Thank you all so much for your supportive comments in regards to my announcement last night. I know it will be a mental struggle, but with your support things will be so much better! Thank you!

Yesterday was filled with fun activities for Makenzie. Which inevitably means fun for me. I don’t think anything sweeter exists than the pure excitement of a child. Except maybe her cute little “Good Morning Mommy” I hear in the most innocent of voices every morning. Although, that’s really only purely sweet after 7 am.

As I was saying, yesterday we had a busy and fun day. It all started with a mom’s group activity – taking a tour of the Publix grocery store. Since the tour was geared towards young children, it was not some super informative and behind the scenes tour. It was cute as all get out, though.

We looked at cakes, watched how they slice fresh baked bread, and all the kiddies ate their free cookie.

We checked out the deli section and heard about food safety…and the importance of hair nets. Then, followed that up with a tour around the produce section. Such a pretty produce section. I know you all understand.

In the meat/seafood section the children got quite the surprise. The chance to see and touch a real, live lobster. Oooohhhhhh.

The tour quickly ended after that. Only heading to our next stop (play time) would have a chance to hold their attention like that lobster.

After our play time, I tried to relax a good bit during M’s nap because I knew we had a fun night ahead of us. Every year, the children’s program at our church hosts an event called “Meet Us at the Manger”. It’s a night including a meal together, crafts, live nativity scene (with petting animals), games, and more.

The night started with a basic pasta, salad, and roll dinner. Meh.

The fun of the evening made up for any lackluster dinner. We hit up the nativity scene first for some animals and to see baby Jesus, who had disappeared from the scene apparently.

We then made crafts – a thumbprint Christmas tress tile – and decorated cupcakes. A cookie and a cupcake? M’s lucky day!

I went for the hot chocolate. I have been craving it after seeing some on Jess’ blog.

Shortly after all of that we decided to head on home. My body was wearing down fast and most of the other activities suited older kids anyways. We still had fun watching little M enjoy herself so much. Time for yet another busy day ahead of me. I hope you have a good one too. 🙂

• What child-like activities do you really enjoy? I adore Disneyworld and theme parks in general. I’m like an excited little kid any time I go.
• What is your favorite holiday drink? Hot chocolate for me!

You know what I realized? I don’t have to pick one or two posts per day. Sometimes I have more to say and writing two posts comes easier to me, and actually takes less time, than trying to organize it all in one post. Other times I don’t have an extra topic to write about and I shouldn’t force myself to find something to fit a two post/day schedule. In other words, I’m throwing out posting schedules and just going with the blogging flow.

You know what I realized? A lot of stuff can fit inside shoe boxes.

We had our last small group session for this round on Wednesday night. Instead of the regular discussion of the sermon, we decided to use our time towards a service project. We all contributed items such as t-shirts, socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toys, hard candies, etc to pack into shoe boxes for children in need across the world. Hopefully these gifts will brighten their holiday season! It brightened my night to consider how we may help a few young children.

You know what I realized? Makenzie has a fear of tee-pees.

We went to a nature preserve trail with our friends from the mom’s group yesterday morning. My little M was a bit uncertain about that tee-pee and did not want to go inside with the rest of us. She didn’t mind other parts of the excursion though – like playing with the stone monkeys and seeing her beloved again.

You know what I realized? I'm ready for baby B to come but not ready enough to feel pains like last night that felt like real contractions. They thankfully went away after an hour and I'm not 100% certain they were more than Braxton Hicks, but they hurt BAD and in the "right place". No no no no no.

You know what I realized? Organizing takes a LOT longer than expected.

I’ve spent a few hours already going through this mass of baby stuff. I think I made a dent of maybe 10%. I have a long month ahead of me. I am determined to finish it all before Christmas.

You know what I realized? I have a giveaway coming up for you all later today! Stay tuned. 😀

• What is something you recently realized?
• What is a service project you have enjoyed participating in before?