Holiday Survival: 5 Tips on Maintaining Peace and Joy Through the Holidays

This kid LOVES holidays

I love that he loves it.

His enthusiasm is refreshing and has really caused me to embrace the craziness that this time can bring. 

Here are a few tips that I have found helpful:

1. GET FESTIVE- Crank up those holiday tunes and dance around the house decorating with the kids. Fill the home with holiday aromas such as cinnamon, gingerbread, and sugar cookies. MMMMM....I can smell it already! Sit down and wrap gifts in a mindful and loving way! (my love for wrapping gifts here)

2. AVOID OVER-SCHEDULING- It can be impossible to make it to each and every holiday party you are invited to. Pick and choose and map out the events for the next few weeks on your calendar. Cut out things that are unnecessary stressors- We opt not to do Christmas Cards and send Valentine's Cards instead. Best idea we ever had! (Last Year's Valentine card here)

3. MAKE TIME TO ENGAGE IN TRADITIONS- I can't stress enough the importance of personal and family traditions. Don't forget to make time to do those things you enjoy doing each and every year with loved ones. It has a positive everlasting affect on your children. (One of our traditions here)

4. SERVE SOMEONE IN NEED- Take advantage of opportunities to serve those who may need additional love and help this holiday season. It take the focus away from receiving gifts and create a heart of gratitude and bring joy into your life and the life of your family. (Last year's project here)

5. DON'T FORGET TO BREATHE- Take time to just have a breather. Get a pedicure, massage, or have some alone time to recharge. Remember that this time of the year should be filled with peace, joy, and excitement. Don't forget to breathe and ENJOY the moment! (What I like to do to Relax here)

Happy Holidays everyone!

besitos!

xo

Elf on the Shelf: Cute or Creepy?

I can't decide which.

Before I knew about the very popular Elf on the Shelf (I wish I came up with that genious million dollar idea)  we used to have this cute little Elf named Peep that I got here.  But this year  "Elfie" (my son is very original when it comes to naming) came into our lives complete with the book and DVD as a gift and I was excited to see what he thought! 

It's funny because I promised myself when I had kids that I wouldn't use Santa or elves to threaten them to be "good." It just doesn't sit well with me for some reason to say to my child, "Santa is watching you so you better be good." What does "good" mean anyway? Aren't all kids "Good?" If there is a good... there must be a bad? And what does a kid have to do to be "bad" and make it on the naughty list? I never quite knew what that meant as a kid- come to think of it I never knew a kid to get coal in his stocking?

 Yet as much I as I tried bringing this Elf in to our home as just a fun tradition to have- I still  found myself saying, "sure hope the elf isn't watching" or even worse, "I bet that the elf feels sad when you behave this way."

cringe.

It goes against how I felt but I still  resorted to threatening and using guilt to manipulate my child... which by the way didn't even seem to make a difference in his tantrum episode- in fact I think it made it worse!

Don't get me wrong- I LOVE Christmas and I LOVE traditions like the elf- but I want to reframe the use of these  little guys and have been thinking of how I could tweak this tradition into something that promoted a grateful heart instead of the entitlement that this season can bring to our kiddos. 

And then I came across this post from The Imagination Tree about starting a tradition of "Kindness Elves" who come into the home and teach kindness and ways to serve one another.

LOVE that idea!


It has my wheels in my head turning and I am coming up with my own variation that I will share with you! For now go check out her Facebook page if you haven't already and see these little Kindness Elves in action!

besitos, xo

New Tradition

 I have been reflecting on our family  traditions for the past few weeks and making it a point to get started and to continue with traditions we have started.  

And we have one more to add to our list... this past weekend was General Conference- (a two day conference held twice a year where leaders of our church speak) and I really wanted to make this an exciting and special weekend by having a huge hot breakfast with the works on Saturday and then hot homemade cinnamon rolls on Sunday. I also created a conference bag where Little Man could pick an activity or a treat to do every time he heard the choir sing! He loved it! My heart is so full from the messages that were shared. Next conference will be held in April and I will share photos of our conference feast and bag (since I neglected to take any this year)!

Anyhow, start thinking of traditions you want to incorporate in your family...next month there just may be a challenge around traditions!

I am off- nap-time for little man is almost over!

besitos,
xo

I heart wrapping paper...

One of the best things about giving a gift is the wrapping part.

Year after year, I set off to find the perfect wrapping paper and ribbon combo for my gifts. And once I have found it-  I sit in front of the fire with my wrapping paper and gifts all spread out...and I go to town.

The sound of paper cutting and  pieces of scotch tape tearing accompanies the Christmas Music (in this case Mindy Gledhill's Winter Moon) I have blaring through my speakers. 

I spend time mindfully placing the ribbon as I work on getting the bow just right. 

 Then, my favorite part...  with my best handwriting, I write on the tag who the gift belongs to and sit back and think of the person I am giving the gift to.

To me, taking the time to enjoy the act of giving gifts, not only brings the spirit of Christmas in my home, but it reminds me of the importance of the action to give...not the importance of what is in the box. I find that I develop a greater love for the person who I am giving to as I think of them while I am wrapping their gift.

It sounds silly I know.

But to me, that is what Christmas is all about. 

He gave us his only son to be born on this earth. 

That is an amazing gift that you can't even place in a box.

What do you do to bring  you in the Christmas Spirit?

besitos,

It's a Candy Land - Wonder Land

The lolly pops and snowflakes were hung.

The candy and soda bar were filled.

The chairs and table set.

 The anticipation... the months of planning... December 16th was  finally was here.

I am sorry for the delay in this post- but I have had a really hard time writing about this night. Mostly, because there are few words that can even begin to describe what it is why like.

But in summary, it was "Magical."

