As a tiny baby Landon would shake his booty whenever he heard a dance beat. My eldest boy loves to dance. He's the one who consistently starts the dance parties around in our home. When I'm scrolling through the radio in the car he always begs me to stop at the hip hop stations. The boy loves a good beat. 

He's been asking me for dance classes for years now. I first looked into Hip Hop classes about two years ago but you had to be at least 5 years old to attend. I planned on getting him signed up right when he turned 5 but things got busy (swimming, soccer, camp trips, etc) and it just never happened. But, finally, last week I got him into his first Hip Hop class. 

He went with his best friend Avery. I knew Landon would be the only boy in the class so before we went I asked him how he felt about that. "I don't care, mom. I have Avery and she's my friend." Sweetness. 

There are about 8 kids in the class and they dance for a full hour. They're learning a routine for a spring show and it's pretty much the most amazing thing to watch. Landon is still finding his rhythm but Avery and him sure tried hard; and they both already memorized the first part of the routine. After class he asked if he could go back the very next day. He said he still didn't care that he was the only boy but he did tell me that he doesn't want his picture on the wall because there are only girl pictures on the wall. 

I teared up driving him home from his first class. It's hard to be different and I'm so proud of him for being the only boy in his class. He's following his heart; he's putting his desires ahead of societal convention. The 6-year old culture very much divides "boy stuff" and "girl stuff" - for example, Landon would never tell me he likes the color pink. However, he's puttying his passion first and I'm incredibly proud of him. Dancing is in his bones -- his maternal grandmother was a professional dancer and his Uncle Justin studied dance in college. He's tall and white and gangly but he has heart and that will take him further than anything else. 

Actually, my boy has inspired his mama. For years I've desired to practice yoga regularly. Running has given me tight hips and hamstrings and yoga would be incredibly beneficial for my health. Plus some of those handstands look amazing. I've taken classes here and there but never consistently. Having a regular yoga practice is part of my New Years goals but it's almost February and I hadn't gotten around to starting it yet; until yesterday (the day after Landon's first dance class). I had the free time with both kids in school, and was feeling inspired by my boy's passion, so I finally just went for it. I loved the class. Left feeling amazing and I'm signed up to go again next week. 

I sat down to write with nothing to really say....

Hmmm....

I guess I'll just share some random thoughts.

School has started back up and while I am missing our lazy mornings I do love to be back into our routine. Routine and I have such a Love/Hate relationship.

Landon is becoming obsessed with reading. He wants to know what everything spells and we spend large parts of our day sounding out words around the house; or things he notices while in the driving in the car. "Mom, how do you spell 'Garbage Truck.'" "Mom, help me sound out 'Library.'" It's really exciting. I've also been encouraging him to practice writing his own so we are constantly getting "letters" from him with sweet sentiments such as: "Dear Mom, U R a grat mom." And Uncle Ryan got the best one, "Dear Unkle Ryan, U R a god Unkle."

Parker is finally, knock-on-wood, potty trained. Although he much prefers to urinate outside rather than inside and he refuses to use the bathroom at school which means he holds it for more than 3 hours (poor kid!). He is the only one of us that is modest and he insists on "previcy". 

RJ is busy handling both his job and working and converting our beloved van's hardtop into a "POP" top. It's been a ton of work but we are excited to have the extra bed in the van. She really becomes a home on wheels once this project is done and I'm already planning some Spring trips.

Including, hopefully, a trip to Zion National Park where I may compete in my first trail run (a personal goal for 2015).

Speaking of 2015 goals I've been reflecting on a new word for the year (last year was "Intentional" and I really feel like the word did guide me all year long, but more on that later). I think I've decided on a short phrase this year: DIG DEEPER.

I want do Dig Deep this year. Deeper into God and His Word. Deeper into relationships with my family and with my friends. Deeper into myself. I want to really explore my identity in Christ (I'm currently reading this book: The Truest Thing about You: Identity, Desire, and Why It All Matters by Dave Lomas) and what He has for me. My wish is to dig deep and discover more of who I am, my desires, and what my gifts might really be. I also want to write more this year as I process all I'm learning. Hopefully this blog might be a medium for some of those words (although I admit I have been back to my journals more than ever).

