Roscoe vs the Vacuum

As soon as I get it out, he starts barking at it. It can just be sitting there and he will bark.

Let's turn it on now.

Have a Green Christmas

We are always striving to be greener. Instead of wrapping presents, we bought second hand pillow cases. Everyone got their own sack. The kids didn't seem to notice they were missing something to unwrap. If you plan it better next year, we may get fabric and ribbons to wrap. It will look prettier and more festive.



This year Santa was green too. He bought The Lorax which was printed on recycled paper.




I read it to Desmina today before her nap. She interrupted to say, "Excuse me, mommy. When you drive in the car the gas causes smog too." I was taken aback; sometimes I forget how perspective kids can be.

Random pictures from last night and today:



Getting along

Santa came! Every year he brings a holiday themed musical figurine.

With their cousin and Oma



May your Christmas be filled with love

Presents

This year is all about home made gifts. I am not as crafty as my sister-in-law, Heather, but I hope everyone enjoys their gifts anyway. I tried to put something together that touches the hearts. I never really paid attention much to TV ads, but this year a Target commercial caught my eye.

Picture a school play filled with sweet children. It's a holiday pageant. Instead of the holiday spirit the children are touting electronic equipment, toys, and mass consumerism. I was disgusted.

I understand that this is a wonderful time of the year. I get weepy eyed listening to the radio and the giveaways that the stations do for their listeners. Every one is nicer to each other. Giving presents is much more fun than receiving then. I just wanted no part in the consumerism.

The Target commercial inspired me to live life more simply than I have been. I always do try to aim for that, but sometimes I need a little reminder. So to me it meant less trips to Target and more trips to the thrift and craft stores. I am glad I did! I wouldn't have found the awesome fire truck bed.

This year Desmina is getting old enough to get more involved during the holidays. Last night we did the potluck for Winter Solstice.




Tuyen, Moe, Heather and Jenny if you're reading this stop! Unless you want your presents from the kids to be spoiled.


























Tonight we made ornaments for Christmas presents.

Mess free!
Buy a tray, put the paints in. Put a ball in. Have the kids hold on the tray and try to get the ball to one another.

Well maybe not completely mess free. It got on their shirts, so I had them take it off.

Oh and according to Desmina, it's more fun if you sing a song about rolling the ball.

The finished products:

Happy Sun-day!

To celebrate Winter Solstice, we had a potluck with sun themed food.


After reading The Shortest Day the kids decorated sun catchers to celebrate the sun's return. They all had a wonderful time.

The flames represent the light from the sun.

I don't even think I announced that it was time for cupcakes, but kids have a sixth sense for this, you know.

Happy Winter Solstice

Today is the shortest day. Let's celebrate the return of the sun to Earth.

Yell Fire!

Bodhi to the rescue!

I love good deals! We found this beauty at our local thrift store.

Bodhi slept in it last night and the night before. He went to bed without nursing, which is a big step for us! Yay Bodhi! I am proud to say that we have done this without CIO.


Roscoe loves the bed too. Last night he snuggled with Bodhi. When Bodhi climbed in bed with us after waking up, poor Roscoe searched the house for him. He wouldn't rest until he found Bodhi. After he found him he watched over him until he was sure Bodhi was safe and laid back down.

The kids moved out

It's amazing how much fun kids can have with just a cardboard box.