Before we start…this was me this week.
Anyone else out there feelin’ a little overwhelmed with all of this Christmas stuff?
I mean…no one has more Christmas cheer than me…but there were several moments this week when I was down right Grinch-like.
#sadbuttrue
I mean…between addressing/stamping/mailing the cards, the elf, wrapping gifts, the elf, attending my childrens’ 506 Christmas activities at school, the elf, and all of that other stuff, I had to stop and remind myself to get back into the Christmas spirit…I was in the “Dang it, I have to go back to Target for the 400th time this week, replace another fuse in the mantle garland, drive to dance recital rehearsal yet again, work on my first grader memorizing a portion of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and moving that elf yet once more” mood and that’s not where I should be.
Soooooo…I’m really going to try and slow down and enjoy this season. If you haven’t noticed…I’m not great at slowing down…BUT unless I want my kids to remember this Christmas as the Christmas mom turned into Ebeneezer Scrooge, I better ;).
Anyone else out there feeling like this…
…sigh. I’m going to try and stay focused on this…
And now…on to today’s regularly scheduled programming…
Well, we went and met with the big guy.
My kids were super excited about seeing him…well, two out of three were :).
We kept telling Ashby that she needed to sit and Santa’s lap and tell him that she wanted a car (she wants one of those cozy coupes)…and she kept saying “I not sit with Santa”…so, we had no idea how this would go down. But Ashby watched Kensington and Smith both happily jump up in Santa’s lap and share with them and she was more than excited to do the same.
We joke that Ashby is going to be the kid who gets in the most trouble when she’s in high school and college because if she sees someone having a good time, she’ll happily jump in no questions asked. Keg party? Sure! Skipping class? No problem! Breaking and entering? Sounds like fun! Ashby is ALWAYS up for a good time ;).
My three babies with Santa. This makes my mama heart so happy :).
Curler head cuties. They love to match their pajamas, so of course, when Kensington asked me to put sponge rollers in her hair, little Miss Ashby wanted the same. These two are peas in a pod.
That’s what’s up around here!
On my foodie blog today…
…Pecan Praline Baked Brie for your next holiday party!
This little appetizer is whipped up in 15 minutes. How easy is that?!
Have a great Wednesday!
kimm atwood says
I think at some point we all start feeling a bit overwhelmed around the holidays, and we all need to stop and take a deep breath and remember to just enjoy it all! Have a great day!
Nicole says
I can so relate to you! I was feeling a little consumed with all this stuff, fun stuff – nonetheless, but not having that peace I knew I should be having during this season. You have to re-read the chapter in Bread & Wine titled "present over perfect"! Yes, have to 😉 You will have so many ah-ha moments and I hope truly get it all back into perspective, I know I did! Praying you are so blessed this Christmas season, you bless so many!
Erika Slaughter says
I'm so thankful for this post and the mention of THE ELF!! Hahaha! We forgot to move him last night but I'm off to move him now before the kids are awake. 🙂
Erin Navarro says
Lol! My first grader is also memorizing 'Twas the Night Before Christmas'. With coordinating motions….I have almost been taken out more than once by a not even seven year old arm when we hit 'to the top of the window, to the top of the wall….' It gets intense to say the least! I can also relate to the grinch moments….the dates rolling by on the calendar are making me sweat…trying to take it all in and enjoy doing Christmassy things leaves little time for shopping as I balance teaching my fifth graders, handling normal chores, and illnesses at home…I need an assistant! I know it will all get done, and it will all be worth it..this reminded me to breathe and enjoy! 🙂 Merry Christmas from OHiO!
steph says
Can you please share where you got the last set of pajamas both girls are wearing ( the ones with the pink tops)?
Mix and Match Mama says
Gymboree!
Meaghan Kutter says
The holidays can be so overwhelming, but when we sit back and remember what the holidays are about, there is nothing to be overwhelmed about. PS… Congrats Auntie Shay ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you! It's going to be fun to be an aunt on this side of our family too!
Tara G. says
Love Ashby's monogrammed purse! They're all darling!
Marissa says
I LOVE how Ashby is wearing Kensingtons purse with the K on it. So cute
kelly says
I've got to get out of grinch-mode too.
That location of K. With her Daddy is so beautiful and then Ashby with her Daddy was just as cute!:I love how she's standing with her hand on hip! Did she think of that herself? Ha!
