Classy and Sophisticated

Relfecting on 2009, Looking ahead to 2010

2009-12-31T08:37:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago I came across my goals that I set for myself this year and was taken back by how much and how little I did. 2009 really has been a rough year for me. Most too personal to share here, but with the amount of stress I honestly feel I lost the entire year. Yes, there has been some good like my beautiful new Lucy and many new friends! I have much to be grateful for such as the opportunity to be a full stay-at-home-mom, something I wanted for years. I have a beautiful house and a wonderful family.

After a stressful year, more realistic is a stressful 18 months with the move, I am ready to finally settle into my house, get back to my routines & schedules, and try to be a better me.

First, a look back to the goals I set for this year and how I actually did.

1. Lose the weight I gained during the move. Failed, but not entirely on purpose. I had a beautiful baby in October and that means there is weight gain.

2. Cook More. I did well at this for a few months and then failed. Being a zombie during pregnancy followed with bed rest didn't help me any.

3. Potty train Livy. Completed twice! During the end of my pregnancy Livy completed reverted back to diapers. She has done super for several weeks and we are well on our way!

4. Spend less time in front of the computer. Failed again, but not much else to do while on bed rest. Now it's even a harder habit to break but I will!

5. Get our Food Storage. We certainly have added to it with some home canning and other great deals.

What do I want to get out of the new year? I want to look back and feel that I did something, even if very small, that improved me. Something that helped me be a better person.

The biggest goal is to get back into my routines that I pushed aside while pregnant. How ever simple these may be, I want better habits for myself and my family.

I have actually spent months on figuring out what I want to accomplish. (I know "months" may seem extreme, but that was one thing I did while on bed rest.) I thought of the little things that are not working in my day-to-day life, how I wanted to improve as a wife & mother, and what I wanted to work on for me.

Somethings are simply too personal to share here. What it boils down to is that I want to become more what this blog is titled, Classy. Becoming a little more classy can be several things from being more organized, taking care of myself, being a better mother and accomplishing long overdue projects.

A few things that I want to work on in 2010:

Take better care of myself! I let so much slide while pregnant and on bed rest. It's time to treat myself better. This includes exercise more, making healthier meals, and never going to bed with make-up on. (I am guilty!)
Use better etiquette. I'm fairly good with this, but there is always room for improvement.
Have nicer meals together as a family. Actually set the table! In the past year dinnertime seams to be too rushed and I have slacked on the simple things.
Limit computer time. I need to focus more on my children and not on facebook or blogs. In a schedule I have created for myself, there will be limited time for these things. I will still have connections to the outside world and fulfill my duties.
Bake something new every month. If you know me, I truly do not like to cook. I am hoping that if I try out a new recipe or technique that perhaps I will start to enjoy it more. Plus this could be helpful for my next goal.
Entertain more. I said that I would do that this past year and hosted a few dinner parties, but that wasn't enough for me. I would like to invite someone over every month for at least dessert.
Organize the entire house. This one is a little lofty, but I want to at least go through every room once during the year and make sure it's functioning for it's purpose. I have boxes to sort through from the move (over a year ago!) and I want to find something that is lost and treasured.
Plant a veggie garden. I planted one last year that was taken over by weeds. I should know from my first pregnancy and completely killing that garden too that I can not have a garden while pregnant. This year I want to try square-foot gardening.
Preschool with Livy. I purchased activities right before I became pregnant and failed at doing much with her.

There are so many more things that I want to accomplish in the New Year. I am hoping that as I work on various goals that I can post them here. Perhaps I way of checking in on myself to stay on track. There will be somethings that I don't post about and other things that are not listed above. Like I said, my list is rather lengthy. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. Many of the things are rather small so perhaps it's good.

My wish for you is a New Year filled with all that you love! May happiness and good luck find you!

Happy New Year!

Strumpfhosen

2009-12-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

Nearly a year ago I read about Strumpfhosen on a blog, The Brandenburg Diaries. I thought the idea of Strumpfhosen was very interesting and I simply had to ask my German penpal if she also used Strumpfhosen.

A week or so ago I received a package from my penpal with a pair of Strumpfhosen for Lucy. I can't tell you how excited I was!!! I'm sure my sweet husband, Eduardo, thought I was acting a little strange with the excitement over something so simple.

These are Strumpfhosen, thick stockings. Aren't they beyond cute!

