I was plugging along with blog updates until we made it home from our trip to England. I was plagued with a crummy sinus infection that led to a cough that wouldn't go away, then Bronchitis. I usually take advantage of Isaac's nap times and evenings to keep things updated. Lately, that time has been spent recuperating or helping Santa's elves with holiday preparations from decorating, crafting, baking, shopping and gift wrapping.
I have been writing some as well. I have a BUNCH of posts drafted and just need a bit of uninterrupted time to get them edited and posted.
Updates are coming....very soon!
:)
December 18, 2012
Gingerbread House Decorating
I took the plunge and decided to host our first event with the mom's group. I thought it would be fun to get some kiddos together to decorate their own gingerbread house for the holiday. It was a bit of work to get everything prepared, all the gingerbread cut out, baked and the houses assembled but it turned out so much better than I anticipated.
I set up all the stations for each kiddo the night before with all the decorations and additional icing.
I helped Isaac with the icing while he attempted to place the gum drops and candies on his little house. However, he ended up eating way more candy that I ever planned on!
It was a fun morning and very easy to clean up. Isaac on the other hand, had fun, too much fun. It was my first time experiencing him on a true sugar high. I've never seem him full of so much energy running around like a maniac!
I set up all the stations for each kiddo the night before with all the decorations and additional icing.
I helped Isaac with the icing while he attempted to place the gum drops and candies on his little house. However, he ended up eating way more candy that I ever planned on!
It was a fun morning and very easy to clean up. Isaac on the other hand, had fun, too much fun. It was my first time experiencing him on a true sugar high. I've never seem him full of so much energy running around like a maniac!
December 14, 2012
Nutcracker Painting
We had a fun outing with the mom's group this morning to a local art gallery that had a fun craft set up for the kids. I have to admit I was a bit anxious about this one. Isaac with paints in an open area....I wasn't sure how this would turn out.
Isaac chose an unusual selection of colors....
He was very focused on mixing the paints to achieve the ultimate shade for his vision.
His final masterpiece! This is where my OCD emerges. I had this overwhelming need to take this home and repaint it the correct colors. But, I knew this was his piece, his experience and it was perfect just the way it was. Once we got home it was proudly displayed on the mantel. :) It was a great experience with minor collateral damage of paint on both our shirts and some how some got in my hair but it was all worth it.
He instantly jumped in with the paint brush and went straight for the paints. Then.....he went straight for his mouth! Ugh! Yuck! Of course from his perspective it seemed like a logical approach to test it out. Once that mess was cleaned up I guided him back to his Nutcracker.
Isaac chose an unusual selection of colors....
He was very focused on mixing the paints to achieve the ultimate shade for his vision.
His final masterpiece! This is where my OCD emerges. I had this overwhelming need to take this home and repaint it the correct colors. But, I knew this was his piece, his experience and it was perfect just the way it was. Once we got home it was proudly displayed on the mantel. :) It was a great experience with minor collateral damage of paint on both our shirts and some how some got in my hair but it was all worth it.
December 12, 2012
Holiday Shopping, Play, and Mischief
Isaac and I ventured out for some holiday shopping today and while we were at the mall we had to stop for a bit at the play area.
Isaac really enjoys running around the soft play area in the mall and today it wasn't very crowded which was great. It's so much easier to keep an eye on him when it's less crowded. After he ran around to burn some steam and had his fix of playing with the fire engine it was time to go.
This evening while I was writing out Christmas cards I thought Isaac might like to try his hand at coloring. I pulled out the crayons and a couple pages from a coloring book and let him at it.
I looked up from writing addresses and this is what I saw! He snuck a sharpie from my pile while I wasn't looking. Apparently crayons just aren't colorful enough for him. :) At least I've had practice on how to remove sharpie marks from toddlers. He had a good time so in the end that's all that mattered to me. How can you resist that face??
Isaac really enjoys running around the soft play area in the mall and today it wasn't very crowded which was great. It's so much easier to keep an eye on him when it's less crowded. After he ran around to burn some steam and had his fix of playing with the fire engine it was time to go.
This evening while I was writing out Christmas cards I thought Isaac might like to try his hand at coloring. I pulled out the crayons and a couple pages from a coloring book and let him at it.
I looked up from writing addresses and this is what I saw! He snuck a sharpie from my pile while I wasn't looking. Apparently crayons just aren't colorful enough for him. :) At least I've had practice on how to remove sharpie marks from toddlers. He had a good time so in the end that's all that mattered to me. How can you resist that face??
December 11, 2012
Christmas Cookie Helper
I love baking and look forward to the holiday baking season each year. I was a bit worried I wasn't going to be able to bake anything this year since I've felt so awful lately and getting over the bronchitis. Today, was a new day and it was time to break out the mixer and get the sugar started. I was super excited to have a helper too!
Isaac is usually at my feet while I'm in the kitchen and as he gets taller I see him straining to see what's going on. I have such great memories of baking with my grandma that I want to make sure Isaac has every opportunity to be in the kitchen and be involved with the process. He was most interested in what was taking place. He carefully watched as I measured out and prepared each ingredient. I picked him to watch the mixer as it whirled everything together.
Of course the best part is always tasting the batter to make sure it's just right! Isaac had his first go at licking the beaters and he approved. :)
Isaac is usually at my feet while I'm in the kitchen and as he gets taller I see him straining to see what's going on. I have such great memories of baking with my grandma that I want to make sure Isaac has every opportunity to be in the kitchen and be involved with the process. He was most interested in what was taking place. He carefully watched as I measured out and prepared each ingredient. I picked him to watch the mixer as it whirled everything together.
Of course the best part is always tasting the batter to make sure it's just right! Isaac had his first go at licking the beaters and he approved. :)
It was a long day of baking but 12 dozen Italian Christmas cookies later and they were finished. I always forget how tedious these are to make but they're so worth it!
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