A Little Joy in our World

Thanks to a book from Nana that plays "Joy to the World" in loud ringing chorus, Isla June's favorite holiday song was sung on repeat during this Christmas season.  Regretfully, this is the best I was able to video of her singing this classic hit.  Every time the camera was out, she would clam up.
I will forever regret not getting the one time she hit a high note and belted it out with gusto.  Hopefully, it will be ingrained in my memories for a very long time.

My little performer.

Living in a Miniature World

A year ago, I saw my favorite blogging family reveal an amazing gift for their little girl.
A handmade doll house.  Constructed by her father. 
I was in awe.  It was everything I ever wanted in a doll house. 

I asked Jeremy if he could somehow manage to pull this off for Isla June's 2nd Birthday.  But, alas, all of his tools are still in storage.  I figured I would have to wait months/years before I could get this coveted item for my little lady. 
I even checked the always wonderful but tricky craigslist.  No dice. (or very, very expensive dice)

Thankfully, Isla June's Boppa came in to save the day.  I emailed him the plans and he whipped this up in time to deliver it a few weeks before Christmas.

It.was.perfect.

One of my favorite things about it is the removable board on the bottom.  When Isla June outgrows this piece, it can be hung on her wall as a book shelf. 
Multipurpose items.  Gotta love that.

As luck would have it, we picked up an entire doll house furniture set from a local consignment store for a total out of pocket expense of $12.00.  I knew that this was a steal.  Most doll house furniture costs $10-$20 per room. 
Score one for me.
(this is similar furniture- same company)

Then, at another local consignment sale, my mother was able to find a Plan Toys family of 4 collection practically brand new for only $10. 
It was meant to be.

 

Many days are spent rearranging the furniture and pretending with the mommy and daddy.  (we have since added a baby to the mix)  I can definitely see this as a toy that will grow with her.

Thank you, Boppa!

 

Here's a little clip of us coming home to find the doll house left by Santa. 

Leftover Christmas

A little bit of this and that from our holiday adventures.

 

We made our own salt dough ornaments from THIS recipe.  Super easy bytheway.

Such a fun and cheap way to get a memorable keepsake. 

Santa's beard didn't turn out quite as well as I would have hoped. 

Maybe he'll get a new coat of acrylic paint next year (I only had washable on hand)

 

Headed out to get another picture with Santa as gifts for the grandparents.
 Enjoyed some pretend fourwheelin' while waiting to check out.

I didn't even coach her.  She crawled up on his lap and did the pose all by herself.  My big girl.

Two days before Christmas, we went with my family to see what my mother dubbed a "puppet show" at the UNC campus.  In reality, it was a movie of puppets (think Pinocchio without the animation)

Isla June made it 10 solid minutes.  And then she was done. 

On her way out the door, she hollered, "bye bye Dragon!" to a silent room full of about 100 peeps.
Coolness.

"Baby needs medicine in her eye"

 

 

After breakfast and present opening, we headed out for a family hike through the woods in Mimi and Papa Kenny's neighborhood while the Turkey finished cooking.

My adventurous-not-scared-of-anything little girl...

Christmas Night cuddles.

2 days after Christmas, Mimi headed back to Myrtle with us.  Mainly because she couldn't take the thought of a quiet house just yet. :) 
We took her to one of our favorite places, The Aquarium!

 

The perfect end to the perfect holiday season.

Momma and Toddler Style: Pinterest Edition

source

Pants // Chambray Shirt // Stripped Top // Jacket // Boots // Necklace and Earrings

Christmas 2012

There was something stirring inside me about Christmas this year. 

It's like I could feel the magic. 

I spent all of Christmas Eve washing new Christmas Pajamas, preparing Christmas Breakfast in the crockpot, cleaning and organizing the house in such a way that we could all gather together in the morning for present opening, and finally arranging all of the presents under the tree.

 

It was one of those moments in motherhood where your excitement for someone else creates this intense feeling of joy that just stirs inside of you.

Motherhood truly is magical.  And it swelled my heart.

 

 

 

We started the Elf Hunting tradition this year.  Jeremy and his sister grew up searching for figurine elves my sister-in-law has continued this tradition with her children as well.

Isla June named her Sara the Elf.  Unlike the popluar Elf on the shelf, she's not mischievous and she can be touched and her job is not to report back to Santa about wrong doings but to encourage Isla June to always do and try her very best.

 

I can see why so many families have started this tradition!  It is really so much fun.

 

Because we start the morning opening stockings, I wanted Sara the Elf to be hiding in the perfect spot.

 

Of course, first thing, she ran to the bike.  She asked Santa for one for Christmas and Aunt Zizzie delivered.

 

Side Note:  Isla June's Wish List for Santa was different every time we asked.

Items she told us were:

• An Umbrella 
• A baby (real and pretend) 
• A Bike
• Candy Canes
• A train

 

Our theme for Christmas this year was "giving back". 

Both Isla June's Mimi and her Jeje sponsored animals for the Wildlife Federation in her honor (a wolf and a polar bear).

All of the adults purchased gifts for each other that donated towards a non-profit organization or donated money directly to a worthy cause.  It was heart-warming to hear about everyone looking for ways to give and to honor one another through that.

 

 

Our Christmas this year also involved a lot of second hand items.  My mom and I found a great high end children's resale in the area and bought much of Isla June's stocking stuffers and some presents there.

 

 

See that black eye?  Well, that's from playing hide and seek in blanket tunnels with Daddy and Uncle James the night before. 

yeesh.

 

 

 

"Just like Doc McStuffin's!"

 

 

Every time we opened up something, we had to play with it. 

 I loved that.

Made for a very fun morning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We ended the morning with everyone putting together the choo choo train.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Dinner, cooked by Papa Kenny and Aunt Lizzie, included all freshly made favorites.
 It was even allergy friendly for my little family! (gluten, dairy, soy and GMO free!)

 

 

The Most Perfect Christmas. Ever.