Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Christmas Around the Hauck Nest

Not to sound like a broken record...but we are now just two days out
from Christmas!  Of course we have been keeping busy doing all the
holiday things (Wild Lights, Conservatory, Christmas jammies,
baking cookies etc.) But, I did want to take a second to focus on our
holiday décor this year :) I think if we had a theme it would be
toddler friendly but still fun with a little bit of vintage nostalgia?! 
I'm sure that's a theme.
Read on for some more snippets.
 
Max painted this reindeer from the dollar spot
at the beginning of the holiday season.
He sat alone on the wall until I went on an
elf-like bender and decorated the space underneath
with garlands galore!
 
*Sad story, we no longer have a mantel so I'm having
to make due with blank wall space. So far so good :)

I also didn't have space to put up the traditional
nativity scene so we are making due with this
miniature version.

If you've sat on our couch, you know I love some
throw pillows.  Do these donuts count as such? 
Max and my parents picked them up at a gem
of a store called "Five Below" last year.
I wasn't going to put them out...but they make me laugh,
and Max loves them, so in the end they won me over.

Shout out to any newlyweds (looking at you
Becky and Candice) - I started filling out this
Christmas book the first year Rob and I were married.
We are five pages deep and I LOVE looking
back on it every year. The concept is simple -
you fill out one spread per year - there is also
space to adhere your Christmas card (if you
don't send Christmas cards, I'm not sure we can be friends).
You fill in the highlights from the past year and
it serves as a nice little holiday scrapbook.
Very easy. LOVE it.

Ceramic Christmas trees are also my jam.
While I only have two they are front and center
where I an appreciate them - and Max can turn the on!
He loves to turn on all the trees every morning.
Like mother, like son.

We do have some pitiful (fake) garland on the railing
by our front door.  I say pitiful because we got it from
Hobby Lobby the first year we were married and
every year we drag it out and I'm like, "man
we need to spruce this up" -but so far this has not
happened. I also like to tie vintage Christmas
postcards to it (to hide some of the more bedraggled limbs).

My vintage thermos collection!
(kept out all year because I got lazy).
Wouldn't these be so cute with some fresh
pine cuttings coming out of the top?  That was my
intention but I never got around to it.
 

Max made this "ginger man house" from a
toy in his kid meal from Wendy's :) 
I love how he says "ginger man" instead of
gingerbread man. And I love the haphazard
placement of all the stickers!

The card wall!  Dare I say, the best part of Christmas?
I'm happy to report it's even more full
than when I took the picture.  I got like six more cards today.
I run to the mailbox like a crazy person every day
and then shuffle through all the junk mail to find the cards.
I promptly put them on the wall and shake my head with glee!
 

Our tree full of Shiny Bright ornaments (at the top)
and homemade/meaningful ornaments at the bottom.
We bought our first official artificial tree
last year (from Target) and we started an new tradition.
When we take it down for the year, I write
a little note on the outside of the box for Rob
to find the next year when he's putting it back up.
 
Of course I was going to find some way to work
in my love for essential oils in this post ;)
My mom made us Christmas Spirit Hand Soap
using the Christmas Spirit and Orange
essential oils.  I'm not even kidding when I say,
I wash my hands like 15 times a day (#momlife) -
and it never dries them out!
I have now replaced all of our household soaps
with essential oil soaps.

As previously mentioned - we don't have a mantel
(or a fireplace) to hang our stockings on - so we make
due by stringing them on the railing in our kitchen. 
They face out toward the family room :)
The stockings are just from Target....
the real heirlooms are Mim's house!

I just threw these letters (found at a flea market)
in here because they are red and green.
I don't actually decorate my bathroom for the holidays,
but I might :)
 
My new favorite ornament... a NARWHAL
from Crate and Barrel. Thanks Papa Rob!

A new tree (for Max). Thanks Mim!

A collection of Christmas artwork....
all done by our little Picasso :) A late
edition Santa on a paper plate came home
with him last night but I had already snapped
this picture...so use your imagination!

