December, 2008

Good-bye 2008


Oh 2008, I'm sad to see you go.

January brought the beginning of preschool plus potty training with wet circles on my floor
February was filled with snowboots and winterwear that I wished to see no more
March was the month of the crock-pot and the fish went to heaven
April taught me that 2 years old is the new eleven
In May the baby turned 6 months and my blender & I became very tight
June was for sleep training and for baby demonstrating his might
July was about Lake Huron, sand, laughter, exploring & pushing the limits every which way
Busy August brought freshness: 4 new momstowns & a new cousin birthday!
Thank goodness for September with back to routine, new preschool & ballet lessons - oh my!
October was the month for baby to walk and to learn that peanuts are not our ally
November our baby turned, oh my gosh, ONE!
Darling December, full of surprises & singing, Santa with his reindeer, bright eyes and so much fun!
I hope 2009 is a full of joy and excitement for all.
Happy New Year momstown and all!
Posted by momstown mama on 12/31/2008 - 12:19
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A little baking anyone?

Tis the season to stock your cupboards with all the essentials for Christmas baking, pull out your apron and crank the holiday tunes. It's Christmas baking time!

My 3 year old loves to bake. I mean loves it - begs to stir, crack the egg & watches impatiently at the oven window for the goodies to be ready. So in our household I consider baking a functional and sensory craft - instead of another gluing craft, she chooses to bake. I adore the Robin Hood ad campaign with the kiddie cartoons that emphasize that baking is about memories because I totally agree that baking together is a great way to spend one-on-one time with your child, builds their self-esteem by creating something that we can all enjoy and also introduces them a bit into the grown-up world. It is messy but I long ago realised that most good learning experiences seem to be...

Usually we bake muffins but with Christmas coming we're moving onto holiday cookies. So far we've made shortbread, sugar cookies and then I cheated this week when I saw pre-made gingerbread dough in the refrigerated aisle so that saved me an extra step (and surprisingly tasted homemade). Lauren is having a blast making "cookies for Santa" and has become very adept with the rolling pin and loves her special Dora apron from Grandma. I have lovely memories making Christmas cookies with my mom so I'm pleased to begin to share these memories with my daughter.

Our momstown gals have been busy baking too. momstown communities are each holding Christmas cookie exchanges which are a great way to share the work load of the season - we each make a giant batch and bring 6 dozen of one kind and then swap. It feels very June Cleaver but it's actually a fantastic way to do the holiday in a modern way. Really - what modern mom today has the time to bake a variety of treats (and ones that look good enough for a festive tray and haven't been covered in sprinkles by a toddler?)
Enjoy all those cookies but don't forget to save a few for Santa... ;)
Posted by momstown mama on 12/03/2008 - 19:49
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