It's all about the 5 P's!

As I reflect on the past weekend, the image of a dog frantically chasing its own tail pops into my mind!  However, after stopping to take stock of what has been done, I'm feeling pretty ok with where I'm at.

Here is an update:

Thursday's goal was to finish decorating the living room - done!

We've added more paper snowflakes to the wall since this picture.

The printables were found:
Home for the Holidays
Most Wonderful Time
Family Christmas Traditions
Joy Snow 25

My Dollar Store village.  I plan to add more next year.  And take away the tape!!

Friday's goal was to complete presents:

• 2 - They are amazing!!  The kids are going to LOVE them!
• 4 - Did you know that chalkboard paint dissolves Styrofoam?  Good note!!!!! That present is a total fail!!
• 6 - These turned out awesome!!  I can't wait to share!
• 12 - I just need to box these up - its on the TO DO list for today.

Saturday's goal was to help with the cake topper - it turned out amazing!!

Sheila, my sister, made homemade fondant (delicious) and a the cake.  We worked together on Yellow and Green.

The kids had a grand time at the party.  It was held at 'Get Air' here in Junction.  Great place!  Its like one big trampoline/bouncy house!

Also on Saturday was my weekly household blessing - I have to say, it is fresh and sparkly clean!  OK, the bathrooms are sparkly, the laundry is done, the cupboards are full.  The dining room and living room are scattered with projects.... It's a work in progress!!

Smith has been busy and kinda naughty!!

Sliding Smith

Zippy Smith

Pooping Smith

Peeing Smith

Streamer Smith

Unfortunately, the Tooth Fairy and Smith had a failure to communicate and Smith blocked off the bedroom before the Tooth Fairy could get in to deliver money for the lost teeth!  Of all nights........

Jaidyn performed at the Annual Butterfly Pavilion Christmas Extravaganza with her classmates. 

• Christmas Makes Me Sing
• Thankful for the USA
• Cranberry Love
• Santa Is My Buddy
• Santa Is On His Way
• Up On The Rooftop'
• The Everlasting Fruitcake
• Wish You A Swinging Holiday

 Santa was there to meet the kids.

Now that the busy weekend is out of the way, I realize that I have 6 days until our Christmas (YIKES)!  There is so much to do!!  This will begin the week of no sleep... and many Monsters!! So, here is my plan:

MONDAY

• Finish gifts 3 and those that need to be sent to MT on Thursday.
• Box up gift 12

TUESDAY

• Finish gift 13 - most time consuming, but SO worth it!

WEDNESDAY

• Playlist for Jeep Express
• Driving route for Jeep Express

THURSDAY

• Deep clean carpets, living room, dining room, bathrooms
• Make our home party/company ready
• Send box to MT

FRIDAY

• Pick up rest of presents and stocking stuffers
• Wrap gifts
• Jaidyn's Holiday Breakfast
• Damien and Airian Afternoon Christmas Party

SATURDAY

• 6:00 - Ugly Sweater Party
• 9:00 - Jeep Express

SUNDAY

• Our Christmas
• Tori - Piano Recital

WHEW!!  And a partridge in a pear tree!!!!

Sleep is overrated!

Every couple of months or so, some crime drama will have an episode that features a soccer mom hooked up in some kind of meth ring.  Their excuse is always that they just needed to keep up.  I can see the appeal!  Not that I would ever go there, but if I didn't have to sleep, I could get SO much more done!!!

I may have over extended myself a bit this holiday season.  This year I decided to make the gifts I'm giving.  Unfortunately, I spent lots of time planning and didn't get supplies until last Friday.  Now I find myself in a crunch because I have to have most of my gifts done by the 21st, our family Christmas.  I also have gifts that need to be sent off by the 17th.  In addition, we are having an 'Ugly Sweater Party'.  It will be the first adults party that I have thrown and I am super excited, but the prepping, planning, cleaning, decorating, etc.....  I'm feeling a bit like the walls are closing in.

To combat this feeling, I have decided to make a plan that will allow me to get everything accomplished.  Here it is, lets see how close I can come to actually carrying it out!!

