The Green Eyed Momma

I wish nothing but success, good health, and joy; for all of our family, friends, and blogging buddies! Now that 2012 has come and gone, it is a time to look forward to 2013 and the "bigger picture." May each of you have a great impact and richly memorable connection with all those you meet this year!   Is anybody happier because you passed their way? Does anyone remember that you spoke to them today? The day is almost over, and its toiling time is through, Is there anyone that will utter a kind word about you? Can you say tonight in parting, with the day that’s slipping fast, that you helped a single person of the many that you passed? Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said? Does the one whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead? Did you win the day or lose it? Was it well or sorely spent? Did you leave a trail of kindness, or a scar of discontent? As you close your eyes in slumber, do you think that God will say, “you have earned one more ...

The tree is down, and honestly, taking it down bummed me out. Okay, maybe bummed out isn't the right word... nostalgic or just shocked that Christmas has come and gone is a better way to say it? I am amazed that I have the same feeling taking down each ornament, as when I place them on the tree. Each one has a memory and reminds me how much the kids have grown. Mikey and Ryan's first Christmas, or even my husband's first Christmas ornament makes me smile. There are ornaments that I hand crafted with my mother, when I was a teenager and I cannot help but think of the time we spent together. There are military ornaments to honor loved ones, ornaments that remind us of vacations or museums, and then there are ornaments that hold the memory of Mike's sister, Melinda. (Her memorial ornament sits at the top of the tree, right under the angel tree topper.) Yet, as I took the time to lovingly pack each of these ornaments away, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace ...

My apologies, if you are a loyal reader and are looking to see what I have posted today. We have all been sick, and I needed to take a little break. My five year old has had a double ear infection and a wicked cough.  The three year old has a super runny nose, and has temperatures that have been pretty scary. I have had what started out with flu like symptoms  and turned into a  horrible chest cold. I have coughed so much, I felt like I bruised my ribs. Add in a loss of my voice, and then a froggy whiny voice...I am really disliking the way I sound. So, with all of this in mind, look for a new post on Monday, and I will hope that all of us have recovered and healed by then. There comes a time when we need to refresh  and rest and I just needed to take a few days. I hope you understand, and will look for new posts early next week!

Thanks to Liz, of a Nut in a Nutshell  this amazing box of goodies arrived on my doorstep from OREO! Inside the main snowman container, I found two packages of Winter OREO's, a recipe book filled with inspiration, stacking holiday bowls from Crate & Barrel, holiday icing colors, candy cane sprinkles, star cookie cutter, chocolate dipping tool, snowman place mat, and gift tags from Paper Source.  Did I mention the recipe book? I selected the OREO Cookie Balls, they were so easy to make before our guests arrived on Christmas Eve. OREO COOKIE BALLS Prep Time: 30 min. Total Time: 1 hr. 40 min. (including refrigeration) Makes: 48 servings Ingredients: 1 pkg (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened (I used strawberry) 36 OREO Cookies, finely crushed (about 3 cups) 16 oz. Semi-sweet Chocolate, melted Instructions: MIX cream cheese and cookie crumbs until blended. SHAPE into 48 (1-inch) balls. Freeze 10 minutes. Dip balls in me...

Zebra print bracelets…Floral throw pillows…Decorative party banners…Patterned bow ties. Yep, there’s a lot you can make with a roll of colored or patterned duct tape.  Introducing “Dazzling Duct Tape Designs,” a new craft book that shows you how to turn decorative duct tape into adorable fashion accessories, cute home décor, funky party decorations and so much more.   The step-by-step instructions and color photos make it incredibly easy to create purses, sandals, and wall art using duct tape that matches your personal style—gold, florescent pink, floral, black…you name it!   With a little duct tape and creativity, the possibilities are endless. Now that the hustle and bustle is over, are you ready to craft your way into the New Year? Are you finding some time for yourself and want to try something new? Dazzling Duct Tape Designs , will show you how you can create new and exciting projects, never seen before! Did you know you can make your own accessories and trendy...

We were woken up by Ryan at 5:30 a.m., and it was a challenge to talk him into going back to bed as he was so excited about Santa's arrival! The kids were very animated this year, and were soon swallowed by a sea of wrapping paper as they opened their gifts. I loved their reactions to opening Legos, and Madagascar 3...which lead to a singing of "Afro Circus!"  Mother Nature surprised us with snow, and it was beautiful! The snow flakes were huge, and then steady enough to give us a White Christmas! The kids were very excited and kept saying it was magical and a gift from Santa! Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals were spent with friends and our close neighbors! We had a very "Merry Crabby Christmas," when we feasted on Maryland Blue crabs on Christmas Eve. It was a rare treat to not drive all over town, and have multiple stops...but to enjoy, slow down, and celebrate with the friends we have made here in Maryland! I hope you had a very Merry Christmas ...

