Elf on the Shelf Fail

It's officially Christmas around here which means our elf on the shelf is back for more Shenanigans. She's been with us for many years now and she's had quite a life so far. I'm sure the other elves listen to her stories and think, "Good Lord, Santa screwed you!" I hope she spends the rest of the year on a beach sipping a margarita and reading Twilight novels.

{Yes, we have a girl elf. She came with a skirt. We named her "Tootsie." "Tootsie" goes and reports to Santa what she saw the children doing during the day.}

I'm only a week in and it's getting harder and harder to be creative about where she is hiding. I have put her in the bathroom to fish out of the sink. I put her in a pot on the stove and had to order take out.  I got lazy and tried to put her in the tree until she hung upside down and finally fell out. She didn't hide there again.

For those of you that are just starting the elf tradition I have to warn you. Elves comes with a LOT of "Ifs."

If you forget to move the elf?  Think fast. "Now why would she want to hide in the same spot twice? What did she see yesterday?" You might even eek out a toddler confession or two.  It's brilliant!

If you spot one for sale at the store?  "Why Santa has told the elves to act like toys of course. How else are they going to get to us? The magic is activated when you read the story and name the elf."

AND...

If the baby actually gets a hold of the elf and starts crawling around the house with it?  Santa will re-activate the magic because babies don't know better. Mommy can pick Tootsie up with tongs and pick a better hiding spot next time...

Anyone else having fun with an elf?

Speaking of fun...

Welcome to week 18 of the Mommy-Brain Mixer, ladies!

Last week we had 70 link-ups! Please help spread the word so the Mixer keeps on growing!

Before we get started, I have some awesome news!

The Mommy-Brain Mixer is taking on two more permanent hosts!

Please welcome Cassie from Live.Laugh.L0ve and Julie from From Awkward to Art! 

If you haven't noticed, one of our favorite things to do is to share stories about motherhood and our littles. One of our favorite things about sharing these stories is your comments with stories of your own children!

Welcome to...

At the Mommy-Brain Mixer, we will be linking up our writings about anything and everything motherhood!

We want to see funny posts, serious posts, sweet & sappy stories, mommy-brain episodes, memories from when your older children were younger, thoughts & lessons learned, and anything related to motherhood or little people. You know that post you wrote yesterday about your teething baby? Or that hilarious post you wrote about your 2nd grader's school play? Those are perfect, so link 'em up! 

The Mommy-Brain Mixer is the perfect place to find some great new blogs to follow, make some wonderful new blog friends, and enjoy some entertaining new reads!

To make things even more fun, our friend Mar, over at Raising Bean, is hosting a sister link-up for you to join, too!

Head on over there after your finished here and link up your recipes, DIY, arts & crafts, and sensory activities!  

Let's get to it, friends!

 

RULES:

1.Follow your hosts 

{the first three in the linky}:

 Cassie from Two In Diapers

Cassie from Live.Laugh.L0ve

Julie from From Awkward To Art

If you are new to the Mixer, please leave us a comment so we know to follow you back! We try to get around to all the posts but, as the Mixer is growing, there are some weeks that we are not able!

2. Follow your co-hosts

This week's lovely co-hosts {the next 3 on the linky} are:

Meg from Megs 7827

Jennifer from Pushing The Lemons

Ana from Mommy's Bundle

3. Link up your mommy post!

4. Make sure to visit some of the blogs in the link-up and maybe even follow them!

{and comments are always loved} 

5. Tweet about the Mommy-Brain Mixer to help spread the word! 

Tweet  

6. Grab this adorable button and place it somewhere on your blog!

 

 <a href="http://www.two-in-diapers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/Gracie%20Marie/mommybrain-mixer200.png" /></a><br/>

7. Don't forget to check back throughout the week, as we gain many new links throughout the week!

If you are interested in co-hosting a Mommy-Brain Mixer, send me an email at twoindiapers@gmail.com!

Like my blog? Don't forget to vote for us! One click on the banner below = one vote for our blog, and you can even vote daily to keep us at the top!

So What Wednesday

This week I'm saying so WHAT...

...if I passed off store bought pie as my own on Thanksgiving.

...if I still have uncarved pumpkins sitting on my front porch.

...if I moved all of the kids Christmas ornaments around on the tree after they went to bed. 
   I couldn't.help.myself.