THURSDAY

1. Clean and finalize decor in living and dining rooms
1. Vases
2. Printables
3. Village
4. Lights

FRIDAY

1. Make gifts 2, 4, 6, and 12 (I'm using code - all will be revealed after Christmas!)

SATURDAY

1. Make my niece's birthday cake topper.
2. Weekly household blessing:
1. Bathrooms
2. Laundry
3. Grocery Shopping

On Saturday nights post, I'll add pictures of everything that was accomplished.  I've not been idle the last few days, our tree is up and decorated.

Such a beautiful family!!!

Or not..........

They actually cooperated with each other while decorating - it was peaceful!

Love our life!

There have been concerts:

1. Charlie - How Far To Bethlehem
2. Charlie - Let It Snow
3. Charlie - The Holly and The Ivy
4. Tori - Silent Night
5. Tori - Baby It's Cold Outside
6. Tori - Christmas Medley - her solo is at 4:24
7. Tori - O Holy Night

The Parade of Lights to attend:

Charlie joined the CHS choir to relive the 'Glory Days' for a night.

Charlie - Silver Bells

Charlie - O Holy Night

The moon was amazing with the clouds and the lights.

Charlie in front of the Lego float

Smith has been busy:

Day 11 Stocking Smith

Day 12 Yoga Smith

Day 13 Sliding Smith

On top of it all, are a couple of little side projects that I am exited to share after the Holidays!

Check back on Saturday to see how I did on my To-Do list!!

Progress is made through persistance

It's been a bit since I have posted anything regarding progress on the things on my 'to do' list. I have been busy, though it has come in spurts rather than a steady flow.  Regardless, here's where I'm at:

First, Smith has been incredibly busy doing fun and naughty things while at the same time trying to teach a lesson.

Day 6 - Messy Smith

"He just wanted to make elf angels, Mom!!!"

Day 7 Homesick Smith  I'm pretty sure that he flunked out of igloo making class because he had to use a bowl to help....

On the evening of day 7, the small children decided that it would be fun to break many of Mom's rules.  Unfortunately, even though Mom was 'sleeping', Smith was watching.  In his introduction letter, he told them that he could only have fun if they stayed on the nice list.  Because of their choices, he didn't get to have any fun!  

Day 8 - Sad Smith

Day 9 Naughty Smith
The kids argued over whether his name should be  Naughty Smith or Gross Smith!!

Day 10 Hostage Smith

The troopers obviously didn't like that he was in the marshmallow tub with all the chicks!!

Along with all the elvish chaos going on, I have been completely focused on Christmas and searching for handmade gifts that are meaningful and individual.  I have everyone planned, I have all of the supplies bought, I just have to put it all together. I have a calendar made up that will help me stay on schedule with each project, I would share but.....  after Christmas I will post a copy!  I have gotten a tree and we will decorate as a family this afternoon.  I have most of my decorations up and will be posting those in my next post.

Most of my other projects have been put on hold for the Christmas season.  I have started, however, a list that I will post at the beginning of the year.  It is a list of all the projects and goals that I plan to accomplish in 2015.  I am going to use this blog as a journal to document my progress in all areas of my life.  I am looking forward to the challenge I have set!  That is in the new year, though.  For now, I have enough projects on my plate to keep me busy for the next three weeks!!!

Also, I am planning an adult party for the first time, ever!!  I'm totally excited!  My theme is a pretty obvious Christmas theme of 'The Ugly Sweater Party'.  I'm scouring pinterest for ideas and am excited to share them as things come together!

Happy Holiday Season, Everyone!  Let's spread some cheer to those around us as well as the feels that keep the Grinch away!

The Antics of Smith the Elf

I'm not sure who is having more fun with Smith, myself or the kids!!  They are so excited to get up each morning to see what Smith has done now!

In case you missed the first couple of days, here is how he introduced himself.

Day 1 - Welcome Smith

On day 2, he stole all the marshmallows out of the cereal and left them a creepy message on the table.

Day 2 - Creeper Smith

On day 3, he decided to see if the new reindeer was able to be ridden.

Day 3 - Cowboy Smith

On day 4, he stole their dry erase markers and drew a mustache and antlers on their mirror!

Day 4 - Artistic Smith

It seems that maybe Smith torqued off the hamsters....

Day 5 - Scared Smith

Stay posted for further adventures of Smith the Elf!!!