Anyway, that's where we all are right now. I do hope you're New Year has started off well and you're enjoying the randomness of life too. XO

 A random chicken picture to go with this rambling blog post. 

December Wrap-Up

Anyone else have a busy December?!

Whew!

I do love the Christmas month though - despite it's full-pace. 

This year was full of trips to Northern California, a December wedding, reunions with old friends, sugar cookie baking, family gatherings, candlelight and praise music, and the flu. We missed most of our Christmas parties and normal Christmas outings thanks to a round of the tummy flu that we passed around among ourselves for two full weeks. Blah. I really don't need to go through that again for a long, long time. But despite the nasty germs we were able to enjoy the Christmas season and the celebration of Christ's birth. 

Landon and I had some special time in San Francisco together. We stopped for a half day of lunch, ice cream sundaes, cable car rides and Union Square Christmas tree fun. I realized just how quickly my eldest son is growing. It was so easy navigating the city with him. He could walk far, wait patiently in lines, and eat in a restaurant without being an embrassment. I have loved every stage of parenting but I am particularly enjoying this age. He's old enough to really appreciate traveling and special outings, and yet young enough that he still cuddles, holds my hand in public, and enjoys a sweet innocence that I know will one day inevitably fade. 

Making Christmas sugar cookies from scratch is one of my boys' favorite Christmas activities. 

What's there not to love about sugar, frosting and sprinkles!

I set aside an entire morning just for this activity and I'm so glad I did. I never felt rushed or annoyed by the mess; instead we all enjoyed the entire process from start to finish. 

As the year closes I'm feeling both sentimental and anticipatory. I love reflecting on the past year and  just as much as I love looking forward to the future year. I haven't been blogging as much lately and instead have been engrossed in my journal as I privately weed through these sentiments; thanking the Lord for His work in 2015 and preparing to set goals for the future. I do look forward to sharing more soon.

I hope you and yours had a very Merry Christmas!!!

Landon's First Day of Kindergarden

I didn't cry when he woke up and started talking about his first day.

I held it together while watching him eat a big breakfast from the red "I Am Special Today" plate.

I even remained collected during the drive over.

But when RJ lead us in a family prayer circle around him - asking for protection and blessings over this new phase - I pretty much lost it inside.

However, I knew my boy was teetering himself between brave composure and all-out tears so I took a few shuddering big breaths and held it together.

I wish I could have worn sunglasses into the classroom but somehow I managed to keep my tears locked in the corners of my eyes. 

When we actually said "good-bye" he looked nervous but I saw him physically put on his brave face, wave, and hunker down to some intense coloring.

Parker was so jealous of Landon's backpack he had to find something for himself too, so he grabbed this random Target bag from the kitchen. So sweet!

And so we begin a new phase. I now have an elementary school student. Crazy-sauce!

Where did the time go?!

Thankfully he's really only gone 3 1/2 hours a day so we can all ease into this new development.

My tears really were bittersweet. We are both pumped on kindergarden. Landon was all hugs and smiles when I picked him up. 

Thankfully his teacher Holly emailed all the parents a brief synopsis of the first day (I'm so stoked on her! She already sent Landon and postcard during the summer, gave them a special poem and "nervousness fairy dust" for their pillows the night before, and learned Landon's name.) because Landon informed me 2 seconds after I picked him up and got him into the car that he had already forgot a lot!

He did remember that:

"Teacher Holly sings and plays guitar like Daddy. She read The Kissing Hand and another book about kindergarden. There is a library area in the classroom. Snack was bananas and string cheese. And he played with a boy named Maxwell."

We are so proud of you Landon-bug! 

You're going to rock kindergarden.

This is just the beginning...

Portraits 32/52

Looks like, I'm going to have to play a little catch-up in order to have all 52 weeks of portraits for my kids.

Last week we were mostly on the road home and I didn't really take any photos. But I did snap a few our last day in Yellowstone.

