WE LOVE: CHRISTMAS PAJAMAS

Normally, I wouldn't have Elliott modeling his not yet gifted Christmas pajamas. We usually give a pair on Christmas Eve. But he was sneaky and saw them a few weeks ago and has been bugging me to let him wear them since. That kid. He still can't have them, but he can model them for us! I saw these on Pinterest a little while back and found them on Ebay for super cheap. I'm talking $9 a pair including shipping. How could I resist? Naturally I got two. And something I recently learned about snug fitting pajamas for kids, you can order a few sizes up and they will fit for a lot longer! Thank you elastic ankles and wrists. You saved the day. I was a little hesitant to buy his PJs off of Ebay, but the quality is great! I am in love with the little leather knee and elbow patches. Over all we really love them and I can't wait to see him in them on Christmas morning!

FAVORITE STOCKING STUFFERS FOR LITTLES

Who doesn't love some stocking stuffers? The stockings are one of my favorite parts of Christmas. I think I like the challenge of finding things small enough to fit into the stocking that are fun and affordable. Though I often have to take a gift or two out and wrap it for being too big or the stocking being too full. Here are some fun stocking stuffers we are loving this year! Check them out and happy stuffing!

1. Mini Colored Pencils - We have these and love them. They are the perfect size for the stocking!  2. Jumping Grasshopper - Elliott is getting this in his stocking (shh) and I may or may not have played with it for a good 20 minutes the other day.   3. Sweet Gloves  - some gender neutral gloves are always a win in the stocking   4. Temporary Tattoos - We are obsessed with temporary tattoos! Tattly has some pretty awesome ones.   5. Plastic Balloon Unicorn! - I am sure you remember this little guy. They are the perfect size for the stocking.   6. Puzzle Blocks - Admittedly, these would most likely be too big for the stocking. But look at them! How can you resist?   7. Lip Balm - This is a new favorite of ours. Elliott loves the shape and I love what it does for his chap little lips.

LUMP OF COAL SURPRISE BALLS

It wouldn't be a holiday without a surprise ball, right? These are so very easy to make and you can just plop them right into the stocking for easy gifting. What I really love about these surprise balls is because they are lumps of coal, they don't have to be perfect! In fact if they are too perfect, they wouldn't look like coal. Awesome. These might be my favorite surprise ball DIY to date. If you would like the step by step, you can see the how to over here. Basically, you just cut up thin strips of black crepe paper folds and one by one wrap your little gifts inside. They are always a blast to unravel and I think they would be perfect for stockings. Especially if your little ones are a teensy bit naughty. With these they get a lump of coal and a treat! It's a win, win all around.

AROUND HERE

The last few days really got us into the holiday spirit! Besides all the snow we've been having, we met a new friend that is visiting us from the North Pole. His name is Tinsel and he's been taking notes on Elliott's behavior to report to the big man. I am considering asking Tinsel to stay all year because Elliott has been an angel since he has shown up! We've loved seeing where Tinsel shows up each morning. Elliott and I went on a little date this weekend too. We played with friends then did a little shopping and stopped by the toy store just to get him even more excited for Christmas. He of course, wanted to bring home the giant gum-ball machine. That kid. Oh, and yesterday was Preston's birthday! I think I forgot to mention that last week. We spoiled him with blueberry waffles, coconut shrimp tacos and chocolate chip cookies. This week we are super excited. Not just for the fun projects we have lined up, but Elliott's grandma is coming to visit! He hasn't seen her in two and a half years. Which is just wrong. She will be here for a few weeks and we couldn't be more excited about it! I hope your week is off to a great start. Happy Monday!

SNOWMEN WINDOW CLINGS + HAPPY WEEKEND

I am so ready for the weekend. Today, Elliott and I are taking off early for a play date and some much needed mom and me time. Most of this weekend will be filled with Christmas preparations, a couple of parties and hopefully a little relaxing. But before we head out for the weekend, we wanted to leave you with a little DIY you can do over the next few days with the kids. Snowmen window clings! We love us some window clings. These little snowmen are so easy to make and the kids will absolutely love them. You can make some accessories like a top hat,  scarf and  pipe for the kids to help decorate them too. Check out the full tutorial and make your own over here on Momtastic. Happy weekend!