Wow. How is it suddenly five days before Christmas? How am I NOT done with shopping? Too busy enjoying the holidays, I guess! The boys got over their stomach bugs and for now, we're all well. (Knocking vigorously on wood, of course.) We've managed to cross a few more things off our holiday list. We went shopping for donations to the animal shelter and dropped them off. William got $10 out of his piggy bank to donate, in addition to the cat food, copy paper, old towels, and dog treats and treat holders we brought them. We got to walk through the shelter and see all the animals, too. The boys were very excited to help the animals and it was good that they got to see exactly how and where the animals live.
On Sunday, our neighbor and her two boys piled into the van with us and we went to a drive-through light show at the Manassas battlefield. It was pretty cool and the boys had a lot of fun. Tonight, Santa drove up and down our street on a firetruck. The truck was all decked out with lights and Christmas music blared. The boys LOVED it. Seth was so excited, I thought he was going to pee his pants.
Chippy continues to elicit giggles and wonder from the boys as they run to find him each morning. This morning they found him hanging from their mobile crane. Chippy had gotten every single one of the boys' trucks off the shelves and made a caravan of trucks that ran through the playroom and all the way through the kitchen. Yesterday morning, he made a "snow" angel in flour. One night before bed, Seth had dumped a bunch of change out of a piggy bank, and in the morning, they found that Chippy had sorted and stacked all the money. He also (finally) finished decorating the boys' gingerbread houses. And if you're wondering who Chippy is (ahem, BF), he's a scout elf, sent by Santa to keep an eye on the boys and report back to Santa. Each night he flies back to the North Pole and in the morning, he's never in the same place that we left him. And sometimes, he gets into a wee bit of trouble!
I'm actually really glad that Chippy is visiting us this year. It has added a whole new layer of fun to the holidays. William completed a worksheet for his school that asked about what his favorite holiday traditions are. He answered opening presents (that's my boy!) and finding Chippy each morning.
So, five days and counting. We have yet to visit Santa Claus at the mall. I'm saving that for Friday, when my mom will be here. Mom will probably bake a batch of her sugar cookies so the boys will get to decorate a few. They lose interest in decorating cookies really quickly, so I usually avoid the whole thing. But with mom to share the work and cleanup, it's worth it! I'll probably make a run to Target tomorrow night. Maybe Home Depot, too. Everything will work out. No panic here? It's all good. At least we're not traveling. Okay--off to find my zen!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
'Tis the Season . . .
for viruses. Seth picked up some kind of stomach virus at the end of last week and spent Friday night (into the wee hours of Saturday morning) throwing up. He pretty much woke up every hour from 9:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. and puked. Except by 11:00 p.m., there was nothing left in his poor little stomach. He seemed none the worse for wear on Saturday, though. No fever, no other symptoms. And while he didn't eat a lot, he didn't throw up for the rest of the weekend. So I assumed we were out of the woods.
Not so fast! Monday morning, after we were all dressed for school and work and were getting ready to head out the door, Seth had a major diarrhea accident in his pants. So I stayed home with Seth and tried to work while he "worked" alongside me. I had my work laptop and he had my personal laptop. He stapled a bunch of papers together and diligently took notes as he clicked and typed away on my computer. Luckily he took a nap. And by then, it was time for William to come home. Since I stayed home, I sent a note to William's teacher that he could take the bus home. And I made sure I got to the bus stop on time to meet him this time!
By the afternoon, Seth seemed to be better. Ed will stay home with him Tuesday (we have to follow the 24-hour rule) and hopefully, that will be that. I spent a little time today sanitizing door knobs and faucets and other much-touched surfaces. Hopefully we can contain the virus.
Despite Seth's illness Friday night, we took the boys on the Santa Train on Saturday, as planned. It was a pretty quick trip and the boys enjoyed it. On Sunday I took the boys to the mall with the intention of seeing Santa Claus. The line was a mile long, however, and since I was by myself, I decided to nix Santa. We'll try to go one night after work when the lines aren't so long. We've visited the same Santa since William was a baby, so trying to find a different and lesser-known Santa is not an option. Instead of Santa, we rode the train that takes laps around the food court, we played in the play area, we visited the Lego store, and we saw The Muppets. I loved the movie but the kids--not so much. Seth doesn't really like movies, and William wanted popcorn halfway through, but Seth had fallen asleep, so he was distracted by his hunger.
We also made gingerbread houses on Saturday afternoon. But that occupied the boys for all of maybe 20 minutes. Seth just wanted to make a fence out of Tootsie Rolls and William got his roof decorated and made a fence of Tootsie Rolls and surrounded his house with Gummy Bears, and that was enough for him.