Forget about Smith sleeping! Was there ever a cuter little boy?!
Paula says
You have so many wonderful traditions! I hope it slows down a bit so you can breathe in a bit more Jesus.
Do you like Ann Voskamp? She has a wonderful children's advent book. One a day. It is a nice way to give God 10 minutes of quiet together as a family!
Congratulations AUNTIE! YAY! YAY! 2016 will be another beautiful year!
Linsley Schneider says
The kids' Santa pictures turned out adorable! My daughter had a grin like Ashby this year and my son was a bit more skeptical! 🙂
Narci says
That picture of the kids on the way to school is so pretty!!! Look at those trees!! Also, the picture of the girls in rollers and pjs is the cutest thing ever!! 🙂
Andrea says
Love the smiles! Where did you get the girls leggings that they are wearing with the pictures of Santa? Totally overwhelmed by Christmas activities too. I hear you!
Marianiel Yu says
I love this post so funny! Smith sleeping in wearing like all camo in bed is hilarious! Then Ashby's joke… Ha! Glad she's always up for a good time hopefully not into breaking and entering. LOL!
Lizzie Simantz says
Can you please tell where Smith's shirt is from that he's wearing on Santa's lap? Thank you!
Linda Z says
Ashby's picture with Santa brought a tear to my eye. God bless. My daily life is enhanced through your sharing…
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
I laughed soooo hard at "breaking and entering? – sounds like fun!"
Happy Green Home says
Those curlers are too cute! I remember wearing those or rags up until I was like 12 lol!
Whitney Buckingham says
Congratulations on your new niece or nephew! Sean and Catherine will make beautiful Jesus- loving babies 🙂
Scavenger Hunt Blog says
I am so with you on feeling like the Grinch. There is just so much fun stuff to do this season it is overwhelming…I need christmas to be on the 31st not the 25th..hahaha. Ashby is such a sweetie. I love how she is always up for a good time!
Erin @ Crafts and Sutch says
This post just made me smile! Thank you for keeping it real, my dear! I too am up to my earlobes in Elf-ishness and swimming in Christmas decorations!
The pics of your kiddos with Santa are absolutely adorable! Ashby is oh so very brave which says so much about how much love you and your family have filled her with in less than a year. It's sure to be a very special Christmas!
Megan says
Ashby's pic on Santa's lap is sooooooo cute!!!!! And I'm loving Smith's Christmas camo.
Jena Desjardins says
Such sweet photos. Your kiddos are down right adorable and I love their festive outfits. 🙂 Also… can we talk about that Santa?! So perfect… I'm pretty sure he's the real deal!
Three Gals and a Guy says
Oh my heart! Ashby's smile might just be the most contagious thing ever! Love, love, love all the Christmas festivities- it looks like you all are truly enjoying this time of the year. Thanks for sharing!!
Therese says
You may have mentioned this before, but where did you get the cute leggings that the girls are wearing in their photos with Santa?
Alice says
I know this has nothing to do with your post…but I am so glad to see Smith with holes in his jeans just like my 5 year old!! I swear I get so tired of him coming home every day with new holes. 🙂
And I am glad you are getting back in the Christmas spirit. I have moments when I am being a Grinch also.
Farryn says
Adorable pictures ! I love your traditions with your family and I can't wait to do the same with our little one 🙂 and congrats on becoming an auntie! I was hoping for a post about this 😉
Cassie Sugarplum says
Pictures of your kids make me so happy!!! And your house decked out for the holidays is just gorgeous! I love all the trees, and the tree by the pool is genius! Perfect way to add a real one without the mess in the house!! Merry Christmas, sweets!!! xo
Jenny says
I love how Ashby always has one of Kensington's purses. I hope things slow down a bit for you and that you're able to enjoy the season. xo
Janet says
Those curlers brought back nightmare Saturday nights from my long ago childhood.
Bri Bliss says
I really hope Ashby asked Santa for a purse! She is so adorable carrying it around in all of her pictures 🙂
Nikki O'Brien says
So cute! I LOVE the girls leggings! Where did you get them?
SD and EJ says
Where is Kensington's reindeer dress and leggings from? Such cute kids!
Mix and Match Mama says
Gymboree!