No Christmas decorating post would be complete
without a highlighting my favorite ornament
(and Max's too ...but everything's his favorite lately)...
the hot pink, glittered ball!
I stole this (yep, I did) - right off my parents tree
many years ago now ...and so far it's remained with me!
There is no special story behind it - except that I love it.
 
Well, that's how the Hauck's nest got fluffed for Christmas.
Don't go thinking that everything around here is perfect.
I assure you - it's not. There are toddler messes
behind each and every photo I shared... I'm just choosing
to focus on what I like to see. Thanks for letting me share.
I hope your houses are filled with family, love,
and lots of messes too :)
xoxo

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Around here:// Christmas Edition

Well, December has certainly flown by.
Christmas is just three days away and we
are more excited than ever! I thought I would recap
some of the shenanigans happening around here lately!  
 
You probably won't be surprised when I tell you that Max is
still a fan of donuts. This was an early morning donut date for us
and he (of course) insisted the sprinkle donut.

Max got some elf ears in a Christmas card from Mims
and Gramps and we have been having fun with them ever since!
He said "I want to look in the mirror" and giggled
when he saw himself.

Then, of course Mama had to put them on too. :)
 
The Santa pancake has been on my Pinterest
radar for quite some time...and Papa Rob
managed to whip some up last Thursday.
Max liked the design but then refused to eat
any of the pancake that had been touched by whip cream.
What a silly boy!

It's red cup season! Hooray!
The Skinny Peppermint Mocha is pretty much my go to
 drink right now. But, I do like the Eggnog Latte as well.

Santa Shirt for the win!  I LOVE this shirt!
And I may have bought Max a matching one too :)
Mother son matching...gotta do it while I can!

Another day, another sprinkle donut for Max.

I'm one of those crazies that loves to hear Christmas music even before Thanksgiving.
Christmas music is the BEST!
I have a whole CD binder full of just Christmas music.
From N'Sync to the Rat Pack ...my tastes are varied!
I did make a new "Merry Mix" with some of my
most recent holiday favorites and old stand-by's too.
New favorite: "Mele Kalikimaka" sung by Jadon Lavik
Oldie but goodie: Bruce Springsteen - Santa Claus is Comin to Town
 
Making a list and checking it twice - always!
Why does it seem like it gets longer instead of shorter?

 
I was late in the game getting my Paper Whites going...
but the good news is that it didn't really matter.
They are going strong now and I can't wait to
see those little white flowers!

Drinking from reindeer straws...

For a few brief moments last Friday it snowed...
like actual white flurries!
I can't believe I'm actually saying this but
I would love some snow for Christmas.
The weather has just been down right weird lately..

The card wall is filling up!
I LOVE it!
Every time I walk by it or glance over it,
I'm just filled with so much joy :)
I know people poke fun at Christmas cards...
but I will always send them. 

Part of the fun of having a child is making up totally
fun new traditions...like getting in your jammies and driving around
to look at Christmas lights. It's totally a thing. Max got a kick out of seeing
Rob in silly pajamas. Driving around and looking
at the lights was a different story.  He was super whiny
in the car and kept insisting that we go to "Titi's house
because it's his favorite". I think I said "we can go there
tomorrow like twenty times.

We did end up seeing Auntie Stacy because she went
to the Franklin Park Conservatory with us!
We checked out the gingerbread houses, all the
poinsettias, and even iced our own cookies.
We watched Santa Claus (and Mrs. Claus was there too!)
but he showed zero interest in saying hi, so we didn't push it.

Annual ZooKid instructor holiday dinner/reunion.
It was lots of fun to catch up with all of our summer
seasonals....and the unlimited soup and salad didn't hurt either.
I love these lunatics!
 
Again, the weather here is crazy.
It was 58 degrees today...so we slipped on
our cozy jackets and went outside.
I had the gingerbread man (or "ginger man" as Max calls him)
that he created last year and we just took him outside.
Max would count to ten from the deck and I would hide him.
This was great fun!
 
