Day 204 | Favorite Things Tees

One of my craft project Christmas presents I've been dying to cross off my list is this fun faux screen printing project. I made both boys favorite things t-shirts using freezer paper and fabric paint.

Here's the tutorial I followed. It's super easy and a quick craft that leads to a great sense of accomplishment. I made Chase a fish tee with this process last year and he wore it a ton. It actually went through the wash just fine. Shocking, I know.

As you can see, Chase's favorite thing right now? Trains, excuse me, "choo choos." And Robbe? Shoes. It's almost an addiction the way he beelines for them. 

Day 203 | Happy Hunting

As most of my family back in Wisconsin heads out on their annual deer hunting adventure, let me say three things:

1. Be safe. 

2. See lots of deer (notice I just said "see").

3. Have fun. 

I've never been a part of this tradition (I was never the type to enjoy sitting outside in 20 degree weather and using an outhouse), but I love that my dad and brothers take part in it. It makes me happy without even being there. 

Special note: the face of the deer above is my palm, in case you can't figure it out. 

Day 202 | Like a Sponge

It's amazing what a little mind absorbs at this age. Just in the past few weeks Chase is learning so much. And before you think we've been holed up running flash cards, I have to admit that I've done practically nothing to encourage his new spurt of knowledge. Here's what he's caught on to (and the method of/reason for the learning):

1. States: thanks to a lovely placemat, Chase can now identify 19 states and the District of Columbia.  He can also differentiate between Washington, D.C. and Washington state. This is beyond impressive to me since I was *ahem* much older when I grasped this concept. 
2. Spelling: Chase dug out our Bananagrams game the other night, Chris spelled out M-O-M, and all of a sudden he's into spelling. Here's his list so far (pictured above). 
3. Telling time: ok, he's more just identifying numbers on the clock but he started asking about when Chris would be home so I recently began answering with "when the little hand points to 6." Now we eat with the clock at the table and every so often (about every five minutes, you might guess), he shouts, with enthusiasm, "it's [the big hand] touching the 4 [or whatever number]!" 

Yeah, I know what you're thinking: he's probably a genius (she says with a wink).

Day 201 | Staying Warm

The rain and wind came through last night and now it's a bit chilly outside. 30 degrees in November? That's not DC...that's Wisconsin. And we moved from there for a reason.

After quick trips to and from school this morning, we plan on staying put the rest of the day. Maybe more puzzles on the horizon. 

Day 200 | Yep, 200

To continue the tradition, I'll dedicate today's celebratory post to providing an update on the team.

Name: Sara
Favorites: baby snuggles from my boys, hearing my toddler say, "momma, you're beautiful" without prompting, getting into the holiday spirit (I just love everything about this time of year), and end-of-the-day, post-baby-bedtime chatting/relaxing with the husband
Biggest hurdle to overcome: checking all the holiday gift craft projects off my list (and there's a lot).
Dreams for the future: trying to live more in the present with my sweet boys at these sweet ages and not get caught up in the day to day frustrations.

Name: Chris
Favorites: being able to cheer on the Badgers in both football and basketball in the same week, wearing wool socks again, and seeing the look of excitement and pure joy on the faces of his boys when he peers through the door as he unlocks the door after work.
Biggest hurdle to overcome: deciding on the perfect holiday cocktails for a little shindig we're throwing.
Dreams for the future: enjoying a huge, can't-possibly-have-enough-food Thanksgiving dinner (it's his favorite holiday)

Name: Chase
Favorites: singing at the top of his lungs (Down by the Bay and I've Been Working on the Railroad are the two current go-tos), learning the names of states (off his mealtime placemat, obviously), playing anything with his daddy when he gets home from work (he saves special giggles for this specific time)
Biggest hurdle to overcome: dealing with the fact he can't go to tree park when it's cold/dark outside. Sorry, big guy.
Dreams for the future: spending two weeks with his absolute-favorite-people-in-the-whole-world (that's you, family!) at Christmas.

Name: Robbe
Favorites: brother tackles, I mean, hugs, shoes (chewing on, not wearing), Miga sightings (she's an elusive one), honing all his new skills (think: standing, climbing stairs, eating with his hands, big stuff)
Biggest hurdle to overcome: sleeping through the night. We're getting close, people. I can feel it. Chase pulled it off at 9.5 months so maybe we're on a similar trajectory.
Dreams for the future: eating just one piece of cat food. It's not too much to ask, mom, is it?

Day 199 | 'Tis the Season...

For crafting! And I'm ready and feeling inspired. So far, I've got six different crafts in the hopper. Most are pictured here to some extent but not all (some need to be kept under wraps, obviously).

I'll have lots of reveals to show off after the holidays and maybe, just maybe, one or two beforehand. 

Woohoo!

Day 198 | Looking Good

I bought a new hair clipper a few weeks ago and Chase's hair was finally long enough to give it a try today. It's a bit short, but his hair grows so fast that short is necessary so I don't have to cut it every other week. I hope you approve.

He looks so grown up with a new hair cut, right?

Side note: Chase is still working on his thumbs up pose. :)