Christmas
Christmas Shopping
I believe that Christmas shopping should be an Olympic sport. It should be something you train for all year long, not only physically but mentally. Their should be computer programs that test us on how fast we can find bargains online and buy them before they are sold out. Skill tests that see how long we can handle tortuous freezing temperatures in lines all night long. It is not for the faint of heart.That is one things that is for sure.
I should have realized this when I took my three kids and my husband with me to do some major shopping on Friday night. I was feeling WAY behind and needed to get things done pronto. We decided we would shop at Target and Costco. The two best stores in the nation in my humble opinion.
Costco went great. the samples really distract my kids. If they are starting to whine there is nothing like a tiny spoonful of yogurt or one of those health smoothies they are always demonstrating with 50 different veggies and fruits to keep them happy. I found a lot of great stuff their and the most hilarious/awesome gift for my brothers and their wife’s. Alas I cannot share this awesomeness they might read this. I will after Christmas I promise.
Next up was Target I could tell we might have some tantrums ahead. We had not eaten dinner yet but did not think we would be that long in target. How I could think that was a mystery to me.
The Umpire and I were a perfect team. Shuffling the kids from one parent to the other while secretly buying them last minute gifts. We were like spies on a secret mission very Mr. and Mrs. smith without all the violence and plump Angelina Jolie Lips.
By the end Shout was crying that she could not take another step and all three were tired and grumpy. Nothing that going home and getting Mexican takeout on the way couldn’t cure.
So I did it. I conquered my Christmas shopping marathon. Only a few more odds and ends to get then on to the wrapping. Which should also be an Olympic sport as well. Let’s hope I survive in one piece.
*picture from Wikipedia
Christmas Printable Paper Dolls
My Girls have been loving the Advent quilt I put up this year, and can’t wait till morning every day so can they can grab something out of the pockets.
For the eighth day of December the prize was Christmas Printable Paper Dolls from Python Printable Games. I had them peeking out of the pocket of the advent quilt like so.
My girls were thrilled! These paper dolls are adorable. the clothes are classic styles from the 20′s and 50′s and have the funnest accessories to dress up your Doll from Santa to an Ice Skating outfit.
What is also great about these Paper Dolls is it prints out an extra copy of the paper Dolls and clothes in black and white so your daughter can choose the colors of the outfits. I also bought my girls a cheap pack of colored pencils to go with these. Here is Shriek Coloring away.
I used thicker paper to print these which made the Dolls a lot easier to Cut and play with. This does take a lot of cutting! ( I did this while watching plenty of late night T.V) but is worth it in the end. My daughter’s said these were their favorite advent prize yet.
You can download these paper dolls here for $6.95 and print them right out. the nice things is you can print it as many times as you want. it would make a fun gift for your kid’s friends.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.
The North Pole Express
This past Friday night my family and I did something really fun and exciting. It was a nice way to start out the holiday season.
We were invited to ride the North Pole Express at the Heber Valley Railroad. This is something I had never done. We got the Screamettes bundled in there pajama’s and drove to Heber.
These Trains are amazing at over a hundred years old. They are really neat looking, and full of so much history
Once on the train that was decorated very festive and cozy My girls were immediately glued to the snowy wounderland out the window.
The train ride was a blast. We sang Christmas Songs and ate cookies delivered by Mrs. Clause and drank Hot chocolate.
Squeal even enjoyed the ride and cuddling with her sisters. I love it when they are not fighting!
A Trip on the North Pole Express would not be complete with out a visit from Santa himself.
Shriek gets pretty shy but they loved telling Santa what they wanted for Christmas and this happens every year but they always tell Santa something they have not even told me that they want and it always makes me reevaluate what I am getting them at the last minute!
We really enjoyed our train ride. The scenery was gorgeous and this was something really fun to do for the Holidays. We went on the earlier train which took off at five. it was not yet all the way dark. Which was nice because we could enjoy the view for a lot of the train ride.
If you are planning to or would like to attend the North Pole Express. The Heber Valley Railroad is Offering a Five dollar Discount off Coach Tickets December 7th, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16th. Call the train directly at (435)654-5601 Ask for the Utah blogger discount and Mention Living The Scream.
* My family and I were given free passes to ride the North pole Express. All opinions are my own.
I am also over at Mormon Mommy Blogs today if you want to check it out.
Advent Calendar
I have a confession to make. Are you ready for this? I do not do stockings for my family for Christmas. There I said it. We don’t even have a fireplace, and if it makes you feel any better my mother in law does stockings for my girls every year. So they don’t miss out on all the wondrous stocking moments on Christmas day.
Because I still wanted to do something fun and festive I decided I would do an Advent Calender for the Screamettes this year. A few years ago my Mother in Law (yeah, she’s awesome) gave us a beautiful Christmas quilt with pockets for each day in December.
I love how it looks against our green brick wall. I thought one day each week here I would share some of the fun little things I am putting in the pockets for the girls to get every day. The items I will talk about today were all purchased at one of my favorite place to get holiday things. The Christmas Boutique held inside the Festival of Trees. I was able to go with my mom on Tuesday and had a blast. It is for such an amazing cause all of the proceeds go to the Primary Children’s Medical Center. Here are the things the girls will be getting from the advent calendar for the next few days
I am so excited to see how much fun they have with the cute sock puppets!
There were so many amazing trees! Here is a picture of the fun tree my Mom bought. She has nine grandchildren eight years and under and they are all going to go nuts when they see this at her house.
It is so cute up close as well and don’t you just love the awesome shot I got of my Mom’s arm taking a picture with her phone. I have amazing photographic timing don’t ya think?
I love this time of year and all the neat things that are going on. There is no better time of year.
