25 Days of Christmas: Day 25

How is it that we only have a few hours left of Christmas day? 😭 It always makes me sad that there's so much build up leading in to Christmas (hello, Hallmark Channel started playing Christmas movies BEFORE HALLOWEEN, which I had no problem with at all!), but then December 26th, it's like Christmas never happened.  Everyone's moved on.  Except me, and several other people I know who will keep on embracing Christmas through the 12 Days 😀

I can't believe these 25 books have come and gone. WHERE did the time go? It seems like we just started this year's 25 Days posts, and now, this is the last one. I love that we were able to do it this year, even when we had to double or triple up books for one night. Now, time to brainstorm themes for next year's posts! (Suggestions are welcome, if you have any fun ideas!)

Book #25: Mater Saves Christmas

Apparently, Christmas was exhausting for this one...

I think Maple's going to miss these fun nights, too.  Okay, probs not.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

25 Days of Christmas: Day 24

To be totally honest, I didn't think tonight's book was going to happen either.  Marshall was so tired after an evening full of fun Christmas traditions and it was his past bedtime.  Luckily, he did settle down just long enough to read!

Book #24: Twas the Night Before Christmas (of course!)

Photo bombed by Santa Maple. That's her new Christmas sweater and she loves it! :)

25 Days of Christmas: Days 21-23

The past couple nights, Marshall hasn't been "feeling" reading. On the 21st, when he first started this, I thought, "okay, no big deal, we'll just double up tomorrow." But then, it kept happening. haha. The 22nd and the 23rd were no different.  He'd sit still for MAYBE 10 seconds, and that was the end of that.  A couple of the books, I did actually finish, but I know good and well he wasn't paying a lick of attention. haha.

Last night, after the 3rd night in a row of Marshall not wanting to read, I realized we were running out of days in the 25 Days of Christmas, and I'm just going to need to do a blog post now, before Days 24 and 25 are ready to be written.

So, here are the books we attempted reading the past couple days:

Book #21: The Snowbelly Family of Chillyville Inn

Book #22: Christmas Joy

Book #23: Lady and the Tramp: Lady's Christmas Surprise

25 Days of Christmas: Days 11-14

Since it's been four days since my last "25 Days" blog posts, I've been reminding myself (and accepting the fact) that it's really not the end of the world if I don't get a post up each day. Plus, when we're not feeling well or one of us is sick, sometimes, something's gotta give.

When I first started doing my 25 Days of Christmas posts, I was a sophomore in college.  I was only involved in a couple of organizations and my class schedule wasn't super crazy.  I had much more "down time" than I do now.  Do I still have "me time" now? Of course, but it doesn't always line up with when Marshall is awake.  So, if we have to do four books in one night, so be it.

Book #11: Five Little Reindeer

Book #12: Phineas and Ferb: Oh Christmas Tree

Book #13: Santa's Magic Bag

Book #14: Christmas in the Manger

25 Days of Christmas: Day 9

We got to read tonight's book somewhere else!!  We spent the evening hanging out with Sue Sue, Poppy and Auntie Abby snacking and decorating the Christmas tree! There's was lots of eating, laughing, coloring and quoting Elf....and lots of decorating of course, haha.

Sue Sue had a snowman book we'd never read before, so it was a perfect book to read with all the beautiful snow we have to look at!

Book #9: Snowmen at Christmas

Don't hate on my leggings + sock combo 😂 I'm fully embracing my Christmas spirit.

25 Days of Christmas: Day 6

This crazy week continues!! Around lunchtime, I was thinking this evening would be a little more relaxing than Monday and Tuesday, but of course I was wrong. haha. Even though it didn't go quite as planned and all of us were running all over the place it seemed, Matt still made us an awesome dinner....and I rarely finish everything on my plate, but tonight, I almost cleaned it. haha

And even though sometimes it seems like getting this blog post up seems like one more thing just to check off my to-do list, it is nice to slow down and read with Marshall...I know he won't always want to read each night, so we'll take it while we can!

I was so excited to find this cute little Hallmark book, in perfect condition, at Goodwill last year!! I'd never read the book until now, and it's such a cute little story.

Book #6: Jingle All the Way

P.S. My little munchkin is looking so much bigger and older these days. :'(

25 Days of Christmas: Day 5

I feel like this is the week of no slowing down! Three more days to go....we can do this! But this time of year, weekends tend to be just as busy, but at least it's filled with fun Christmas stuff :) I'm looking forward to it, but I don't want to wish this month/season away at all!

