to actually make it to the book club to which I'm a quasi-member. Long story short, it's time to reconnect with myself again.
Jake has one goal for 2012: to get in the best shape of his life!
Here's to a new year and lots of big things ahead! Hannah's 1st birthday, Ellie's 9th, Ava and Carter turning 5, Jake reaching his last birthday in the 20's, the purchase of my camera and all the other great things in store!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
December Catch-Up
Lest you think the lack of December posts was due to not having content to report on, I would like to state that the facts are contary to that. We had a very eventful December, resulting in not enough time to post everything that happened. So, with less than an hour to go before December and 2011 ends, here is our month in a nutshell:
Hannah is my grocery shopping helper. I ran into some issues with her one week as she was determined to hold my list. I kept tearing off blank parts or sections with items I'd already gotten, but baby knew she didn't have the real deal and wasn't having any of it. The next week when we went shopping together, I gave her the whole list. Rather than attempt to eat it or toss it to the ground in frustration, the little one held it nicely the entire time! Girl just wants to feel included!
The week before Grammy came was an eventful week indeed. Sunday, the 4th, Carter decided to give shaving a try. Unfortunately, that space between his nose and lip was too much and resulted in a cut lip. I've got a pretty good hunch the boy "shaved" his whole face though as there was shaving cream all over the counter and his cheeks were red afterwards! Two valuable lessons were learned in that incident. 1) Shaving isn't as easy as it looks. 2)Daddy needs to put his shaving supplies away after shaving.
That same week, on Thursday the 8th, Carter decided to try his hand at being a barber. Apparently his run-in with a razor did not deter his desire to also play with a scissors. Having seen the movie Tangled, Carter thought he would see if Ava's hair would turn brown when cut like Rapunzel's does. He also decided to try cutting his own hair too. For the record, neither towhead's hair turns brown after cutting. Ava does have some lovely 1-inch bangs though that will take us all of 2012 to grow back out! The barber also gave Ava some nice layering in the back. He must have been very determined to turn her hair brown! Carter's hair is now looking normal as Jake took him in for another haircut and they buzzed it down to where the two bald spots were. (and yes, all scissors are now in hidden containers)
Thankfully, a barrette will make Ava not look like such an alternative rocker chick!
On Saturday of same week, the 10th, we were all at Target getting groceries. The girls were selecting treats in the check out and both wanted Starbursts. While Ava is not supposed to have hard, sticky candy due to all her crowns and dental work, I caved and thought that one time would not hurt. The first bite of her first Starburst and one of her crowns fell off! Thankfully, it wasn't of an emergency nature and was able to wait until the following Wednesday when I had the afternoon off and could take her in to get it recemented. When the dentist says "no hard candy", she really means it!
Hannah is my grocery shopping helper. I ran into some issues with her one week as she was determined to hold my list. I kept tearing off blank parts or sections with items I'd already gotten, but baby knew she didn't have the real deal and wasn't having any of it. The next week when we went shopping together, I gave her the whole list. Rather than attempt to eat it or toss it to the ground in frustration, the little one held it nicely the entire time! Girl just wants to feel included!
The week before Grammy came was an eventful week indeed. Sunday, the 4th, Carter decided to give shaving a try. Unfortunately, that space between his nose and lip was too much and resulted in a cut lip. I've got a pretty good hunch the boy "shaved" his whole face though as there was shaving cream all over the counter and his cheeks were red afterwards! Two valuable lessons were learned in that incident. 1) Shaving isn't as easy as it looks. 2)Daddy needs to put his shaving supplies away after shaving.
That same week, on Thursday the 8th, Carter decided to try his hand at being a barber. Apparently his run-in with a razor did not deter his desire to also play with a scissors. Having seen the movie Tangled, Carter thought he would see if Ava's hair would turn brown when cut like Rapunzel's does. He also decided to try cutting his own hair too. For the record, neither towhead's hair turns brown after cutting. Ava does have some lovely 1-inch bangs though that will take us all of 2012 to grow back out! The barber also gave Ava some nice layering in the back. He must have been very determined to turn her hair brown! Carter's hair is now looking normal as Jake took him in for another haircut and they buzzed it down to where the two bald spots were. (and yes, all scissors are now in hidden containers)
Thankfully, a barrette will make Ava not look like such an alternative rocker chick!
