How Many Gifts To Give....

Happy Wednesday Ladies!

 

Hope you are all having a great week!  I cannot even believe Christmas is next week!  I just started my holiday shopping like a week ago, and I still have a few things I need to get before I am done!  Definitely kicking myself a bit for waiting so long this year!

 

I don't know about you guys, but every single year I stress about "do I have enough under the tree".  I tend to overbuy...I love seeing a ton of presents under the tree..it just makes me happy.  Often I have found myself buying things they weren't even asking for just to have "more" under the tree.  A light bulb went off when Brooke and Harrison were younger...they had so many gifts to open Christmas morning, they were overwhelmed..they were tearing the wrapping back just enough to see what it was, tossing it to the side, and moving on to the next.  It was at that moment I realized I was doing way too much...they didn't even appreciate what they were getting!  I stopped buying them random things, but I found myself most times buying them every item on their list, because I didn't want them to be disappointed!  Like I said...I tend to go overboard. 

 

As my kiddos have gotten older their lists aren't as long anymore, however the price tag is ENORMOUS!  Long gone are the days of $20 items...hello $200 earbuds!  I have always had all the gifts under the tree from Santa, we never gave our kids gifts, I never even gave it a second thought.  Then this year I read something on social media saying to be mindful of what we mark from Santa, so when kids go back to school no child's feelings are hurt when one child is telling about all the awesome, expensive toys they got, while another child maybe only got a winter coat and a few small items they "needed" not wanted.  I never thought about that...however a few days later I could relate...but in a different way.  Olivia was talking to Buddy (our elf) saying how she had to have a new kitchen and all the accessories for her American Girl doll, and she really needed Santa to bring it because, in her exact words "Buddy no way are my parents spending like $250 on this stuff" ...well she was right about that...it wasn't happening!  I told Olivia I wasn't sure if Santa would be able to bring that to her, and she said "yes he can Mommy, he makes everything, he doesn't have to pay for it"....oh girl yes he does!!!  At that moment it hit me...I should have, years ago, just made a few gifts each year from Santa and the rest from Mommy & Daddy! 

 

The older kids get it, they know we are buying the gifts (AJ is still questionable...he is 12) so they ask for bigger ticket items of course, but within reason.  It is hard when they still believe in Santa and think they can have 425 gifts!  Mark and I talked about it, so we sat down with the kids and told them that we spoke with Santa (because duh all parents have his number) and since they are so many children all over the world this year that need gifts, he will only be able to bring them 3 gifts, and he asked if the moms and dads would help out and buy a few gifts too.  Olivia was a bit tiffed about this at first, but we explained to her how the wisemen brought baby Jesus 3 gifts, and she seemed fine with it....parent win! 

 

I was really happy with the decision we made to cut back a bit this year, my kids have so much, they are so fortunate...and I really want them to understand that as wonderful as it is to wake up Christmas morning with a thousand gifts, the true, real meaning of Christmas is just so much more. 

 

This year, I decided on a budget...and stuck to it...that has NEVER happened.  For years I was always so worried making sure each kid had the same number of packages to open...it just added so much stress to the holiday.  I will admit, at times I get a bit sad to think there will not be as much "stuff" under the tree this year, but I quickly get over it.  I realize going into debt for Christmas gifts is just plain stupid, and I know the kids are really going to love what they are getting...it may be less under the tree, but they are getting what they have asked for!  Quality over quantity...I'm so glad that is happening over here!

 

This past year has been full of ups and downs for me, our family has gone through a lot this year, and a lot of change has happened for all of us.  Some days were really hard, but I have learned so much this year, and I am truly understanding what it is to just be content with what I have.  I've learned that people are going to like me, or not like me for that matter, for who I am, NOT what I have.  And this is something I am really instilling into my children.  I was not looking forward to the holidays this year at all....being away from family, not having Harrison here with us..I was hating it all.  But now, I am so excited for Christmas...I am happy and at peace with myself, and my life where it is right now.

 

So what about you guys....I would love to hear how many gifts are under your tree, are they all from Santa, are they wrapped or unwrapped under the tree....I always love hearing what everyone else does!