After shopping for our Angel Tree child tonight (with funds raised from my LuLaRoe sales and Matt's personal contribution), we were all exhausted, but we still got our books in tonight! 

Books #5: Mickey Mouse: Deck the Halls and Be Jolly

It was so cute--while I was reading the first book, Marshall leaned across me to get the other book, and flipped through it as he was following along. Then, when it was time to read the second one, of course he switched and did it again! haha.  This year's 25 Days of Christmas books is going so much better than last year's, since Marshall is very much into reading and loves books!

25 Days of Christmas: Day 4

Have you ever heard the expression "today is the Mondayest Monday?"  Today was one of those days.  It was a whirlwind of a day with so much going on!

Despite the craziness, we can always look for the positives, right?  I got to visit Hermitage's ACE Center today, which I've never been to before.  We went into the Culinary Arts program, and I was so impressed to see them making pasta and crepes!  It was awesome, and I could tell our students visiting were really enjoying it!  Marshall continued celebrating his birthday today, by taking more cupcakes to daycare and share with his friends!  I took Marshall for his 2 year check-up today, and he took his shot like a champ!  We watched bits and pieces of Christmas movies this afternoon and evening, which brings me to day's Day of Christmas!

Two of the movies on this evening were classic Christmas movies: The Santa Clause, and The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause.  So, it was only fitting to read the book version of the 3rd movie in the trilogy!

Book #4: The Escape Clause

25 Days of Christmas: Days 2 and 3

Last night, I was out at the Bizarre Bazaar and came home just a little after Marshall's bedtime.  I had no clue that Marshall would decide it was bedtime almost an HOUR earlier than usual! So since I didn't get to read to him, we saved books 2 and 3 all for tonight, which worked out great!

Today is Marshall's birthday and he got TONS of new books, including Christmas books, so you'll see those throughout the month, in addition to old favorites!

Book #2: A Cars Christmas
Book #3: Jingle Pups

Cars has been one of my favorite movies ever since it came out, so I was of course excited to read it ;)

Marshall loves Paw Patrol, and I'm sure he's still confused as to why we call him and the dalmatian in the show by the same name. haha

25 Days of Christmas: Day 1

Something fun I've done in the past is my own 25 Days of Christmas with blog posts!  Each year, there's a different theme.  I did it for 6 years straight, starting in 2009.  2015 was the first year I didn't do it, because Marshall was born 22 days before Christmas.  Last year, we attempted, but only made it to the 5th day.  Well, this year, we're trying again with last year's theme: 25 Different Christmas books!

Marshall LOVES reading and looking through books now, so I think this year will be much more successful ;)

I wasn't home tonight for the first Christmas book of the season, but Matt got some great photos of Marshall flipping through the book.  Matt told me that Marshall was so excited to read (which he always is!) and wanted to hold the book himself the entire time. I can't wait until it's my turn tomorrow night ;) I know Marshall's going to love reading these books each night!

Book #1: Toy Story - Woody's White Christmas

To see previous 25 Days of Christmas posts:

2009: different Christmasy things done each day.  Click here to start :)

2010: favorite Christmas songs.  Click here to start :)

2011: favorite Christmas ornaments. Click here to start :)

2012: favorite Christmas movies. Click here to start :)

2013: different Christmas cookies/treats each day. Click here to start :)

2014: different Christmasy things done each day. Click here to start :)

25 Days of Christmas: Day 5

The Santa Clause movies are some of my favorite Christmas movies! The 2nd movie is my favorite, so it bums me out that really only the first and third in the series are showed on TV!

When I saw this book at 2nd and Charles a few months ago, I had to have it! Tonight's book: The Escape Clause: A Very Merry Frostmas.  And poor little Marshall is half asleep, drinking his bottle.

25 Days of Christmas: Days 1-4

I started getting bummed out that we missed Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 of this, but you know what? Life happens. We've been so busy lately just had Marshall's first birthday, so that's where our priorities have been. But have no fear, we're back for another round of 25 Days of Christmas!

If you've missed my past editions of 25 Days of Christmas, here's what I've done in the past, and the links to the first post of each series if you wanted to read through:

2009--different Christmasy things done each day. You can start with the first post here.

2010--favorite Christmas songs. You can start with the first post here.