On Saturday of same week, the 10th, we were all at Target getting groceries. The girls were selecting treats in the check out and both wanted Starbursts. While Ava is not supposed to have hard, sticky candy due to all her crowns and dental work, I caved and thought that one time would not hurt. The first bite of her first Starburst and one of her crowns fell off! Thankfully, it wasn't of an emergency nature and was able to wait until the following Wednesday when I had the afternoon off and could take her in to get it recemented. When the dentist says "no hard candy", she really means it! The week after getting Ava's crown fixed, the 19th, was another wonderful morning spent in the dentist's waiting room. This time it was for Ellie to get some sealants on the permanent molars she has in. Here she is modeling the lovely laughing gas mask they let the kids pick out and keep.
Carter also got to spend some quality time with the dentist that morning. He needed a crown placed on one of his molars as he had the same hypo-mineralization issue that Ava had. Luckily his was contained to one tooth and since he is 1.5 years older than Ava was when she had all her work done, we were able to do his crown in office. They did, however, strap him to a paddle board type restraint to keep him for freaking out and flailing at them. The little buddy was fine though and thought the restraint was hilarious! That was before he was hit with the laughing gas too! He had no problems and was out in less than an hour.
Carter also got to spend some quality time with the dentist that morning. He needed a crown placed on one of his molars as he had the same hypo-mineralization issue that Ava had. Luckily his was contained to one tooth and since he is 1.5 years older than Ava was when she had all her work done, we were able to do his crown in office. They did, however, strap him to a paddle board type restraint to keep him for freaking out and flailing at them. The little buddy was fine though and thought the restraint was hilarious! That was before he was hit with the laughing gas too! He had no problems and was out in less than an hour.
And the final big moment of December and 2011 is that Hannah is able to walk behind this push-car. She was at Grandma's house tonight and was able to cruise across their entire basement! I have a pretty good hunch that she'll be walking by her birthday!
And finally, here is a video of the kids as they found the presents that the elf left them at Papa's house at Christmas. Warning: Turn your computer volume down! Carter was VERY excited!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to all! We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.
Our holiday season started when this crazy lady came to visit us December 17th-21st. Grammy looks a little different since we last saw her!
When Grammy was here, Grandma Mary came up to stay with us a night and helped us bake sugar cookies! (she also taught me how to crochet a flower and a round so double win!)
Grammy also gave us the presents that were from her and Grampy.
Hannah really wanted this book and gingerbread man!
Carter got mustaches and a nerf gun. Double trouble!
Christmas Eve, we went to church and to Papa and Mama's.
Hannah wasn't sure what to make of her siblings' excitement.
While we were all at church, an elf came to Papa's house, hid some treasures for the older three and left clues were to find everything.
The kids had a blast running through the house and finding what the elf had left them. Next year will be even more interesting with Hannah and Isabella joining in. If Olivia and Elizabeth also make it back, it is safe to say it will be total pandemonium!! Ironically, Carter was the child screaming the loudest!
After the hunt for the elf's presents was over, Papa read "The Night before Christmas".
None of the pictures taken during present opening were that great but I think this picture sums up the evening well. Total chaos, especially with the twins. They were both overtired and present hungry.
Daddy, Tonester, and Joel all got neon yellow shirts and Aqua Velva so they can be just like Papa! They sent a photo to Joel and the next day, Joel sent a photo back of him with his presents too!
After a good night's sleep, the kids awoke to presents from Santa and us at our house. Carter, our little inquistive guy, got a science kit. He was already been using it to conduct experiments!
Ellie got more clothing. This child has a better wardrobe than me!
Hannah didn't get much to open as she didn't show a big interest in presents this year. One of her gifts was new batteries for all her toys. She is overjoyed to have everything working again.
Ava got lots of princess-ey things.
The living room aftermath!
We had a wonderful Christmas and are so blessed to have such loving family to spend it with. We only wish Grampy and Holly, Joel, Olivia and Elizabeth could have all come back to join us as well.
Our holiday season started when this crazy lady came to visit us December 17th-21st. Grammy looks a little different since we last saw her!