They are worn under pants in the winter time. When the young child is at home typically they are running around in just the Strumpfhosen and when you head out the pants go on. It's all about layering.

I have always loved reading about other cultures. I love the little things that other people do that are different from me. Things that they might not know is different unless a foreigner notices those things. I'm on the look out for blogs that talks about these little things. Things from everyday life that one might think is normal and another may think find it different. If you know of any, please pass them on!

Christmas Recap

2009-12-29T08:51:00.002-07:00

I neglected to post our countdown to Christmas for days 23 and 24. I was busy spending time with my family and then I got hit with a clean everything out and get rid of it all bug.

For our advent, Day 23 was simply spent together.

Day 24 was Christmas Eve and that meant our Christmas Eve celebration. Eduardo had the day off so we were able to spend the day together. That evening we took our annual pictures in front of the Christmas Tree. It was difficult selecting one. Either Lucy was crying or looking away from the camera or Livy was acting silly.

Eduardo is a fantastic cook and made us a feast! After dinner he read to us from the Bible the Christmas story. Livy didn't do very well listening, but it's something. I know that she will get better listening to the scriptures with time.

Finally it was time for Livy to open one present. As a tradition from my childhood, we always opened one gift on Christmas Eve and it was always new pajamas. I remember complaining as a child that we didn't want new pajamas but there was something special about going to bed and waiting Santa's arrival in new PJs.

Soon it was time for bed. We set out milk and cookies and put one very excited little girl to bed. Surprisingly, there were no protests and sleep found Livy quickly.

Eduardo and I stayed up and played a new game together, Ticket to Ride. Fun game, quick play and fast to learn. I kept an eye on NORAD waiting for Santa to be nearing us so we could head to bed. Livy was too young this year to understand tracking Santa, but I sure had fun with it!

I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas!

On the Twenty-Second Day of Christmas

2009-12-22T20:22:00.000-07:00

See the decorated houses in our neighborhood

This was one advent activity that Livy truly loved and looked forward to. For days she's been wanting to go out and see the lights on the houses. I figured, why not turn it into an activity! We substituted this one for a previously planned activity.

We headed out with more goodies to take to neighbors & friends and drove super slow to see every detail. Of course, people probably thought we were being cautious on the freshly fallen snow. (This should mean we get to have a white Christmas!)

This house was voted by us as the best. I'm not a huge fan of icicle lights, but these colored ones were really pretty. The picture doesn't do it justice (they never do).

To see the other activities that we have done to countdown to Christmas: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10, Day 11, Day 12, Day 13, Day 14, Day 15, Day 16, Day 17, Day 18, Day 19, Day 20, Day 21

On the Twenty-First Day of Christmas

2009-12-21T23:50:00.000-07:00

Make a Gingerbread House

This was one activity I wasn't too sure about. I kept thinking to myself that this is going to turn into a huge mess and fight with the candy and icing. Luckily, it was a simple project (I really like those) with very few problems.

I was given a gingerbread house kit after Christmas last year and ended up putting it away. Pulling it out this year, with the cookies smelling like cardboard, I knew it was still good enough to assemble. Since it was so old, I absolutely did not want Livy eating any of it. She did excellent at not sampling it.

Livy took her time adding each piece of candy to their proper places. The focus she had was great.

This is an activity that we will repeat next year (with a new kit)!

On the Twentieth Day of Christmas

2009-12-20T20:16:00.000-07:00

Attend our Family Christmas Party

This evening we attended my family's annual Christmas Party. For several years we make homemade gifts to give out. I must say that I have some pretty talented people in my family! My homemade jam (which is super yummy) was nothing compared to the gifts given out this year!

Livy received this from her Grandma. At first it looks like a crocheted bag until you open it.

Inside you find a small baby doll and a blanket. The bag then turns into a bed.

Also from my mom, Lucy received the beautiful purple blanket which matches her room. The multi-colored blanket came in the mail from my aunt.

My sister and her girls made these simple but adorable mushrooms. The top is a sea shell and the bottom drift wood from their vacation to Hawaii. The picture doesn't do it justice! This little guy is a perfect decoration in a houseplant.

For my nieces, my mom made backpacks

And fish bags

I love knowing that thought went into each of these gifts and very little money was spent.

What Shall We Give?