Hope you all are having a happy + merry Christmas week so far!
xoxo

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Grandpa Jim is Here!

The holiday season is upon us...and we are happy to be filling our house with 
little bits of Christmas magic...and also a visitor!  Yes, yes, Grandpa Jim is here from Oregon!
He brought with him some unseasonable warm weather for Ohio ...so we've been 
able to really get out and have some fun. He also taken on the
role of babysitter for a few days too :)  So, these pictures are a combination 
of his and mine. It's fun to get a little glimpse of what Max is up to during the day
(including, but not limited to - playing with every single toy, not wearing pants, 
not napping, and asking for "Sago Mini") 


Grandpa Jim babysat on Friday, Monday, and Tuesday....
and I know from experience that it is no easy task to take 
care of a very active toddler - round the clock - but
he has certainly risen to the challenge! He
kept Max occupied and happy - even squeezing in snacks, lunches, 
and selfies! haha!


Once the weekend hit and the thermometer hit
62 - we ventured over to a new park on the Scioto River. 
It had two play structures and ample chances
to toss rocks into the river. Max loves to throw
rocks but then got a little miffed when his pants
got dirty. 


After our adventure on the river, we squeezed in a visit
to Oakland Nursery.  They had a Santa with virtually no line - 
and Max had almost no interest in seeing him.  He tolerated it 
for about 30 seconds and then demanded we go on 
(another) carriage ride. 


On Sunday, Papa Rob and Grandpa Jim went to see
the new James Bond movie and Max and Mama went 
to see Auntie Stacy!

The weather was outstanding (again) and so we got to 
play outside on the playground, walk around her pond in search of frogs, 
and give Penny her new Grinch bandanna! 
We also gave her a new chew toy (it was a big, pink, Pig)
but Penny loved it so much, that she ripped it to shreds in about ten minutes. 
RIP Pig. 


After his nap, we went on a neighborhood walk (in search of our beloved 
blow mold penguin that disappeared from our yard on Saturday evening).
Though we did not find the penguin - we did run across some pretty sweet
inflatables.  I used to be an inflatable hater.  I could not even stand them 
one little bit.  Why would you want to have that in your yard I scoffed? 
Unfortunately, when I saw how much Max loved them, I became
an inflatable believer. Cue me, searching the interwebs high and
low for a mini snow globe.  Did you know they are also super expensive?
The people in my parent's neighborhood who have like ten of them, 
likely have about $1000 wrapped up in those crazy things! 
I'm very clearly getting off topic here - but it's wild!


We capped off Sunday evening with ice cream at UDF. 
I tried the Chocolate Chip Peppermint Stick and it was yummy!
Max tried the mint chocolate chip (he's usually all about the strawberry). 
All parties were happy with their respective choices. 
We also exchanged gifts - but Max flew through those....so alas, no pictures! 


Max loved playing with his new blocks (and knocking them down). 
Not pictured - his love of the cash register too - it
has "his cards", as well as dollars/coins, and whole lot of other bells and whistles. 


Monday (after an enormous tantrum over socks) - we
made it to Zoo lights too!  I kind of forget how
unique and special the whole Wild Lights experience is by about 
mid December.  However, walking around with Grandpa Jim
made me appreciate it all over again!
The lights truly are quite stunning! 
Max loved the train and carousel rides too!


By Tuesday - Grandpa was ready to chill 
and watch some Paw Patrol :) 
haha!  I know that feeling all too well!
The TV quickly becomes my best friend. 

What a treasure for Max to spend so much time
with Grandpa Jim!  While we didn't squeeze in our 
normal trip to Franklin Park Conservatory...we
were able to get out and visit and do so many of our 
beloved places and things. Thanks for being part of our
holiday season Grandpa Jim! Can't wait to see you again!

Xo

Monday, December 14, 2015

December Currently

(photo from this weekend - Oakland Nursery)

Digging: SnapChat (for quick easy check in's with friends), the Blow Out Bar, Zoo Lights, warm weather, and my paper white bulbs. 

