Basking In The Christmas Afterglow

Here is a video of the boys coming down to see their presents for the first time!

We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

A warm holiday hello from the Grab Bag. I want to wish everyone a warm, loving, family-filled Christmas. And I want to say that, in this time of presents and food it is so easy to be swept away by the Christmas spirit and, in doing so, forget the real reason for the season. So, in honor of our Lord Jesus, and in celebration of his birthday here is the story of his birth.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, everyone to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city called Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them at the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said to them, Fear not: for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born today in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.

And they came with haste, and found, Mary, Joseph and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

The Gospel according to St. Luke Chapter 2 verses 1-20.

Luke Is A Daredevil Cutie

More Lukie pics!

Eating Lunch



Climbing the steps




He knows he's in trouble!

Made My First Ornament!

Last night I made my very first Christmas ornament, totally from scratch! I bought the clay and followed some directions online and here is the product! I blacked out the names b/c this is for my SS. And just in case she reads my blog I don't want the surprise to be ruined! Shhhhh!!

Henry's Turn for Pics!

And our tree

Books Giveaway!

Win some book pressies over at Riding With No Hands blog!

Reuseable Shopping Bags

Alot of you know that I use reusable shopping bags. Over at my friend Sarah's Ohana Mama Blog she has a giveaway listed for bags called Envirosax! These things are the epitomey of cuteness and functionality! Hop on over for her review of these super chic bags!

Have a Very Etsy Christmas!

My friends over at Busy Mom are sponsoring a tremendous Etsy give away. The list of sponsors is a mile long with some of Etsy's finest products! Here's the list! You should head over to Busy Mom and enter for your chance to win this amazing Christmas gift!

Children
This and That - $20 gift card
Red Pajamas - Little Man's Tie ($8)
Baby Luv Gifts - Cute Custom Beanie ($15) *
Baby Bears - $25 gift card
My Custom Baby Boutique - $25 gift card
Baby Goin Places - PocketChanger Diaper Changing Pad ($25)
Layla Legs - $15 gift card & free shipping
Second Story Window - $10 gift card
Inspiring Color Tie Dye - Youth pullover hoodie rainbow diagonal or swirl ($30)
Baby Peas - boy or girl cloth play blocks- set of 4 ($18)
Abby Chase Designs - Lotus Hair Flower ($13.50)
Tadpoles and Tutus - $20 gift card
Make it and Love It - onesie/bootie set of choice (14.99)

PiggyTails Boutique - Christmas tutu and snowman wand with a matching personalized bow ($26)

Jewelry
Four Dog Day - Cute Pink Key Ring ($8)
Jupita - $20 gift card
Zeba - Coin Pearl Earrings ($20)
Jodi Horgan - $25 gift card *
One of a Kind Custom Jewelry - $20 gift card
Across The Pond - choice of any vintage button ring ($14) *
Kerstin Hanson - $20 gift card

Bath and Body
Krug's Eco-Logic - $15 gift card
Indulgent Creations - Soy candle travel tin, soap and lotion ($16.50) *
koko candles - holiday brownie cupcake candles ($25)
Dazzle Dott - $20 gift certificate

Especially for Mom
Mary Zoom - Pink Polka Dot Glam Cleaning Gloves ($10)
Maggie Sue Designs -A cup cozy and coordinating set of Tame Your Mane ponytail holders ($12)
Gaia Conceptions - "My Everything" piece (clothing, $40)
Boojiboo - apron of winners choice (only ones in stock, $28.75)*

Stones of Healing - $20 gift certificate

Yummy Treats
A Sugar Affair - $10 gift card
Cakebox Cookies - $20 gift card
A Thyme 2 B Comforted - $25 gift card
Double Dipped Sweets - $20 gift card *
KE Cookies - One dozen chocolate chip cookies ($8)
AngelPie Cookies and Cakes - One dozen decorated sugar cookies ($18)
Meg's Creations - 2 pack of cookie and brownie mix ($24 including shipping)
Cookie Art by Sarah - One dozen sugar cookie snowflakes and $25 gift certificate ($53)

