Christmas Wrap-up

 I am spending the final days of 2012 having an internal debate about resolutions (or solutions as Patrick said).  One moment I'm walking miles and miles with dogs and kids in tow, drinking  water, counting calories, cleaning, planning, and organizing.  The next moment I am surfing the Internet/watching old Rescue Me episodes/playing Scrabble, drinking wine, eating carmelita(s), and trying to suck the final life out of 2012.  Maybe this is my world in balance.

Our Christmas round-up!

 Lauren No-Nap went to bed early on Christmas Eve and the boys stayed up. They got to open (and assemble) their new Lego table and watch Elf again.  Christmas morning Lauren slept and the boys got their Santa gifts and we ate fried mush.  Once she eventually woke up we opened the rest of the gifts.

Then we headed to Grandma and Grandpa's for some yummy Italian food and more presents.  The next day we headed to the Torosian's for another Christmas celebration.

Cousin Abby got a puppy for Christmas.  Lauren was in love with little Charlie.

Now we count down the days until we have to go back to school.  The boys start back on the 7th, Kevin's new academy class starts on the same day, and I start teaching a class on the 8th. Once I eat all of these carmelitas I'm definitely going to change my evil ways.

Merry Christmas One and All!

 

We haven't opened any presents and this has already been the best Christmas ever!  Merry Christmas!

All Aboard The Polar Express!

Where are we going?  Well, the North Pole of course!

A Callahan Road Trip!

We are coming off of weeks and weeks and weeks of Daddy working 6-7 days per week.  We all survived and to celebrate, we splurged on a trip to the North Pole (via Sacramento) on a school day (minimum day with class parties).  We slept in, ate out, and had an absolute blast.

The California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento offers a Polar Express Train Ride every Christmas season.  The event starts in November and runs through December and is incredibly popular.  It sells out in a matter of hours.  Kevin and I decided to surprise the kids with tickets.  My sweet husband was so excited about this trip.  Polar Express is his favorite Christmas movie and he knew the kids would love it. 

We took the 5:00 train and it was perfect.  The kids bundled up in their new pjs (WOW JUST FOR ME?!?! NEW PJS!) and we were off to the North Pole.  Yummy hot chocolate, cookies, music, and Santa.... there was even a hobo (he had a stick with a bandana tied to it, he was a hobo.  We saw plenty of homeless people in Old Sac, this guy was a hobo).

The hobo was magic, he made it snow inside the train..... on Kevin's head.  The hot chocolate waiters were there dancing and creating their own magic too!

We don't get to do a lot of things like this so it is extra special to have this time together. 

And just so that little chaos cloud that follows us around doesn't think we forgot.... Do you know what happens when you feed your home cooked toddler nasty restaurant food?  G-A-S (rhymes with class).  On the Polar Express.  It is a good thing that the windows opened.

Buddy's First Twelve Days of Christmas

I know there are elf HATERS out there and that's ok.  You can hate his game but you have to love Buddy.  He makes the kids laugh every morning and he's just getting started.

Buddy also brought elf seeds that grew into little Christmas tree cookies... he must have erased those pics when he was fooling around with my camera.  So there are only 9 pictures for his first 12 days of Christmas... sounds about right.

Christmas at Tiffany's

Meet my Christmas tree. And welcome to a bit of Callahan Christmas Chaos.  Because it ain't Christmas without a little vomit.

Here's the tale of the tree.  We ( the Junior League of Fresno Board of Directors) in the heat of the moment (it was late October and still warm) agreed to participate in a Christmas Tree charity event at the Bankers Ballroom on Fulton Mall.  Our job was to decorate a tree and get lots of people to attend and vote for our tree.  The proceeds of the vote and the subsequent silent auction would benefit our organization directly.  Let's do a Breakfast at Tiffany's tree to promote our signature event at the same time!  Great idea for December-ish! So we returned to our regularly scheduled programming and went about our business leaving all of the planning of said tree for Thanksgiving week (aka 2 weeks before the event).

That's when you find out what a Junior Leaguer is truly made of.  Let's just say, we make miracles happen baby (especially LeAnn, Angela, and Terri).  I showed up and did as I was told: wire, scoot, stick, hang, SPRAY GLITTER!  Others (and our non-JLF friends that might be male) designed, shopped, dreamed, and executed.

Welcome to decked out dollar star ornaments, gorgeous Tiffany's boxes, pounds of rhinstones, crystals and shine galore.  And lots and lots of glitter.