Parker looking out the window and up to his big brother at the Old Faithful Inn

Landon proudly showing off his newly acquired Yellowstone Junior Ranger Badge

Most National Parks have a Junior Ranger program. It's a great way to help your kids experience the park. Usually you grab a JR Ranger booklet at any ranger station in the park. They typically cost a few dollars (the Yellowstone one is $3, but not always). Then, depending on their age, they have to fill out certain pages in their book and do various activities: observe the wildflowers, go on a hike, read about glaciers and answer the following questions, etc. Once they fill out their book (we carried Landon's book around for five days slowly working on different pages but it could have easily been done in an afternoon too) then you head back to a ranger station. The ranger leads your child in an oath to protect the park and it's natural resources and then awards him with a rocking' badge. It's quite cute and really fun too.

Linking up with Practicing Simplicity for The 52 Project. 

My Baby

Mama: "Goodnight my Baby-Boy...I mean, Goodnight Big-Boy."

Landon: "It's okay, Mom. You can call me your baby."

Mama: "Oh, good; because you'll always be my eldest baby."

Landon: "You can always call me your baby."

swoon.

This tender-hearted little man just slays me.

He also plans on never going to college since he doesn't want to leave me. I'm sure this will change but in the meantime I've been explaining junior college and we seem to have an understanding there. 

He does plan on eventually moving out when he's a grown man. He will leave me and move next door. He plans to buy our neighbors house. That way he has his own family but he doesn't have to be too far away.

Sounds like a perfect plan to this Mama.

The Preschool Graduate

My sweet Landon graduated from pre-school yesterday.

Honesty, I didn't feel particularly emotional. Probably because we are both excited for Kindergarden and because I know I'll be back at the school in the fall with Parker. 

(But I can assure you when my youngest graduates preschool I'll be a hot mess. The end of the preschool years is going to slay me. They're just so darn cute.)

I did get a little teary eyed when the graduating Butterfly class got on stage and sang "This Little Light Of Mine." 

That's my heart's wish for my boy as he takes a big step into "the real world" next year. That his heart would beat for Jesus and that he would shine his light for all to see.

The boys have been fighting more as they their age gap shrinks with Parker's growth, so it was so sweet to see Landon not only allow Parker to sit with him during the certificate ceremony but welcome his presence. 

Losing your drawers there Park?!

Congratulations Landon-Bug!

Mama and Daddy are so proud of you!

Kinder Calendars and A New Season

Today I received an email with Landon's official 2014/2015 School Calendar. While plugging dates into the big family calendar on the fridge I realized that come fall we will be entering an new season in all our lives.

Parker's going to preschool two days a week, Landon's starting Kindergarden and I'm transitioning into "the elementary school years" of parenting. Obviously I still have a little at home but things will be really different with Landon in elementary school.

I remember my mom telling me how all she did for years was drive. Drive me to school, drive my sister to school, pick me up, pick April up, drop one of us off for swim practice, drop the other one off for horseback riding, etc., etc., etc. I'm already seeing that in my own life.

I thought with Landon at Kinder and Parker at preschool next year I would have two mornings (6 hours) to myself. But I realized the other day that by the time I drop off one, drop off the other, help in Landon's classroom (it's a requirement for the school we chose, plus I want to), pick-up one and race across town for the other -- I'll end up with a whooping 2 hours a week of alone time! And three times as much time in the car. But hey - I'll still take it!

Oh, and for those of you who remember how much I agonized about where to send Landon, we obviously have made a decision. We prayed and prayed and prayed and really felt like homeschool wasn't what God had for us this year. Then we ruled out private school and we applied to two different charter schools in the area. I specifically asked the Lord to close and open doors because I couldn't make a decision. He closed one and opened the other.

We are excited about Landon's new school. It's progressive (i.e. borderline hippy-ish) and small with a private-school feel. Parental involvement is high (mandatory 4 hours a week in the classroom) and class sizes are small (lottery enrollment). We have heard there aren't many Christians at this school (it's obviously very liberal -- you can tell when you walk on campus) but we are okay with that since we know the Lord is going before us and has His hand on Landon and our family. (I still get nervous about this sometimes but since I will be in Landon's classroom so much I am confident I'll be able to see what goes on and watch for inappropriate influences. Plus, the Lord really has lead us to this school for now.) The school focuses on the whole child (they are big on teaching kids conflict resolution and communication) and they also follow a project-based learning curriculum which I LOVE. It's the type of place that has a yearly three -day all-school campout and only gives out carrot sticks and string cheese for snack. I think we are going to fit in well. :)

Landon's Birthday Interview

Are you tired of Landon's birthday yet???

