Jolly Ol' Saint Nicholas, Lean Your Ear This Way

Our mall has an excellent Santa Claus and Jon David actually wanted to go meet him. He politely told Santa what he wanted... TRAINS, big surprise. I have a little video of the moment which may pop up over the next 15 or so days. (You can't really tell in the picture but the boys have on matching outfits which for some reason is something I REALLY like.)

Sir, I want to buy these shoes...

Here is a photo of my beloved and me this week before his work Christmas party. It was nice to get dressed up and leave the house not smelling of spit up. :)

We had a nice time though I was regretting my recent purchase of some fabulous shoes. I've been watching too much "What Not to Wear" and decided to get a little sassy with my shoes for this party. I purchased my first (and probably last) pair of Jessica Simpson shoes. I did not go in search of JS shoes and thought it funny when I picked them up and saw whose they were. Well, now I have a whole new level of respect (or maybe it's more like annoyance) for her. If she can wear these shoes, well, she's got a higher tolerance of pain than I do. After a few hours of trying not to look like an idiot hobbling along, I decided that I'd have to get my fab on in other ways in the future.

And I am thankful to Macy's for returning them. The sales lady told me that Jessica's shoes take a week to break in. I clarified, "Do you mean a whole week of wearing??" After she nodded, I told her that I'd never make it a week and that the few times I'd wear them would never equal a week of wear. She was nice and gave me a refund. So, ladies, take note: JS shoes may be oh so fab, but unless you've got 40 hours to dedicate to pain, skip 'em!

Here are the dreaded shoes:

Follow Me in Merry Measure

Christmas treats - yummy!! Please share with me some of your favorite holiday fare. I especially need a brunch item for my MOPS Christmas party next week. Extra points for you if it's an easy to transport item. In exchange for your help, here is one of my favorites courtesy of Family Fun magazine:

Salty pretzels combine with sweet chocolate for these fun treats that make a yummy gift few can resist.

Bite-size, waffle-shaped pretzels Hershey's Kiss or Hershey's Hug M&M's candy
Step 1: Heat the oven to 170. Set a number of bite-size, waffle-shaped pretzels (one for each treat) in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, then top each pretzel with an unwrapped Hershey's Kiss or Hershey's Hug.
Step 2: Bake for 4 to 6 minutes (the white chocolate will melt more quickly), until the chocolates feel soft when touched with a wooden spoon. Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and quickly press an M&M's candy into the center of each Kiss.
Step 3: Allow the treats to cool for a few minutes, then place them in the refrigerator to set, about 10 minutes. Place handfuls of the candies in clear plastic bags and tie on colorful ribbons.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Okay, so it's not technically cold here but it was chilly enough for me to bundle up little Josiah when we went for a walk. I wore him so he quickly fell asleep - he just loves being in the baby carrier. He was still sleeping when we arrived home so I put him in the pack and play while still in his baby bunting. You can't tell in the pictures but his bunting has little Pooh ears on it. VERY cute. He looked so sweet that I had to snap some pictures.

Since We've No Place to Go

No, it's not snowing but a little bit of the pretty flakes sounds kind of nice. But, today we had "no place to go" which was so nice! I took a bunch of pictures trying to get something for our Christmas card. A few of Baby Si were funny and you can look forward to seeing them soon as they will not be on our card this year!

"Okay, now, listen here. This is how we get Mommy to do what we want. First, look real cute. Can you do that, Baby Si? Next, don't scream or whine. She says that makes her crazy."

Always touching Josiah's face, usually going for the eyes.

Oh, I love this little face!

Better Watch Out, Better Not Pout!

Who am I to resist a December blog challenge from my blogging friend, Jamie? This sounds like fun though very ambitious. Here's the deal - a post a day for December and you need to incorporate a Christmas carol in it. Here goes...

Today was a good day but wow the meltdowns from big brother were... special. I wanted to yell like my new best friend, Thomas the Tank Engine says, "Well, bust my boiler!" (Yes, I have totally given in on this one for those of you who read my anti-Thomas post a while back.)

For the record, Jon David just happened to be in the corner and I snapped this picture. He was not in time out which, btw, is usually against the front door and not in a corner. :)

“If there ever comes a day when we can't be together keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever” - Winnie the Pooh

Those are wise words from Winnie the Pooh.

Some terribly sweet JonJonisms...

1) "Hold you, Mommy! Hold you!" This is said when feeling especially needy and can be repeated up to 20xs a day. There are just some days... :)



2) "Tand up, Mommy! Tand up!" Should I choose to simply embrace my big boy, that may be unacceptable and he desires me to stand up. Why do babies and toddlers prefer it when we stand up??



3) "I knoooooow, I know!" When I have to do something that I know really bothers or hurts him such as suctioning his nose, I will gently say, "I know, Baby. I know." The antibiotics that Jon David just finished for the latest ear infection really does a number on his system and he gets blazing diaper rash out of the blue. So, I was oh so gently putting the doctor-prescribed bumm ointment on him and he started crying, "I know! I know!" Sweet and terribly sad.



4) On days when he is part big boy and still part baby, he has started this new twist on #1. He now begs, "Hold Jon! Hold Jon, Mommy!"