Christmas

As I crawl out of bed I spy my little one lost in a dream. A typical Christmas morning to follow it would seem. Reflections of Christmas lights dance across his face. To search for toys from Santa soon he will race. Visits from loved ones will bring joy throughout the day. Cookies and candies will be his favorite part I would say. Laughter and joy echo as everyone gathers around. But someone will be missing, it's me that won't be found. I wipe away a tear as I say goodbye. Yes, after years in healthcare, leaving on holidays still makes me cry. As I drive in the dark I place myself with the Lord. I must remember some children won't be home a Christmas more. Upon entering the doors you...

It's early November. I am sitting in my son's room watching him play with his baby sister. She’s 10 months old and doesn’t take crap from him. She plays with his trucks, superhero figures and whatever else she can get her hands on. I’ve just begun thinking (and researching) what we will put on their Christmas lists. The Usual... These kids are pretty lucky. They do not need toys, so for birthdays, Christmas and any other special occasion (potty training, baptisms, etc.), we tell family (when asked) they can give money for the kids' college funds or gift cards to Baby Gap, Old Navy, Carter's and Target. I keep an Amazon wish list for the kids if anyone wants to purchase...

Disclosure :: This post was sponsored by Party Time and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. Party Time, Chocolate Making and Some Inspiring Holiday Chocolate Recipes Can you believe the Christmas holiday is officially upon us? Knowing this has me already running around making sure I have all those last minute gifts and holiday plans set. One thing that I am certain of is that making chocolate candy this holiday season has never been so easy, thanks to Party Time! Party Time & Candy Making Did you know that Party Time's owner, Donna Travis, has been making homemade chocolate candies around the holiday season for more than 30 years?  It continues to be a family tradition, even within Party...

With the hustle and bustle of travelers lining the interstate, here comes the lineup of holiday gatherings with a BANG! Last Christmas, my crew traveled to EIGHT different family gatherings in two days. Please don't get me wrong, I realize it is a blessing to have so many loved ones eager to see us and our kiddo. I also understand many people would be thankful for just ONE home-cooked meal with their families. With that being said, the lineup of gatherings one after the other on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day can be exhausting for the little one (okay who am I kidding, it's exhausting for us big ones too)! It's hard to maneuver the territory of holiday family time. Feelings...

My little girls LOVE tea parties. They hold pretend tea parties a few times a week. They love them so much, that they have possed with their tea set in at least two birthday photoshoots. Since my oldest is 4.5 years old and my youngest is about to be 3 years old, I thought it would be so much fun to take them to one of those fancy holiday tea parties at the beautifully decorated hotels. I couldn’t wait to dress them in their adorable matching Christmas outfits with their knee-high socks and gold Mary-Janes. They would be the picture of perfection sipping their tea or hot chocolate, their eyes smiling with delight. However, upon further investigation, it just wasn’t...