That Time We Cut Down a Christmas Tree

A couple days before Thanksgiving, a mom at the kids school mentioned to me that the 4th grade national parks pass also comes with a Christmas tree tag. And, not only that, she had already done all the research on where to go to get the tag and get the tree. She forwarded me the information, I mentioned it to Ian and we decided to go for it. Up until this point, we have either always had a fake tree or had no tree at all...because living in small quarters means no tree. 

We stuffed the kids in the truck and headed out the Friday after Thanksgiving. There was a bit of whining along the way until we saw snow. Then everyone was excited. And it started dumping snow, which obviously was SUPER EXCITING. When we stopped at the ranger's station for our tree tag, he told Ian a couple good places to find trees. The first place was covered in cars, so we continued on. We stopped in the second location, which had three other cars besides us. While we were getting Willa and Callum sorted, Connor and Isla went running into the snow...which at this point was a few feet deep. Before I knew it, Isla was waist deep in snow. Of course, after a few minutes, she was complaining she was cold and wanted in the truck. But, the rest of us were going to look for a tree nearby. Then, Callum kept getting his boots stuck in the snow and just walking around in his socks, so Ian asked me to take him back to the truck. At which point, Connor asked to go back too. So there I sat, in the truck with all the kids, while Ian went in search of a tree. He came back with one (pictured above) much quicker than I expected. 

Once home, we had to cut down our tree a bit to fit it inside. It's still much wider than our fake tree, but I like it. It reminds me of an oversized Charlie Brown Christmas tree because it only has needles at the ends. But, it's ours and comes with a fun story and for that, I totally love it. Also, there have been no bugs coming from the tree, which I feared because of the internet, and literally no pine needles have fallen. So it's definitely been a win and I would totally get a real tree again.

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The Christmas Season

These pictures have nothing to do with what I am about to rant write about. They just stand as photographic evidence that I did actually do some holiday activities with the kids leading up to Christmas. 

Just to prepare you, I am about to go on a bit of a rant. Now don't get me wrong during this rant. If you are one of those Pinterest or advent calendar moms that loves (and has the time) to do activities with your kids every day, more power to you. I have friends that did some incredible things like this during this season and it looked super fun through instagram stories. But just as I don't judge them for doing things different than me, I don't want to be judged either. 

A couple weeks ago I was talking with a couple who have a Pinterest worthy daughter about my age. They were telling me all the amazing and over the top activities their daughter was doing with her children every day. Then, they asked what holiday activities I had been doing with my kids each day. Let's be honest, at this point, I can barely bend over and pick stuff up off the floor! And though I would love to blame my lack of doing an amazingly thought out activity with my children each day in December on my pregnancy, the fact is, it just isn't my personality. I am more of a go with the flow type person and rigid plans stress me out. But back to my conversation. As I explained that I had yet to do anything with my children (in my defense it was like the 8th of December or something) they looked at me in horror. Like actual literal horror. Then I was asked, "Do you even have a Christmas tree?!?" I do folks, don't you worry. It even went up the weekend of Thanksgiving. I love me some Christmas. I just don't love me a busy and stressful month. 

Now, here's the thing. Did we manage to squeeze in some holiday activities? Of course we did. We went to an angel breakfast that we have gone to the past several years. Ian took Isla to the Nutcracker. He offered to take the kids ice skating and they said no...hahahaha! We drove around looking at Christmas lights with hot chocolates in hand. Another night, we took a hay ride through a local farm's light display. And, on the morning of Christmas Eve, we squeezed in some cookie decorating. None of these activities were planned well in advance. Well, the angel breakfast was for like a week or two. Everything else just fit where there was time in our normal lives. 

And guess what? Even though we didn't do amazing activities every day, the kids still enjoyed themselves. We all did. None of us were out shopping in the chaotic stores days before Christmas...thanks to online shopping. When days already felt full because of school parties, work and other Christmas parties, friends birthday parties, even Callum's birthday, we didn't do things. It just felt nice not to cram things in and stress myself trying to fit it all in. Which, this again shows you a bit about my personality, I don't like being super busy. 

