I found this website, Be More With Less today, via Ali Edwards, as I was searching the internet for answers to life.  Of course, you know my relationship with the internet and looking for answers.  Never. A. Good. Thing. 

In my constant quest to better my life, to increase happiness, reading this website brought inspiration into my day today.  Be More With Less.  How simple is that?  Enjoy life with what you have, or what you need vs., what you want or what you think you want because the neighbors have it.  What I really like about this website, is their 'mini-missions'.  Things to do to improve your quality of life.  And literally at no cost to you (financially). 

The Love More Deeply mini-mission really inspired me today.  Reading the list of things to do, to accomplish or complete the mission is exactly what I need to do at this point in my life. 

Shift your energy

• from being right to being quiet.


• from being annoyed to being grateful.


• from being angry to being joyful.


• from being rushed to taking time.


• from eye roll to hug.


• from scowl to smile.

I wrote each of these items down earlier today.  Then I wrote an example of each scenario that has presented itself in my life.  Then I wrote what I will do to change, and love.  Here's an example:

Tonight when Max + I came home, I just sat back and watched Max.  He was sleeping, so I watched him sleep.  Then he was awake and we played with the stacking cups.  Then it was time to go to bed, so instead of just feeding and rocking him to sleep, I still fed and rocked, but I sang a few songs.  He smiled.  I smiled.  This is unlike the routine.  We usually rush home, eat, he plays I do housework and then its bedtime.  ...being rushed to taking time.  A memory I will hold close to my heart for the rest of my life. 

What is one item on the list that you would like to do more of?  How would you go about doing it? 

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Max + I are off to Florida for the New Year tomorrow.  We would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year!  May 2011 bring you happiness, peace and growth.

Max meeting his gifts this morning, just after waking up.  I loved his face when he was looking at them and the tree.  I am sure he was like, 'Wow...cool! Check these out!'. 

He really took to the Pillow Pet!  

Take one of many.  I love the fact that its not perfectly posed.  I love Charlie looking at Tyler.  I love Tyler trying to escape.  I love Max's eyes look demon-ish (forgot to remove red-eye). 

Take two. 

Having Christmas lunch together. 

I hope everyone enjoyed their day with their loved ones. 

...in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

Its Christmas Eve and I am watching White Christmas, sitting by the tree.  I just finished the last stocking I said I would make for Max and the twinkie nephews.  I am pleased with them.  They dont have the professionally made look, or even an experienced/serious crafter touch.  But they do look like the pictures and they have love. 

I still have to wrap a couple of presents and make a couple more gifts, and its 9:53p.  I say each year I wont wait until the last minute... and here I am waiting until the last minute! 

This is my first Christmas with Max.  Since before Thanksgiving, I've been feeling a different holiday magic.  Seeing the holidays in a different light, remembering all the christmases from my youth.  I want Max to have the same excitement I had and still have.  So when Santa came to visit, it felt a little odd at first, but when I took pictures of the tree with his gifts, I smiled.  This year he doesnt have a clue, he'll just want to bang everything and put it in his mouth.  I am excited for the years when he does know what it means, and his face will light up with excitement.   

With that said, I with all of you a Very Merry Christmas!  May this season bring you happiness and peace.  

(couldnt come up with a clever, catchy title) 

How can you say no to this face? Especially when its right in your face?

Here he is today, admiring the tree.

What did you do today?

Lately when reading my blogroll, those that have young children all seem to have this The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition with Blue Eyed North Pole Pixie-Elf toy.  I find it interesting that many have the same tradition.  Or better yet, same approach of incoporating the 'he knows if you've been bad or good' theory, ie, get their children to behave in all the seasonal chaos!  

I gave it some thought, and made the purchase of our own elf.  He'll probably arrive after Christmas, which is fine.  This will give me 11 months to come up with a name (because he has to be registered on their website so that Santa knows who he now belongs to), and how I want to use it (because Max will still be too young to understand the actual concept of Santa and elves and presents, he'll be 18 months then).  This is one of many holiday traditions I've started this year.  Outside the Holiday Tea + Craft Social just recently held, there is the picture with Santa (though this year was a semi-bust, we were able to get one with Max and the twinkie nephews at the Merry Mingle but it wasnt all that great), and now we'll add this Elf to the list. 