When Grammy was here, Grandma Mary came up to stay with us a night and helped us bake sugar cookies! (she also taught me how to crochet a flower and a round so double win!)
Grammy also gave us the presents that were from her and Grampy.
Hannah really wanted this book and gingerbread man!
Carter got mustaches and a nerf gun. Double trouble!
Christmas Eve, we went to church and to Papa and Mama's.
Hannah wasn't sure what to make of her siblings' excitement.
While we were all at church, an elf came to Papa's house, hid some treasures for the older three and left clues were to find everything.
The kids had a blast running through the house and finding what the elf had left them. Next year will be even more interesting with Hannah and Isabella joining in. If Olivia and Elizabeth also make it back, it is safe to say it will be total pandemonium!! Ironically, Carter was the child screaming the loudest!
After the hunt for the elf's presents was over, Papa read "The Night before Christmas".
None of the pictures taken during present opening were that great but I think this picture sums up the evening well. Total chaos, especially with the twins. They were both overtired and present hungry.
Daddy, Tonester, and Joel all got neon yellow shirts and Aqua Velva so they can be just like Papa! They sent a photo to Joel and the next day, Joel sent a photo back of him with his presents too!
After a good night's sleep, the kids awoke to presents from Santa and us at our house. Carter, our little inquistive guy, got a science kit. He was already been using it to conduct experiments!
Ellie got more clothing. This child has a better wardrobe than me!
Hannah didn't get much to open as she didn't show a big interest in presents this year. One of her gifts was new batteries for all her toys. She is overjoyed to have everything working again.
Ava got lots of princess-ey things.
The living room aftermath!
We had a wonderful Christmas and are so blessed to have such loving family to spend it with. We only wish Grampy and Holly, Joel, Olivia and Elizabeth could have all come back to join us as well. Now off to find homes for all the kids' presents. I've done 7 loads of laundry since Saturday! And I'm still not finished!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Tree Fun and Trying to Get a Decent Photo of 4 Children
The night we decorated the tree, the kids were super excited. I wanted to get a picture of all the kidlets by the tree since this is Hannah's first Christmas. The first picture was somewhat of a success but the ones that followed, well you can take a look!
To finish it off, I was required to take a picture of the kids sleeping under the tree while they wait for Santa. Of course, this was after I repeatedly stressed the importance of keeping space from the tree so we don't have any tipping accidents like we did last year! Listening is not my children's strong suit!
To finish it off, I was required to take a picture of the kids sleeping under the tree while they wait for Santa. Of course, this was after I repeatedly stressed the importance of keeping space from the tree so we don't have any tipping accidents like we did last year! Listening is not my children's strong suit!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
10 Months Old Already!
I'm 10 months old! The days keep flying by and before I know it, it's time to post about me being a month older already! How does this keep happening?!
I'm up to so much these days. Don't be fooled by my sweet expression; I can be quite the stinker! I love to get into everything I possibly can.
I've figured out how to open the cabinets. Now I can help myself to the tupperware and pots and pans without waiting for Mommy to set them out for me!
I'm an expert at standing next to something. I just need to keep one hand on or I'll fall down. I have stood for several seconds on my own a few times but nothing too serious yet. Everyone in the house seems to think that that is ok and there is no real hurry for me to be walking yet!
Being 10 months old is hard work. I don't like to sleep more than I have to because I know I will miss so much. Taking only two 30-60 minute naps a day can mean that I am a tired little girl in the evening. One night I needed a nap during dinner. I literally fell asleep while eating!
Don't be fooled though, I love meal time! If I'm not getting fed fast enough, I reach over to the table and help myself to what I can reach. One day Mommy left the bananas too close so I grabbed the container and poured it into my mouth. I spilled some on the floor in my haste but I still managed to get some before Mommy turned back to see!
I also love to dance! Here's a video of me boogeying. Sorry that it is sideways. Mommy is pretty tech-savvy but couldn't figure out how to turn it on the blog.
I'm up to so much these days. Don't be fooled by my sweet expression; I can be quite the stinker! I love to get into everything I possibly can.
I've figured out how to open the cabinets. Now I can help myself to the tupperware and pots and pans without waiting for Mommy to set them out for me!