I know, me neither!

He's just the best.

Every year I interview my kids on (or around) their birthday.

All About Landon

Age 5

1. What is your favorite color? All of the colors

2. What is your favorite toy? My Lego Monster truck

3. What is your favorite fruit? Pears

4. What is your favorite TV show? Ninjago

5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Turkey and salami sandwiches - with "manay" (mayonnaise) in them

6. What is your favorite outfit? My new swim trunks

7. What is your favorite game? Memory

8. What is your favorite snack? Dried apricots

9. What is your favorite animal? Road Runner and Cheetah

10. What is your favorite song? I Like To Move It Move It

11. What is your favorite book? I don't know. We need to go to the library. (Mom fail!)

12. Who is your best friend? Hawkens, Miller, Beau, Abe and Shane. And Parker.

13. What is your favorite kind of cereal? Frosting kind

14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play basketball and light sabers

15. What is your favorite drink? Juice and water

16. What is your favorite holiday? Halloween, Easter and Christmas

17. What do you take to bed with you? Sometimes stuffed animals (Bear Bear and Charlotte) but I throw them down because their being naughty

18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Cereal

19. What is your favorite thing to eat for dinner? Meat, Fish and Salmon and Salad

20. What's your favorite thing to do at school? Playing with the girls

21. What do you want to be when you grow up? Police Officer and a Fireman

22. What do you love to do with Mommy? Play

23. What do you love to do with Daddy? Wrestle

24. Who loves you? You guys

Landon, you're the best 5 year old I know!

Landon at 4.

Landon at 3.

Landon's 5th Birthday Party

Overall Landon's 5th birthday party was a fun afternoon. 

But it was also crazy!

14 five-year old boys, 3 three-year olds and one little brother (who actually retreated to his bed to escape the chaos) = a crazy good time.

Hosting our first drop-off party was a learning experience.

For those Mama's out there a year or two behind me I want to share some of my Dos and Donts so you don't make the same mistakes I did.

DO

- Use Paperless Post for invitations. Their free e-cards are really cute, simple to design, and free.

-Do have a "Favorite's Thing" theme. Instead of having to scour Pinterest for the perfect Pirate Party favor bags and cake topper just let your preschooler choose all their favorites. A Turbo cake, Ninja Turtle napkins, Lego plates, a Lighting McQueen jump house, etc. This makes party favors especially easy - anything goes! (We did pool-noodle light-sabers.)

- Have the party on a Sunday afternoon. Then your entire weekend isn't overtaken by the birthday party.

- Have activities planned! At the last minute I assumed we might need more things to do than just a jump-house. Thank goodness I had that forsight. Without a few fun games for the kids we would have been seriously up-a-creek. We decorated Easter bags, did an egg hunt, a water balloon toss, and played Freeze Dance.

- Have a dance party. It's amazing.

- Employ help. I hired two 11 year old boys from church to come be my helpers. I paid them in Patagonia gear and they were worth every tee-shirt. RJ and I couldn't have done it on our own - or even with a few other parents present. We needed those two young men to do all the little tasks that 5 year olds won't wait for - hunt Easter eggs, fill water balloons, scoop ice cream, etc.

- Do have the bounce house come early so your family can enjoy it before the other party guests arrive.

DON'T

- Do not ask your birthday boy/girl who they want to invite. They will rattle off every friends they're ever known. Tell your little parties, "You may have 8 friends. Which 8 friends do you most want to come to your party?" and then don't worry about hurting feelings. You have to stay sane. (Major lesson learned.)

- A birthday party is not a great place for a first play date. I found the kids most difficult to harness were the ones I didn't really know - friends from school who hadn't had a play date at our house yet. They didn't really know me and I didn't really know them and with 16 other little people running around it's not the best time for "get-to-know-yous." 