Looks like Chippy has some gingerbread-house-finishing to do! (But not tonight because Mommy's Chippy's tired.) I had made six gingerbread houses in all thinking that our neighbors could come over and decorate, too. But since that didn't happen (thank goodness--ack--the mess!), I'm going to pack up the houses with a container of candy and the frosting and give them as Christmas gifts. In the meantime, Chippy seems to have gotten himself in quite a pickle!
Hopefully the boys will rescue him in the morning. It's not as bad as this mess he got into a week or so ago:
Since I have been SO bad about taking pictures, I finallyforced convinced the boys to look happy together.
Twelve days and counting!
Not so fast! Monday morning, after we were all dressed for school and work and were getting ready to head out the door, Seth had a major diarrhea accident in his pants. So I stayed home with Seth and tried to work while he "worked" alongside me. I had my work laptop and he had my personal laptop. He stapled a bunch of papers together and diligently took notes as he clicked and typed away on my computer. Luckily he took a nap. And by then, it was time for William to come home. Since I stayed home, I sent a note to William's teacher that he could take the bus home. And I made sure I got to the bus stop on time to meet him this time!
By the afternoon, Seth seemed to be better. Ed will stay home with him Tuesday (we have to follow the 24-hour rule) and hopefully, that will be that. I spent a little time today sanitizing door knobs and faucets and other much-touched surfaces. Hopefully we can contain the virus.
Despite Seth's illness Friday night, we took the boys on the Santa Train on Saturday, as planned. It was a pretty quick trip and the boys enjoyed it. On Sunday I took the boys to the mall with the intention of seeing Santa Claus. The line was a mile long, however, and since I was by myself, I decided to nix Santa. We'll try to go one night after work when the lines aren't so long. We've visited the same Santa since William was a baby, so trying to find a different and lesser-known Santa is not an option. Instead of Santa, we rode the train that takes laps around the food court, we played in the play area, we visited the Lego store, and we saw The Muppets. I loved the movie but the kids--not so much. Seth doesn't really like movies, and William wanted popcorn halfway through, but Seth had fallen asleep, so he was distracted by his hunger.
We also made gingerbread houses on Saturday afternoon. But that occupied the boys for all of maybe 20 minutes. Seth just wanted to make a fence out of Tootsie Rolls and William got his roof decorated and made a fence of Tootsie Rolls and surrounded his house with Gummy Bears, and that was enough for him.
 |
| William's |
 |
| Seth's (I did the roof) |
Hopefully the boys will rescue him in the morning. It's not as bad as this mess he got into a week or so ago:
Since I have been SO bad about taking pictures, I finally
Twelve days and counting!
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Holiday Decor and Pinterest
December is moving right along. Thought I'd share our holiday decor. First, our tree, complete with the Polar Express going around the tree. Although I prefer white lights on trees, the boys LOVE colored lights, so last year, I purchased several sets of colored lights. Seth asked how come there weren't any pink or purple lights? Good question buddy. Anyway, maybe at some point, I can get a good picture of the tree lit up. Also, please note the fact that I did not, in fact, rearrange the ornaments that the boys hung. I decided I like it just the way it is!
Next up, the mantle. I thought about adding some greenery in there somehow, but I didn't have any and didn't want to wait to get it decorated. So this will do!
I also put all the Santa pictures out on our piano in the living room and we have those electric candle lights in each of our windows. And I have a wreath on the door. And some snowman-themed nick-nacks here and there.
Good enough! I also thought I'd share the fact that I actually executed TWO ideas I pinned on Pinterest. That's right, not one but TWO!
First up, on Thanksgiving, the boys and I made these:
I forgot to take a picture of the finished product, though. We placed three tee-pees on an upside-down paper plate and made a little campfire out of pretzel sticks and orange and red icing in the middle. (That was William's idea.) We used them as centerpieces for Thanksgiving dinner. And then the kids filled the cones with ice cream for dessert! They were easy to make and the family was impressed. I'd do them again.
My second Pinterest project was these:
(You can find the instructions here: http://cookiesandcups.com/pretzel-hugs/)
I made half with Hershey's Hugs and half with Rolos. They're very easy and they taste good. I wouldn't say they're overly impressive, but they're a nice change of pace!
And finally, keeping up with 'ole Chippy. He must have rubbed some of the boys' toys the wrong way last night because this morning, the boys found him tied to the table leg and surrounded by all of their action figures. Poor Chippy! Yesterday morning, they found Chippy holding a dry erase marker, sitting next to our family picture. He had drawn beards and mustaches and glasses on all of us, and he even gave me horns. That Chippy! The fun never ends. (Wow--is it only December 6? Chippy has to do this for 18 more nights???? )
I also put all the Santa pictures out on our piano in the living room and we have those electric candle lights in each of our windows. And I have a wreath on the door. And some snowman-themed nick-nacks here and there.
Good enough! I also thought I'd share the fact that I actually executed TWO ideas I pinned on Pinterest. That's right, not one but TWO!
