Losing the Blankie: The Ultimate Betrayal

Alexa got pretty attached to the blanket that I used as a nursing cover. And when I say "pretty attached" what I really mean is very attached. She loved that thing. Loved to eat it, squeeze it in her little fingers, and play with its frayed, raggedy edges...

Notice how I'm talking in the past tense.

We took that beloved blankie with us on a Saturday shopping trip and it vanished. Into thin air. All we know is that we had it when we got out of the car, and we didn't have it when we got back in. Retracing our exact steps, and several calls to two Lost & Founds have sadly yielded no results. Alexa is left blankie-less. And I feel horrible.

Obviously, she's young, she will never remember that old blanket, and will probably be over the whole ordeal in a couple of weeks. But right now, she knows. She knows that the blanket I've been giving her is not the real thing. She knows it's a sorry replacement for the beloved comfort object that she has been using for the last ten months. She'll actually grab it, thinking that it's the one, and then push it away when she remembers that it's not. If I try to cover her with it, she takes it off. If I put it in her hand, she lets go. And sadly, she's left comforting herself by rubbing her own eyelashes, because there are no frayed edges to play with on the Impostor Blanket.

I'm not giving up quite yet. I'll call those Lost & Founds a few more times, but I'm afraid that my worst fear will eventually be confirmed: It's lost forever and there's nothing we can do about it. And that's probably the saddest thing ever to happen in Lex's little life.

A Very Merry Christmas Photo Shoot

A few weeks ago, realizing that it was almost time for Christmas, I was reminded that it was time for me to haul out the other kind of Holly...yes, I needed the help of my friend, Holly, who takes kick-trash pictures of even the most hard to photograph children (a.k.a mine.) I loved all of the photos she did, but so as not to bombard you with her talent and my kids' cuteness (a lethal combination, I tell you) I have selected my very favorites. (Minus the Christmas card pic. You'll just have to wait for that one.) Enjoy!

(All of the photos are so beautiful, but I bet

you can guess why I think this one is the best.)

A New Tradition?

I have always wanted to think of a fun way to count down to Christmas with the girls. Well, that's not entirely true...I do think of fun ways to do it, I just never think of it enough in advance to actually plan something. (I blame genetics. We are not great planners in my family. Just ask the people who ate Thanksgiving dinner with us...two hours after we told them to be there.) So you can imagine how pleased I am with myself for thinking of something to do (and getting it ready!) before December actually started. Pleased as punch, that's me.

So, we rounded up all of our Christmas books and wrapped them last week. ("We" being Savanna and me. But mostly me.) 24 books in all. We numbered them and we're going to open one every night in December and read it before bed. The smaller the pile gets, the closer to Christmas we'll be. Woo Hoo!

As great as this idea sounded in my head, I will admit I was a little overwhelmed when it came time to actually do it. By the time I was wrapping book #6, I was seriously questioning my sanity. By book #13, contemplating giving up. Book #24, just glad it was finished. I'm so glad I followed through, though, I think it will be a super fun and tangible way to count down to the best holiday ever.

 Who knows? Maybe I'll be crazy enough to

pick this tradition again next year.

Grateful, Thankful, and Incredibly Blessed

It's the last day of November, and I am quite ready to go full speed ahead 'til Christmas. (I've actually been counting down the days until we can begin the countdown until Christmas, if that tells you anything.)

But alas,  I know that I would be remiss if I didn't take advantage now to make special mention of some of the things that I am most grateful for...since November is supposed to be about remembering our blessings and all.

Since there are much too many to count, (like cereal and dishwashers and socks and brownies and electricity and binkies and down comforters and soap) I've narrowed it down to my top ten. (But do you like how I snuck some more in there?) (I'm also grateful for my clever intellect.) Here they are in all their Thanksgiving glory.

1. A religion that keeps me grounded, in-tune, and aware of my blessings.
2. A husband who cracks me up, folds laundry with me, fixes whatever needs fixing, loves the heck out of me, and blesses the lives of our children.
3. Children who are kind, healthy, adventurous, imaginative, affectionate, and loving.
4. Siblings who are supportive, hilarious, and forgiving when needs be.
5. Parents who have taught me so much about which choices to make in my life.
6. In-laws who love me (and spoil me) like I was their own.
7. Friends who constantly amaze me with their love and willingness to serve.
8. School. Though most days it feels like a thorn in my side, I'm grateful for the chance to keep my brain from turning to marshmallows, all from the comfort of my own home. (I should also add that I am quite grateful for a break from school over the holidays. Hallelujah, marshmallow brain, here I come!)
9. All of the people--friends, family, and strangers alike-- that have been a source for good in my life.
10. A loving Father in Heaven who helps me to see and understand the purpose in my life.

Happy Thanks-remembering everyone!

Lunch Break

The Art of Eating Mac & Cheese:

Step 1: Look hungry and cute

Step 2: Dive in

Step 3: Bring hand to mouth.

Step 4: Make sure everything gets in.

Step 5:  Throw your bowl on the floor.

(Don't worry; that nice lady will be happy to clean it up.)