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Christmas is fast approaching and with nursing school dominating my life, I’ve had to set Christmas on the back burner. Now usually, I do all the decorating, shopping, arranging and other such craziness. This year, I’m in exams right up until December 16th and I think the week after that, I’ll be able to get everything done.
I made a wish list last night that included all the toys for my boys and the million-hundredy kids in my family. The adults draw names, so that makes it a bit easier on the budget for everyone.
Despite all the insanity that is the commercial-y part of Christmas, there are some things I absolutely treasure about our Christmas traditions that I can’t ever ever ever give up.
The Tree
We always get a real tree. Even when the kids were little, we taught them not to destroy the tree. Even though people say “how can you stand all the pine needles tracked all through your house?” I quite enjoy getting stabbed in the foot at 11:30 at night as I make the rounds to shut down the 89,000 lights we put up. And even though I have to kneel on the hardwood to water that tree every single night and my knees feel like they are going to shatter like two dollar store shot glasses, I can’t NOT water the tree because I won’t be able to sleep for fear of it spontaneously combusting — I cannot have anything but a real tree in this house at Christmas. IT’S THE CRAZY IN ME.
(aren’t they just so sweet?)
Christmas Eve
Every Christmas Eve, the kids and I bake homemade cinnamon rolls (these ones to be exact) and stuff them into as many tin trays as possible, and hand deliver them to our neighbours. Last year we skipped it, but the year before we made 9 trays and delivered 8. The other tray? Oh I should have just stuffed it in my pants because it ended up there anyway.
Christmas morning
One of my teachers (who also has kids) asked our class if they needed coffee to function in the mornings. About half the class agreed that yes, we cannot function without our Cuppa Joe (this was all lesson related, I swear). He then posed the question about Christmas morning, and asked if we make our children wait for that first cup of coffee to be brewed. He couldn’t believe anyone would be so cruel. I was too ashamed to raise my hand and say, “yup, my kids open their stockings and then sit and wait while Mommy and Daddy brew a cup. WITH BAILEYS.” Of course, the teacher admitted he can’t let the kids open their presents without standing over them with the garbage bag for the wrapping paper so WHO IS SCREWING THEIR KIDS UP MORE? I mean, really. Hrmmph.
A New (and Hilarious) Tradition
We are starting a new holiday tradition this year – the ugly sweater contest, inspired by Emily and her Etsy shop. $10 buys you in, my completely unaware Granny votes. Seriously, we haven’t told her – and she is BRUTALLY honest, so she will be floored and vocal about the fact that everyone in the family is showing up in hideous sweaters. I can’t wait.
What are your favorite holiday traditions?
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When I was pregnant with my now 12 year old son, I signed up for my very first email account. I was excited to share everything about my pregnancy with my friends and family. At that time, the masses were also just firing up their first email accounts.
Ultrasound pictures zoomed into my family and friends’ inboxes, and soon after, baby photos. I remember several people who forwarded on every joke they every got. Some people still do that, I suppose – but back then, everyone did it and life was somehow simpler. You weren’t tied to your smartphone, and you could settle down with a tea, and read a bunch of jokes or emails from friends, once the baby was down for a nap.
For a mother who was at home all day, this was my connection to the world on many days. Sure I went walking with the baby nearly every day and visited friends, but this time with my email account was something quiet and I truly enjoyed hearing from people. I remember watching the screen load and seeing I had mail was exciting and fun, even if it was just the pregnancy or baby development newsletters.
Life was simpler then. Now there is really only one loved one that regularly communicates by email: my Papa. He figured out a long time ago, how to attach pictures, and he sends them all the time, which I really enjoy. At Christmas, he learned to send a video of himself singing along with his wall mounted fish. Typical Papa…always laughing and trying to make us laugh. Enjoy. (and oh yes, that is whiskey!)
I chose this Yahoo! video below because my baby boy was born in Vancouver, and he expressed many times that when he is old enough, he wants to go to Vancouver, possibly to live. I can just see him exploring beyond Canada, out in the world and sending us lots of photos!
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I’ve been a working mom, a stay-at -home Mom, a work-at-home Mom, and now? I’m a student Mom, with a little over 2 years left before I’m a nurse.
I know busy.
Even when I was a stay-at-home Mom, I was involved in Parent Council, went for daily walks, and then started my web design business. I thrive on busy. When I have downtime, I knit, read, start home projects, or get outside and dig up dirt just to do something! I need to be busy!
Nowadays, mornings are hectic. When I first started school last September, it took some time to find my groove. I’ve learned to take a bit of time at night to make lunches, set out clothes, throw in a load of laundry, and set the dishwasher to run while we are sleeping.
The kids and I eat breakfast together most days. I set out my travel mug and get the kettle ready, so I just have to hit the button to boil it while we’re eating, then head out the door with my already packed lunch. The kids are set up much the same way – lunches into pre-packed backpacks, and off they go.
My kids are a little older, so they are quite self sufficient – the oldest sets his alarm and has a shower without any prompting. The little guy gets dressed and his teeth & hair done with my help.
After school, they each have a few chores they have to do, and it’s a rule in our house that the chores come first, before anything. They help a lot by getting their chores done. The kids and I do our homework together, at the dinner table, after dinner. It’s nice to start the day together and also have a family dinner.
On the weekends, I meal plan so the weeknights are easy peasy. I plan meals that are uncomplicated, hit all the food groups (most of the time), and it’s almost always something the kids will eat.
As for preserving my own sanity, I often joke that I run so I won’t yell at my kids. (That’s partly true – I AM more calm when I’m running regularly.) I also run so I can eat what I want to eat, for the most part. In short, I run to keep sane. My schedule right now is such that I can run 2-3 times a week before school and the weeknights that I didn’t run in the morning, I either hit a class at the gym, or take the day off. I try to also schedule a long run or workout on the weekends. In the summer, I play ball hockey, baseball, and ride my bike a lot.
I’m a better mom when I take care of myself.
I carry a water bottle everywhere so my water intake is not compromised with this go-go-go schedule, I try very hard to go to bed at a decent hour and I eat properly. I sing in the car all the way home from school – that is my alone time, my decompression. Corny, I know!
All these things manage to give me the ability to stay calm, handle anything that comes my way, and I find it really helps my memory for studying, as well.
I even chose an elective that allows me 3 hours a week to play with clay: ceramics. I love it! I go into the studio for extra time when I can, just to throw pots and chill out.
Life isn’t always perfect. There are nights that I’m so wiped, I grab a pizza and throw together a salad. I’m getting better at not trying to be Supermom – at allowing myself a break. I have a lot on my plate, and I don’t need that plate to break, yanno?
I’m learning that it makes no sense to beat myself up over the little things in life.
All in all – it’s a really, truly, wonderful life; and I’m very lucky to have great kids, and this opportunity to follow my dreams and become a nurse! I just have to stay organized, and continue to take care of myself the best I can.
Remember, visit http://www.facebook.com/crystallight to learn more about how Crystal Light can flavor your day with 30 refreshing flavors. I was selected and paid for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.
