Let the Kids
Snapshots: Traditions
Friday, December 30, 2016
When I was growing up during the holidays, my parents and I used to spend our Christmas' in Charleston, South Carolina. It was my parent's hometown and a lot of my dad's family still resided there. All the family would come together. There would be lots of food, crab cracks, gift exchanging, and lots and lots of laughter. There were some years where us kids would put on talent shows for the family. Eventually, we started spending Christmas at home, but there was still the dinners, the laughter, the games...just on a smaller scale. These traditions were what I looked forward to the most during Christmas. Yes, I loved getting presents, but nothing beats having family around.
These are the things I want my kids to look forward to during the holidays. I want them to have memories like I did and continue to have as the years pass. As the years come, I would love to do more and make more memories. Maybe getting around to an Advent calendar too.
These are the things I want my kids to look forward to during the holidays. I want them to have memories like I did and continue to have as the years pass. As the years come, I would love to do more and make more memories. Maybe getting around to an Advent calendar too.
What are some of your favorite family traditions?
Norah's 2nd Birthday Elmo Party
Thursday, November 3, 2016
A couple weekends ago, we celebrated Norah's 2nd birthday. The theme this year was Elmo per her request. Actually she agreed to a lot of her favorite themes, but we knew that Elmo wouldn't disappoint.
I have to say I didn't go too overboard with this party, which after the fact I had a little "mom guilt," but her smile made all of that go away. We invited family and close friends over for some pizza and dessert. I purchased her cake, cupcakes, and cookies from one of my favorite bakeries, that specializes in vegan/gluten free baked goods. If you're thinking how odd they must taste, you're wrong! You can't even tell the difference, which is awesome! Trust me. On another note, since I'm breastfeeding and Gideon has an allergy to dairy, I had to transition to dairy free, which was another reason I purchased vegan goodies.
I couldn't wait for her to see the play kitchen that we found on Craigslist. It was made by Pottery Barn Kids and we paid 80% less for it than what we would pay in the store. Not to mention, they also included play food, a blender, and toaster, which made the purchase an even better buy. All it needed was a good wipe down and it looked practically brand new. The best part was Norah was so excited to play with it. Utilize your local neighbors people..it can save you some money!
We had a Sesame Street mural up for pictures. We barely took any pictures of her in front of it because she just had to play with her kitchen at every single moment...kids! She did kiss each of the characters and said their names near the end of the night, which was really cute. She also loved her play doh, crayons, and markers, which we all dug into once guest started to leave. Overall, the party was a success and we had one happy two year old on our hands. I hope you all have a great day!
We're having a Boy // Gender Reveal
Saturday, April 23, 2016
From the first moment that I found out I was pregnant, I knew we were having a boy. Unlike my pregnancy with Norah, which was practically a walk in the park, I was consistently nauseous, I had aversions to certain foods and drinks (especially coffee...sad face), early onset pain, and consistent headaches. I believe us mothers are so in tune to our bodies that even we can predict the gender before an ultrasound picture tells us.
When I scheduled the appointment for my 2nd trimester screening, I wasn't thinking when I scheduled it mid afternoon on a TUESDAY! There was no way that if we planned another gender reveal party that I was going to wait until the weekend to find out what we were having and I didn't just want to find out at the appointment without some family or Norah around. Thinking fast, after the appointment, we decided to go to Carter's, pick two outfits (one boy and one girl), hand the cashier the envelope with the picture of the gender, and as we walked away, she packaged the outfit and we checked out once she was done.
Once we arrived to my parent's house, we had Norah open the box to reveal what Baby Caruso #2 was going to be. I'm having the hardest time uploading the video. One day I'll figure it out to share.
My husband, who was team blue prior to Norah, was now team pink and loved the thought of having another girl, so he was a little disappointed, at first, but can't wait to raise a little boy.
As for myself, I'm just taking in all the blessings God has bestowed upon our family. To be a mother of soon to be two children is better than all the gifts in the world. My heart is so full right now and I cannot wait to see the bond between Norah and her brother, as they grow up together. On the other hand, I'm definitely going to be doubling up on prayers and coffee during this season of motherhood. This will definitely be uncharted territory for me, so I'm taking in any advice you can give.
The second best part....SHOPPING!! I didn't have an excuse before to spend money, but our little boy needs some clothes and I saw that Carter's, Gap, and Old Navy all have awesome deals right now...Come to think of it, Norah needs summer clothes too!
Guilty, but not guilty!
Guilty, but not guilty!
Shaping Little World Changers
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
"Rise and shine and give God your glory, glory."
"Rise and shine and give God your glory, glory."
"Rise and shine and (clap) give God your glory, glory."
"Children of the Lord!"
Every morning when I'm able to get Norah up, we sing this verse from this song. When I would point up to God, Norah would look at the fan and say, "whas dat?" *as I would side eye roll* I would explain that that's a fan, but that mommy is pointing to God. Days would go by, we would sing, and she would still ask about the fan. Well today folks, she pointed to the sky (not the fan...phew), swayed back and forth, and we worshipped together to this little children's hymn.
God has a perfect timing for everything and even when we think our kids aren't paying attention, they're always watching. Every word we speak, how we treat others, what we hold value to...just everything. This is just one daily routine that I do with Norah. I believe that if we want to create future world changers for God, we have to equip them and make God a priority everyday. Pray over everything, read your bible as a family, go to church weekly, be a faithful tithe-r, and serve in your community.
Now us Caruso's are still a work in progress and there are some areas, in which, we need to improve. By doing all these things with Norah, I see our family growing and learning everyday.
What are some of your Christ building routines you have created with your kids?
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