Not only was the venue decorated like a Candy Land-Wonder Land but I got to meet and listen to Mindy for the first time in person!

 My most memorable moment: watching little Brynn Jones jump up and dance around at the first glimpse of Mindy. 

That alone, made all the long hours and hard work well worth it. 

Front and center Brynn (Mindy's number one fan) sat mesmerized by the music...

what a beautiful night. 

And besides, bringing awareness to hundreds of people (if not thousands with the news coverage we got) about what Rett Syndrome- we were able to raise about $17,000 and still counting to the Rett Syndrome Foundation for finding medicine to help alleviate symptoms and one day hopefully find a cure.

See...words can't describe.

My only complaint....that I didn't nearly take enough photos. 

Note to self when hosting an event...HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER even when you are a photographer.

 

Needless to say, the event was a huge success.
Brynn was exhausted. I was exhausted....we all were exhausted.

Thanks to all those of you who supported us in the event.  My heart is full for all the love and friends who were willing to give their time and talent.

Thank You.

And a special Thank you to Mindy Gledhill for coming out and bringing peace and joy into the lives who listen to your music every day...

especially in the life of a little girl who doesn't have the words to verbalize her thoughts and feelings.

I think to her, you are her voice.

Want to see more and the follow up coverage on the news?  Go here:

 Besitos,

What not to do when chopping down your own Christmas Tree.

We wanted to start a tradition of chopping down our own Christmas Tree...

I learned a few things:

1) Don't wear sweater Uggs- huge mistake.

2) Even better- bring snow shoes!

3) Wear gloves. I know What was I thinking?

4) Bring a better ax or saw.

5) Plan on it taking at least an hour- and don't go so close to sunset. It gets COLD!

6) Make sure little man wears snow boots and snowsuit next time

7) Bring snacks and warm drinks for the hike

8) Lower your expectations on finding the "perfect" tree that is full and perfectly shaped...

 they don't exist- at least where we were looking.

Besides being very unprepared and getting a late start (see previous post) overall, this was one of the most memorable moments we have had together this season. How magical to be able to hike around searching for that one special tree to take home. I think we will do this every year. 

 

 

One thing that is a must: Stop at a local burger joint and grab hot chocolates and burgers. 

It's a perfect end to a perfect night.

besitos, 

Meet Brynn...

Brynn at our filming of her video

It seems like in between changing a million runny diapers, church assignments, editing Christmas photos, and taking care of a sick extra needy little one,  I am having a hard time focusing. I sit down to write a post and the only thing I have on the brai  is our benefit concert coming up next Friday. Sorry if I am scattered lately!

Yikes... it is only 9 days away!

 I fall asleep and wake up to thinking about how we can market this show- where to drop off more fliers- who to email and call... what it will be like....will people show up?

  All the anxieties that come along with putting yourself out there.

It has been a tad more difficult marketing a benefit concert in the busy season of December- especially for something that most people are unfamiliar with: Rett Syndrome. I have to admit that I too didn't know much about it besides the brief mention in our text book.

Then, one day I was reading my friend Maren's blog and she had just discovered that her little girl, who once could say words,  had began to regress... the diagnosis...Rett Syndrome. I couldn't imagine as a mother what that would feel like and I found my self sobbing as I read her honest and heart fealt posts. 

Then, soon after,  I met another little girl in my church named Brynn who also had Rett Syndrome. She has won the hearts of those she comes in contact with. Her beautiful smile is the only thing you can focus on, for Brynn always seems to be smiling.   I had heard that she was a really big fan of Mindy Gledhill and her music is the only thing that soothes her when she becomes upset.

So, when I contacted Mindy about coming and doing a show here in Boise- she was thrilled to help us with the cause. 

Here is a little video on Rett Syndrome to understand more about it. 

Don't forget! to spread the word- if you aren't local.
 You can get your tickets or donate your ticket to someone if you can't attend.
For purchasing or donating go here. - every dollar counts!

I can't wait for next Friday!

Besitos, 

Winter Moon

So, since I skipped Music Monday...
I thought I would share this video with you from Mindy Gledhill's Christmas album- which by the way there is a giveaway still going on for her new Christmas CD... submit your comment here to enter! 

besitos,

GIVEAWAY! MINDY GLEDHILLS' NEW CHRISTMAS ALBUM

Thanksgiving is done and over with...do you know what that means?
 CHRISTMAS MUSIC TIME!!!
Today I am grateful for Christmas Music...isn't it the best?? 

And I have just the album... Mindy Gledhill's "Winter Moon!"
I can't stop listening to it... you'll want to hear it over and over and over again!

And the best part is that Mindy was gracious enough to give one of my lucky readers a chance to get a signed copy for FREE.

All you have to do is:

#1 Be a blog follower. Click here if you aren't already

#2 Head over to Mindy's Site and get to know her. www.mindygledhill.com  

#3 Lastly, Leave a comment on what your favorite Christmas Song is of all time!

This Giveaway ends Friday December 2nd at 11:59pm!!

Don't forget about Mindy's Benefit Show here in Boise: 

Tickets $18/adult or $12/child – Purchase at http://irsf.ejoinme.org/brynnjones 

Besitos,

Mindy Gledhill December 16th in Boise

Today I am grateful for Christmas Music.
We are putting on a benefit concert featuring Mindy Gledhill. If you are in  or close to the Boise area- you will not want to miss this.

The Rose Room - 718 W. Idaho Street, Boise, ID 

December 16, 2011 - 7pm (doors open at 6:30pm) 

Tickets $18/adult or $12/child – Purchase at http://irsf.ejoinme.org/brynnjones 

If you can't make it...that's okay- donate! 

100% of our profits go to The Rett Foundation

besitos,

P.S. There will be a giveaway for her new album coming REAL soon!! (Like Friday!)