The moral of the story is, don't try to keep up with others if you don't have it in you. Celebrate their awesomeness in doing all the things. Then celebrate your awesomeness in cuddling up on the couch with your kids for the fourth night in a row. We are all hardwired differently. That's a good thing. A thing to be celebrated. Not a thing to tear each other down for us all not keeping up (or laying low) to each other's standards. 

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Christmas Decorations

Our Christmas decor has evolved and changed over the years. I think that's a natural thing because of styles, life changes, etc. I was probably at the top of my decor game when I worked at Pottery Barn. But I have since gotten rid of so much of that because it just isn't practical with kids to have breakable decorations e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e. As children have made me more practical, things have simplified. But some things, like my love of color and my love of twinkle lights in the home have not changed. I mean, twinkle lights just make everything better. Especially during those dreary winter days. I put them up in the kids rooms for Christmas a few years ago and ended up leaving them up year round because I loved them so much, and so did they. 

I finally bit the bullet two years ago and bought us all matching stockings. Of course those stockings aren't available anymore, so I will now need to stalk eBay looking for one for baby because I just love those stockings so much. Not to mention I am totally cheap and they felt like a huge investment (they weren't that much money, but still!) and don't want to have to replace all of them. 

We have a lot of kids Christmas crafts around our house from various years as well. I particularly love the ones that have pictures of the kids on them because it lets me reminisce and that's just one of my favorite things to do. 

I should mention, my decor prekids included a lot of fake snow, again thanks to Pottery Barn. It was beautiful but OHMYGOSH the kids just couldn't seem to keep their hands off of it. Which the stuff is beautiful and fluffy and white, so I get it. But I couldn't handle having to clean up snow twenty times a day, so that went bye bye too. I actually let the kids play with it before I threw it away and let it get all over because I figured "why not?" but that was a few years ago now. 

Alright, enough talking. My Christmas decor...well, my living room at least, as I did decorate the banisters on the stairs this year and they include twinkle lights because, HELLO, I did say they are my favorite. 

I mostly posted this for myself because I think it's fun to look back and see ways I have decorated in the past. But given it's my blog and I can post what I want, for whomever I want, I figure whatevs. 

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Decorating for Christmas

Isla helped me decorate for Christmas over the weekend and it really was a fun time. Connor was watching Home Alone and Callum was napping. With a Christmas movie in the background, we decorated. She really wanted to take the lead on the tree and did most of the decorating. She was so excited. It just melted my mama heart. I've decorated in years past by myself, so it's fun to have someone that gets just as excited about the decorations (if not more so) helping out. 

I definitely don't decorate as much as I did pre-kids...of course I was also working at Pottery Barn at the time and had that influence as well. There's no elaborate table decorations, as once I had kids, I realized how those annoying things have to either be moved every meal or get things spilled on them every meal. Practicality won out and the table now remains clear. Though I did add garland and lights to our stairs this year and that makes me insanely happy. But honestly, twinkle lights anywhere make me insanely happy. I am obviously easily pleased. I think it has to do with it being grey out and getting dark earlier that the burst of light in various places around the house is just appreciated. 

We put the Christmas tree in the corner of the living room this year, rather than front and center in the front window. Sure, there isn't magic in the window, but it really makes navigating our living room easier! It also gave the tree more space, as it wasn't having to be crammed up against a window so it wouldn't be so far in the room. All that to say, I am enjoying the set up this year. 

Now to get on with the Christmas shopping and wrapping. I was talking with someone the other day that had their shopping all done AND all wrapped. I am a bit behind over here, still trying to figure out exactly what I will get everyone. I find doing three presents each (wear, play, read), which we have done for years, makes me think longer about what I am going to buy each kid, as I want each present to really count and have meaning. But I am getting there, slowly but surely. I have never been out on Christmas Eve still shopping, so I am not too worried. It all comes together somehow. 

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The 6th Annual Christmas Card Challenge

Having already received our first Christmas card in the mail, I thought now was a good time to announce the 6th annual Christmas card challenge. Thanksgiving snuck up on a lot of us last year and is early again this year, so I thought the early reminder to get a card made (and capitalize on those Black Friday card deals!) would be good for all. 