2009-12-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

On the Eighteenth & Nineteenth Days of Christmas

2009-12-19T09:00:00.001-07:00

Attend the Ward Christmas Party

Every year we like to attend our ward's Christmas party at the church. There is always good food, friends to chat with and a Christmas program. This year they ended the party with a visit from Santa. It's been years since I've been in a ward that has Santa come. I understand they want to focus on the true meaning of Christmas, but I believe that if Santa is done the right way he fit's into our Christmas celebration. Santa symbolizes generosity and goodwill, two very Christ-like characteristics. We simply need to emphasize that.

Have a special breakfast

Saturday morning Eduardo made a special breakfast for us. Yummy Santa pancakes!

It would have been better if Livy actually ate her breakfast, but she had fun showing her horses Santa. I guess the thought of eating Santa was too much.

To see the other activities that we have done to countdown to Christmas: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10, Day 11, Day 12, Day 13, Day 14, Day 15, Day 16, Day 17

On the Seventeenth Day of Christmas

2009-12-17T17:13:00.000-07:00

Watch a Christmas Movie together

We had originally planned on watching "A Christmas Carol" together. Livy wanted to watch "Signing Time" so we compromised and did The Nativity instead.

This is a beautiful show with very little speaking and only 5 minutes long. I have seen it dozens of times and each time it brings tears to my eyes. I love being able to remind Livy that even though Santa and getting presents are fun, that there is something else that we are celebrating. The true meaning of Christmas! The birth of our Savior!

I was able to find it on YouTube. Enjoy!

To see the other activities that we have done to countdown to Christmas: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10, Day 11, Day 12, Day 13, Day 14, Day 15, Day 16

Free personalized video message from Santa!

2009-12-17T16:52:00.003-07:00

I just came across this on another blog and simply had to create one for Livy. This is a free video message from Santa! I entered some simple information like her name, age and where we live. I selected something that she's been working on (being nice to her sister) and what she will receive for Christmas. Super cute! Livy thought it was the neatest thing to see a message from Santa and to see a picture of herself in Santa's book!

http://portablenorthpole.tv/home

On the Sixteenth Day of Christmas

2009-12-16T21:12:00.002-07:00

Play in the Snow

Wednesday's advent activity was supposed to be a snowy fun day outside, but instead we thankfully were hit with some warmer temperatures and melting snow. We did do some playing on Sunday after a storm (I can count that right?!)

Instead of doing an actual activity, we spent the day at our last Kindermusik class for the year, grocery shopping, and reading books.

On the Fifteenth Day of Christmas

2009-12-15T19:00:00.000-07:00

Go to the bookstore, pick out a new Christmas book and read together

Another simple advent activity, but something that we love to do. A few weeks ago while out Christmas shopping, Livy and I stopped in the bookstore to pick out a new Christmas book for our family. For several years we always get a new book to share together. The Night Before Christmas was Livy's choice (no surprise considering she loves Santa). Tonight we cuddled up together by our Christmas tree and enjoyed the pictures in this fun classic.

My good friend shared a fun tradition that she does with her family. Something that I may have to try next Christmas! She takes 24 books (or more if you start the day after Thanksgiving) and wraps them all up and places them under the tree. Every night the children get to choose one "gift" to open and they read it together. I love this fun way to count down to Christmas, plus it probably helps the children who are so eager to open gifts. Oh! I just had a thought with this, how about making it to where the last book chosen under the tree was the bible and on Christmas Eve you share the Nativity story. We always like to read this on Christmas Eve!

To see the other activities that we have done to countdown to Christmas: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10, Day 11, Day 12, Day 13, Day 14

Christmas Traditions: Pillowcases

2009-12-15T00:00:00.001-07:00

Last year I was inspired by several ideas in the book "Twelve Days of Christmas: Ideas for a More Meaningful Holiday Season." One idea was to give each person a special Christmas pillowcase. I thought, what a wonderful idea but why limit it just to Christmas?!

In my mind I thought as a child, eager and excited to sleep on a special pillowcase only brought out once a year. Something that would remind me of traditions and special celebrations. I want this for my children so slowly this year I have created several pillowcases for Livy. (Valentines, Easter, St. Patrick's Day, Halloween).

To continue the magic I hope my children feel around the various holidays, I finally made Livy a Christmas pillowcase.

Livy literally couldn't wait to try it out.

