1. Happy DECEMBER to you!! I still can’t believe we’re already here. Once again, this week absolutely flew by and I’m so bummed that I haven’t been getting the chance to check in with you all more often! I always have the best of intentions, but then…well, you all know how it goes. But better sporadic than never, hopefully?!
2. It’s been a busy week, and it’s also been a little tough on the mom guilt front. First up was Alex, who we discovered one night had thrown up all over his crib and we never even realized it until the next morning. Then there’s Lucas, who had a couple of rough days and caused me to lose my cool on more than one occasion. He can be tough (I know that’s so relative, since I only know my own kids and are well aware that others have situations far worse), and there are some nights when I go to bed wondering if I’m ever going to “figure it out” with him. Mannn, this parenting thing is something, isn’t it?!
3. Even still, I don’t think my heart could be any more full….
Playing with their favorite Wind-Up books and Pull-Back books from Usborne!
4. Jay made a super delicious, homemade mac & cheese dish for dinner the other night, complete with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken. So good!!
5. For anyone who might be interested, Usborne just recently extended their Christmas shipping cutoff date!! If you’re interested in partying with me, I have TWO slots left now, and I’m even offering an extra $50 in FREE books with a qualifying party. If you’re interested, shoot me an email!
And remember, you don’t need to have or attend a party to shop. You can do that anytime, HERE!! Let me know if you’d like some personalized recommendations for your kiddos – it’s one of my favorite parts about being a book lady. : )
6. You guys, I feel like I MIGHT actually get done with my Christmas shopping a little early this year!! I got a TON done between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and I’m hoping to be done within the next two weeks. That’s huge for me!! How about you guys?!
7. Okay, and continuing on with that…what are YOU asking for for Christmas?! I always have THE hardest time giving a list to someone…but then, inevitably, the day after Christmas I’ll be like, ohhhh I need THIS, and THIS, and THIS! Gimme some fun ideas.
8. Just in case you were curious, we’re about halfway through our last container of Rudolph’s Mix over here. I’m wondering if I should just order a case?
9. I’m so excited to attend a neighborhood cookie exchange tomorrow!! Only problem…I still have no idea what I’m going to bake! You’d think having a blog full of cookie recipes would help, but no. So go ahead and share your favorite cookie exchange cookie recipes!!!
10. I need to start taking more photos again so I have more stuff to share! I also need to wrap this up and get to bed soon because I’m planning on (hopefully!) getting tail outta bed for another early morning workout tomorrow!
So with that, I’m off for today! I hope you all have a fabulous Friday and a wonderful weekend ahead, whatever you may be doing!
Julie says
These hot chocolate cookies are my FAVORITE!! I’m already getting requests from all of my co-workers asking when they will be making an appearance in the office! https://www.seededatthetable.com/2012/02/29/hot-chocolate-cookies/
Courtney says
Totally checking those out, thanks Julie!!
Megan says
Thank you for your honesty in regards to things like mom guilt and how trying a four year old can be! Some days it just helps to know other people feel a similar way and everyone doesn’t have it all figured out!! I have boys about the same ages as yours and so many of your posts resonate with me! You are doing a great job, keep it up!
Courtney says
So true!! Thanks so much for YOU sharing, Megan!! Have a great weekend :)
Brynn says
My holiday shopping is about half done. I felt pretty good and then everything arrived and I realized some of it was for me. Oops!
Courtney says
Hahaha!! #sorrynotsorry
Shashaqueefa says
NEED that Mac and cheese recipe, please! 😊
And anything with toffeee in your cookies is always a hit! I made a chocolate chip hazelnut salmon dill cookie with toffee at our work potluck and when i got to the break room the whole tin was nowhurr to be seen! And everyone else’s food went untouched – at 11:30 AM!
Betty says
Go w/ cookie w orange zest, cranberry and white choc chips – (i’ve been wanting them ) if only I was in your coookie sway :)
Janelle says
I just want to say that I really appreciate your honesty when it comes to the tough days of being a mom. I have a 4.5 year old and there are days where I feel like all I am doing is yelling/feeling frustrated with her… and the mom guilt that follows is NO JOKE! 4 has definitely been the most tough age for us so far… and add a baby into the mix, and it makes for some really trying and frustrating days! So, thank you for always being honest and not painting a picture of perfection. Also, if it makes you feel any better, I also didn’t know my daughter threw up at some point in her sleep until the next morning! I guess yay for sound sleepers???
Courtney says
Thanks so much, Janelle!! I was really hoping 4 would be better than 3, but for the most part…it’s not, haha. Here’s hoping things get a little easier once we hit 5!!
Brigid says
Your Alex story totally reminded me of the time that my oldest was just a baby and seemed like he was always sick. My husband went in when he was crying in the middle of the night to check on him but never turned on the lights. He went back to sleep and when I found him in the morning, it looked like he was slimed! He had thrown up and that is what woke him but because my husband didn’t turn on the lights, he didn’t know. Poor thing. It happens though.
Enjoy your cookie exchange. Always fun to try everyone’s specialties!
Courtney says
Ohhh man, the worst, right?!? As crappy an experience it is, it’s nice to know it happens to many, haha :)
Megan says
When I hear you talk about Lucas, it resonates with me so much because our daughter is a tough one too (fortunately her lil bro is more easy going). In case you have time to read (hahaha), I found these helpful: The Highly Sensitive Child; Raising Your Spirited Child; How to talk so little kids will listen & listen so kids will talk.
I truly think there are some kids out there that just have a little more…spirit…and that only parents of these kids truly know what it’s like.
Best of luck mama! Thanks for sharing your life with us!
Courtney says
Thank you SO much for the feedback, Megan! I’ll definitely have to look into those books – I just ordered “Ignore It! after it being recommended, so I’ll add those to the list for next, haha!
Anna says
For Christmas I’ve sort of asked for some new Alex and Ani charm bracelets (specifically the Harry Potter ones!!), a swig glass – which is basically a wine glass yeti, and gift cards – for nails and yoga. It’s hard to give a list and not feel kind of selfish doing so, for me though! And for cookie exchange – i like to make snickerdoodles – mostly everyone likes them and there’s no nuts so you don’t have to worry if someone has a sensitivity / allergy.
Kayla says
Omg, that ecard is so my life right now, it is way too cold and I want summer back!! Great job doing early Christmas shopping and getting it done early! I only shopped for myself on black Friday and cyber Monday, oops. I still have lots of shopping to do, but I hope to get it done soon. I always come up with so much I want on my Christmas list, but we are going to NYC next weekend so I told my husband that we can just give each other something small this year because of that (yeah right). Lol! Have a great weekend!! Xoxo