...if I forgot to move the damn elf on the shelf for the second time in 5 days.

...if I still haven't gotten pictures together for this year's Christmas cards. 

...if I sound like the laziest mom on the planet. Busy? Yes. Lazy? No but a mom can dream. 



Now go Link up with Shannon ...

A Holly Jolly Giveaway

The lovely November Sponsors of The View From 510 have come together to give one lucky reader a $25 Starbucks Card, $25 Erin Condren Gift Card and a Mint Teardrop Necklace.

Good luck and Happy Holidays everyone! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wordless Wednesday: I Have It All

I don't have a giant bank account, or a house that's fully furnished.  I don't drive a flashy car or buy my clothes from a trendy boutique. 

 

 

But I do have a swing in my backyard. And three beautiful children who sometimes let their mommy take a turn. And a husband who stands behind me, loves me, and pushes me. As high as I want to go. And for that, I am forever thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Potluck Sunday: Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread

This is a quick and easy appetizer to serve at Thanksgiving or any holiday party. It's sweet, creamy, and always a hit.

 INGREDIENTS:
 

• 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• Assorted crackers

 
DIRECTIONS:
 

1. In a large bowl combine all ingredients and mix until well blended.
2. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Spoon mixture into a serving dish and serve with Crackers.

As a variation, you can add sliced almonds or chopped pecans to this recipe.

Enjoy!

SANTA PAWS 2: THE SANTA PUPS #Giveaway

The holidays are quickly approaching and what better way to get in the Holiday Spirit than watching an adorable Christmas movie that the whole family will love. Disney will be releasing the all new Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups on November the 20th.  Here is a little bit of what you can expect:

The North Pole has a new litter of playful pups! However, when the frisky foursome—Hope, Jingle, Charity and Noble—practically destroy Santa’s Workshop with their frolicking, they realize the best way to prove that they’re responsible enough to become Santa’s Helpers is to show how well they can spread the Christmas spirit all by themselves. With help from a magic crystal, they start granting everyone’s wishes. But their good intentions backfire when one unhappy boy asks that Christmas go away forever! With his wish impetuously fulfilled, and the joyous spirit quickly disappearing from the planet, Mrs. Claus and the pups have to find a way to reverse the spell—or risk losing Christmas forever!

This film will be available on November 20th as a 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack, a 1-Disc DVD or High Definition Digital. You'll definitely want to grab your copy of this fun filled movie before they're gone!

I'm giving one reader a chance to win their own 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack! That's a $39.99 value. Must be 18 years old or older to enter and a resident of the US.

*I was not compensated for this review. I received the movie free of charge for reviewing purposes and all opinions expressed are my own

Eighteen x's Two

Maybe it was just my parents way of keeping up with all of us, but in my family, when the first birthday of the year rolls around in January, we all somehow magically turn a year older on that day too. As the New Year inches closer and that first January Birthday looms, I can't help but think about turning 36 this year. {As in I'm going to be eighteen years old times two. Eek!!} Looking back, there are a few things that I wish I could say to my 18 year old self...
 

