Brusha....Brusha....Brusha...

These three little gadgets represent the beginning of a new phase in our lives. Can we say Orthodontia?  That's right, not only have we entered the Tween stage of parenting but we are now in the Tween with "Awr-Thuh-Don-Shuh" stage. Just when we thought we had finally achieved a consistent simple bed time brushing routine......

However this day has brought back many memories.  Memories that were almost forgotten, but fondly remembered today. Memories shared in the hope to answer questions, minimize worries, ease the soreness a bit, and assure her that meal times will consist of more than just soup and smoothies. The orthodontia road ahead will be long and a bit rough. However, in the end, we know that she will come to realize that it will all be worth it for the sake of her health and her teeth! 

Any parents out there with helpful hints on how their kids handled the ups and downs of braces? 

Now to quote a verse from one of my all time favorite movies. 

"Brusha...Brusha....Brusha...Here's the new IPANA. With a brand new flavor - its dandy for your teeth!" 

 Happy Smiles Everyone, 

~Lisa  

Linking up with Sweet Shot Tuesday and Communal Global this week.

A Bit Nutty

Yum, snack time!

Going a bit nuts over these salty and sweet mixed nuts. My go to snack these days. So simple, so easy and sooooooo good!  Made with homemade maple syrup and celtic sea salt.  What is your go to snack these days? 

Happy Snacking, 

~Lisa 

2 cups of mixed nuts

3 tablespoons of maple syrup 

1-2 tablespoons of olive oil 

1/2 teaspoon of sea salt (or to taste) 

Bake in oven at 350 degrees ~15 minutes. Stir half way through the process. 

You can add other savory spices to kick things up a bit too! 

 

Cancer Sucks

"Though sorrow may impede my heart, it is of great love to have known you." 

 

Another brave and gentle soul gone too soon from this awful disease. 😔

So It Begins.......

   

We could not hold out for much longer as December has finally arrived. The much anticipated (ahem dreaded) arrival of the elf on the shelf is upon us. Yes, the little elf with the questionable smile.  It's as if he knows the mixed emotions that he brings. 24 days of morning excitement with the little people wondering where he will be and what mischief he may have gotten himself into. 24 days of hope that good behavior is reported to Santa and he is allowed to return to continue to observe. 

But look at him. Just look at him! That Mona Lisa smile and glaring eyes. He knows what the next 24 days will really be like. 24 daily bits of stress......a slow daily pinch of torture all for the sake of pulling off the elf on the shelf tradition without a hitch. If only it was that easy. 

 
The annual debate.... "Do we unstitch the hands for the sake of executing a unique posture or placement?"  I have to admit, his hands have been restitched a few times. However with each stitching I almost experience a crude elf voodoo doll form of enjoyment.

The never ending battle with the stiff legs. The legs that will not bend! For an elf who is supposed to sit, he sucks at it! Not only will his legs not bend, but he constantly has to be propped and held up into a sitting position. The frequent checking on him in the evening and during the day to ensure he has stayed in his place before and after he has been found. 

It's as if he has this disproportionate extensor tone that continuously battles against any seated position.  It's almost spiteful. Just like a strong willed toddler, at any given moment stretching himself out into full extension hoping that someone will catch him in his rebellion against staying still.

 And the nightly dilemma of where to put the stinkin' thing. Brainstorming for either a location that he has not already been in or a mischievous pickle that has not been caught doing. This year we have to be more creative and limit his whereabouts for the chance that he may get eaten by the family pet as a midnight snack. A thought that does not necessarily make me shudder. 

The thought of the overall process, staying creative and remembering the nightly placement of the elf often seems daunting and tiring.  I know. ......First world problems. I get it. 

Yes, it is tiring, but being a parent is also tiring. Yet it is something we lovingly do everyday for a much, much longer time span. All for the love of our children and for the love of the cherished memories and traditions that it will bring. Along with the funny stories that will be told when they are grown. 

And so it begins..........another year and another season with the return of the "star" cast member to our home in the countdown to Christmas. The Elf on the Shelf. 

 

How is your countdown going? Enjoy the next 24 days everyone! 

~Lisa

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