This contest was born out of my love of Christmas cards. Well, not just Christmas cards, but any holiday card. We've even gotten some New Year's cards, which I think is fun because it makes the card season last even longer! I get so excited in this season to check my mail every day. I love seeing smiling faces of those I love on cards, I love the handwritten notes, I love the updates, I love the lush beautiful cards, I love the funny ones. I just love it all. 

The categories for cards will remain the same again this year, but I also have a fun little prize for anyone that is local, so be sure to keep reading! As a refresher, here are the categories:

     * first card to arrive

     * best handwritten note

     * best photo(s)

     * best update

     * best overall

The first card to arrive spot has already been snagged by someone who was obviously on top of their game. And being on top of their game helped me, as it reminded me to get to work on my own card. 

In the spirit of supporting my hubby, and supporting a local small business, I will be giving a bag of Bean Counter Coffee Roasters coffee to the winner. How it works is, after the New Year, I will choose a winner from each categories, then use a random number generator to pick the winner of the coffee. Now, for you locals, I have a separate prize. Also in the spirit of supporting a local small business, I will be giving away a month subscription (February) to Alchemy Bread. If you've never heard of her, go check her out. Her bread is AMAZING. If you win, you have to agree to pick up your bread once a week (either on Tuesday or Thursday) in downtown Modesto on 12th Street. You also have to be willing to provide your phone number for the subscription. You really want to be willing to do this because, guys, it's soup season and this bread is like no other. Your mind WILL BE BLOWN. And if you're not willing, I know plenty of people that would be, so...

If you want to join in the fun, but don't have my address, feel free to email me at jgrimbleby(at)gmail.com and I will provide an address to send it. And you need not be shy, I have had many people participate in the card challenge that aren't my close pals. And, guess what? Some have won categories! And, each one of their cards put a smile on my face because I LOVE CARDS.

If you are looking for some inspiration, here are the winners in years past - 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013. Just a little tip, funny cards are totally my jam, as are anything that makes your card stick out from the crowd. That could be a different shape, a different colored envelope, or perhaps forgetting to change your last name on your card, so it says the wrong name! 

Now get to work on your cards! Remember, Black Friday and cyber Monday are always great times to score great deals on cards and is normally the time I order them every year. And, what's nice is you can have them all designed and ready to go ahead of time and just purchase them when the good deal comes around. 

I'm excited for my mailbox to start filling with cards! 

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Connor's School Christmas Performance

Let's go back to last week...it seems like weeks ago, but really it was just last week. Connor had his christmas performance at school. Apparently it is a bit of a big deal. They started practicing two months ago. There were speaking parts, but there was a mix up and Connor thought he would have to make up what he was going to say, so didn't apply. But, as luck would have it, he put his name in the hat for the air guitar solo and was chosen.

Connor really wanted a leather jacket for the performance so he could look like a rock star. I found one for him at a thrift store. That statement makes it sound like it was easy to find. I actually checked many a thrift stores and even target for something. It wasn't until a few days before the performance that I came across this one. He liked the jacket way more than I thought he would and has actually worn in a few times since the performance.

At the performance, Connor was so incredibly serious through the whole thing. If you watch the video below, you will get what I am talking about. But when it was time for his air guitar solo, he went to town. It was really cute and fun. I am glad he got the chance to do it.

Also, on a side note. The older the kids are getting, the less and less parents seem to bring big cameras to functions. I was the only person there with a camera. And it was a packed house. Plus I managed to score a front row seat, thanks to Isla who ran in and excitedly grabbed them. Anyway, I had a few parents ask (even ones texting me from farther back!) to take pictures of their kids during the performance...ha, ha! I may get made fun of in jest every once in a while for carrying around my beast of a camera, but it does come in handy.

If you just want to watch the good stuff, fast forward to 51 seconds to see Connor's air guitar solo.

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Just Gnoming Around

Get it? 

Instead of just clowning around, just gnoming around. 

Yep, I really do love gnomes that much. 