At some point during the process I decided that I wanted this tree.  After 4 hours of tree decorating on Saturday, I told Kevin that I wanted the tree.  I didn't think he would get all practical and start talking about how we could transport the tree, which door to bring it in, and the maximum bid.  I think the rhinestones and 1,100 lights were twinkling in my eyes, so Kevin wanted me to have the tree. (I know, don't you just love him)

 Chaos follows.... me and the kids at Fulton Mall.  The kids fell in love with the tree (probably because it was THE JUNIOR LEAGUE TREE!), they wanted it.  I couldn't stay to bid so I had my loyal friends bid for me.  It was an emotional roller coaster, I had the tree, I lost the tree, I had the tree......

 In the end, the Junior League spirit prevailed and the tree was mine.  We just had to get it home.  How do you get an 8-foot fully decorated tree from one side of town to the other?  First, catch a cold.  Get real sick and grouchy.  Next, procrastinate about renting a Uhaul.  Show up at the rental place in the middle of a Christmas party and ask for a large Uhaul that will fit the tree.  Accept the tiny Uhaul.

Then make sure that you have to make the tree pick-up happen in a 2 and a half hour window between the time that your husband wakes up and the time that he has to leave for work.  Next, encourage your two year old to vomit all over herself (Cough Cough Puke) on the way to pick up the tree.  The next part is tricky because you want to stand outside in the cold on Fulton Mall for at least 30 minutes, preferable 45.  So you need to make sure that the building is locked and the manager is "10-15 minutes" away.

Just to add to the fun, stick your finger under the tree while trying to load the tree on the cart.  Make sure it's your middle finger, because you are a Callahan.  Say something like, "Um, the tree is on my finger."  To which your husband will tell you to pull your finger out.  Yep, still stuck.   A homeless angel rolls in about this point and is the only real help getting the tree loaded.

Throw that tree in your tiny Uhaul and head home.  At this point, you might want to wonder if your husband will deliver the tree to your house or run the Uhaul off a cliff.  He was sort of pissed.  Totally happy now (loves the tree), in the moment not so much.  But he loves a story and appreciates the chaos.

 I'm excited about this tree.  I love this tree and love having it in my house.  But my boys, they love this tree.  And they love it because I love it and they love it because it is GORGEOUS.  We only lost 10-15 ornaments and my boys got everything right back on in no time.

Come join us for more fun March 9th Breakfast at Tiffany's our signature event.  Brunch! Fashion Show! Silent Auction!  Fabulous and Fun!
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4633045564

Christmas Theology

Here are a few tidbits from the mouths of my babes.

1) Patrick: Mom, God has his hand on us.
2) Keith: Jesus is the light.  That's Jesus, there's Jesus, and there he is up there.  (pointing at the street lights, car lights and the moon)
3) Patrick: My favorite part of Christmas is the presents.  I love it because it is like unwrapping the gift of God's love! (throws arms wide open).
4) Keith: KING HEROD WANTS TO KILL ALL THE BABIES!

We've got the Holy Spirit.

Elf fail

 We have a new addition at our house.  Buddy the Elf!  Santa's helper dropped him off on our doorstep Thanksgiving weekend. 

 If you've never met an Elf on the Shelf, here's a little info.  Basically, the elves are how Santa knows if the kids are being naughty or nice.  The elves return to the North Pole each evening to report to Santa.  Then they come back to the house and hide in a different spot.

 The boys named our elf Buddy (duh.).  He's helpful at finding missing things: Keith's glasses.

 He's super silly.

And he knows how to get into strange spots.

After hearing a lot of moms rave about the power of the Elf, I thought Buddy's arrival would be a huge hit.  The boys love him and they search for him the minute they are up in the morning.  But we have a four year old who is less than convinced.  "Buddy is just a toy!" 

Buddy's feelings are hurt and I'm sure he is in the process of writing a little note to Keith.  I'm also sure that there will be bigger and better pranks in the week leading up to Christmas.  Until then.... status quo.

The easiest yearlong project EVER

Last year, Thrfty Decor Chick made really cute gift tags from recycled Christmas cards.  As far as crafts go this is my speed.... Cheap, fast and easy.  Flashback to Christmas 2008.  Not only did I make a special trip to Joann's to buy a pretty punch, I kept the bin that is full of old cards out, and I kept my card storage out.  I was ready!  All year long.....  I finally got to it in late November (2009).  Not quite a full year after launching the project but pretty close.  I was able to work on the 2008 cards that were still hanging out in the Christmas card storage snowman, and that covered all of the gifts for 2009.

