Who's putting who to bed??

Last night Bryan was soo tired he crawled in Eli's bed so Eli decided to be Bryan.  He picked out stories and sat down to read.  It was hilarious!  Its hard to hear but he was pretending to read by saying things like "cow, horse, apple, puppy"  Just words he saw.  Melt my heart ;)

Santa at the Library

Eli talks about Santa almost everyday.  He says he has a "daddy beard".  He gets so excited when he sees a picture of him, but in person he is his usual shy reserved self who won't even look at the camera.  Sheesh.  

We went to the library to see Santa and do some Christmas crafts.  Eli was in heaven.  the Library is probably his favorite place in the world.  He ran right in when we got to the front door and started to play right away.  He loved the activities and crafts, and still carries around his toilet paper snowman around. 

Our librarian Vivian (who does story time every Tuesday) was there reading stories so he walked over and sat down and told me to sit by him.  And listened to quietly and intently.  What a fun night with a sweet little boy :)

Oh What fun

We had such a fun weekend full of camels and Santa's.  Friday night our little town had a lights parade.  It was complete with free hot chocolate, candy thrown, and lots of candy canes passed out. We forgot how nice it is to just park at the local grocery store and cross the street to see the parade.  No hassle of parking blocks away, saving spots, lots of people, or crowds.  It was great!

Then Saturday evening  we went up to Rexburg to watch the live nativity.  Eli loved watching the animals.  I tried to explain what was happening in the nativity relating to Jesus, but he just wanted more animals to come down the path.  "More cows? More horse? More sheep?"

Bink Free

Its been 3 weeks now so I feel its safe to say we are BINK FREE!!!!

Since moving into the new house I had lost 5 out of the 6 pacifiers we had at one time.  I knew the day was coming when I would lose it too and I didn't want to buy more.  So in the meantime I worked to wean him down to only sleeping.  He hasn't had it when he was awake and happy for months, but then we got rid of it in the car or when he was upset.  Then it was just bed time and naps.
I went to a cub scout meeting and forgot my phone at home.  I didn't remember that I had the pacifier in my pocket so Bryan went to put Eli down and couldn't find a spare one.  He did the usual routine of reading stories and tucking him in, and left him without one.  And guess what?! Eli didn't even ask for it.  Can you believe that?  He woke up when I came home so I went in and sang a few songs and he fell back asleep. Since then he will occasionally ask for his bink, but we will distract him or just say we're done with it.  He has never shed a tear about it.  Not one.  I am still somewhat in shock.

The only bad thing about getting rid of it is that he won't nap during the day.  The first few days it was because he really struggled to get comfortable without it and settle down.  But now he's out of the habit.  It is actually okay since he has been going to bed soo well.  We brush teeth, say prayers, read stories, gets tucked in and he's out in minutes.

So for those mommies considering getting rid of their kiddo's pacifier, I really don't have any tips since Eli did all the work! But I am so glad to be able to go anywhere and not worrying about forgetting it, and not having it be something Eli can whine about.  I feel free!! 

 

Thanksgiving in our Home!

This was the first holiday in our new home and it was soo fun to host it and cook!  Of course, I hardly took any pictures, but it was a great day.  Bryan's brother Steve and wife Jess came with their kiddos, and my best friend from college came with her hubby.  It was fun and relaxed, and sooo yummy!

I don't have any fall dishes, but I was set on not having paper plates and cups.  It just felt official having real plates and sparkling cider glasses too! :)

Goodness sakes these rolls were AMAZING.  The dough is mixed by hand (a kitchen aid is actually not recommended) and they were soo good.  Not difficult at all.  These will definitely be my new holiday rolls.  

We had:

Turkey

Dressing made from scratch

Rolls

Mashed potatoes and gravy

Green bean casserole

Sweet potatoes

Pistachio Fluff Salad

Cranberry Jelly

and Pies!!

 And I was really excited for a late night leftover turkey sandwich :)

 

It was an awesome day and I felt so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends join us in our new home.  It brings a special spirit to our home to have loved ones share memories with us.  But.... I think I need a break from cooking!