Christmas Eve Checklist

1. Set out cookies and milk for Santa - DONE
2. Sprinkle reindeer food on front porch and down driveway - DONE
3. Hang special Santa Key on front door so the big guy can get in tonight - DONE
4. Tell Monkey Man The Christmas Story - DONE
5. Read, "Twas the Night Before Christmas" - DONE
6. Tuck a very excited 3 year-old snugly into bed and remind him to stay in bed until the sun is shining - DONE
7. Finish wrapping gifts and remember being a kid anxiously awaiting Santa's arrival - DONE
8. Eat cookies and drink milk set out for Santa - DONE
9. Eat extra cookies not set out for Santa - DONE
10. Go to bed, almost as excited as the little man in this house for Christmas Morning - ON MY WAY!

Merry Christmas to All!

Chia Goes Christmas Shopping

Chia is feeling a little stressed about having just one day left of shopping, but he took a little time out during his trip to the local mall to take some photos. Chia's first stop was to visit Santa, but sadly, Santa's Elves were Grinches and wouldn't let Chia take his picture with Santa. Chia accepted the rejection and continued on, full of Christmas Spirit, and hit some other popular spots at the mall.


I guess the next best thing to getting your picture with Santa is a picture with one of Santa's statue elves.

Chia sure is friendly! He had his picture taken with these two complete strangers.

Chia took a little break in the mall play area. And yes, Chia, you are special.

Chia needed a little pick-me-up to get his shopping started.

Although Chia doesn't eat meat, he wanted to stop for a photo op with Ronald. Could you resist sitting on a creepy clown's lap? Clearly, Chia has problems.

Chia, glamming it up - he won't tell me for whom he picked this special hat.

Chia's short little legs had some trouble taking the stairs, so he opted for the escalator.

Silly Chia! He's in there hiding. Can you find him?

Ahhh! Time to relax after a long day of shopping. Chia kicked up his feet and got a $5 massage.

Chia will return after the New Year with another adventure. Where will Chia go next? I know, but can you guess?

Merry Christmas from Rick Springfield, JibJab and Friends!

Somehow, amidst the 9 bajillion things I SHOULD BE doing, I found the time to crack myself up with this holiday greeting. This might be Rick Springfield's greatest music video yet - starring me, Rick, and the Rick Virgin!

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/xfDXghD5dqwjl1kqqgea

We're in Negotiations

This conversation took place at 9:20 a.m. today. For me, it's never too early for sugar, but I try to be a hypocrite with Monkey Man.

Monkey Man: I would like 5 marshmallows.
Me: You're not eating marshmallows now. You can have some after lunch.
Monkey Man: I would like 3 marshmallows.
Me: You can have some marshmallows after lunch.
Monkey Man: I WOULD LIKE ONE MARSHMALLOW!

This child has the negotiating skills of someone in the FBI, or his father. And since 1 is better than 5, and I would like some peace in this here most peaceful of seasons, I calmly walked to the pantry, took out a marshmallow and gave in, yet again, to my 42 inch boss.

Cha cha cha…CHIA!

For the first time in my life, I am the owner of a Chia Pet. How did I acquire such an extravagant accessory for my home? I was the lucky one to pick it, disguised in a beautiful holiday bag, at my Moms Club White Elephant gift exchange last week. My luck was insane that night – I should have played the lottery.

You will be shocked to learn that NOT ONE person tried to steal my Chia Pet. My original pick was the Sex and the City DVD and that got stolen. Other stolen gifts included Dunkin Donuts gift cards, a fleece Mickey Mouse blanket. But my Chia? Nope. It remained all mine. I hope 2009 is as lucky for me as the end of 2008 is rounding out to be.

I can’t just keep Chia on my kitchen counter, though. So, I’ve decided to take Chia out and about. See the sights. Get some culture. And so begins my new series, “Where in the World is Chia?”

Visit often to discover Chia’s wild adventures!

Please note: The above photo is not the actual box. I do have a Chia Hippo, but I did not get a Chia Alarm Clock Bonus Gift. I got Chia Playing cards.

I’m Dreaming of a Chocolate Christmas

The Advent Calendar is a huge hit in our house. Not only does it reinforce number recognition for Monkey Man (contrary to what this blog might sometimes otherwise reflect, I try really hard to be a good mom and teach him things – Noggin doesn’t know everything), but it also provides chocolate. Everyday. I’m such a good mom that I let Monkey Man have the chocolate, I don’t even beg him for it. Mom of the Year Award goes to me. Thank you!

So every morning, I round up the children (Monkey Man, husband, and Walt – the dog) and we retell the Christmas story. The one where the Wise Men bring chocolate to Baby Jesus. You know that one, right? Actually, it’s the story of how every day that we open one of the little paper doors we get just a little closer to PRESENTS! SANTA! SANTA bringing me PRESENTS! Sorry, that was Monkey Man. He just jumped on my lap and started typing.

Hubby and I do actually talk to Monkey Man about Christmas and it's meaning. Of course, he’s 3, so the gift thing is outweighing the birth of our Savior thing right now. And the chocolate? Well, that’s running a close second to the presents. So much so, that the other morning Monkey Man asked me:
"When are we going to open the chocolate calendar?”

Spanish 101

Monkey Man: Wowee-kazowee!

Hubby: Wowee-kazowee! What does that mean?

Monkey Man: It means Hello in Spanish.

What a waste. All those hours of Noggin and obviously Dora and Diego aren’t quite doing their jobs.