Tonight, I conquered several years of Christmas cards and found a $100 bill for my trouble.... worth the wait, no?  Oh and by the way, I was too lazy to get up and grab my camera, (sitting on the counter 4 steps away from my perch) so you get some marvelous phone pics again.  ENJOY, I'm such a slave for my art.

Meet my puncher.  Square.  I couldn't find the rectangle one like TDC's.  Can you see my Benjamin?  I sorted through hundreds of cards and letters and pictures.  It was kind of fun to see all of the memories from our friends and family.  I haven't been through all of the cards for a long time (ok never). 

I did this project with "help" aka Keith so you know it is easy (his favorite cards include Baby Jesus.  He would "pick" what to punch: Baby Jesus and help me line it up and punch it.  Then he would kiss Baby Jesus and run over to show his brother who would respond: I know what Baby Jesus looks like!).  You take a super cute card, because that is the only kind of card you all send to me.  If you are lucky the card will have several opportunities for punching.  This snowman card (KZ shout out!) not only has cute snowmen to punch but cute background too.

See look...  Cute with a scalloped edge x 3.    If I had a rectangle puncher or a different shape I am sure that I could get several from a card like this.  But that would require a trip out of the house and real clothes and *sigh* Riverpark is NOT vacation.  So, now you just punch a hole and write your recipient's name on the blank side and you are ready to gift.

About a thousand times.

OBSERVATION (free of charge): Christmas cards have changed A LOT.  As in, hardly anyone sends an actual card anymore.  Don't get me wrong, I love the pictures and creativity.  And I can't remember the last time I purchased an actual Christmas card.   Do you think Hallmark has noticed?

Merry Christmas do you wannabe my friend?

I already told you about my Johnny-Come-Lately obsession with THE PIONEER WOMAN (really, she needs all CAPS).  I'm fan number 3,924,210 (LATEly).  I made my first Pioneer Woman recipe this weekend. stand. by.  When she told me to try a new holiday tradition of delivering cinnamon rolls to my friends and family, well I did just that ("fan" isn't the right word for me, let's call me a "student."  I always listen to my teacher.).  I had my doubts, I've made cinnamon rolls before and find them to be a pain in the bun.  I also doubted the maple frosting.  I'm not a big fan of the maple desserts and treats.  I would never intentionally eat a maple bar (I know, I know, you love the maple bars).  ALL OF MY DOUBTS HAVE BEEN ERASED!

First of all, the recipe is really easy.  I made it and volunteered in Patrick's class and went shopping and made French Dip and took the kids to see Peter Pan.  And I am really not that talented, so this has to be easy.  Seriously, go now and see Ree Drummond @ The Pioneer Woman

My Highlights:

 You might have great plans for holly, berries and a beautiful bow.  Figure that out and prepare that before you are walking out the door.  Otherwise, you get this.  I did use my homemade Christmas tags that I recycled from last year's Christmas cards (simple, cute and cheap).  That's Thrifty Decor Chick.... Maybe I'll blog on that project later.  Anyway, all of the stuff I did on Friday coupled with waking up at 4:30 on Saturday didn't leave me time or energy to pull off the decorative bow etc.  Sorry.

Bring a washcloth.  Some people might eat three four cinnamon rolls in the car and you might think you have some type of cleansing towelette, you would be wrong.  Always pack a back-up washcloth or you will have to borrow a damp paper towel at every other stop (THANKS!).  The boys also wanted to get out of the car at everyone's house.  It was early and I made them stay in the car.  I know, I'm mean.   We did have fun singing and dancing and remembering special things about the next house we were visiting and of course discussing St. Nick and his friend Baby Jesus (we're trying folks!). 

Do all of your friends and family live in the same general vicinity?  Mine don't.  It took all morning to deliver the cinnamon rolls, I'm not complaining it was a great way to spend the  morning.  The only drawback to that is the lack of fuel in the Ford.  13.8 MPG?  That is very generous. I'm considering doing my own calculations.

You may or may not eat two rolls before you get the frosting put on the family pan and you may or may not eat two more before anyone is awake.  Take a shot of the pretty finished product prior to consuming half the pan.  Also, you have to put lots of frosting on (can you see how much is left in the bottom of the pan?  That's my mid-morning sustenance).  Trust the Pioneer Woman, drown them.  They will love you for it.

 I'm a Pioneer Woman wannabe.  More to come I'm sure.  I'm taking requests.

 

You can make that...

That's what my husband told me when I was soliciting his opinion on these super cute clip boards I found on etsy (I LOVE ETSY).  I was shopping for teacher gifts and thought the clip boards were cute.  He snorted and told me that I have all the materials to make them myself.  Huh, I hadn't thought of that.