Katie Nedrow says
I hear ya sister! Our elf is driving me nuts already – it's going to be a long couple of weeks with him!
Kensington's coat is amazing – where did you find it?
Mix and Match Mama says
Mini Boden!
Melanie Smith says
Love Ashby posing with her daddy. She is such a little ham, isn't she?
And since when does Kensington look like a little teenager?????
Andrea says
Your elf needs to get a cold and bed down for SEVERAL DAYS in a doll bed or what not with tissues and etc…
Little Bits of Joy Blog says
I'm feeling a bit bah humbug too.. it's pouring down rain and soggy here in Oregon and it's hard to not get annoyed with all the errands and to-do's because you end up so soaked or stuck in traffic because the roads are flooded. Good idea to just focus on the good this season brings! I'm glad your kids had fun meeting Santa.. we had tears this year!
Leigh (Balancing By Faith) says
Ha, Ashby looks like she is up for a good time!! I am loving Smith's jeans with the holes…looks JUST like my 6 year old!!
Lindsay at Lindsay'sSweetWorld says
What a wonderful picture of the kids on Santa's lap! No crazy crying scared of Santa pictures here. Haha. And congratulations, I saw Sean and Catherine's big announcement yesterday! My brother and sis-in-law just made their announcement as well, so they are probably due around the same time… I'm going to be an aunt for the first time and I'm soooo thrilled! Plus it will be nice to have something to curb my baby fever. Haha!
Mary Dollar says
Oh yes, the minute I walked into Decorators Warehouse yesterday I was overwhelmed. I seriously left without purchasing a thing. Time is short and I'm not ready. I must do better…
The Nelson Happenings says
The girls in their hair curlers is adorable !
Kristina Briggeman says
I'd love to see a picture of how the girls' hair turned out from the rollers! I used to do that to my daughter's hair ?.
Love on the Lake says
I absolutely love that you've "kept it real" today. So many bloggers and social media influencers portray picture-perfect days 24/7/365 and it's super refreshing that you were experiencing some stress and Grinchy-ness. Way to pep talk your way back into the Reason For the Season and the fun spirit of the holidays. It's hard NOT to get a little grumpy with so much to do, but it's so fun! Typically I have a glass of Pinot Grigio and stare at my tree for a few minutes (hours?) and that does the trick! xoxo LOTL
Dawn says
I feel like I'm on the Christmas Express Freight Train, haha- so much fun but SO much! Hard to believe that Christmas will be here soon!
Kara Murray says
Hi Shay! Where did you get K's dress and leggings? My almost 7 year old would love them! They almost look like Gymboree but I can't find them…
Mix and Match Mama says
They are from Gymboree! I bought them around mid-November.
Queen In Between says
Seriously some of the best Santa pictures I have ever seen! Love the caroling teachers..such a sweet tradition. REally hope you ate at Mi Cocina!!
Jade L says
HAHAHAH the keg stand comment made me die laughing! Let's hope she knows by then!!
Lacey Salmon says
Love this post! Last Christmas I was miscarrying and definitely felt like a grinch! This Christmas I'm 28 weeks pregnant, and trying to cram it all in with our 3 year old! I love this time of year, but I have kicked a few things off my "beam" (thanks Jen Hatmaker) like that ELF! I probably will be doing it next year, but my daughter really doesn't quite get that yet and we are just trying to keep the manger scene characters straight ?
Julianne Byer says
Do you follow @milo_the_elf on Instagram? It's adorable and you can steal some ideas 😉
Lauren Donoghue says
Not sure if this will help you, but I saw a picture of someone's Elf with a cast on it's leg and a note from the North Pole Doctor that he can't move for xx number of days. I guess the kids then can "entertain" the Elf while he heals and you don't have to remember to move him. Good luck! 🙂
Beautifully Seaside // Formerly Chic Coastal Living says
The kids are adorable and I have to try that pecan bakes brie! YUmmmm!
Briana Runde says
Ashby did so great on Santa's lap… such a big, happy smile! 🙂
Aubrey says
LOVE those smiles for Santa! Annie took one glimpse at the Man with the Bag in our local shopping square and stoutly declared, "I DO NOT want Santa to come to my house." 🙂
Amy says
I literally laughed out loud reading the part about Ashby going along wherever the fun is!