 

Hope you all have a great day!


Favorite Holiday Movies

Happy Monday Girls!

Once again I am skipping my weekend wrap-up because our weekend consisted of us basically hanging out not doing too much. 

 

I can't believe we are halfway through December!  YIKES!

 

TRUTH!

 

Most of you already know I am pretty much addicted to the Hallmark Channel from November 1 until New Years Day...I LOVE Christmas movies!  Most of the movies that I watch throughout the holiday season are movies that I have seen a million times, but never ever tire of them!  Today I am going to share with you some of our favorite movies to watch!  I would love to hear what your favorite Christmas movies are!

 

Miracle on 34th Street

Hands down " Miracle on 34th Street" is not only my favorite Christmas movie, but my favorite movie ever of all time! 

 

It's a Wonderful Life

This movie has a slow start, and it is long, but I love the story!

 

 

Let it Snow

The Hallmark channel has some of the best movies...Let It Snow is probably my favorite of all the Hallmark Christmas movies.  Plus..I am a huge Candace Cameron Bure fan!

 

 

Deck the Halls

This movie is so darn funny! 

 

 

Christmas with the Kranks

This is probably our favorite movie to watch as a family.

 

 

Angels in the Snow

We just watched this movie a few weeks ago for the first time, and AJ said it is his favorite.  This is a really beautiful story!

 

 

A Very Merry Mix-Up

Hallmark did it again with another one of our favorite Christmas movies...probably one of the cutest movies ever!

 

 

The Christmas Ornament

This is another one that we all LOVE watching together as a family! 

 

 

A Christmas Story

I mean...how do you not LOVE this movie!  We are that family that totally looks forward to 8pm on Christmas Eve to turn on TBS and literally leave it on for 24 hours! 

 

 

 

Christmas Eve on Sesame Street

When Brooke was a very little girl, like 2, my Mom bought this movie, on VHS for her, and it is probably the most beautiful Christmas movie I have ever seen.  If you have never seen this, I would highly recommend you getting yourself a copy.  This is probably one of the best movies you can ever watch with your kiddos!  It is awesome....trust me!

 

So there you have it...some of our very favorite Christmas movies!  I would love to hear what are your favorites!  Comment below and let me know what we need to watch this Christmas season!

 

 

 

 

 

 



Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!

 

Today I am linking up with Andrea , Erika , and Narci and sharing my Friday Favorites.

 

ONE

Anyone who has followed me on social media for the past few years, knows that pretty much every morning was an absolute struggle with Olivia...she hated school.  Since we have moved, she has not cried one morning.  She is excited every single day to go to school.  She was extra excited this day because she was able to add some Christmas to her uniform.  My little girl loving school is a favorite for sure!

 

TWO

I am sure I am not the only one who can relate to this.  Quotes that make me laugh are always a favorite!

 

THREE

Olivia is done with school next Thursday, the boys are done next Friday...and they are all home until January 6!  That's a favorite for sure!

 

 



FOUR

Sunday we went to church, and think we have found the "one" for us!  After church we went to a nature park by our house, and it was definitely a favorite...just hanging out with my people.

FIVE

I just started taking Plexus a little over a week ago...and my favorite is how good this product makes me feel!  If you would like some more info about this awesome product feel free to contact me at kimmskorner@gmail.com

 

SIX

I just tried this yogurt for the first time, and well...it is my absolute FAVORITE!  If you're a yogurt person go check it out!

 

SEVEN

I got this sweatshirt last week, and it is probably one of the softest things I own!  I picked it up at the Nordstrom by me, and I wasn't able to find this exact one online, but this one is super cute and similar!

 

EIGHT

We got this new bar cart last weekend...and I am loving it!  Fun new things for the house are always a favorite for me!

 

NINE

I don't know about you...but candy is pretty much always a favorite for me!  And this peppermint bark is my favorite to eat around the holidays!

 

TEN

I saw this on Facebook the other day and about died laughing...ha!  Funny quotes and sayings are always a favorite of mine!

