A December to Remember

Happy Holidays Everyeone... here's a quick peek at Tatiana's first magical Christmas in the US.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A Trip to Sunny Florida!

Being coy with the giant dog that Grampa & Gramma bought me. I am not spoiled am I?
Playing Jingle Bells at the mall after meeting Santa

I also got a bike from Grampa & Gramma... here's Grampa trying to help me ride...

And they had a wagon for me... I liked pulling as much as riding...
Swinging at the park with Aunt Kay -- my favorite!

As you can tell -- I LOVE swinging!

Swimming is a close follow up to swinging!

Swimmin'! I was so glad I got to go swimmin'!

Last week, Tati and I got a quick respite from the freezing cold temperatures of Michigan during a trip to see Grampa and Gramma in Florida! This was the first plane ride for T since being home from Russia - and guess what - NO FEARS! T was a champ! Our flight on the way down was delayed, and other than being bored in the airport, she handled the delay well. We even got lucky enough to have our own row and she managed to fall asleep on the plane for an hour or so. For a kid that typically needs no distractions to fall asleep - this was a big deal!

We had a great time and great weather in Florida! As expected, Tati was spoiled by Grampa & Gramma! They had a bike, a wagon and a stroller ready for her use. And oh yeah! A pool! We saw an alligator, visited Great Gramma Helen, visited Aunt Kay, Uncle Dick & Kara and -- saw SANTA CLAUS! Silly mama left the Santa picture at the mall after lunch, but thankfully some kind soul had found it and turned it into the concierge desk! WHEW!

T was highly impressed with the warm weather and the fact that she was able to wear capris, shorts and go swimming again. While mama wouldn't trade a white Christmas for anything, I think Tati would give away any toy for the ability to swing and swim everyday. The girl is a fish. Grampa & Gramma (and their friends The Steve's) were amazed by T's lack of fear of the water.

Mama had a great time taking a break from work (my first real vacation days since Russia!) and just hanging out with T and Dad and Sharon. It's wonderful to see the holidays through a new set of eyes!

I have noticed as I get older, I have huge expectations for what I think Christmas SHOULD be, and most years, I am disappointed. All build up, and then it goes by so quick, I forget to enjoy it. It's hard to not enjoy it with Tatiana around. Years back I was living in the Detroit metro area. I'll guess it was 1994-95ish. My gramma was still alive and I was wrapping up some last minute errands before heading home for the holidays. The song "Sleigh Bells" came on the radio, it was lightly snowing and I was done with work for the year. I had a sense of joy and happiness wash over me with excitement and contentment that I'll never forget.

I felt that feeling with Tati this past weekend, and it's the first time since then that I can remember it! Merry Christmas everyone!

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

Happy December all! I don't think I have gone this long without blogging since I started the blog last year. It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks, with lots of seasonal preparations! Plus, I don't know why, but when the daylight gets shorter and shorter so does my ability to stay awake these days!

Here's some pictures from the past couple week's events...

Watching "Grinch" with Gramma Darlin' (and Roo!)
Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day meal...
Hanging out with Mary at Thanksgiving celebration
Checking out the Santa Christmas tree

At Elmo's Green Thumb with Gramma Darlin
Big Bird!
The trees are up, the house is decorated inside and out. Presents are pretty much purchased and wrapped. WHEW! Now it's time to enjoy!

We're celebrating a couple traditions this year -- an advent calendar (with chocolates!) and Elf on the Shelf. I always loved advent calendars when I was younger. I looked forward to opening each window every morning. This years version sits on the counter near Tatiana's high chair and she's very quick to point out each morning that we have to open the day's window! And believe it or not -- the child that doesn't have much interest in candy? LOVING the chocolate piece everyday! Double bonus!

The Elf on the Shelf is another new addition that I had been meaning to do. Then I heard rave reviews from my friend Joanne (thanks, J!) so I decided to do it! Our elf did not receive a very creative name - he's Red Elfie. But she loves looking for him each day. I am not sure that she understands yet that he's supposed to be reporting to Santa on her behavior... but all in good time! She recognizes Santa in pictures - but I am not sure she understands what he stands for and brings.

