This Oz Life

Our tree is still up because it just seems too early to take it down (and I really hate that chore!)  Our 24 hours of Christmas was a whirlwind with ups and downs, but I already miss it and can't wait for it to come again. We started with Christmas Eve at Uncle Eric and Aunt Shannon's, playing with Jaxsen and grandpa and opening tons of presents from Grandma. It was a rough night after that!  It was hard for them to settle down and Larkyn was devastated that she couldn't … Read more

As much as I love to go out and do fun things, I recently figured out why I really don't mind winter as much as I thought I did. The less than lovely weather is the perfect excuse to stay inside and make your house a cozy little place to spend time together. It is easy to go nuts decorating for the holidays, but toddlers and crawling babies have a way of dismantling decorations. This year has been hard/amazing for all of us, so the only way to keep the holidays from losing their s… Read more

Have we even discussed the fact that Larkyn is in preschool? I am ashamed to say that I think I forgot to do a "First Day of Preschool" post...blasphemy!  Well, here is a quick catch-up:  Wasn't she just born yesterday? So, Larkyn is in preschool and it is going well. She has made friends, is learning to be patient, and is experiencing structure that will help her prepare for kindergarten. Since this is a church preschool, they perform a Christmas show in the sanctuary, … Read more

This has truly been the most eventful month for our little guy. I can't believe what he has suddenly learned, and not sure we were prepared for all of it! Stats: I only included this because I have to laugh. I have no idea how much he weighs or how tall he is. His 12 month footed PJs are getting a little snug in the feet, how's that? New milestones:   We have a climber!  All hands on deck for this little mountaineer, who learned how to pull himself up on a Monday and by Sunday co… Read more

...that Larkyn was throwing a FIT in the car on our way to a play cafe (what kind of terrible mom am I?) because of the way her coat fit. After about mile 2, we were at an intersection with Charity Newsies . I told her they were Santa's helpers checking the cars to make sure no kids were crying. I even opened her window as I gave him the dollar for our paper. They were out all day at major intersections, and every time she saw them, she said "We want to be good girls and boys.… Read more

Does anyone else realize that we have an entire WEEK less than usual because of the late Thanksgiving!? That means that while we are "just" starting to think about Christmas, it is 18 days away. I don't want to forget to do these special things with the kids! We made a gingerbread house already, but I know Larkyn would LOVE to make an ice cream cone tree . Um who wouldn't? Cone + icing + MMs? Yes please. I have had handprint art pinned since I became a "beta&quo… Read more

{1} The kids saw Santa this morning! I love going back to my high school each year to support their Key Club (service project group) They have a pancake breakfast, several crafts, and best of all, Santa pictures you can take yourself. Both kids were a little unsure, but Larkyn talked to him through her hands on her mouth and told him she wants a Peppa Pig. {2}  Modern Parents Messy Kids gift guides . Actually their entire website and their Pinterest boards are so helpful. I almost wa… Read more