So off I went to inspect my stash of scrapbook paper and supplies.  I was unimpressed and set out to purchase the things my husband was confident I already owned (snort). Patrick's teacher is on maternity leave so everything was multiplied by two because I wanted one for both his teacher and the sub.

Oh My Modge Podge (yes, I call it Modge Podge.  We are down like that), it has been too long my friend. Oh how will we work together next?

Paper (on sale at Michael's) $1

Clipboards $2.79 each

Ribbon (some of what I used I did have in my closet) $1

Mod Podge $5.99

I used the directions from the Michael's site.  And here we are.....

What say you?

NEXT PROJECT!!!! My balls!

I have always wanted to add a wreath to my light fixture.  I just never got around to it, this year we made an ornament wreath and it now adorns the fixture in the dining room.  I have a thing for bright Christmas ball ornaments.  Somehow, when they hang out together, they are even prettier.  I need more!!!!  But I'll wait.  This was a no-cost 15 minute project.  I used ribbon that I had in my closet and all of the balls were from my stash.  I love projects like this!

Next Project: MAKE-UP
My sister and I don't fight anymore.  We haven't had a real argument for years.  But if you asked our mutual friends they would probably tell you that we are prone to (public) sisterly squabbling, that they find hilarious no doubt.  Anyway, presents for our children are a sore subject.  Especially when I buy nail polish and chapstick for Abby (heh).  So when I saw what Emily at Not So Idle Hands created, I knew I had to create my own faux make-up for my darling nieces (x4).  And it is another cheap and quick project!

Step one: Buy make-up at the Dollar Store.  I would have used recycled make-up but I went on an unprecedented cleaning frenzy a few months ago and threw out a Walgreens worth of old make-up (yes, I have a problem).  I found these at the Dollar Store.  By the way, Dollar Store make-up STINKS!  Can anyone wear this without getting a rash????

Step 2: Find old nail polish (possibly buried with your button collection, as though I would ever mend an actual button).

 Step 3: Assess your strange preferences in nail polish and wonder what you would do if you still painted your own toenails.  Decide that you are grateful that your current love of red toes didn't span the years and also decide that although you might have had odd taste in blue and purple nail polish, it is paying off right now.

Step 3: Work with your partner to open all of the packages and remove the real make-up from their little dishes. 

Step 4: Coordinate colors based on the girls' personalities and pour.

Step 5: Oh and Ah over the beauty (that's your partner's job)

Step 6: Wait for it to dry.
One problem: the smell is a bit much.  Kevin wanted me to put it outside to limit the number of brain cells killed for this project.  It was pretty cold in the garage and the nail polish shrunk.  I am going to re-pour tonight and see what happens.

AND FINALLY:
The running joke in our office is about the one stapler that actually works.  We all pass the broken staplers around, swipping the only operational stapler from the current owners desk.  So, (since I'm the best boss ever) I bought each staff member their own (high quality stapler) and put a personal touch on each one.  I love this (mama lou original!)  Bling bling.   Hmmm.... What other office products need a little something?

 

I'm done!!!!  Off to our office party..... we're going to the MET! shhhh.......

Christmas Disease

I didn't get a chance to blog about my bright Christmas balls because I was working on Christmas cards last night.

This is about a quarter of the project.  I put the boys to bed early thinking about my list: ironing, teacher's gifts, wrapping, ball blog...... Every year I forget that Christmas cards are a season long project.  Excuse my letter folding (and writing for that matter, I wasn't feeling very inspired and almost went sans letter (even before my sister went without a Christmas letter (yeah, we're creeepily the same like that))).  Triple Parenthesis SCORE!  Point is the Christmas letter project ate up my night.  And this will likely make the ball post anti-climatic.

Anyway, the children were nestled all snug in their beds with visions of a guilty conscious in their heads.  You see I found a picture of Keith on Patrick's door when I was putting the boys to bed.  This particular picture had a huge red "X" through Keith's face. As in "No Keiths Allowed in Patrick's Room."  I didn't say anything about it, I just took it off his door and stuck it to the art wall.  On my way out of their rooms I noticed that the (dry erase) "X" had been replaced with two smiley faces.

About an hour after I thought the boys were asleep, Patrick came into the apartment with two questions.  #1 What day is Christmas? He was flustered that it is on Friday (movie night), I talked him down.  #2 He wrote a letter to Keith and slipped it under Keith's door and he is pretty sure that it is actually in Keith's room now and the letter said I'm sorry for arguing with you and I'm sorry for putting an X on your face, I love you.

How's that for Christmas spirit?