On their last night in our home, Buddy and Max wanted to make sure that the kids had everything they would need to get ready for Santa. They placed reindeer food, glass jars, a cookie plate, and instructions in a box and wrapped it just for fun! They kids were so excited they wanted to watch Disney's Prep and Landing, as they felt they were now part of the crew! I laughed so hard when they kids wanted to set out milk, Oreos, and chocolate chip cookies! Not just one kind of cookie, but two? Were these kids making sure that they were on the Nice List? They also stepped outside to sprinkle the reindeer food on to the lawn, and make sure that they picked they best spot with lots of room for 8 reindeer to stop and eat while Santa stopped at our house. They also found new pajamas at bed time, thanks to pajama elf! Nothing like new Spider Man pajamas, to help you drift off to sleep, with all the excitement of waiting for the Jolly Red Elf! How did you get ready for Santa? Do ...

Polar Express fan? Does the BELL still ring for you? Do you believe in Santa? Buddy and Max wanted to remind everyone in the house that Santa will be here very soon, and brought The Polar Express book, movie, and real bell so that the kids would know that if they believe, their Christmas will be everything they could ever hope for! Merry Christmas Eve Eve to everyone of you!  Thank you for reading and joining Buddy and Max on their adventures this year!

Buddy and Max wanted to keep things simple, with Mikey still under the weather. Wood art kits made for easy and low key entertainment, when he woke up this morning, and felt okay enough to use the included markers! Thanks Buddy and Max, for understanding that he didn't feel well!

Take two candy canes, and call me in the morning!  My oldest son started showing signs of not feeling well, when he came home from school yesterday. He then spiked a fever, and spent the night very ill. Buddy also said he didn't fell well, so Max did what any elf would do. With a little TLC, and two candy canes...crossed his fingers that, Buddy might feel better soon. Do you think elves get sick days at the North Pole? Does hot coco and two candy canes, make an elf feel better in the morning?

Mike had his first Winter (Christmas) Party at school. It was awesome...if you are 5! The room moms helped the kids make the cutest finger print "light bulb," shirts and they turned out better than I even pictured in my mind! There was a feast of grapes, popcorn, cookies, and cupcakes...more than enough sugar to make any kid overjoyed. They then played a relay race to see who could decorate a tree the fastest! The party ended with two boxes each wrapped in 10 sheets of paper so that each child was able to unwrap a layer of paper. Inside the kids found goody bags filled with candy and a new pencil. 

Happy Holidays! We are talking about holding it all together during Christmas and exhaustion! Are you tired Mom? How much are you doing once your little one is in bed? Gift wrap, running to and from holiday events, Elfin' Around, and shopping all take time, and it is the time of year that can leave you frazzled! Lets wear an ugly sweater, find a reason to laugh, and support on another as we count down to Christmas! Join in on the fun, and tell us how you are holding it together! Next week we are talking about the best part of your Christmas this year? Was there a great gift under the tree? What was the best part of your holiday meal? Big family announcement or really good news? Tell us all about your 2012 Christmas! Join in on the fun, and comment below!  Happy Holidays to each of you! See you next Thursday!

On Driving School, on Blue Thunder, on King Krunch, on Backdraft, on Monster Mutt, on Donkey Kong, on Jurassic Attack, on Superman, and Grave Digger...  Santa needs you to be ready in the event the reindeer can't pull the sleigh! Grave Digger donned a red nose and antlers just for Christmas, and really would love to jump and crush his way through the Holidays! Max and Buddy knew the boys would love to see their Monster Trucks prepped as part of the delivery crew, if needed! Do you kids love Monster Trucks? My boys would love nothing more than to go for a ride in a real Monster Truck, and crush a few cars! (Of course it would all depend on if they could handle the sounds of the loud engines!) 

One of the staples of an Elf's diet is candy, its what makes them so sweet! Waiting for my boys to offer them some of the ginger bread houses that they made at school, was testing their will power! Max just couldn't take it any more, and taste tested the roof of one of the houses. It can be fixed, right? If your family makes a ginger bread house, what do you do with it? Does it last till Christmas? Do you let your kids eat the candy off of it? Does it end up in the garbage or do you let the kids try to eat it once it is all dried out?