- 2 hours is plenty long enough. Don't have a 3 hour drop-off party!

- Don't forget to take photos! I got a few but i wish I had a designated photo taker for the entire party.

We only allow our kids a birthday party every-other-year (the off years we do something as a family like the zoo or even Legoland), so I'm not looking to have another drop-off party for at least two years, but when I do I'm feeling much more prepared!

Do you have any tips or tricks to add?

Portraits 11/52

A portrait of my boys once a week for a year.

 Parker, watching Daddy eat hoping he'll learn a trick for getting the soup to his mouth.

Landon's photo is after the jump

Weekend Highlights

I really had such a great weekend. Friday night we got to hang with good friends, celebrate a birthday , drink champagne, eat delicious food and let the kids go crazy in the bounce house. 

Saturday morning I woke up early to head to Santa Barbara with two fun friends for a 10K (6.2 miles) race. The weather was perfect for running - warm enough to be in shorts and a tank but cool enough not to feel hot. I ran a great race. I actually trained hard for this run so it felt amazing to see my effort pay off. My goal was to finish under 55 minutes and I did it in 52:38 (32nd out of 270 people). 

Here's comes Mama

Had to stop and give my good-luck charms some kisses. Parker screamed when I ran away from him again. 

The absolute best part of the race was mile 5 while I saw my little family waiting for me. The expression on Landon's face is something I hope I never forget. Part awe, part disbelief, part nervousness, part joy. He always sees me as "Mommy" so for him to really see me in a different role (athlete, runner, competitor) I think was different for both of us. I felt emotional, and proud, to show him another layer, and other dimension, of myself. Afterwards he wanted to wear my metal and told me he wanted to run one day too. Music to my ears. It's such fun to share the things we love with our kids. Don't you agree?

We spent the rest of the weekend enjoy the beach, surfing (I actually went with girlfriends for the first time since summer. So fun! My husband is awesome for pushing me out the door.), building new strawberry beds for the garden, reading, and playing outside. 

Growing Up Is Bittersweet

I picked Landon up yesterday and held him in a giant bear hug. As he squeezed back I felt skinny arms and legs, bony elbows, bruised knees and taunt muscles. My eldest son is morphing out from the little years and sprouting into a new stage.

He talks incessantly about his 5th birthday (in April) which causes me to often dwell on it as well. Five is so much older than four. Five is a real kid -  not a baby or toddler anymore. While he can't wait to be five I'm sad and sentimental about it. Yet, I'm excited too. Watching your children grow is such a bittersweet experience.

I really notice the perks of his unavoidable growth this weekend. We went hiking with friends and he easily charged up the mountain. He didn't whine or complain; instead he relished the challenge and pushed himself through the tough spots - enjoying the pride of accomplishment at the end.  RJ and I found him to be a delightful hiking companion.

Also, later that day RJ and I had to load out big box bike into the van. It's not an easy task and requires five full minutes of careful attention, so we put Landon in charge of Parker. After we settled them in a safe spot we instructed Landon to watch Parker carefully. Landon did a great job keeping a close eye on his brother - even herding him back to their zone when P tried to walk away. As he grows it's exciting to watch his sense of responsibility develop.

More difficult to watch is the influx of emotions that comes with age. That same day we stumbled upon a drum circle down near the Santa Barbara beach. Parker who doesn't yet struggle with feelings of embarrassment or self-doubt - the beauty of being a young toddler (I do realize some toddlers are shy but I feel that is different) - marched right into the circle and started to dance. Landon, however, has started experiencing those emotions. I could tell he wanted to join the circle but he wouldn't until coaxed (a year ago he would have bounced right in). He felt self-doubt and nervousness.

We also had a very emotional morning a few weeks ago. At first I couldn't figure out why he was so upset but eventually, after sitting down and getting him to open up, discovered he was worried the kids at school were going to laugh at the picture he had drawn. My heart broke in a million pieces. I hate that he would feel that way already; but I also know it's unavoidable.