First up, on Thanksgiving, the boys and I made these:
I forgot to take a picture of the finished product, though. We placed three tee-pees on an upside-down paper plate and made a little campfire out of pretzel sticks and orange and red icing in the middle. (That was William's idea.) We used them as centerpieces for Thanksgiving dinner. And then the kids filled the cones with ice cream for dessert! They were easy to make and the family was impressed. I'd do them again.
My second Pinterest project was these:
(You can find the instructions here: http://cookiesandcups.com/pretzel-hugs/)
I made half with Hershey's Hugs and half with Rolos. They're very easy and they taste good. I wouldn't say they're overly impressive, but they're a nice change of pace!
And finally, keeping up with 'ole Chippy. He must have rubbed some of the boys' toys the wrong way last night because this morning, the boys found him tied to the table leg and surrounded by all of their action figures. Poor Chippy! Yesterday morning, they found Chippy holding a dry erase marker, sitting next to our family picture. He had drawn beards and mustaches and glasses on all of us, and he even gave me horns. That Chippy! The fun never ends. (Wow--is it only December 6? Chippy has to do this for 18 more nights???? )
Saturday, December 03, 2011
Holiday Fun
The Holidays at the Hahn household are going pretty well so far. Of course, it's only December 3. And I don't have a single picture to share, but what else is new? I thought I'd better keep track of how things are going with our new traditions, so here goes.
Chippy is still making the kids laugh. On Thursday night, Chippy got out William's sleeping bag and had a little camp-out in front of the fireplace. The kids found him Friday morning in the sleeping bag, with a flashlight and a skewer with a mini-marshmallow on the end. He even had marshmallow smeared on his face! On Saturday morning, the boys found Chippy hanging out in Mommy's stocking. He had put several pairs of the boys' underwear in their stockings! (Thanks LauraC! ;-)
The holiday-book-thing is going pretty well, although it got off to a bumpy start. I wrapped 24 holiday-themed books and the boys get to open one each night for us to read. They have to take turns unwrapping, and the first night, it was William's turn, which did not sit too well with Seth, who equates taking turns with the world ending. William was already upset because I wouldn't get his sleeping bag out of the attic for him (this was the same night that Chippy decided to get it out and have a camp-out) so he was not in the mood to placate Seth. Somehow we got through it, and since then, Seth has been fine with taking turns. Last night was his turn, tonight's was William's.
The boys are also enjoying the advent calendar--especially when they get to eat a piece of candy first thing in the morning.
On Friday night, we got our Christmas tree, and I realized that we have a little tradition now, going on at least three years, involving the tree. I'm pretty cheap, so we always go to Home Depot to get our tree. So our tradition is that we go on a weeknight, we meet Ed for pizza, and then we get the tree and bring it home. This way we beat the weekend crowds and it's fun for the boys to do this after school. Last night, Ed and I set the tree up after the boys went to bed and the boys and I decorated it today. I haven't quite finished (need to rearrangemost a few of the ornaments the boys hung) but the boys love it. I've set out most of the decorations, but still have some things I want to do.
So yes, it's still early, but I'm happy that my efforts thus far have not turned into epic disasters. Of course, we still have gingerbread houses to decorate and I was thinking of making salt dough ornaments that the kids could paint, but that may be pushing my luck. Maybe I ought to leave well enough alone.
One final note--last night, my neighbor wanted me to go out and have a drink with her, but I told her I had to finish William's dragon costume for the medieval-themed party. Turns out she had a knight costume that William loved, so William ditched the dragon and borrowed the knight costume, and I got to go have drinks with my friend! (I told you she was an awesome neighbor.)
Stay tuned!
Chippy is still making the kids laugh. On Thursday night, Chippy got out William's sleeping bag and had a little camp-out in front of the fireplace. The kids found him Friday morning in the sleeping bag, with a flashlight and a skewer with a mini-marshmallow on the end. He even had marshmallow smeared on his face! On Saturday morning, the boys found Chippy hanging out in Mommy's stocking. He had put several pairs of the boys' underwear in their stockings! (Thanks LauraC! ;-)
The holiday-book-thing is going pretty well, although it got off to a bumpy start. I wrapped 24 holiday-themed books and the boys get to open one each night for us to read. They have to take turns unwrapping, and the first night, it was William's turn, which did not sit too well with Seth, who equates taking turns with the world ending. William was already upset because I wouldn't get his sleeping bag out of the attic for him (this was the same night that Chippy decided to get it out and have a camp-out) so he was not in the mood to placate Seth. Somehow we got through it, and since then, Seth has been fine with taking turns. Last night was his turn, tonight's was William's.
The boys are also enjoying the advent calendar--especially when they get to eat a piece of candy first thing in the morning.