We had a few traditions growing up, the picture with Santa, the hanging of the stockings (I always wanted to be around when Mom hung the stockings), decorating the tree.  I reflect on these each Christmas.  I want Max to have the same warm and happy feeling about our Christmases.  (I feel like I can get a gold star for this section of parenting.  So Santa, if you are reading this, one gold star for me please.)

What are some of your holiday traditions? Do you have a tradition from your childhood that you still do today?

One of my favorite things to do outside spending time with Max, reading, photography and shopping, is to bake.  I'll tackle all recipes once.  Though the easier the better for me.  I whipped up this cake last night for a holiday lunch today at work.  This is one of my favorites.  Check out how simple:

1 box of chocolate cake mix (any brand)
All the ingredients necessary for the cake (as listed on the box)
2 Tablespoons almond flavoring

Using an electic mixer, mix for 3 to 4 minutes on medium speed.  Pour batter into fancy cake pan (I get all my cake pans at the Wilton Tent Sale each year, same manufacturer as the pans you find at Williams-Sonoma, Macy's Martha Stewart, etc.).  Bake according to directions on box. 

Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top after cooling, and serve. 

I have some leftovers, so if anyone is in the neighborhood, please stop by for a small helping of heaven!

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It's not too late to shop! 

Everyone can thank my blog friend Emily for sharing this on her blog.  Love this version.  (really love anything from coldplay!)  Thank you Emily!

It's these moments that I love.  We get to do this, spend good quality time together, on Saturdays and Sundays.  I look forward to them every week.  This is when I get to be Mom, all day long.  Not that I am not during the week, but I get to feed, teach, play and soothe him, not school, not Grandma or Ginga.  (though I am VERY thankful for them, wouldnt leave Max with anyone else) 

Each Friday afternoon, I leave my desk and practically run to daycare to swoop Max up into my arms and give a big kiss, and think the next 48 or so hours it will be 'You + Me'. 

For my craft social last weekend, I wanted to serve traditional high tea fare.  On that menu are scones.  All flavors of scones, from sweet to savory.  Since I had already had a few savory items, I went with sweet for the scones.  I had made orange dark chocolate chip scones.  They were a big hit!

I had used a muffin mix and followed some recommendations from a blogger in blogland.  A few people had asked for the recipe.  So today, to make sure the recipe was as good and easy as I thought it was, I tried making it again.  And again, success!

Pumpkin Scones.


I still cant get over how easy these are.  They are no Starbucks pumpkin scone, but my taste buds say 'much better!'.  They were perfect for the afternoon snack (especially on a day like today where its cold and blistery outside!)



Here's the recipe.  Help yourself to saving and printing for your recipe book. 

**edit-scones can also be made 'drop' style.  Drop by the tablespoonful on to the cookie sheet.  Bake for same amount of time.

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These would make a great gift for the neighbor, teacher, co-worker.  Just put them in a nice decorative treat box, adorn with a ribbon and voila! The perfect gift!  Amazon has some great deals on treat boxes.

I was right!  I did have this book as a child!  As mentioned in this post about our seasonal reading list, I thought this book was part of my childhood reading.  And sure enough it was!

I stopped at Mom's house tonight to pick up my new phone, and she had said she found it.  She found it!  Thank you Mom for not throwing out everything! 

(and for those who are curious, like I was, the first thing I checked ... originally printed in 1966)

Today I hosted a Holiday Tea + Craft Social at my house for friends and family.  I wanted to start something that I would host annually, in addition to other times throughout the year.  I am not familiar with any events of the like in the area, so I figure if I cant find one, why not just host one? 

So today, about 10 people were in my small house, congregating and celebrating and crafting. 

We ate traditional tea sandwiches, scones, appetizer meatballs and apple cobbler.  We drank coffee and tea.  We talked, laughed and smiled.  Everyone had worn something festive.  Lots of christmas socks.  A couple of christmas sweaters.  The spirit was definitely in the room. 

Its the first weekend in December, so many people are looking at their month's knowing they have so much to do.  I am glad I picked today, the holiday stress hasnt really taken over anyone yet.  It was nice to see the smiles and laughs and everyone just enjoying themselves. 

And we crafted.  I came up with two craft projects that everyone can make and use this holiday season.  I love sitting around a table with others, being creative.  It inspires me and helps me become more creative. 