I am realizing it's difficult to explain the true meaning of Christmas to a 3 year old - and not stress the commercial aspect of it! I did hear on the radio the other day someone say "Christmas is Jesus birthday and to help celebrate it, we exchange gifts and love with those we care about". Not too bad!

Tatiana continues to amaze me each day. She's changing more and more every time I turn around. Yesterday in the car on the way home from the store she took her shoes off after I had asked her to leave them on. (She's fascinated by taking her shoes and socks off in the car, which I did too when I was little!) I handed her the shoe to put back on and reminded her that I asked her not to take her shoes off and she replied: "mama, I sorry I take off shoes". What? She loves saying sorry - but doesn't usually have a "reason" to. But it was used correctly AND almost a full sentence! Leaps and bounds.

I promise I'll post sooner next time (and I'll try to mean it!). Enjoy your December!

Gobble Gobble!

It seems like when we were all a bit younger, that the feeling in the air this time of year was electric. I think that feeling was probably tied to the number of days left before a "break" at school - but I distinctly remember "that feeling" each year. The older I get, the more and more holidays creep up on me vs. that huge buzz of excitement leading up to each holiday.

I know I have always been one of those people who builds events up to be more in my imagination than what they traditionally turn out to be, but I am really looking forward to sharing the holidays with Tatiana.

This week is our big Thanksgiving celebration. My grandfather was one of seven brothers and essentially all seven families still get together. It's a great tradition that I love. I can't wait to see the little T bopping around the hall with her cousins like I did when I was little.

I have been trying to explain Thanksgiving to T a little bit everyday. It's difficult to explain the concept of "thankfulness" to a three year old! We talked about being thankful for family, friends, being healthy, etc. And then we also talked about the traditional Thanksgiving meal. I think the two thoughts got crossed because when I asked her later what we'd eat for Thanksgiving she said "turkey, and stuffing and family!" Baby steps .... baby steps!

Here's some pre-holiday pictures of T...

Deal of the Century

I am going to say it -- this whole economy thing stinks. I am incredibly thankful that I have a job and benefits right now as I watch those around me struggle with a "recession". We may not be at "depression" levels, but it certainly is depressing! This past weekend I watched as the house next door to me sold (at auction) for essentially 1/2 of what I bought my house for just shy of 5 years ago. I guess we'll be staying put for a while!

So in these troubling times, or even if it's not troubling times, I love a great deal! I stumbled across a blog the other day of a lady who is really dedicated to saving money and bargains. This one is so good... I have to share!

Interested in 50 FREE (yes, I repeat FREE) photo cards? Any theme - including Christmas... etc. It's so free you don't even have to pay for shipping AND there are no tricks - they don't even ask for your credit card info.

Here's what you need to do...

1) Go to seehere.com
2) Create an account - harmless, no personal info other than the basic address, email etc.
3) Create a photo card - choose your theme, picture and text
4) Order 50 and add to your cart
5) Enter promo code "freebies4mom-1109" (no quotes) and watch as the total goes to $0!

That's it! Seriously! I always buy my Christmas cards on December 26th the year before... but these may get added to the card as an insert. I mean -- they are free!

Enjoy!

Finally! Pictures from Halloween!

I am giving animoto one more chance. And I am still not thrilled... it cut out 1 picture, but still, you can get a good idea of Halloween in our house last weekend!

A New Venture...

I am working on (or at least planning on working on) a recap of October events. October flew by and there were so many fun events in Miss T's life!

However... in the meantime, I started brainstorming on my ride across my great state tonight. I know - a scary premise! In the past few months, I have enjoyed reading other mom's blogs. I have learned A LOT. I also like talking with other mom's and getting different perspectives. So I am considering starting another blog - for busy mom's. Like you, like me.

First topic. What Christmas presents are you planning on for your little ones this year? (If that's the sort of thing you celebrate) Or -- what was one of your favorite presents you gave in the past? Leave a note here, drop me an email or however you prefer. If you have specific brand/item names and gender/age appropriateness, I'd appreciate it, because I'd like to have a list of ideas for those moms (and dads!) looking for great suggestions.

Thanks in advance for any ideas!!