On Friday night, we got our Christmas tree, and I realized that we have a little tradition now, going on at least three years, involving the tree. I'm pretty cheap, so we always go to Home Depot to get our tree. So our tradition is that we go on a weeknight, we meet Ed for pizza, and then we get the tree and bring it home. This way we beat the weekend crowds and it's fun for the boys to do this after school. Last night, Ed and I set the tree up after the boys went to bed and the boys and I decorated it today. I haven't quite finished (need to rearrange
So yes, it's still early, but I'm happy that my efforts thus far have not turned into epic disasters. Of course, we still have gingerbread houses to decorate and I was thinking of making salt dough ornaments that the kids could paint, but that may be pushing my luck. Maybe I ought to leave well enough alone.
One final note--last night, my neighbor wanted me to go out and have a drink with her, but I told her I had to finish William's dragon costume for the medieval-themed party. Turns out she had a knight costume that William loved, so William ditched the dragon and borrowed the knight costume, and I got to go have drinks with my friend! (I told you she was an awesome neighbor.)
Stay tuned!
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Making a List . . . Checking it Twice
As many of you know, I have never really been a goal-oriented person. The whole make-a-list-of-what-you-need-to-do-and-check-things-off-as-you-do-them idea seems to have escaped me. I can make lists, but I lose them. If I don't lose them, I just forget about them. I don't get a charge from checking things off. And although I do, in fact, make grocery lists, inevitably, I forget something on the list every freakin' time I go to the grocery store. (It's RIGHT THERE in front of me--I'm hopeless!)
Anyway, I decided that the only way I can change my ways and become more productive and efficient is to keep trying on the whole list thing. I tend to not stick with things, so I'm trying to change that. I've played around with list apps for my iPhone, but I've found that I'm really a pen-and-paper kind of girl. So for now, I'm going with that. I consulted with LauraC and decided to try out a master Excel spreadsheet for overall organization, but it turns out that so far, my best method has been day-to-day lists on post-it notes. This works really well while I'm at work. Not as well at home. But I'm working on that. I'm also using my daily calendar at work to keep track of what I've accomplished or worked on each day.
The top list is my general Holidays Activities list. We started the Advent Calendar today. We have two, so the boys get to alternate who peeks in which one. One is filled with small treats and the other is filled with simple activities (sing Jingle Bells at the top of your lungs; give everyone in the family a hug; draw pictures for your teachers; help someone today and share what you did at the dinner table; etc. etc.) Chippy, our scout elf, is in full swing. On Monday night, he got out Seth's tools and built a block building. Yesterday, he was sitting in the chair in front of the TV, holding the remotes, eating pretzel sticks. Today he was perched on the easel, holding a paintbrush. He had gotten out the boys' watercolors and painted all their names, and a picture of himself. That Chippy!Tonight we start the book tradition--unwrapping a holiday-themed book each night.
So far, the holidays have been very merry and bright. If I can keep up with this whole list thing I have going, maybe they'll be merry, bright, and productive!
Oh yeah--I almost forgot. William got invited to a birthday party this weekend with a medieval theme. The kids are supposed to dress up in costumes. What the what? William decided he wants to be a dragon. So I'm converting the bat costume from Halloween into a dragon costume. I must be a glutton for punishment!
Anyway, I decided that the only way I can change my ways and become more productive and efficient is to keep trying on the whole list thing. I tend to not stick with things, so I'm trying to change that. I've played around with list apps for my iPhone, but I've found that I'm really a pen-and-paper kind of girl. So for now, I'm going with that. I consulted with LauraC and decided to try out a master Excel spreadsheet for overall organization, but it turns out that so far, my best method has been day-to-day lists on post-it notes. This works really well while I'm at work. Not as well at home. But I'm working on that. I'm also using my daily calendar at work to keep track of what I've accomplished or worked on each day.
The top list is my general Holidays Activities list. We started the Advent Calendar today. We have two, so the boys get to alternate who peeks in which one. One is filled with small treats and the other is filled with simple activities (sing Jingle Bells at the top of your lungs; give everyone in the family a hug; draw pictures for your teachers; help someone today and share what you did at the dinner table; etc. etc.) Chippy, our scout elf, is in full swing. On Monday night, he got out Seth's tools and built a block building. Yesterday, he was sitting in the chair in front of the TV, holding the remotes, eating pretzel sticks. Today he was perched on the easel, holding a paintbrush. He had gotten out the boys' watercolors and painted all their names, and a picture of himself. That Chippy!Tonight we start the book tradition--unwrapping a holiday-themed book each night.
So far, the holidays have been very merry and bright. If I can keep up with this whole list thing I have going, maybe they'll be merry, bright, and productive!
Oh yeah--I almost forgot. William got invited to a birthday party this weekend with a medieval theme. The kids are supposed to dress up in costumes. What the what? William decided he wants to be a dragon. So I'm converting the bat costume from Halloween into a dragon costume. I must be a glutton for punishment!
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