We're turning things upside-down - literally! We all loved playing with track sets when we were kids, but for our CHUCK THE DUMP TRUCK vehicle, we really  wanted to amp it up! A spiral track, a moving elevator and a diagnostic garage combine to give your child a super track adventure. Did you catch that? These trucks and tracks go upside down! My three year old, stood there with open mouth and complete wonder when he saw the Tonka Chuck & Friends Twist Trax Tornado Tower Playset   in action! Never seeing a dump truck upside down on a track before, he was completely speechless!  Your little one will love the Tornado Tower with Chuck the Dump Truck , as you can have a quick tune up at the garage,   rise to the top on the elevator, and go for one wild ride on the Twist Trax, that ends with a big jump! The Tornado Tower has sounds and actions that will delight any car enthusiast, with 30+ sounds and phrases! ...

Buddy & Max are on a bowling team at the North Pole, and thought a little practice was needed before they get rusty! Max has bowled a perfect game, but is still waiting on his ring from the Elf Bowling Association! What do you think their bowling team name is? (Naughty vs Nice? Candy Cane Anonymous? Tinsel Happens?) Does your family go bowling? Are you good at it? How do your kids react when they get a strike? (Mikey does a little happy dance!) Are your elves in the elf bowling league? What would their team name be?

Buddy and Max are very curious little elves, often seeking snacks and treats. They saw a red jar, on the counter that looked like a cookie jar! Needless to say, they quickly found out that dog treats taste yucky; unless you are a dog, and love bacon and liver flavored treats!  Elf Lesson #231: Dog treats taste nothing like cookies! Okay, fess up...when you were a child did you try dog treats or cat food? What was the strangest food you tried, because of curiosity?

Welcome everyone to our new tradition here at Crazy & Cool with a side of Crafty and The Green Eyed Momma . We are super excited to be sharing with you our Elfin' Around tradition with you and to be hosting the linky. Each week we will be posting on Sunday a linky for you to share your Elf and his adventures while he watches over your kids during the holiday season. Last Weeks Picks Check out Life Experience Needed’s Elfin Around post Now on with the Party!! <img src="http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p219/CassWasem/CCC%20Blog/ElfinAround150.jpg" alt="Crazy & Cool with a side of Crafty" width="125" height="125" /> Linky Details We would  love for you to follow the hosts via blog subscription, twitter, and Facebook (we will return all follows) You can link up to 3 Elfin' around posts (all others will be deleted) Make sure the links are to your Elf posts not your blog’s landing page...

Buddy and Max made Snowman Soup, found the marshmallows, extra hot chocolate, found two hot coco mugs, and a book that explains it all! We should have two very happy kiddos, as they love hot coco! The poem: How do you like your hot chocolate? Add whip cream, cinnamon, or lots of marshmallows? Have you made it from scratch or do you only use a premade mix?

What is a Farm Chick? A Farm Chick is a girl who sees the world through rose-colored glasses.    She loves her family. She laughs a lot.   She's farm girl meets Fifth Avenue and with a little style, she'll change the world.  From homey decorations to irresistible homemade treats, THE FARM CHICK CHRISTMAS will help you usher in this festive season with style. The Farm Chick Christmas book is filled with vibrant photos and details, of Christmas cheer! I love that the book reminded me of my own days of youth and memories of cutting down a live Christmas tree at a local tree farm. It is amazing how a splash of color, sparkle, of touch of whimsy can decorate every inch of your property! Have you considered decorating a green house or detached garage? I haven't  but with simple outdoor decorations it is possible and absolutely easy!  The Farm Chick Christmas, has tips and hints on how to use up-cycled  vin...

I spy Christmas Elves, up playing all hours of the night! Buddy and Max found the I Spy Set, and played with the boys puzzles and matching games. Max is really good at puzzles, but Buddy seems to always win the matching game. They also left a note asking the kids to find things on the tree, for a live version of I Spy.  Do your kids love I Spy, either in the car or the books? My boys love I Spy, and could read and look through the books everyday! Have you checked out @CrazyCoolCrafty to see what her elves are up to? Look for week four of Elfin' Around, and link up on Sunday! Share your pictures and elf stories! We love to share and inspire our fellow elf moms, as we all seem to run out of ideas when we are busy and exhausted after the kids go to bed! Link up, and save the sanity of your fellow elf Mommas!