Today we made:
1.  Paper ornament garland.  I cut out circles of scrapbook paper in two sizes, and glued them to a ribbon.  The ribbon measured 36 inches in length.  The end result:

2.  Holiday Card Scrapbook.  Took clear plastic pages and added holiday-themed decorations, stickers and ribbons.  This will hold all the cards that we receive this year from family and friends.  I had made this before, back in early 2009.  It sits on my coffee table and I receive many compliments on it. 

Lastly, as everyone left, I handed out a parting gift, a thank you for attending.  It was a kraft box filled with handmade chocolates.  I added a handmade printed Santa sticker and red bakers twine for decoration.  I am pleased with how it turned out.  And I have also included the Santa pdf to download free here. 

Overall, a great event.  A great day.  I will definitely be hosting another craft social soon!  Enjoy the free download! 

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To print the Santa stickers, first print the pdf on sticker paper.  Then I used a juice glass to trace the circle and cut. 

Dear Max,

I absolutely cannot believe it.  You are seven months old today.  I feel like I just wrote your six months letter.  You are evolving into a little person right before my eyes.  Your personality is starting to break through and I have no complaints.  It seems you will be a happy and funny, genuine person. 

You are sitting up, basically unsupported.  You are doing a great job at it.  Getting stronger each day.  You do fall backwards, and with a big thump of your head hitting the floor.  The first time it happed you scared yourself.  Now, you are like, 'and, whats new?'

You are rolling to get to things.  You will roll to me if there is some distance between us when we are playing on the floor.  (I need to look into baby proofing the home.  Your twinkie cousins proved that to me over the weekend with one too many pinched fingers!)

You are working on getting ready to crawl.  Tonight, you were up on your hands and knees rocking back and forth.  It was almost like you were winding up ... soon you will be on the move.

You are talking full on non-stop!  I love it.  Love hearing your voice, love hearing you trying to make raspberries, love hearing you getting used to your tongue.  And you cover the entire range of octaves - high to low to high to low, all day long.

Your second tooth came in. 

You are not doing well with the teething.  Lots of pain for you.  You do not cry or fuss or whine unless something is bothering you.  To hear this more often, I wish this could be easier for you. 

You celebrated your first Thanksgiving with the family. 

We finally found our groove.  Our evenings, the area that took the longest to establish, are now spent together on the floor playing, reading, working on our development or playing in the tub (well you only, I sit on the edge with my feet in the water and sing Ernie's Rubber Ducky song).  This is 'our' time during the week. 

When not in teething pain,  you are a genuinely happy child.  I cannot get over how happy you are.  I never in my life imagined I would have such a happy child.  This makes me just that much more proud of you.  Since you are becoming your own, its starting to become clear that we were meant for each other.  You are teaching me to be conscious and in the moment, and to think wisely.  Something I've done very little of before you arrived.  I am enjoying life so much more with you.  And I do have to say, I think you are enjoying life too!  Thank you sweet boy.  Thank you.

I love you Max.

Love, Mom

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This month's montage.  Big Blue got the boot. 
 

Over the past few years, each Christmas season I've read a 'christmas' book.  I started this tradition with a fiction book, last year it was non-fiction.  This year, back to fiction.  (maybe a pattern here??)  I really like this idea that just adds a little bit more magic to the season.  I am starting Max on this tradition this year.  Here's our reading list for Christmas 2010. 

Me.

A Darcy Christmas - if you are a Jane Austen fan, or a Elizabeth Bennett + Mr. Darcy fan, the reviews of this book are in favor of it being a good read for the season.  Three short stories, all taking on a different view of Christmas in the Darcy-era.  (and if you are anyone who's seen Colin Firth walk out of the pond in the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice, you know you are hooked!)  I need something light and easy to read, to jump start my reading again.  I think this will be a good start.

Max.

Footprints in the Snow - this is a new one for us.  Looking forward to reading it as the reviews are all positive. 

I've Seen Santa - another new one about a bear family waiting for Santa.

The Night Before Christmas - a classic.  One of my favorites. 

Reindeer Christmas - I believe I had purchased this book for the twinkies first Christmas (2008), though I cant remember.  I enjoy this story.  Its about doing good to others without passing judgement.  In addition, the illustrations in this book are beautiful. 

Santa Mouse - I could have sworn this was one of my favorites as a kid, but I cant find when this was first published.  Either way, classic story. 

This is just the begining to our Christmas tradition of reading the stories during the season.  I look forward to the years to come to see how our list grows and changes. 

What is on your Christmas reading list?