Pinned It, Did It Monday {what I didn’t do edition}

We just got back from Peoria before lunch after having a great time with my family for a belated Christmas (to be seen in my next post).   I didn’t do anything new this week as we were wrapping up our own festivities and traveling.  So I’m calling this post “the things I didn’t get to this Christmas.”  I had pinned all these ideas as things I was hoping to get to this season, but just didn’t.  So maybe they’ll spark some ideas for your next holiday season!

I wanted to make these with the kiddos for our Christmas tree:

{Handmade Handprint Ornaments from Once a Month Mom}

I thought these would be so pretty hanging throughout our house.  Simple and modernish looking.

{Modern Paper Ornaments from Curbly}

Maybe next year, I’ll make these for Owen’s friends to give out:

{Reindeer Noses from Crafting in the Country}

These would also make a cute little gift:

{M&M Christmas Story from U-CreateCrafts}

And that’s it.  Hope you got some great ideas this year from my Pinned It, Did It Monday series.  Still praying about some changes for me in the new year, so I’m not sure I can say “check in next week for some new ideas.”  But more on that later. . .

Christmas #1 recap

I bet you guys are over Christmas, right?  Well, sorry I've got 2 more posts for you.  haha.  This was the first year our family didn't get to celebrate together ON Christmas.  So our immediate family had a nice, quiet little Christmas together.  It was so fun now that Owen really "gets" it.  He was singing happy birthday to Jesus all day and was so excited to open his presents!  The night before we put out some of his bigger gifts and his tricycle.   

Ellie got up (very) early so we hung out with the cat for a bit.

When Owen woke up he made his way right to his tricycle.  He has seen it in the basement a few months ago (thanks Craigslist), but luckily, I think he forgot about it.  Even with the seat lowered, his feet don’t quite reach the pedals, but he still loved it! Ellie “opened” her first little present which was super soft monkey we have named Mimi.  Maybe this will be her “lovey” toy?

Of course, the first present he picked was the largest!

Inside was a ton of instruments, just like the ones he loves to play at his music class.  I ordered them from Musician's Friend and they were very reasonable in price and great quality. 

Even Ellie loved the jingle bells and egg shakers!

Next up was some duplo sets from MeMaw and PaPaw which he LOVED!

The morning went by with lots more great presents and then a yummy cinnamon roll breakfast.

Please excuse the awful house mess in this video of Owen trying out his new tricycle. We just relaxed until late afternoon and then headed to my Aunt Toni and Uncle Tim’s house for a Christmas meal with the Hoerr family.  This used to be a 50+ people gathering so it still feels strange that we all fit easily in 1 or 2 rooms. :)   Ellie brought her new pink car to play with.  I’m in love with this car!

Owen has taken a strong liking to my grandpa which is the sweetest thing ever.  His middle name, James, is after my Grandpa. 

The fun announcement of the evening was my uncle Nate proposed to his girlfriend, Suzanne with this beautiful little number tucked into the pocket of her North Face jacket.  We’re excited to add 2 step-cousins into the mix this summer.

Our kiddos were the youngest ones there, so we tried our best to entertain them while watching out for Ellie tearing apart the house.

Here’s my sweet little girl, sans her headgear for the day. :)

She loves to give big, soppy kisses!

And that was our Christmas!  Although it didn’t feel complete until the next weekend, which I’ll tell you about next. :)

the stockings were hung. . .

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Our Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas Eve!  While these pictures look nice and sweet and cozy, Owen was in rare form today. :)  I think he knows there's stuff going on out of the ordinary so he gave us a run for our money today!  Refused to take a nap which is why the very last picture in this series happened. 

We let him open one gift which he adored.  Anything truck and car and you're speaking his language.

 

 

After breakfast, we decorated the gingerbread house I picked up at Aldi for $5!  He did pretty well with understanding the concept.  And he did really well with eating about half the candy.  Haha

Not bad for a 2 year old with help.

 

We FaceTimed with Aunt Jenna and then I attempted at making a good meal!  My first little turkey (breast) turned out great as did my mashed potatoes. 

 

Then we got the crazies ready for church and went to evening Christmas Eve service.  The service was PACKED and I spent the whole time dealing with Ms. I Can't Sit Still for a Second, but it was still nice to see everyone and see Owen raise his hands in worship. 

 

helping her fix her shoe

fireplace at church

love these babies

 

And because of not taking a nap, this is what happened about half way through the service:  He was out cold.

We drove home and looked at some lights and then enjoyed some ice cream for dessert.  They're sleeping in their Christmas jammies and we can't wait for tomorrow! 

Christmas Eve

{image source}

There will be no Pinned It, Did It Monday today.  Just dropping in quickly to wish you a very Merry Christmas Eve.  This day has always been the more special one in our family, so it will be strange  today in that we won’t be seeing family until this next weekend.  I’ll be back later with a recap of our small family time.  Hope you have a wonderful day!

Christmas Eve Eve

Today marked the beginning our Christmas festivities.  I've loved hunting down (mostly at resale shops) the pieces of all their Christmas outfits!

This was the closest we could get to a picture of them together under the tree.  Most of them turned out something like this. Loved Ellison's red shoes.  And I enjoyed making a slightly-bigger-than-normal bow for her! :)In front of the fireplace at church.  Ellie did awesome in the nursery again.  She even took a little nap on Ms. Kristen and got to eat some cheerios.  Got a huge compliment on Owen when picking him up.  Julia Parker, his teacher today said he was super helpful to his friend Caleb who had been crying.  He went and held his hand to cheer him up.  And she said he was one of the few 2 year olds who held his hands up and sang for worship.  She said “he’s a real worshipper.”  Way to make me cry.

After church, we met Gabe, Aubrey, Mataya, and Baby Boy T at our normal hangout, Olive Garden!  Where in the world does time go?  They may have shared their first kiss. :) My sweet boy (who really needs a hair cut):Hope your holiday weekend was off to a great start!