What’s Up Wednesday: November 2015

I haven’t blogged since Thursday…you can always tell when Ryan is off from work.  I get “out of the zone” when he’s home and choose to spend more time with him and the kids vs. blogging.  Plus, I’ve been doing a lot of things in preparation for 2016!  I have big goals for that year!

Today I’m linking up with The Larson Lingo, Pinterest Told Me To, and Mix & Match Mama to answer the questions  below.  And the bonus question is “What is your favorite Christmas tradition?”

Here’s what’s up lately.

WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK:
This week we are eating leftovers.  We have so much food in our fridge, so we’re cleaning it out.  Litearlly, I decide what we’re having for dinner a couple of hours beforehand (not my style, but it’s a weird week).  We had a neighborhood potluck the other day and I made these yummy pinwheels (no pic).  I also made some monkey bread in muffin tins.  Many meals have consisted of coffee.  I have been SO tired lately and I’m not sure why so I’ve been drinking lots of coffee.  I also made my mom’s delicious banana bread yesterday!  



WHAT I’M REMENISCING ABOUT:
I definitely have been thinking about when Beckham was born!  These pictures keep popping up on my newsfeed from 4 years ago and I remember these moments so vividly.  It seems like forever ago.  I can’t believe he’s so big now!  I was just thinking how awesome it is to have both kids out of the newborn stage.  Seeing him up close for the first time!  My heart exploded!

He was born a few days before Thanksgiving that year, but we were released the night before and had our own little Thanksgiving at home.

WHAT I’M LOVING:
Like most people, I’m loving the holiday season!  Anticipating the Thanksgiving feast, planning for Christmas, and just the overall goodness this season brings!  My mom and I went to lunch on Monday and afterwards she came over to help me decorate for Christmas!  I only wish the décor could stay longer!  And I’ve been loving coffee at home.  I was getting in a habit of drinking Starbucks, but I’m trying to only use that as a splurge…plus, there’s something so cozy about drinking coffee from a mug in your pajamas!

WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO:
This month we had Beckham’s birthday party, which I blogged about here.  We’ve also been playing A LOT outside because the weather is gorgeous (we only get a couple months of that).  I’ve made an effort to stay home more this month.  We were super busy running around everywhere last month and it’s been great to have the boys play with their toys and in the backyard.  We had family pictures and Beckham’s 4 year well visit also.  That well visit is no joke!  The picture below is BEFORE his shots…it was traumatic…for like 5 minutes.  He was over the shots shortly after, but those few seconds were tough.  He’s doing great and has jumped way up with his height (30% to 60%).
 



WHAT I’M DREADING:
I’m not dreading anything 🙂  How can you dread anything this time of year?!

WHAT I’M WORKING ON:
I have been working on lots of orders.  I’ve also been working on creating a schedule to simplify and have a much more productive year next year.  Specifically, a cleaning schedule.  People always told/tell me to “just let it go.”  Meaning, let the thought of having a clean house go…it’s not gonna happen.  Well, I just don’t believe that.  Obviously, things will be different with kids (more toys everywhere, more cleaning up messes/coloring on walls/etc), but I don’t believe your house has to succumb to your kids disasters.  I WILL make it happen this year.  It’s also a parenting role I have to take in teaching my kids how to take care of a home.  But it can’t happen without a plan.  We are also working on Beckham being grateful, specifically when opening presents!  I really got an eyeful when we had his birthdays.  Christmas morning will be a HUGE teaching opportunity in how to open presents.

WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT:
I am excited about eating stuffing, potatoes, rolls, and  green jello on Thursday!  I’m also PUMPED to see my best friend, Brittany, today!  She moved to Utah (and has lived in Waco the last few years), so we don’t get to see each other often.   

WHAT I’M WATCHING/READING:
I just finished For the Love by Jen Hatmaker.  I LOVED it and recommend it!  I’m not reading anything right now though. 

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:
Like every year, I’m listening to Michael Buble Holiday on Pandora.  Sadly, I’ve been listening to this since October (but only randomly if it popped on).

WHAT I’M WEARING:
I wore my first scarf of the season last Sunday, but forgot to take a picture.  This is an outfit I snapped this month.  Not sure if I showed it already, but the top is from Walmart.  It’s incredibly comfy and cute!  I’ve been wearing a lot of jeans and light weight boots.


WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND!
Prepping for Christmas.  I’ve done NO shopping and need to start buying!  I will probably hang out with family again and catch up on things around the house.  Ryan has games this weekend.  It’s supposed to be rainy and cold on Saturday, so we will have to find something fun to do indoors. 

WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:
Christmas…where I don’t have to bring a breast pump to 4 different Christmases and pump!  Hallelujah!  This picture is from last year on our limo ride with my family to see Christmas lights.  We will have fun with Elf on the Shelf, decorate a Gingerbread house, listen to Christmas music, drink hot cocoa and watch movies, see Santa (I’m nervous about this for M), and start new traditions.  
 

WHAT ELSE IS NEW:
Beckham had a Thanksgiving feast at school last week.  He was a cute little Indian!  His placemat said he was thankful for “fruit snacks, mom and dad, my family, and race cars.”  Fruit snacks were first! 🙂


Also, my neighbor made us this cute Fall/Winter yard décor.  Front side is a scarecrow and the back is a snowman.  He made it so it was a little different than the one he has in his yard.  I love it!

And I found that picture I told y’all about that resembled Maddox’s school picture.  Mama on the left, Maddox on the right!


BONUS QUESTION – What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
Growing up, we didn’t have any “weird” traditions, but I love traditions and can’t wait to set our own.  Now that Beckham is old enough, this year will start the year I let the boys (I’ll pic M’s this year) pick out an ornament for their tree.  When they’re grown and on their own, they’ll have little memories to start their own Christmas tree.  We’re starting an advent calendar this year and every other day or so, instead of chocolate (or candy), there will be a paper with an activity for the boys and I to do.  Whether that be take brownies to the fire department or make a card for our cashier at the store. 

And each year, my mom made monkey bread for breakfast on Christmas morning.  I have continued that tradition and will continue to do so.  Cooking for my boys is one of my favorite things to do.  I’m glad I’ll have two boys to cook for as they grow…cooking for others is definitely a love language of mine!  Christmas morning will be no exception!

Happy Thanksgiving!