Paper Crafts
Paper Treasures 4 U - 2 page 12''x12'' Christmas layout ($9)
Inkspot Workshop - 1 Set of 6 Snowman Gift Enclosures 1 Set of 6 Tree Bird Gift Enclosures ($12)
Take Note - 1 set of personalized notecards ($15)*
Articulations - 6 lunchbox love mini cards ($5)

Bond.... Luke Bond

He snuck his brother's stool and was trying to open the door. Lucily we have ancient doorknobs that are nearly impossible for an adult to open! Doesn't he look SO pleased with himself. *eye roll* And nevermind the jelly face. This was immediatley after lunch.


And now looking super cool in his brother's shades!

I'm Coming Out!

I have a new blog!!!! It's a review blog and I will be reviewing anything and everything that I use or see in my life. If you want to look for some new great products, or enter in some giveaways (COMING SOON!!!), or if you have something you'd like for me to give my opinion on just shoot over to

Beautiful Necklaces

There is another giveaway I wanted to tell you guys about over at MomDot.com. klacustomcreations has tons of beautiful pieces but I love the one pictured in particular. For a chance to win head over to MomDot.com

TRAIN BEDDING!! ACK!

My friend Lee has an Olive Kids bedding giveaway going on her blog. I drooled over this bedding while I was PG with both boys and now I actually have a chance to WIN IT!! WOO!!! Head over to MySentimentExactLee if you're interested!

The Holiday Season Is Upon Us!

I'm finally back in the blogging swing of things. I've been spending alot of time getting my NEW review blog ready to go public, so I'm sorry for the neglect that Blushing Mommy has recieved. Once the other blog is off the ground I will have a bit more time to spend here... at least if the kids are sleeping. LOL

I hope everyone's holiday was good. My family drove up from Alabama and came to stay with us! We got our first big snow while they were here, so that was very exciting getting to share our winter weather with them! Turkey Day was amazing! I did the turkey ALL BY MYSELF for the first time, and it turned out b-e-a-utifully! It was so golden brown and moist.... yummm. I still have some in the fridge if you want a bite? lol I did my mom's stuffing while she layed the baby down and that was not such a success. Luckily my cornbread dressing swooped (or should I say scooped?) in and saved the turkey day!

It was so nice to have my family here and to feel like things were slightly back to normal because, I'll tell ya, being on your own without any help is exhausting! The couple days they were here, having help with the kids, was so wonderful! They helped me a ton with housework and dishes and laundry... too much actually! But regardless, it was so nice and endlessly appreciated!

We have the tree up now and the rest of the house is decorated. I finally found my camera charger so I will get some pictures of the house and post them in the next few days. I'd love to see pictures of everyone else's decorations too!! Have a happy holiday and go put on some Christmas music!

waiting for Twilight

Well folks, the time has finally come... Twilight is here! I am sitting in the theater patiently waiting the last 45 minutes before it begins. I am here by myself which kind of sucks, but next time I'll be with my sissy so that makes it better! Well, I'm going to go and enjoy the mindless teen chatter going on around me. Twerds unite!

MySentimentExactLee

One of my friends from BabyTalkBio recently started a giveaway blog. She has lots of great products that she reviews and gives away. She recently listed a really cool magnetic calender for kiddos and some Amaz pads. (MEN: LOOK AWAY THIS BLOG ISN'T FOR YOU!!) The Amaz are cloth pads to replace disposable menstrul pads. They can make your period shorter, cramping less, and you're not spending money every month when Aunt Flo comes knocking.

MySentimentExactLee is my friends blog and if you want info on great products and chances to win some cool stuff, check her out.

Looking For Work

Well, I just took a typing test for a work-at-home transcription job. You make your own hours, but it is a legit job. No paying to work for them, none of that jazz. I'm actually excited about it! It will be nice if I can bring in a little extra to help out our family.