On the Fourteenth Day of Christmas

2009-12-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

Family Game Night

We love games at our house so it was only natural to include it in our family advent! Livy chose to play Mighty Mind, which is challenging and educational.

To see the other activities that we have done to countdown to Christmas: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10, Day 11, Day 12, Day 13

On the Thirteenth Day of Christmas

2009-12-13T17:05:00.001-07:00

Dance to Christmas Music

Today we had a very simple activity, something that Livy loves to do. (I love how she puts her leg up when she dances. Perhaps she will be my ballerina in the future.)

To see the other activities that we have done to countdown to Christmas: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10, Day 11, Day 12

On the Eleventh & Twelfth Days of Christmas

2009-12-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

Decorate Cookies

For Friday's advent, we finally got out of the house and went to a friend's house for a play date. Livy and her friend decorated sugar cookies. I think she preferred eating the frosting than decorating. We had a great time!

A Santa Day!

Saturday was a very special day, filled with two visits with Santa!

One thing that I love about where I live is that during this time of year Santa comes to town to visit the kids. He rides on the back of a fire truck and goes up and down every street. While the siren calls out his arrival, the children gather outside their homes for a chance to wave to Santa and get a special treat.

I was hoping to get a good picture of Santa on the firetruck, but I was too busy waving with Livy. Here you can barely see him on the truck and the people out to meet him.

After our morning visit with Santa, we headed to the city for Eduardo's Lodges Annual Family Christmas Party.

There was plenty of food, crafts and a fun bounce house for the children. And a special visit from Santa.

When Santa entered the room, Livy's face lit up with a huge smile. She quickly got up and ran to give him a hug. Later when he was getting settled she came back to the table where we were crafting, to get an ornament to give to Santa. (I will remember next year not to dress the girls in red when taking pictures with Santa, they blended right into Santa's coat.)

I don't know if Livy was nervous or extra excited to see Santa, but whenever he would ask her a question, Livy would smile (huge grin) and nod her head. He could have asked her anything and she would have agreed to it.

Livy loves Santa. I hope that she will always love him and what he symbolizes; generosity and good will and make that a part of her life.

To see the other activities that we have done to countdown to Christmas: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10

On the Tenth Day of Christmas

2009-12-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

Go to the Holiday Lights display

It is probably safe to say that tonight's activity was one of Livy's favorites. Eight dollars and the warmth of our car, (Which is wonderful considering the COLD temperatures we've been having. It was -14 the other night! Needless to say, I have 2 frozen pipes which hopefully haven't broken.) we drove around and looked at the lights.

Livy excitedly pointed out everything she saw and even made sure she waved to Santa, Snowmen and a Polar Bear.

I love how it's broken up into different areas filled with toy soldiers, flying reindeer, and gingerbread men.

Definitely a place where a child can feel the magic of Christmas. I think this is something that we will do again for our family advent.

What have you done for the holidays?

To see the other activities that we have done to countdown to Christmas: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9

On the Ninth Day of Christmas

2009-12-09T18:50:00.000-07:00

Christmas Coloring

I admit it, I messed up. The activity that was planned for today was done a few days ago so I had to come up with a last minute activity. That is one thing I have learned from our family activity advent is to have backup activities.

Tonight, we broke open the crayons and did some coloring. Always a fun activity for us. My husband found a great website with coloring pages and the best thing about it is that you can download all the coloring pages into one PDF file. There are about 75 pages! I saved the file on my computer so I can use it again next year.

Website with Christmas Coloring book

To see the other activities that we have done to countdown to Christmas: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8

On the Eighth Day of Christmas

2009-12-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

The Nativity

I remember last year, Livy loving to look at and play with my nativity. At 21 months of age, I knew that she didn't truly understand what it was about. So to make this year special, we did more than just set up the nativity.

The area in my living room where I have the nativity set up has been empty since we put up our decorations. I intended for this to be the last decoration to be set up and wanted it to be special. This evening we sat down together as a family and read one of Livy's books on the nativity. (We're saving to tell the story from the bible for Christmas Eve.) After reading and discussing it, we took out each piece to set up. I truly think this had a greater impact on Livy then simply setting up the set.

To see the other activities that we have done to countdown to Christmas: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7

Deck the Halls

2009-12-08T08:26:00.006-07:00

My Christmas decorations are probably simpler then many out there. I would love to extend my decorations beyond the living room, but I truly love what I have and will add in the future.

