creating routine and other things

It's been a rough week in the Hwang household. Aside from the saddening news from CT, we have also all been tired and grumpy all week. Why? Because little Owen decided last Tuesday to give up his bed-time routine - the 10 minute nurse-and-put-in-crib routine that he's been on for at least the last 6 months. Without any warning last week, he seemed all of a sudden to be aware that we were all outside his room having fun (or at least not sleeping), and he voiced his displeasure at this state of affairs loud and clear. Caught off guard, Jason and I fumbled with what to do for a few nights, and it ended up in less sleep for everyone...and a very grumpy Hwang clan this weekend (though actually, Owen seemed fine and happy). The goal this week is to reestablish some sort of bedtime routine/order, though I have a feeling it may not be as easy as the 10-minute one we had going. I always forget how important and grounding routine and order is until we step out of it...I guess that's how the kids always keep us on our toes. Last night, we managed to get both boys to bed by 8pm, and I got to do some crafting and making at night. It felt so good. This year, I'm trying to make more and buy less for Christmas. The biggest purchase we've made for Christmas is the Advent wreath, which we got in leiu of a Chistmas tree this year. I do still want to have a festive feel in the home - a general setting that reminds us it is Christmas season, a special time of year. To that end, here are a few things I've been trying... The image at the top is a simple, decorative touch - a glass jar, some leaves from a bush in our front yard, some cranberries, all immersed in water with a tealight candle on top. I love having candles burning during this season, and this was a simple thing to do at very low cost.

This is a homemade "Christmas tree" of sorts. The husband was quick to remind me that it does not in fact look like a tree. Yes, it is, I suppose, more symbolic. It is also not totally how I'd like it to be, but I do like the natural feel of the sticks (collected at a park), along with the lights and yarn balls (which we already had in the home) in the center to give it just a bit of volume. If I have time, I may try to rework it so it is more full on the inside...but otherwise, this is our rendition of a Christmas tree this year!

Friendship soup. This year, I am trying to get Collin into the role of gift-giving, since he is already pretty good at gift-receiving (which I hope he thoroughly enjoys as well). :) I found this fun idea online, and it worked great as a gift that a three-year old can help make as a way of participating in the gift giving process. This week we remember JOY as we light our third Advent candle - here's to hoping for a smoother bed-time, more energy to enjoy each other, and being mindful of the precious gift of family and children this week.