 

So there are my favorites this week!  I am not sure what we are up to this weekend, Mark is working Saturday and we will go to church and watch football on Sunday!  Hope you all have a great weekend.  Be sure to check back on Monday!

 

 

 

Thursday Thoughts...

Happy Thursday Girls!

 

I cannot even believe that Christmas Eve is two weeks from today!  2015 has flown by!  I am still not done with all my shopping, but I am not stressing about it, I know it will all get done in time!

 

 

If you have read my blog since October then you know our family has been through lots of changes.  We packed up and moved away from a life that we loved.  We left behind family and friends that we miss terribly, and quite honestly, it has been HARD for me.  During my first few weeks in the new place we now call home, I found myself doing A LOT of complaining.  I was complaining about everything...the heat, missing my family, the new school schedules, you name it, I was complaining about it.  I was finding joy in nothing.  Mark was getting really upset, he is always so supportive, he is a wonderful man, and I am lucky to have him by my side, but he was getting very annoyed with all my bitching, and for not trying to make the best of things.  Looking back, he had every right to be annoyed with me.  I wasn't the only one going through the changes, we all were, the difference was that everyone was focusing on all the positive things, not the negative ones! 

 

I loved my life in Charlotte, it was pretty darn good.  I loved where I lived, I had some great friends, my kids were happy, my family was close by...Charlotte made me happy!  After being here for about 7 weeks now, I realize that it isn't the "place" that made me happy, it is who I share my life with that makes me happy.  My truest happiness comes from within my four walls.  As long as I have my husband and my children, I can always be happy.  Now I am not saying that I still don't have days where I am just down, but for the most part I am finding happiness and joy again...and it's nice.  We made this move to better our lives, and I am so thankful that my husband works so hard to provide such a wonderful life for me and the kids.  I realize now that memories are wonderful, and making new memories and starting new traditions are just as wonderful. 

 

These past two months have taught me so much!  It is so easy, especially nowadays, to get caught up in always wanting more, thinking we need more "things" in order to be happy and feel fulfilled.  I love social media, I do, but sometimes scrolling through Facebook feeds, or Instagram pics, you can really start feeling bad as you see picture after picture of someone's "perfect" life, seeing all the "things" they have.  I myself have been guilty of it, but no more.  I have truly learned to appreciate what I do have, I know that "things" can provide you a sense of immediate happiness, but it fades quickly.  My house isn't new and big and perfectly decorated, but its where we call home, it is filled with things that money cannot buy, and to me that is way better!  I'm ok to share pictures that include a huge mess in the background, because that is my life, chaotic, crazy and at times messy!  Capturing the "perfect" picture is great, but it is very clear to me that being in the moment, rather than trying to capture it for the perfect social media post, is much more important. 

 

Going into 2016 I am going to constantly remind myself to be thankful for all that I do have, for it is so much more than many have.  We are always going to want more, it's just part of life, but I am really going to focus on all that I do have, and be content and happy with it. 

 

Thanks for stopping by today, be sure to check back tomorrow for Friday Favorites.

 



Happy Birthday Harrison

Happy Wednesday Ladies!

 

I don't know how it is even possible...but Harrison is 20!  I swear it feels like just yesterday he was born...and BAM now today he is turning 20!

 

Sweet baby Harrison on his First Christmas!

 

 

Oh how I miss him being little!

 

As with all my kids, I remember like it was yesterday the day they were born.  Isn't it amazing that I can forget what I did yesterday, but I can remember every single detail of the day they were each born.  Harrison was born on a coldy, snowy, icy December night! 

 

I remember being so excited, but so scared...I wasn't sure if this girly girl was going to be any good at being a mom to a little boy!  Well, I think I have done a pretty good job! 

 

Watching Harrison grow from a tiny little bundle of blue into a young man has truly been wonderful.  I remember being told that there is just nothing quite like the bond between a mother and her son.  I can first hand say that is absolutely true! 

 

As parents we always wonder if we are doing a good job, raising our kids to be good adults, and I can look at Harrison and Brooke too, and know that though I have made lots of mistakes in my life, I have definitely done something right.  Both of these kids have grown up to be people that I am just so proud of.  I am thankful everyday, that the values and morals I spent YEARS instilling in them, they have, even when I thought they weren't listening to me, they were. 

