Christmas Cheer

Well, it wasn't hard to get into the Christmas spirit this weekend. We had our traditional weekend before Christmas celebration at our house this past weekend. New home. New baby. New traditions.

I will say this has felt like a very different holiday season this year. My family decided on no gifts. This was a HUGE step for us. I know lots of families that have been doing this for awhile. Or drawing names for gifts. We decided, no gifts, except for the kids. I have to say, it has been really nice not to have to stress over the perfect, most meaningful and thoughtful gift. The one that would have the recipient wondering, 'how did she know I've always wanted that?' It's been different though. I kept thinking I was forgetting something. And when I'd go to the stores, I really didn't have anyone to buy for. No stress, no worry. I think I can get used to that. It also caused me to pause and think about the true meaning of Christmas. I have found I'll give a little more at the Red Kettles. Donate at the register to St. Jude's or whatever the charity of the day is. Perhaps I'll even splurge and treat my office mates to a healthy breakfast this week. But it was also a really nice weekend with family, just enjoying one another's company. Enjoying the kids and their Christmas cheer.

Jaxon and Zoe made an amazing Gingerbread House. Note to self. $8 is nothing when it keeps two kids busy for two hours. Loved this investment.

Zoe and Jaxon tried to do a little snowtubing in the backyard. Didn't work out so great. Jaxon wiped out after about three minutes and the snow facewash sent him indoors pretty darn quick. But, indoors is where it's at. There were cookies to be made. And eaten along the way...

 Kiley got some love and attention from Grandpa and Grandma. She was having fun grabbing her feet this weekend, tried some new foods, and giggled and laughed when Grandpa gave her the 'chin'.  

 We also had a few photo shoots. Of course. I'm not sure which of my kids is going to be the more dramatic of the queens, but they're both doing a good job so far.

 After a very delicious dinner on Saturday night (which did not include eating the gingerbread house),

We had the kids open their gifts.

 Jaxon's box started talking to him before he opened it (the true powers of Buzz Lightyear), and so he got beyond excited when he realized there might really be a Buzz in the box. I've never seen him like that. It was pretty hilarious. Buzz is now his new best friend and goes 'bababeyond' with him everywhere (to infinity and beyond, for those unfamiliar).  

Another favorite was the art easel with chalkboard and letters. Zoe and Jaxon played 'classtime' and taught us all our letters. But you better pay attention, says Jaxon.

Miss Kiley, sorry you had to go to bed and miss out on all the fun. She did love her gifts that Jaxon so kindly helped her open. That fish mirror and glowworm are her new favorite friends.

And so, if I wasn't in the holiday spirit before, I am now. It's not about the gifts or shopping for the perfect present. It's about the time spent with family. The energy and creativity one gets from watching thier kids act out a show on demand or dancing like a princess. It's about making cookies, eating them, sharing them with neighbors. It's about watching the snow fall on a sunny December afternoon when it isn't even winter yet and you clearly have enough snow to last you the rest of the year. It's about making snow angels with your son on the hardwood floor. It's about snuggling on the couch, watching movies, enjoying each other. It's about all these things, and so much more.

As we go into the holiday week and weekend, we want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy time spent with your family and friends. Make snow angels. Catch a snowflake. Share some merriment. Happy Holidays from all of us at the Vuong Household!

important lessons from the 'epic storm'

Things we learned while trapped in our house for too many hours together during the epic storm of 2010.

1. The difference between wax paper and parchment paper. We'll have to save that oatmeal cookie recipe for another day.

2. To always keep an eye on chocolate cooking on the stove, or melt it in the microwave next time.

3. Toddlers aren't always as 'helpful' while baking as they might claim to be. But they are good at eating...

4. Kiley really likes pears, peas, and squash.

5. Learned how to clear the snow from our hot water heater exhaust so that we could have hot water again.

6. The mailman delivers in rain, sleet, or snow. But the newspaper man does not. ;-(

7. Naps are not 'wasting the day away' as I've often believed to be true. They sometimes are a welcome gift.

8. Always stop at Target on your way home from work, just in case you might need something. Good think I picked up that formula on Friday or Kiley would be p*ssed!!

9. It's important to have a house with a clear 'runway' for Jaxon to run back and forth and use up all that energy. Or have padded walls for when he starts bouncing off of them.

10. And the best thing I learned while being couped up all weekend-- if you just stay in your pajamas all weekend, from Friday night through Sunday, there is very little laundry to do.

three, part two

Hard to beleive our little boy is three. What a fun weekend we had celebrating. Jaxon's birthday party was on Sunday. The cupcakes were frosted, the party hats were on,
the friends and party guests had arrived. There was the obligatory cute baby sister, scrutinizing... watching... taking notes for future birthday parties.
Pretty sure the birthday boy had a good time. How could you not when everyone you ask for a cupcake thinks it's your first one? Dear Jaxon,

You are the most amazing little boy with the biggest heart.

On your third birthday, I want you to know how much your parents love you. How we think about you throughout our day. Even though we can't always be with you, we wish we could.

Tonight as I was hanging out downstairs watching GLEE and updating your blog, listening to you sing Jingle Bells in your crib when you should be sleeping put the biggest smile on my face. It reminded me of myself as a kid. Hearing you tell me that you can't use the cucumber melon soap because it has pickles on it, has me cracking up. The fact that you told me you weren't going to hurt anyone today at daycare made me a a little nervous, but at least you didn't say the opposite.

And the sweet boy in you that is so thankful for his mommy and daddy, makes me just want to squeeze you tighter, hold you longer, stay up later, and be with you more.

I know why my parent's (your grandma and grandpa) always said, 'just you wait till you have kids'. They said that about a lot of things, but it's so true, that you never quite know what it will be like until you dive in. I am beyond grateful for you and could probably gush for another paragraph or two, but I won't.

I'll just hug you a little tighter tomorrow, hold you a little longer, stay up a little later with you.

We love you, Mom and Dad

three

Jaxon turned three this weekend. He got a camera.

Enough said?