Buddy the elf says the best way to spread christmas cheer is to sing it loud for all to hear. But I am inclined to believe it really is to put on a pair of festive pjs and have some fun. Actually, not even pjs, just festive clothes. Last week at the park, this kid was wearing the cutest christmas dinosaur sweater. It made me smile. I enjoyed it so much that introvert Jessica actually started up a conversation with a perfect stranger just to talk to her about her son's awesome sweater. I tell ya, the older I get, the more generous I become with my complements, even doling them out to perfect strangers. But festive pjs, something that even a couple years ago I would have found an unnecessary frivolous splurge, have become something I enjoy getting. Of course, I am still very much me and managed to stack two coupon codes and a sale when buying them this year!

I got all the kids the same pjs as mine. They are Isla's favorite. She wears them as soon as they are washed. She wore them to pajama night at church and is planning on wearing them to pajama day at school on Friday. Even Connor likes his. I'm sure it's the gnomes. Because, when do gnomes not make people smile?! Come on, even the hardest of hearts crack a smile looking at adorable gnome Callum!

I really do love gnomes that much. Seriously.

Speaking of gnomes, did you know I've had a gnome stolen off my porch only to be returned a week later? Or that someone anonymously sent me one in the mail. And, just a couple weeks ago, one showed up in my yard, with gnome care instructions coming in the mail a few days later.

So, I'm just going to be over here gnoming around until Christmas.

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Our Christmas Decor

I kind of can't believe Christmas is only a week away. I don't know why it's snuck up on me this year. I am normally so on top of this season. I don't know if it's the warm weather, the fact that the kids have to be in school right up until Christmas or all the fall birthdays, but something has me feeling a bit out of sorts. 

No matter how I feel about it, I still decorated the day after thanksgiving. I love Christmas that much that I always decorate right away. In fact, funny story. We pulled out our old tree (had it for 13 years) and maybe 1/8 of the lights worked...whomp, whomp, whomp. So we went out in the black friday chaos to hunt down a new tree. Basically Ian would circle the parking lot while I ran in and found the perfect tree...it took a couple stores, but I am really happy with the one we picked! 

My Christmas decor style has changed a lot over the years. It started with cheap things bought at kmart our first Christmas. It then transitioned when I worked at Pottery Barn for three years. Alas, many of those Pottery Barn decorations have just become unpractical with children as the years have gone on. So, this year, I gifted my aunt with a bunch of the decorations. I was just happy that they were going to someone who would appreciate and enjoy them. 

Besides the tree, I really haven't bought any new decorations. I would like to get a new tree skirt. I've probably said that for the past three years, but I haven't found the perfect one at a price I'm willing to pay, so I am still holding out. I do have to say, I love all the homemade decor that has made it into our rotation from the kids school projects over the years. Those pieces make me smile the most...especially the ones involving pictures! 

^^ The little people in our house keep rearranging our stockings. I've given up trying to keep them in order because the reality is, it really doesn't matter. 

^^ The 24 Christmas books that I collected from thrift stores six years ago are still going strong. There are actually now more than 24 and I didn't wrap them for advent like in years past. But the kids, especially Isla, still really enjoy reading them. 

The glow of the Christmas tree at night will always be one of my favorite things. I just enjoy the warmth that the lights and all the decor bring to our house at Christmas. Now to get my butt into gear and start wrapping presents!!!

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The Perks of Being the Youngest

I remember when my older brother and I were in school, my younger brother telling us the things he got to do while we were in school. He got to go to lunch with my parents or he got candy from my dad's receptionist when he visited my dad at work. I am sure my parents heard "that's not fair!" more than they ever wanted to. But now I'm learning, there's perks of being the youngest...and there's perks for me still being that the youngest cannot yet form a sentence!

The other day, while Connor and Isla were at school, I decided to throw away their gingerbread house. Then I decided I should offer it to Callum and see what he does. The kid lit up as soon as he realized I wasn't playing a sick joke on him. He was seriously ecstatic. He went to town on that thing, until I finally had to pry it out of his sticky little hands.

It's one of those memories I want to remember forever because he was just so excited. It was bliss, pure bliss. His joy about something as simple as getting to go to town on a gingerbread house was palatable.

And given that Callum can't quite talk yet and the kids haven't even noticed their gingerbread house is missing, no one is none the wiser.

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