Which is why I'm finding that is some ways parenting gets easier. Landon has better self-control now than as a toddler, he's a great conversationalist, he sleeps well, he's fun to do things with, helpful around the house, etc. But on the flip side raising him is also getting harder. Dealing with hurt feelings, self-doubt, comparisons, envy, anger, injustice...these are big emotions are much more difficult to navigate.

I miss Landon's chunky cheeks and dimpled baby hands, yet I love his wide-mouthed grin, freckled nose and skateboard scraped knees. Thank goodness I have 500 billion photos of him so on those days his growing up is bitter I can go back and relive the little years. But, as we sit down to chat about his day or I listen to him play with a friend or help his brother shoot a basket I'm finding that it's okay my baby is growing up - because he really is so very, very sweet.

A Friend for Life

Yesterday I brought Landon and his friend Lily to their swim lesson at the YMCA. After class the kids were laughing and chatting togeter, clearly at ease in one another's company, while I toweled them off. A nearby woman leaned over and asked me if they were twins, "No, " I told her, "they've just been friends since they were tiny babies."

I found myself reflecting on Landon and Parker's friendships this morning. My kids are blessed to have a tight-knit group of buddies already. Landon's grown from a tiny infant to a near kindergartner with these kids. He adores his friends; and their younger siblings too. 

Dynamics have changed over the past year. The gender differences are becoming more apparent. But they all still love seeing each other and playing together. These kids truly love one another. Next year will be interesting - despite the fact most of us live less than a mile from each other we will be spreading out over 5 different elementary schools. Horizons will expand. Kids will grow and change. New friendships will be made. 

But I sincerely hope this group of friends: who learned to crawl together, walk together, talk together, and grow together find a lifetime of friendship together.

Love,

An Overly Sentimental Mama

2013 Christmas in Review

We had a great Christmas!

A few years ago RJ and I asked our families if they would consider coming to us for the holidays rather than us traveling to them. It's tough hauling kids on an 8 hour drive to have them celebrate multiple Christmas with too many relatives pinching their cheeks and kissing their faces. (Our families live close to one another.) The last time we did it 2 year old Landon and 29 year old Mama were both exhausted.
Everyone has been incredibly accommodating and we've been able to spend Christmas with family while still in the comfort of our own home.

This year Oma and Grandpa came a few days early to maximize play time with the boys (and give RJ and I time for a date night out to see Catching Fire - which we both LOVED.) Then Aunt April and Uncle Ryan joined us on Christmas Eve.

It was so special to sit in church all together singing traditional Christmas hymns. Is there anything better than a room full of people belting out O Holy Night and Joy to the World? It's one of my favorite parts of Christmas.

RJ made an incredible Christmas Eve dinner of cooked crab steamed in ginger and lemongrass. We had our traditional Happy Birthday Jesus cake. And the kids got to open a puzzle and Christmas jammies and slippers before crawling into bed.

We did a few things differently this year. I didn't put any presents under the tree at all so when Landon woke up on Christmas morning and saw the pile he was flabbergasted. It was pretty awesome.

Also, we did do some Santa stuff this year. I had the kids put stockings out in their room telling them if they were full in the morning it was from Santa. We also said that their big gifts (a new bike and a Rody) were from Santa. I must admit, the Santa thing is pretty fun. Landon's excitement at waking up and seeing his stocking full --then running down to our room overcome with disbelief and awe was pretty cute.

At one point he told me, "Mama, Santa does camoflauge. That's how he can come into my room and I couldn't see him. And he does it to help Jesus give the presents out on Christmas."

We've told Landon that Santa is a make-believe person based on St. Nicholas; and St. Nick was a kind, Godly man who helped share Jesus' birthday with others by giving gifts to the poor. At this point Landon doesn't really understand the difference between make-believe and real-life which allows us to watch him enjoying the excitement of Santa without feeling like we are lying to him. And, we still keep Jesus the central figure in the story.

It was such a special day with family and fun and traditions. We were gifted beyond measure in the presents department. My family members are good gifters - we really take time to find exactly what we think the receiver will love. And we closed the day with take-out Chinese (our guests had left and I didn't feel like cooking!) and the Christmas story. It doesn't get much better than that.