1.   Sex will not make someone fall in love with you.

2.   Beer makes you fat.

3.   Reality TV makes you stupid.

4.  Envy drives you crazy.

5.   Vote. But arm yourself with knowledge before you just go and vote for the popular one who smiles nice.

6.   Write down your feelings- destroy it afterwards if you want- but write them down.

7.  Go on trips with your girlfriends and have the time of your life.

8.   If you know you really don't have a handle on them - ditch your credit cards.

9.  Find a cause you believe in with all your heart and vow to somehow make a difference in it.

10.  You never know what other people are going through. Try not to be too judgmental.

11.   Never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever get in a car with someone who’s been drinking.

12.  Ditto for drinking and driving.

13.  Take lots and lots of pictures. One day you will look back and wonder why your legs don't look that anymore.

14.  Most of the things you want in this life are waiting for you right outside your comfort zone.

15.  Drive a paid off crappy car for as long as you can. It saves you money and gives you character.  

16.  Travel the world and explore other cultures.

17.  Surround yourself with positive people.

18.  Save your money- no one will care if you wear the same boots as you did last year.

19.  Be mysterious.

20.  Older people really are smarter than you- listen to them.

21.  Spend more time with your family- before you know it, many of them will be gone.

22. Be empathetic.

  23. Floss your teeth.

  24. Whatever it is- it is not the end of the world.

  25. Learn to enjoy salads- after 30, that's all you can eat.

  26. Wear sun block.

  27. You are stronger than you ever thought possible.

  28. You will kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince.

  29. You will find your prince.

  30. You never really get “there.” Live in the moment.

Circus Act

You know it's been too long since you've posted on your blog when you have to think about your password to actually log in and write something. Lately I haven't had more than a few seconds at a time to look at my computer, much less write about meaningful things and it's so frustrating because I've put a lot of time and effort into this little piece of the web and to see it sitting so idle and blah makes me kind of sad. And while I still don't have anything too exciting to share, I do feel like I owe you guys an explanation.

I haven't talked much about it on the blog but on top of juggling three kids, I'm a full time student getting certified to teach Elementary Education. It's something I've always wanted to do and I while love every second of it, this semester has been really demanding. On top of my two night a week class schedule, I've been going out weekly to work in an actual classroom and it has been a blast! But writing a ridiculous amount of case studies and essays? Not so much.

And then there's my "thing." Remember a while back when I told you guys I was working on something that was just for me? Well in between dirty diapers and carpool lines I've been working on it like a mad woman. While I still can't share all the details with you, I can tell you that it has taken on a life of it's own lately including meetings with designers, suppliers, and patent attorneys.  Say wha? Yeah...it's become a full fledged, whirlwind, oh my God I'm really doing this kind of thing.



Mommy's little helper.



Needless to say, this mama is starting to feel more like a juggling circus act than a creative writer but for the first time in a really long time I'm feeling inspired. I'm so excited about all of the opportunities that are in front of me and I can't wait to share them with you. I just have a take home midterm and a case study to write first...

Mommy-Brain Mixer #16

Hello, Friends! I'm so excited to be co-hosting at one of my FAVORITE blogs, Two In Diapers! I've been reading Cassie's blog since I started my own in August and I love her down to earth stories and her genuine writing style. The Mommy Brain Mixer is a FANTASTIC platform for other mommy bloggers to share their stories. I am so happy that you are here, and can't wait to read your stories!!

 

Welcome to week 16 of the Mommy-Brain Mixer, ladies!

Last week we had a wonderful 95 link-ups! The Mixer is thriving!

If you haven't noticed, one of my favorite things to do here at Two In Diapers is to share stories about motherhood and my littles. One of my favorite things about sharing these stories is your comments with stories of your own children!

Welcome to...

At the Mommy-Brain Mixer, we will be linking up our writings about anything and everything motherhood!

We want to see funny posts, serious posts, sweet & sappy stories, mommy-brain episodes, memories from when your older children were younger, thoughts & lessons learned, and anything related to motherhood or little people. You know that post you wrote yesterday about your teething baby? Or that hilarious post you wrote about your 2nd grader's school play? Those are perfect, so link 'em up! 

The Mommy-Brain Mixer is the perfect place to find some great new blogs to follow, make some wonderful new blog friends, and enjoy some entertaining new reads!

To make things even more fun, my friend Mar, over at Raising Bean, is hosting a sister link-up for you to join, too!

Head on over there after your finished here and link up your recipes, DIY, arts & crafts, and sensory activities!  

Let's get to it, friends!

 

RULES:

1.Follow Two In Diapers

{the first link below}

If you are new to the Mixer, please leave me a comment so I know to follow you back! I try to get around to all the posts but, as the Mixer is growing, there are some weeks that I'm not able!

2. Follow your co-hosts

This week's lovely co-hosts {the first 3 on the linky} are:

Jennifer from Pushing The Lemons

Susan from Sole Searching Mamma

Julia from Julia's Math

3. Link up your mommy post!

4. Make sure to visit some of the blogs in the link-up and maybe even follow them!

{and comments are always loved} 

5. Tweet about the Mommy-Brain Mixer to help spread the word! 

Tweet  

6. Grab this adorable button and place it somewhere on your blog!

 

 <a href="http://www.two-in-diapers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/Gracie%20Marie/mommybrain-mixer200.png" /></a><br/>

7. Don't forget to check back throughout the week, as we gain many new links throughout the week!

If you are interested in co-hosting a Mommy-Brain Mixer, send me an email at twoindiapers@gmail.com!

