It’s happened. The bug has bitten. The nesting bug. That’s a very good thing because it gives me more motivation to get things done – like clean the bathrooms. It’s also a very bad thing because plenty of things that you used to look past now appear bothersome. And not bothersome on an “oh, how annoying” level. Bothersome on an “It’s the end of the world!!!!!” level. Apparently the drama queen bug has bitten as well.

Seriously, though. When you live with a toddler things can get very sticky. Literally.

That candy cane? Well, first she opened the box in the store while grocery shopping. And proceeded to tell me how “Kenzie don’t like candy cane”. Which was true. She groaned the one time she tried one. I now realize it was all part of her devious plan to reach in and grab one for herself to enjoy on the car ride home. And inevitably leave her a sticky mess, with me on the verge of a heart attack from the possible mess. I won’t deny my over-reacting to the possibility of sticky hands touching things which I just. had. to. clean. yesterday. or. I. would. DIE!

That’s when I knew the nesting bug had bitten me badly. I guess other indicators were when I wanted to flip out on the check-out lady for not bagging my chicken separately.

Or when I had to grit my teeth because the playroom was “such a mess”! Quoting from my neurotic head there.

Seriously? That isn’t half bad compared to the norm. Plus, I know there’s no point trying to keep a toddler’s playroom in order!

I even cleaned out the junk drawer. What is that about? It’s called a junk drawer for a reason!

It doesn’t end there, though. Oh no. I even nested for the blog. How? I picked up quite a few spreads for prettier food pictures, like my lunch.

Because when taking photos for my Chobani post I suddenly became aware of a dire need for prettier backdrops for my photos. Yes, a dire need, despite the fact I don’t even do much food blogging to begin with. 

Here’s to hoping this is the start of the end of this pregnancy. And also, here’s to hoping my car will stay so nice and tidy.

Oh, yes. I went there too. Or, more correctly, Peter did with my frantic pleas to clean out my car. I wish I was kidding. I told you the bug had bitten.

Question of the night – Are you a neat freak? What types of things bother you when out of order? Normally, its just the kitchen I like orderly. Lately? Everything!

PS – I am completely bummed that BlogHer Food conference is coming to Atlanta in 2011…the SAME weekend as FitBloggin which I am already registered for. A conference finally comes to Atlanta and I can’t go. Not cool. Not cool.

Catching up from the weekend? Here are some things you may have missed…

• an updated belly picture
• super cute M’s first visit to Santa
• a fabulous day including cooking, Christmas lights, and finding out I’m in January’s issue of Fitness magazine!

Without a doubt this year has been the best Christmas. I think viewing the excitement of the season through a child’s eyes adds a whole new level to my holiday spirit. I have loved every moment of attending little events like we did this weekend.

Yesterday, at church, our pastor discussed how sometimes we may resent the holiday season for various reasons (resentment, guilt, grief, stress, awkwardness, anger, etc). I know I have felt resentment, stress, and anger with the holidays. That was when Christmas was all about needing things to appear perfect with gifts, family, how I felt about myself, etc. I would always end up distressed because in reality things were not perfect. Now, I focus on enjoying things with family and friends, as well as thanking God for what the season truly brings. The other stuff? It falls into place. Plus, nights like we had last night are way more special when you aren’t tabulating gift lists in your head.

We visited Stone Mountain Park for their Christmas celebration.

It’s the one we drove out to last weekend only to find it cancelled because of our “wintery weather”? Well, last night made up for that annoyance. It was certainly worth it and I foresee it becoming another annual tradition with our family.

Upon arriving, we had a little bit of time to kill before the main events like a parade & Santa. What to do? Venture around a glass-blowing shop. I love these glass-blowing places. They seriously look like little pieces of art.

We also stopped at a gingerbread house to hear some tales from Mrs. Claus.

M was not amused. Mrs. Claus was pretty boring. Makenzie kept asking “Parade? Parade? Santa? Parade?” So that’s where we headed. To stake out our spot. At the perfect time too. We picked a spot right down in front for the parade.

And after the parade finished, we were able to turn around and hop right in line for a very good spot to wait to see Santa. Once again, Makenzie oohed and awed over the old dude.

Then, it was time to eat! A pretty pitiful sandwich and kettle cooked chips…which I thought I had taken a picture, but I guess not. Oh well. It was not pretty food.

Following dinner, we finished up the night with a few shows.

A kiddie musical…

…the Polar Express 4-D experience…

…and a sing-along ride on the train, that stopped for a special message about Baby Jesus being the best gift of all. So glad they included that!!!

It was pretty funny because after the show, we were ready to head out and decided to skip the special “Snow Angel Appearance & Fireworks” part of the night. Until we walked right into it. There was a huge crowd we had to push through. I played the pregnancy card – grabbed my belly, made a face, and scrambled through the quickly parting crowds who didn’t want a woman’s water breaking on them. 😉 And amidst all of that we still got to see the “Snow Angel” fly right over our heads and catch the fireworks on our way out to the car.

That’s how it’s done! I would feel bad, but missing a ton of traffic and getting home to my warm bed kind of trumped that.

• Question of the day – Do you ever NOT enjoy this time of year? Why?