Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
We spent the weekend decorating our home for Christmas. The tree is trimmed with the finest kid crafted ornaments, and the stockings are hanging from the mantle. The boys did their best to help make our house look festive.

Last year we added a new tradition to our family. We read “The Elf on the Shelf.”  Our family elf is named Zack. He watches the boys everyday and returns to the north pole each night to inform Santa Claus if they are being naughty or nice.  This week Zack returned to watch our boys. Each morning the boys must find Zack’s new hiding place.  My husband and I are having fun coming up with creative ways and places to display Zack.   So far, Jack’s behavior has been excellent.  I find him looking at Zack to make sure he sees his good behavior.  Tate is still learning about Zack and talks to him throughout the day.

We are happy to have two kids who believe in Santa Claus and remind us about how much we loved Christmas as kids. I just hope we don’t run out of places to hide our elf. It is going to be a long but joyful month for our family.

From Friday Mom – Jaime:
It’s no secret that I come from a family of die-hard Yankee fans.  Last Thursday marked Opening Day for the Yankees.  Despite the horrible weather and it being the last billable day of the month, you can bet that I was there cheering on my boys in pinstripes.

I still haven’t gotten Andrew to a baseball game at the stadium. If I’m being honest, I feel like a horrible mom for it.  No, not because my 3 year old hasn’t seen a Yankee game in person.

It’s really because Andrew’s first major league baseball game was in Fenway… But let’s keep that shameful little secret just between us, shall we?

As hubby and I were at the game, my mom went down to pick up Andrew from daycare.  He excitedly showed off her cast and crutches to the rest of the class before they left.  Back at my parents’ house, I’m happy to say that my dad put on the game and tried to further Andrew’s baseball education.

My parents had gotten him a bucket full of baseball guys.  Andrew can set them all up on the field and tell you that the guy holding the bat is the batter and that the guy in the black shirt is the umpire, which means he’s the boss.

Andrew can also tell you that the guys wearing gray and blue are the Yankees. (“We like the Yankees!”) And the other players? The ones in red and gray? They’ve been affectionately dubbed “the stinky socks” (“EWWW!”)

I’m so proud. 🙂

Have a great weekend everyone.

Since the big move we have been very busy getting our house cleaned, organized, and painted.  It’s taken a little bit of time, but we were finally able to decorate for Christmas.  This year Jack has been really interested in everything Christmas.  My husband and I have told him what Christmas really means and how it’s a time to celebrate with family.

We were able to find a little tree farm near our town.  We took a sleigh (tractor) ride to cut down our tree, and hauled it home.  Jack thought that was pretty cool.  We set up the tree and decorated it.  I must admit it is a beautiful tree.  Jack helped hang ornaments and un-hang ornaments.  We also decorated the rest of the house with other festive trimmings like hanging our Christmas cards and decorating the outside of our home with greens and lights and baked some cookies.  I think Jack’s favorite part was picking out the right spot on the tree to hang his Thomas the train ornament.  Every day when he walks by the tree he points out his ornament to whomever is nearby.

We are looking forward to the holidays this year!  Jack’s grandparents are making a visit, and we can’t wait to make and continue our holiday traditions.  I wish you and your family best wishes for a happy, healthy and safe holiday season.