Keeping up the tradition

Ever since I was a little girl, I remember making sugar cookies with my Grandma Joyce. Since I was the only grandchild for about 6 years, and then there were a few years after that when I was the only one old enough to help, that meant that I got to make a lot of cookies. We usually left out a few for Santa, and then enjoyed the rest of them over the next few days. It's a tradition that I think of fondly, and I have decided to start with my own kids. Over the last 2 days, Will and I have probably made over 2 dozen cookies. I'm not sure if there will be any left for Santa next week, considering both Bill and Will enjoy my baking a little too much, and a lot of them will end up being gifts for friends, but I'm looking forward to doing this every year with my kids and maybe even my own grandkids someday.

Unexpected Bonding

Anyone who sees Will on a regular basis knows that he is a wiggly, active 3-year-old, as most kids his age are. He's always running around with endless energy, jumping off furniture, chasing his cousin Alice around, and loving life. One thing I didn't know until this morning is that this kid loves to exercise! Our stake does aerobics at the church 3x a week, and I decided it was time for me to get a little more exercise, so I gave it a try this morning. It was a lot of fun, as well as a really great workout. The thing I hadn't counted on was Will joining in with me. He was right by my side practically the whole time, kicking, punching, jumping, and running. Even with a couple of his little friends there, he decided that exercising with Mommy was more fun. I'm glad I have my little motivator to get me out of bed every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

What do you get a child for Christmas that already has plenty and isn't greedy?

I never thought I'd have this particular problem. I have no idea what to get Will for Christmas, and he's so content with what he has that he hasn't asked us for anything. I definitely want to get him something, because I would feel really bad if his only present came from grandparents and aunts and uncles, but I have no idea what to get! Why can't my child be greedy and bratty! Hehe, just kidding.

It's beginnig to look a lot like Christmas

I was going to wait and post a massive run-down of our Christmas festivities, but I decided to give you a little preview. We finally got to decorate our little Christmas tree this last weekend, so we turned on a little Kurt Bestor Christmas, Bill and I donned Santa hats for no reason whatsoever, and we went to work. I love this time of year, and I'm looking forward to more Christmas fun in the next few weeks.

Competitive mothers and the children caught in the line of fire

Once again I have tried a new potty training technique, and once again, my child is not responding the way I would like him to. I feel horrible, because I feel like I'm turning him against using the potty forever. I just get so jealous when I read other people's blogs, and see that their children are having success. I understand that each child is different, and I've come to realize that my child is just likely not ready yet. It's just so frustrating! I keep thinking "He's over 3 years old, I'm about to have another baby in a few months. I don't want to be changing two sets of diapers!" But it's not healthy if the mother isn't happy or patient or the child is resisting and not being responsive. I need to be ok with that I guess. Anyway, sorry for this random post. I guess I just needed to vent for a second.

Smiling Snowmen, Happy Boy

I found this great little snack idea from a book a long time ago. It's super easy to make, and Will seems to enjoy it.

"Smiling Snowmen":
Graham cracker squares
Apple wedges
Raisins or chocolate chips
Cream cheese