My Boys Are Angels

Why, you ask, are they angels? Because they are asleep. Both of them. At the same time! We ran some errands today and they both fell asleep shortly before we got home. I succesfully unstrapped and carried both the boys, taking off coats and shoes along the way, and laid them both in their beds. They're all snuggly warm under their covers, and mama is sipping on some Starbucks, enjoying the rare total peace and quiet. Ahhhhh. This is going to be a short blog b/c I want to revel in the silence while I a chance. Just remember, silence is golden!

I've Been Tagged!

My friend Benah (rhymes with Dana ;) ) tagged me. And that means I am supposed to impart 7 pieces of my motherhood wisdom. More specifically, wisdom I aquired in my first 3 months of parenting. So let's see what I can dredge up from that sleep deprived period of my life.

1. You cannot spoil a newborn. Don't be afraid of holding them too much, giving them too many kisses, or whispering too many I loves yous into their tiny ears. You never get these newborn days back, so as exhausted as you may be, cherish it! Your tiny miracle will never as tiny as they are today. All too soon they will be scooting, the crawling, then walking, and then off to college. Make the most of every day.

2. BUY A BOPPY! This thing is a lifesaver. From feedings, to cuddlings, to learning to hold thier head up this thing is a godsend!

3. Breastfeed. It's the easiest thing you can do for your baby that counts in so many ways. Your breastmilk is taylored to fit your baby exactlly, and your milk changes nutritionally to meet the constant changing of your baby. The bonding you experience through breastfeeding is unlike anything else. I see it as the 2nd way you give life to little love.

4. This one only applies to boys, but it's something I learned in the early weeks with Henry. Point their penis DOWN. For some unknown reason I was under the impression that you were supposed to point it up. Frustrating diaper change after frustrating diaper change, soaked outfit after soaked outfit and my friend Misty finally clued me in. DUH! If the pee pee is point up then guess where the pee goes? Up and out. Tuck it in! lol

5. When your baby wakes up in the middle of the night, keep their surroundings the same. Don't turn the lights on, don't make eye contact (this speeds up their heartrate and makes them wake up more), and try to keep the atmosphere the same.

6. White noise. Get a humidifier, white noise CD, or something similar. Both of my boys still use white noise for sleep and it helps so much. If muffles all the things that go bump in the night so they can sleep more sound.

7. Get into a routine. Since so much a mother's hardships in the beginning revolve around sleep, this one is key. A bedtime routine is especially important, but getting your baby into a routine gets their little body into a routine, and this makes falling asleep easier because their body is anticipating it. We did dinner, bath, jammies, boob, rocking, and then bed.

So that's some of my motherly wisdom. I hope it helps someone out. I'm off to tag 4 other mamas!

1. Misty - Be Cool, Be a Guhl
2. Laura - Wait. What are we talking about?
3. Michelle (mama) - The Process of Changing Michelle
4. Stephanie - The Osbornes

House Pictures

Here are some promised pictures of the new place. I'll get some of the bedrooms and kitchen later and post those too.

Fall is Falling

Most of the leaves are out of the treetops and on the ground now. We haven't raked yet because who wants to rake twice? Ew. We're looking at a mix of rain and snow tonight and tomorrow morning which is kind of exciting. I doubt it will stick though if there is going to be rain in the mix. I could've sworn I saw flurries earlier while I was at the bank, but they were really thin, and didn't stay but for a few seconds. It could've been my imagination running away with me.

I bought Henry an approiate sized rake a few days ago and he's been having fun with it. Here are a couple pictures of him and Luke outside "raking" the yard yesterday.

Hippo Toes

There is a wonderful line of fair trade children's clothing called Hippo Toes. If you're interested in winning a $25 gift certificate (with FREE shipping!) then head over to Ohana Mama blog!

Halloween 2008

Pics of my Thomas the Train and Chunky Monkey!!