2011--favorite Christmas ornaments. You can start with the first post here.

2012--favorite Christmas movies. You can start with the first post here.

2013--different Christmas cookies/treats each day. You can start with the first post here.

2014--different Christmasy things done each day. You can start with the first post here.

2015--sorry, was preoccupied December 2015 ;)

So now, here’s what we’re doing for 2016’s 25 Days of Christmas: 25+ Christmas books!! I say 25+ because let's be honest, I just love Christmas too much and have tons of Christmas books myself and that I've bought for Marshall, haha. Tonight, we caught up on the past few days of missed reading, but we're back on track now! We read:

1. The Elf on the Shelf - A Christmas Tradition Marshall's elf is sitting out watching him every day :)

2. Winnie the Pooh - The Sweetest Christmas

3. Toy Story - Woody's White Christmas

4. Paw Patrol - The Pups Save Christmas Marshall received this for his birthday yesterday, so it was only appropriate to add it to our book line up!

25 Days of Christmas: Day 25

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

I hope everyone enjoyed Christmas!!  It seemed like the whole day went so quickly!!

As always on the holidays, we had a busy day, starting early, and ending after dinner.  We did manage a break in between this year, and I even found time for a 15 minute nap. (Just 15 minutes?? That's it?!)  But, as crazy as the day might be, I enjoy it because we get to see so many family all in one day!!  We might have to rush off from one place sooner than we'd like to, but we try to fit in as much as we can.

Because I was so caught up in enjoying Christmas, I don't have many pictures of the entire day.  I only have two pictures on my phone from today.  TWO.  One of our Christmas tree lit up when I got up this morning, and one of Matt and me when we got home this evening.  That's it.  I did have my camera out in the morning while we did gifts here and then with Mom's side of the family before breakfast, but after that, my camera never made another appearance.  Unfortunately, because everything was so rushed, most of the pictures are really blurry. :(  I wish there was a way I could fix them now....or go back in time and fix the light/settings/everything. haha.  Also, being the one who takes the pictures most of the time, there are never as many of me it seems!  Hmm..need to do something about that!

Part of me is sad that I don't have more pictures, but the other part of me is glad I didn't add one more thing to do.  Plus, I was with Matt's family during all the other times, so I know his mom has lots of pictures :)

Our tree this morning..

 

I know, I know.  Call me cheesy.

 

Looks like Santa Paws and Santa Claus came!

 

Maple sees toys!!

 

"Deddy, give me that cookie!!!!"

 

 Maple loves her Tigger.

So many toys (and clothes!).  Thanks to Santa Paws and Auntie Abby.

 

"Do you guys think there's anything else for me around here?"

 

Kisses for Deddy.

 

Awww, Maple loves her new bag from Deddy. (Momma loves it too!)

 

I have been so excited about this gift for Matt, and it's been hard to keep it a secret!

He finally got a waffle maker!

 

Love these next two of Maple!

 

Headed out for family time!

Helping carrying gifts..

 

Ok, you see that HUGE rope toy on the mantle?  That's for Annie, obviously.  That toy didn't stand a chance!  She started shredding it in no time!  It was hilarious!  Every time she had torn it up more, she's walk around the room, carrying it, like, "Look everyone, look at my progress!!" haha

 

Abby had some great expressions this year...

 

I got this awesome Origami Owl necklace with a sparkly snowflake inside!

Apparently I was too anxious and excited to put it together...it kinda looks like everyone just ditched me! haha

 

This next series of pictures...just watch Abby's face change from confusion to excitement!

 

LOVE this new candle!!!!!!

 

Annie still chewing away...

 

Then, Abby got a new coat.  And realized that she matched her new Indian statue. haha

Dad's clever wrapping job...lol

 

Apparently, after reading my blog posts, he realizes I need a rolling pin.  An empty beer bottle will only work for so long....haha

 

Matt's great new sign!

This was my favorite part of the morning.  I get excited to pick out gifts for people and then see their reactions.  So, I was excited for everyone to open what we gave them!

...Annie still going to town...

 

Home for the night..just in time for some Maple snuggles :)

That's all for this post, and that concludes this year's 25 Days of Christmas!

But, this isn't the end for the Christmas posts! I still have lots of pictures to share!! :)

And, if you have any ideas for next year's 25 Days, start throwing them out there!  

I do have several ideas myself, but you might've thought of something I haven't yet!