I'm an expert at standing next to something. I just need to keep one hand on or I'll fall down. I have stood for several seconds on my own a few times but nothing too serious yet. Everyone in the house seems to think that that is ok and there is no real hurry for me to be walking yet!
Being 10 months old is hard work. I don't like to sleep more than I have to because I know I will miss so much. Taking only two 30-60 minute naps a day can mean that I am a tired little girl in the evening. One night I needed a nap during dinner. I literally fell asleep while eating!
Don't be fooled though, I love meal time! If I'm not getting fed fast enough, I reach over to the table and help myself to what I can reach. One day Mommy left the bananas too close so I grabbed the container and poured it into my mouth. I spilled some on the floor in my haste but I still managed to get some before Mommy turned back to see!
I also love to dance! Here's a video of me boogeying. Sorry that it is sideways. Mommy is pretty tech-savvy but couldn't figure out how to turn it on the blog.Sunday, December 4, 2011
Christmas Decorating
We've been hard at work getting the house decorated for Christmas.
Grammy sewed like a maniac so she could get Hannah's stocking to us so I could hang them all up. I was not going to decorate the mantle or hang a single stocking until the entire family was represented! We love the stockings that Grammy has made us and added to as our family grows!
We also picked out our tree and decorated it. The kids were so excited to go select a tree! We went to Home Depot this year where the selection was much better than Menards and going on a Monday the weekend after Thanksgiving meant that the selection was still fabulous!
Family pic with the tree we selected. Special thanks to the Home Depot lady who was kind enough to attempt to take a picture!
Ready to take the tree home. After last year's tipped tree, we bought a new sturdy stand to handle these children!
Carter was so excited to hang "jingle bells" (ornaments) on the tree that he couldn't wait to get the netting off the tree and get it into the house!
Finished!
The pretty tree, minus the children. This is roughly what it looks like. A few ornaments get changed around each day by Ava and Carter but for the most part, this is the tree!
In all my blog following, I came across an awesome idea for holiday candle holders. A trip to the dollar store for 4 glass vases, an old book that Ellie got from her school library's discard pile (sorry for the missing pages Ellie!), and a little Mod-Podge and I had me a simple but fun craft.
After Mod-Podging the book pages to the jars, I printed off some letters, cut them out and painted over them with black paint.
End result: these beauties. I still need to get some candles but I think they turned out pretty awesome. I could have been a little more careful with my painting but with 4 children under foot at all times, I think I did pretty good with the time I did have to put towards this craft. They look great with our large Nutcrackers!
Grammy sewed like a maniac so she could get Hannah's stocking to us so I could hang them all up. I was not going to decorate the mantle or hang a single stocking until the entire family was represented! We love the stockings that Grammy has made us and added to as our family grows!
(J- star, AN- heart, E- snowman, AM- angel, C- gingerbread man, H- elf)
We also picked out our tree and decorated it. The kids were so excited to go select a tree! We went to Home Depot this year where the selection was much better than Menards and going on a Monday the weekend after Thanksgiving meant that the selection was still fabulous!
Family pic with the tree we selected. Special thanks to the Home Depot lady who was kind enough to attempt to take a picture!
Ready to take the tree home. After last year's tipped tree, we bought a new sturdy stand to handle these children!
Carter was so excited to hang "jingle bells" (ornaments) on the tree that he couldn't wait to get the netting off the tree and get it into the house!
Finished!
The pretty tree, minus the children. This is roughly what it looks like. A few ornaments get changed around each day by Ava and Carter but for the most part, this is the tree!
In all my blog following, I came across an awesome idea for holiday candle holders. A trip to the dollar store for 4 glass vases, an old book that Ellie got from her school library's discard pile (sorry for the missing pages Ellie!), and a little Mod-Podge and I had me a simple but fun craft.
After Mod-Podging the book pages to the jars, I printed off some letters, cut them out and painted over them with black paint.
End result: these beauties. I still need to get some candles but I think they turned out pretty awesome. I could have been a little more careful with my painting but with 4 children under foot at all times, I think I did pretty good with the time I did have to put towards this craft. They look great with our large Nutcrackers!
We are all ready for Christmas! A few more presents need purchasing but the house is fancied up and ready to go!
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