Like my blog? Don't forget to vote for us! One click on the banner below = one vote for our blog, and you can even vote daily to keep us at the top!

{Sweet Sponsor}

Last Firsts

Right now I’m sitting on the couch , watching my baby crawl across the living room. Caroline’s been busy perfecting her new skill this week and she spends all of her waking hours crawling from one end of the house to the other as if it’s the most amazing place in the world. Which I suppose to her it is, being able to explore it all on her terms.

She’s been a pretty verbal baby from the get go, always cooing and babbling away to family and strangers alike. Lately her sweet baby chatter has become more distinguishable. Her first ‘word’ is Mama and it seems as if “Dada” isn’t far behind.

We’ve already witnessed so much. Her first cries and her first squeals of delight.  We survived her first sleepless nights and beamed with pride when she gave us her first smile. She’s pulled up for the first time, clapped for the first time, and gotten her first teeth. And I know that this is only the beginning. Even though she has so many more ‘firsts’ ahead of her, I have to admit that I’ve shed more than a few tears these last few weeks as I realize that I will never witness these miraculous moments again. She’s my last baby.

It’s been such a bittersweet time for me. I’m pretty sure that my recent trip to Goodwill to donate most of the baby items Caroline’s outgrown didn’t help matters. I needed to do it – God knows we need the space –  but packing up the baby swing, the bouncy seat, the newborn bottles and the infant tub that survived 3 children just made it all very real. I have no need for them anymore. I will never have a need for them again.

A part of me can’t help but grieve for what I have been blessed with but which is now gone – that precious time in life that I muddled through in a fog of major sleep deprivation and slight anxiety. A time of precious firsts and beginnings. A time when every single one of my babies’ needs were met by me. Does that make any sense?

 As I’ve spent these past few weeks watching Caroline’s spunky little personality develop and marveled at her deep rooted determination, I can’t help but feel like a jumble of emotions. I’m at once the luckiest woman alive and a little heartbroken too. These are our last firsts.

Wordless Wednesday: There's This Boy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BRAVE Giveaway & Review

After griping about my lack of family time last week, I made it a point over the weekend to spend some much needed quality time with my favorite four people. For the first time in forever, all five of us snuggled up on the couch and watched Pixar’s movie of the year BRAVE. 

Because I'm a huge fan of Pixar’s ability to create movies that are entertaining for both children and adults {and because I'm a sucker for a princess with a great accent} I've been dying to see this movie ever since it came out in theater's last summer. Not only did BRAVE not disappoint, but I can honestly say it's one of our new family favorites.

 

The story, set in magical Scotland centuries ago, follows a fiery red-headed princess named Merida. Strong, independent, and spunky, she’d rather have a bow and arrow in her hands than embrace the stuffy etiquette and proper life of a princess. By tradition, Merida will marry the son of a local laird that bests the others in a spirited athletic competition. Or will she?  

The age old tale of tug-of-war between a mother and her teenage daughter ensues and Merida's fate is forever changed. And just as you’d expect, the scenery is amazing, the jokes are hilarious, and the message is heartwarming. Truly a family film, my husband and I laughed out loud right along with the kids. {Thank you Pixar!}
 

To celebrate the November 13th DVD release, we’re giving away a BRAVE Ultimate Collector's Edition 5-Disc Set, which includes Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray 3D, and DVD to one lucky reader.  I promise you won’t want to miss this one!
 

To enter, just follow the directions on the raffelcopter form below. Giveaway will end Wednesday Nov. 8th at midnight.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

*I was not compensated for this review. I received the movie free of charge for reviewing purposes and all opinions expressed are my own.

 

Potluck Sunday: Halepeno Corn Dip

This zesty dip is always the first to get gobbled up at the Holidays. It's savory and simple with just a touch of spicy.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 boxes of Cream Cheese, softened
• 2 cans of whole corn, drained
• 1/2 jar jalapenos, drained
• 1 stick of butter, melted
• Fritos Scoops or another corn-style chip

 

DIRECTIONS: 

 

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Combine all ingredients in a glass baking dish.
3. Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly.
4. Serve warm with Scoops.

Enjoy!