 

This has been a big year for Harrison, he started working a "real " job and he is on his own, and he is making it in the real world!  I miss this child terribly, every day I am sad he isn't with me, living under my roof.  I talk to him pretty much every day, and it makes my heart smile hearing the happiness in his voice!  As parents all we want is for our children to be happy, and I know he is happy, and that is all that matters to me.  Of course I wish he was down the road instead of 600 miles away, but I am so thankful for the incredibly strong bond we have.  At 20, with his own life in full force, he still takes the time to call all the time, check in on his little brothers.  Family has always been so important to me, and I am so glad to see that it is just as important to him. 

 

Many of you know how much I am always wishing for time to slow down, for my babies to stop growing so darn fast!  And while that is very much how I feel most of the time, I can tell you as a parent there is NOTHING greater than looking at your adult child, knowing that you have raised them right, equipped them with all they need to succeed, and to see them out there living their life!

 

I am definitely a bit weepy today, the first birthday I am not spending with one of my children, yup it's a tough one for sure! 

 

Harrison, happy birthday to you!  My wish for you is that you continue to chase your dreams and make them your reality!  I am so proud of the man you have grown up to be, and being your mom for the past 20 years has been the absolute best!  I am thankful for the person you have grown up to be, thankful for the amazing  brother you are to your sisters and brothers, and thankful that you are not only my son, but my friend!  We are missing you like crazy!  You are so loved my sweet boy!

 

 

 

 

 



Show & Tell Tuesday...Christmas Decorations

Happy Tuesday Girls!

 

Today I am linking up with Andrea for "Show & Tell Tuesday"...y'all need to link up too!

 

Today we are showing our Christmas decorations!  I LOVE these kind of link ups...I always love seeing how beautiful everyone has their homes decorated, especially for Christmas!

 

I am still trying to get used to the fact that it is like 86 degrees here (wish I was kidding, but I am not), and Christmas is in like 2 weeks!  It has definitely felt weird, making the inside all cozy for Christmas, and I step outside and it's a darn heat wave!

 

Anyway....Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year!  I love everything about the season...the decorations and all the magic that comes along with having little ones at Christmas.  I dread the day, and I mean DREAD the day when my last one stops believing in Santa Claus...I mean how depressing right???

 

My most treasured and favorite Christmas decoration, my grandmother's jewel tree, I don't have it with me here right now:(  It didn't go on the truck with the movers, and our cars were so jam packed and the tree is so fragile, so we left it with Harrison, and he will be bringing it when he comes! 

 

 

This tree means the world to me.  My great-grandmother made it, and it's all costume jewelry making this tree...as a little girl I would just stare at this...and now I am so thankful to have this!  I can't wait for it to get back to me!

 

Every year since as far back as I can remember we have always gotten a real Christmas tree.  It was always so great loading everyone in the car, heading to the tree farm and picking out the "perfect" tree!  Well, this year we decided to get an artificial tree, I wasn't sure how I felt about it at first, but I am LOVING it!  No mess, no needles everywhere, no watering, no sap...LOVE LOVE LOVE it!  I couldn't believe how crazy expensive artificial trees were..holy sticker shock!  I have my eye on one that I LOVE and I am hoping that I can snag it for super cheap right after Christmas!  Since spending hundreds just wasn't in my budget right now, I went to Target, got a great deal, and am pretty darn happy with our tree this year!

 

I just love sitting at night, watching Hallmark movies, staring at our tree!

 

 

We have a few touches of Christmas in our eating area!  That Santa on my table I have had for 20 years, and it is still one of my favorites to pull out each year!

 

 

The Christmas cookie jar was my grandmothers, and I love that I have it!  So special to me

 

This little wooden calendar is Olivia's favorite!  Every morning right after she finds the Elf, she runs over to this little calendar and switches the numbers!  She is all about the countdown to Christmas!

 

I love my snowbabies!

 

We through a few things Christmas on this shelf, Buddy happened to be there with candy that morning for the kids!