Eating: Smart ones breakfast burriots (2 pack), cheese sticks, and bacon gouda breakfast Sandwiches. Also, last night i got to finally try the Peppermint Chocolate Chip Crunch Ice cream from UDF and it did not disappoint. 

Listening: Christmas music - Mariah Carey, John Denver and the Muppets, and the Pentatonix (newer but still good!)

Drinking: Tall skinny peppermint mocha's from Starbucks

Wearing: my white converse with the elastic across the back, all the flannels, and skinny jeans

Reading: Jan karon Come Rain or Come Shine - part of the Mitford Series which my grammy and I used to read. 

Feeling: excited for all the Christmas activities we have planned and time off from work. 

Weather: Can you believe it's December 14th and 60 degrees out?  Crazy.  This warm weather is bringing everyone out to the Zoo. 

Wanting: Everyone to send me Christmas cards!  I love them!  

Needing: to buy three more Christmas gifts (mostly gift cards) and then I will be done...

Wishing: for a new couch (ours is looking pretty saggy and torn up from our terrible cat) and a new mattress.  Gotta save those pennies!

Watching:  my sister recommended the show Brooklyn 99 and then conveniently gave me her Hulu password - so I've been blowing through Seasons 1 and 2.  Andy Samberg makes me crack up. 

Enjoying: my low key approach to Christmas decorations this year.  I didn't put up half of what we had because we don't have a true mantel anymore.  It made me a little bit sad, and then I got over it because it will be less to take down in January!

Loving:  sending silly packages to old co-workers, bottle brush trees, and my cleaner basement.

what about you?!
xoxo

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Wild Lights Family Night 2015

Rob and I are lucky to work for an organization that is so, SO great
about providing opportunities for people to celebrate the holidays with their
family.  One such event is called "Wildlights family night".  My parents
have come to this event since I began working at the Zoo (11 years ago today!).
This particular day, it rained (that warm annoying drizzle type rain) all day
and so it scared most people away...but not us! 


A couple of years ago the Zoo had to cut down all the
beautiful Ash trees that surrounded the lake.  This made it 
obviously, quite a bit more difficult to decorate, but our grounds
crew built all these huge trees with lights to replace them - 
and it's STUNNING.  They even built rafts with the trees on 
top of them to float out into the lake. 
Every half hour there is a lights show - where 
all of the lights blink on and off to holiday music. 
This year was the best year yet!


The only way I could convince Max to get remotely near
Santa was with the promise a carousel ride. 
The picture we took with Santa isn't even worth
including in this post because he is basically hiding his head
in my shoulder.  He only poked it out long enough to 
tell Santa he wanted a "puzzle". 
However, the carousel was met with much more
enthusiasm! We rode it twice!


It makes my heart happy to see that Peacock light every year! 
It's my favorite :)  Max loved the train light (which I think might be 
new this year).  I love looking for all the different lighted 
animal silhouettes along the paths. 


I have no idea what is happening in the above picture..
I think I said, "Max say cheese" and happened to snap
the picture at a weird moment? Either way - I assure
you, he was loving the "Polar Express" train ride 
through North America!


Papa Rob had to go to the bathroom, and it was 
at this moment that Max decided he would actually like
to participate in a picture.  He's either all in on the 
pictures or running away from the camera. 


We made a pit stop in the Education building to grab
all my bags before heading out to the car.  Max
decided to give the very fake penguins some love
and hugs. Kind of adorable. 


On our way out we saw a giant inflatable Santa
that Max was more than willing to wave to. 
(I have no idea why the real Santa is so terrifying
and yet all other Santa's - including 13 feet tall ones
filled with air are totally fine). We also saw 
all these giant Christmas ornaments decked out in 
their best Zoo patterns - and Max LOVED them. 
He ran around to each one proclaiming "cheese!". 


All in all - another successful Wildlights family night. 
What a fun tradition!
xoxo

p.s. if you want to read past posts about Wildlights
family night - check here and here