Winter Bucket List

Winter isn't officially here but tomorrow is the 1st of December!  

A day that marks the change in season and spirits!

Just writing this gets me feeling all holly & jolly. 

The lights. The music. The smells. And...the magic of the season. 

So grab your peppermint mocha, a candy cane, and print out this bucket list to help you make the most of the season!

Our Family Bucket List to help us squeeze every ounce of fun out of this magical time of year.

Enjoy this special time making spirits bright! ❤️

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Want, Need, Wear, Read

Lights are being hung, halls are being decked, and Mommas (& dadas) are working like elves to make this season merry and oh so bright!

To help you with your list this year, I thought I’d share how we Gift in our home....

In our home, we do the 4 Gift Method Of Giving to our little sugarplums!

Each little receives 4 presents from Mom & Dad on Christmas morning...something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.

AND...Santa brings each child a large gift and fills their stockings (stocking post coming later)!

It’s simple and meaningful and it works for us.

1. Something they WANT: this is a fun gift. Something they asked for...or something you know will bring a HUGE smile to their face. For us...it’s a glow in the dark race track, princess dresses, and shimmeez because who doesn’t love two-toned color changing plushies that are covered in sequin!

2. Something they NEED: this is something practical...whatever that may be. It could be anything your little one needs! For us....it’s undies  Don’t think it can get more practical than that. 😉

3. Something to WEAR: this can be clothing, accessories, hats, shoes, backpack, etc. For us....it’s Rainboots! 

4. Something to READ: this is always my favorite...books! I try to find interactive books that go with what they are into right now. Usborne has a FABULOUS selection of interactive and engaging books and the Dino Sports Series are favorites in our home!

I love this method of gift giving. For us, it brings a sense of intention...each gift has to be thoughtful, since you are only giving 4! 

Hope you all have yourselves a merry little Christmas!!!

***Santa always brings an unwrapped big gift and fills the stockings. This year he is bring Drew a bike and the girls are getting bitty baby dolls! 

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Thankful. Grateful. Blessed

I wish I was better at remembering to be thankful more than just when Thanksgiving is near. 

I think I get caught up in the laundry, picking up, wiping little tushies, and handling the mood swings of toddlers....that I forget to stop and remember that I am very blessed. 

This year, I thought I'd share just what I am most thankful for....

Motherhood. Being a momma is a gift. I am thankful for the little boy and little girls who fill our home with laughter, screams, roars, and even tears. I am thankful for the early mornings and up all nights. I am thankful for the messy meals, dirty dishes, loads of laundry, dirty diapers, and crayon on the walls. I am thankful for little voices who fill our home with stories of Lightning McQueen, Dinosaurs, Elsa, and Ninjas! I am thankful for the meltdowns and cuddles. I am thankful for the hard days so I can appreciate the good ones. I am thankful for these little people who fill our arms and hearts. 

Marriage. You don't see much of Andrew on my little "squares." He hates pictures. 🤷🏻‍♀️😂 But he is always there. On the sidelines. Refusing to take another photo. Making dinner. Mowing the lawn. Pouring the wine. Playing with the kids. Making smart ass remarks. Making me laugh while rolling my eyes. He is a damn good husband and even better dad. He puts up with my crap...there’s a lot of crap and a little bit of attitude. And, he works hard so that I can stay home with our babies. 

I know I don't tell him enough but I am thankful for my husband. I could not do this thing called life without this man...or the wine. 😘

Family. I am thankful for our family. Thank you for loving us, helping us, and giving so selflessly. Thank you for being here even when you are driving me crazy. 😉 I don’t know what we’d do without you....all of you. 

Friends. I am so thankful for my friendships. My best friends. Thank you for continuing to be there for me through all the good, exciting, mundane, and hard. Thank you for continuing to love me, no matter how bad I am at texting back. 

You. I am truly thankful for all of you and this cozy place on the internet. Thank you for reading along and supporting me. Thank you for every like, comment, and every single message when a link is not working! Thank you for the love and encouragement. 

My little space on the internet would not be possible without all of you. 

Wishing you all the Happiest of Thanksgivings! 🧡 

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Gift Guide for Kids Ages 2-5

It's the most wonderful time of the year...especially for your little sugar plums! 

To help you find the perfect gift for every little on your list...I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite children’s gifts.

We’re basically toy experts over here...Santa status.

And...We own all but one of these. They are the items that get the most use and we love each and every one.  

1. Strider Bikes...the coolest bikes that teach children how  to balance at their own pace, they gain confidence, and when they are ready...take off on wild adventures. Drew is ready to take off and the girls are at various stages of learning to balance. Love the concept and love watching my little riders have fun! 

2. Dress Up Items for Pretend Play...Little Adventures is one of my favorite companies. These products are well made, machine washable, comfy, and they have tons of options from super heroes to villains to princesses and more! Encourages kids to use their imaginations, play, explore, and dream! 

3. Magnet Tiles...magnet tiles are played with every day and keep all three of my littles entertained! Not only are they fun and engaging but help foster imagination, creativity, problem solving, and math skills through constructive play and P L A Y is our favorite way to learn! All three of my littles will play with these FOREVER!

4. Kitchen Helper...just what it says...helper in the kitchen. The perfect way to let littles safely join in on all the fun in the kitchen and a great way to spend quality time with each little in your life....baking, making play dough, and creating yummy masterpieces. 

5. Easel...This easel is an absolute steal at only $19.99. Chalkboard on one side and dry erase board on the other...kids can explore their artistic side with various mediums. Perfect for encouraging creativity. This is an absolute favorite in our home!

6. Nugget Co. Four-piece foam kids couches that can be transformed and rebuilt to become castles, spaceships, forts, and so much more! The perfect couch for jumping, sliding, reading, and adventure! Drew would absolutely love this!

7. Play Kitchen...this was our big Santa gift to the kids two years ago and there isn’t a day that goes by where we don’t play with it. The little chefs in your life will love being able to cook up a feast for the whole family. I love the sweet colors and adorable details. Since it comes in two pieces, it’s perfect for any size play area.

Hope this helps you all bring that holly jolly Christmas magic to each of the tiny tots in your life. Xo ❤️❤️❤️

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