 

I love this little centerpiece on my table.  I got those adorable burlap trees from the dollar section at Target.

 

We don't have a mantle, so I am still trying to figure out what to do with the stockings this year!  Can't wait to see everyone's decorations this year!

 

Have a great day

 

 

 

 

 

 





Holiday Questionnaire

Happy Monday Ladies!

 

I'm not doing a weekend wrap-up post, well because our weekend didn't really consist of anything too exciting!  Mark worked Saturday and the kids and I just hung out...and it was nice!

 

My friend Shelly posted this little Holiday Questionnaire the other day and I thought it was so much fun!

 

A holiday tradition:  I love tradition!  Over the years some of our traditions have changed and some have remained the same.  My favorite holiday tradition is the "T'was the Night Before Chirstmas" game my family always does on Christmas Eve.  Many years ago my grandmother started this with us, and to this day it is still my favorite!  In the past we have done gift cards, but this year I am going back to the original way.  Everyone brings a wrapped gift, $5 or under, and the item must be either red or green.  As the story is read, everyone passes their gift when the word "the" is read..it's so much fun!  Some of the gifts we have done in the past have been twizzlers, can of coke, green tree air fresheners....things along those lines!  My kids love doing this, and I hope that one day they are all still doing this with their children.

 

What you'd love to see Santa bring you most this year:  I would love for Santa to drop off my family here on my doorstep for Christmas this year! 

 

What's your go-to stocking stuffer item:  My go-to every year is always candy!

 

Who is the hardest to shop for during the holidays:  I would have to say my husband. 

 

Favorite winter accessory:  I love a winter knit hat with a pom-pom on top!

 

Christmas tree lights..colors or all white:  White lights. 

 

Favorite holiday cocktail:  I don't have one....

 

Favorite holiday food:  This is probably going to sound so crazy, but I love that tin of popcorn you can buy at Walmart for like $5...Christmas is the only time I get it, and it is my favorite!

 

Do you have a good white-elephant gift idea:  I always like something over the top and obnoxious.

 

Do you have a funny picture of you and Santa as a kid (post if you do):  In my mom's Christmas album she has tons of us as little kids with Santa, but I don't have any. 

 

Do you like candy canes:  I love candy canes..I am not a fan of the flavored ones, love the plain old peppermint ones.

 

Hot chocolate...marshmallows or no marshmallows:  I don't drink hot chocolate often, but when I do I want it filled to the brim with mini marshmallows.

 

Favorite holiday song:  I LOVE Christmas carols..I wish my hubby and kids loved it as much as me and would go caroling with me!  My favorite is Amy Grant singing Angels We Have Heard On High.

 

Favorite holiday movie:  Hands down without a doubt Miracle on 3th Street.  I can watch it over and over again and never ever get tired of it.

 

A funny holiday story:  I was probably 9 or 10 years old, and my brother and I were home and we knew my parents hid all our Christmas presents in the attic.  We were snoopers for sure, and I wanted a boom box so bad that year, so up to the attic we went to search.  All the gifts were wrapped so I found what I thought to be the boom box, we took it down from the attic...yup we would unwrap and re-wrap very carefully, and the box dropped, we heard some "rattles" that shouldn't have been so we just put everything back in the attic.  My mom knew we had been snooping, and well my punishment was I got a broken boom box for Christmas that year...lesson learned!

 

Have you ever been on a sleigh ride:  No, but I would love to.

 

A fun holiday memory:  I have so many wonderful memories of Christmas' over the years, but probably the fondest is that of my brother and I on Christmas morning.  About a week before Christmas we would go under the dining room table and formulate our "Christmas plan"...we would lay out what time we would get up, who would go get the stockings and whose room we would hang out in until it was time to get our parents up.  I know it sounds so corny, but it was the best,  We did this for YEARS!  And I love that my kids, all 5 of them, to this day all camp out together Christmas eve, get their stockings Christmas morning and all hang out together going through their "goods" until it's time to wake us up!

 

Let me know if any of you decide to do this little holiday questionnaire..I would love to read it!  Hope you all have a great week!