An overall look at my living room.

My fabulous garland that I made last Christmas. I love the colors and beaded fruit tucked in it.

New addition this year is four gold (and heavy might I add) stocking holders. I still haven't found stocking I like yet to hang. We do have some inexpensive ones for Santa to fill.

Our tree! I think it's very pretty and like many things the pictures don't do it justice. Yes, it is only a partial tree, but with the limited space this is the perfect size. Plus it discourages little hands from playing with the ornaments.

Linking up to more Christmas Home Tours

Tip Junkie Virtual Holiday Tour

The Inspired Room

Hooked on Houses Holiday House Tours

Southern Hospitality

Funky Junk Interiors

The Nesting Place

On the Seventh Day of Christmas

2009-12-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

Take goodies to our friends

One nice thing about our family advent is that most things are not set in stone. There are a few activities that we have moved around like yesterday's baking cookies. With that I wanted to give some of the gingerbread cookies out while they were fresh so that activity was moved up too.

The sad thing is that I ran out of cookies (blame that on me sneaking them) so I'll have to bake more for more friends and neighbors. They sure are good!

On the Sixth Day of Christmas

2009-12-06T16:55:00.000-07:00

Bake Gingerbread Cookies

Today has been a busy day with holiday activities. Not only did we bake yummy gingerbread cookies to be used for tomorrow's advent activity, but we also decorated the tree. (I'll post my holiday decorations later.)

Baking gingerbread cookies was a first for me and I'm surprised at how delicious they turned out. I've snatched several while they were cooling! I think I might make this a tradition and bake these every year!

Gingerbread Man Cookies

INGREDIENTS

3 1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter (room temperature, softened)
1/2 cup dark-brown sugar, packed
1 Tbsp ground ginger
1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
Optional raisins, chocolate chips, candy pieces, frosting

METHOD

1 In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and spices. Set aside.

2 In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Mix in eggs and molasses. Gradually add the flour mixture; combine on low speed. (You may need to work it with your hands to incorporate the last bit of flour.) Divide dough in thirds; wrap each third in plastic. Chill for at least 1 hour or overnight. Before rolling out, let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. If after refrigerating the dough feels too soft to roll-out, work in a little more flour.

3 Heat oven to 350°. Place a dough third on a large piece of lightly floured parchment paper or wax paper. Using a rolling pin, roll dough 1/8 inch thick. (I did mine a little thicker. I measured them at 1/4 inch thick.) Refrigerate again for 5-10 minutes to make it easier to cut out the cookies. Use either a cookie cutter or place a stencil over the dough and use a knife to cut into desired shapes. Press raisins, chocolate chips, or candy pieces in the center of each cookie if desired for "buttons".

4 Transfer to ungreased baking sheets. Bake until crisp but not darkened, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Let sit a few minutes and then use a metal spatula to transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate as desired.

For Day 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 activities

On the Fifth Day of Christmas

2009-12-05T16:53:00.000-07:00

Picking out our Christmas Tree

Today we headed to a local Christmas Tree Lot and picked out a tree. Someday we would love to head up into the mountains and cut our own. Of course, I don't have the slightest clue how to go about that. Something for me to look into for next year.

I'm sure you can guess what we'll be doing tomorrow!

What did you do for your advent countdown today?

Tutorial on my Christmas Advent

Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, & Day 4 Activities

On the Fourth Day of Christmas

2009-12-04T11:00:00.001-07:00

Build a snowman out of marshmallows!

What have you done for your Christmas countdown?

Note: The countdown pictures for my Day's of Christmas post come from my mini envelope advent.

For Day One, Day Two & Day Three Activities

On the Third Day of Christmas

2009-12-03T13:00:00.000-07:00

For today's advent activity we are...

Making pictures for Grandma and Abuleos (grandparents in Spanish).

Livy loves doing art, so this is a natural activity for us. The best thing is that this morning Livy asked to do our advent. It shows that she is looking forward and enjoying our activities, no matter how simple they are.

Plus it's always nice, most of the time, when they want to repeat the activity. Livy decided to repeat Day Two's activity of painting her nails. This is what her daddy found this morning. I need to find a good hiding place for the nail polish!

Note: Number pictures for my countdown posts are pictures of the mini envelope from my advent.

To see my advent and a tutorial

To see Day One & Day Two activities