Merry Christmas Eve Eve

The grandparents are here, we've make Christmas cookies, walked down Christmas Tree Lane admiring lights, the gifts are sixty percent wrapped, the Jesus Storybook Bible is being read, and the new Christmas jammies are tucked under the tree...we are ready!

 I love that at night Landon prays and thanks God for Jesus' birthday. He's definitely amped on Christmas. However, much to my horror, Landon loves Halloween more than Christmas! He told me yesterday, "Mama, only 3 days until Christmas and then it will be almost Halloween!!!" You may remember, I'm not a huge fan of Halloween so this bums me out. But I have a theory and a plan:

1) I don't think Landon remembers much about Christmas day. I think he forgot that he will receive more than one gift. Whenever anyone asks him what he wants he always says one thing (so sweet. I should probably be a good, conservative mom and only give him one but I like spoiling my kids just a little bit one day out of the year.) And I haven't put any presents under the tree at all this year, so when he wakes up on Christmas morning and see's the pile it's going to blow his socks off. (Don't worry - I don't go totally crazy - my kids only get 3-4 gifts from mom and dad.)

2) Landon LOVES sweets. Even more than the average kids. I can't you how many mornings Landon has woken me up asking for a piece of gum or a cookie or a sweet drink. The child is a candy-fien. If I let him he would eat it until he threw-up and his teeth fell out. So, in my attempt to win his affections more towards Christmas and away from Halloween, I am going to stick candy in his stocking. I've never done this before and I think it will work.

3) I got him an awesome Wolverine X-Men dress up costume AND a Ninja Turtle mask and daggers for Christmas this year.

So now the score is:

Halloween -- dress-up + candy

Christmas -- dress-up + candy + presents 

It's a clear win.

And, of course, my heart's deepest hope and prayer is that one day Landon will see the Gift of Jesus, brought down to humanity to pursue hearts and reconcile God with man, as the absolute greatest gift in the world. Then, his preference for Christmas will be easy and absolute. For no matter however else we celebrate that is the greatest, most outstanding gift of all. Glory to God in the Highest.

Photos I Stole From RJ's iPhone

Dinner by headlamp

Our new favorite campground in Big Sur

Sunsets and Silliness

Landon took this gem for us

My favorties

Hiking

Highway 1 will always be near and dear to my heart

Checking the waves in Santa Cruz

Verve Coffee's newest fan

Good friends are always worth a drive.
Thanks for the incredibly fun Christmas party!

What Didn't We Do This Weekend?

It was a full three days!

We kicked off the weekend with out annual Christmas party.

It almost didn't happen this year - I was feeling tired and unmotivated - but my friends talked me into it and I am so glad they did!

We had a blast!

Temperatures were freezing (you know, below 50!) outside so not everyone made it out to the photo booth (which we set up in our "Barn") but those that did definitely got into the spirit of things:

April and Ryan took the kids for us overnight so Saturday morning I woke up at 9.

RJ brought me a latte in bed and I lingered for another hour.

Heavenly.

Since we picked up the kids in Santa Clarita we decided to make a day of it and chase the snow.

(Especially since my Instagram was blowing up with snow photos from all our Northern California friends.)

We found more than we anticipated.

Some of us loved it.

Some did not.

please excuse my gloved finger in these photos.

I actually have so many adorable snow photos on our good camera don't be surprised if you get hit with a second snow post.

Finally, we used Sunday to rest and recuperated.

Landon and I sneaked out for a date to see Frozen.

I think I may love the movie even more than he does.

It is darling. 

Such a sweet story about not letting fear rule you, letting people into your heart, and the bond between sisters.

How amazing is he^^^^^^^

I had been wanting some alone time with him and it was so sweet.

Although I must be honest, as we were leaving I did have a major moment of frustration.

We had gone to a 3D movie, had popcorn and coke (!), and played two video games.

Pretty much an epic date, right?!

It was - until Landon had a fit because I wouldn't get him ice cream too.

We tried to have a talk on the way home about entitlement and having a grateful heart.

I'm not really sure it got through.

Sometimes parenting is hard.

Thank goodness for Jesus and Grace.