**Winner of the art print giveaway is Kimmy Crosby! Email me at thislittlemiggy at gmail dot com so I can get your address!** You know when people talk about how engaged couples need to discuss important things like finances, religious beliefs and other major differences in the way they were raised before actually getting...
This is my friend Erin. I know! I can’t believe I actually know this gorgeous girl in real life. She’s a wife and mother of 3, an amazing yoga instructor who also happens to do some modeling on the side, as seen from these beautiful photographs above. She lives in NYC and was the friend...
Hey guys–seems like a good day for a giveaway. I’m going to give away 2 prints (one of each) to one of my lovely readers and instagram followers. One print for you and one for a friend. Because giving and getting… it’s Christmas ya’ll. Just to be clear these are Giclee prints on 100% cotton...
When B and I first got married we decided that each year at least we would make one present for each other for Christmas. The first few years we were really good at this, but as the years (and kids) have piled on, it’s been harder and harder to make this happen. I love...
You guys. (!!!!) (deep breath)(!!!!) You guys. I am so, so excited to for today’s spotlight featuring none other than Kyle Maynard. This is my 101st spotlight and you probably can’t even begin to understand how awesome this moment is for me right now. I’m smiling ear to ear, but there is a lump...
I’ve been itching to update a few pillows around our house and wanted to start with our beloved white couch which now resides in the master bedroom. This giant cross (or plus sign? not sure) is a simple but classic design, so I thought I’d share with you all. It’s just like piecing a...
So you guys, my back… it’s doing a lot better. I still have a ways to go, but I can walk now without being twisted in pain (yay!) but I am still not supposed to pick up anything heavier than 10 pounds. Which is easier said than done with a baby and a 4 year...
Hey, I'm Amy!
I'm an author, artist, and disability advocate. I live with my handsome husband and three beautiful daughters in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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Such great compromises and traditions. Before I had my own kids, my grown siblings and I would sleep in the same room on Christmas eve, just as we did when we were kids. We've lived far apart over the years, but we tried to make it work when we could. And we always get to open just one present on Christmas Eve.
I love that you guys still do this! Totally makes me on board for when the babe is a little older.
I was an only child raised by a single parent. We were always at an extended family member's house for Christmas. Now that my husband and I have our first child, I feel like I'm starting with a blank slate Christmas tradition-wise. She's almost two this year and we're AGAIN making the 6 hour drive to see his mom and siblings. Next year, I'd like to stay home and get the immediate family tradition ball rolling. Any advice on the extended family Christmas juggle?
Oh boy…my first thought was "have another kid." Ha! It seems like it's a lot easier to just stay put the more kids that are involved. Too much to work out with Christmas presents, Santa, etc. But of course that's not a practical solution to Christmas woes. Honestly, I think if you want to stay home and start doing your own thing it's OK–it's OK to want that and it's OK to say that. This is assuming your husband is on board first. From there make a list of ideas and traditions you like and then remember this: It takes effort. If it looks effortless online or from your friends houses, it's not. If you feel overwhelmed, maybe pare your list down a bit but know that magic doesn't just happen and if feels forced or like a lot of work, you're not doing it wrong. (I may just be saying this for my sake, but if it helps you as well, that's great). Can I ask what Christmas was like growing up with just you and your parent? I sometimes Gilmore-Girl romanticize this type of dynamic, so I'm interested to hear if your childhood was anything like that. If it's too personal, no need to divulge.
Our traditions have merged too. We always have a big Christmas dinner with lots of food and lots of people (my family). I don't mind being away from family at Christmas, but I DO mind having a quiet Christmas Eve dinner. We tape our Christmas cards all over a doorway in the kitchen and leave them up until March (husband's family). We have a big breakfast with sausage, eggs, pancakes/waffles on Christmas morning (both families). We stay in our jammies all day and play with toys, eat leftovers and watch a movie together (both families). But we've also started other traditions too– like doing a little Christmas tree/scripture advent calendar, and making a chocolatey trail mix for friends. Husband didn't have a lot of traditions growing up, and he didn't always like mine (lol) so I have let go of some of mine so that we can create our own. Now we have four girlies and it's fun to do Christmas just OUR way. There is one more tradition we'd like to implement which is to do 12 days of Christmas for a needy family in our community. Our girls LOVE doing this, especially in secret and I think it's only going to get more fun as they get older!
Our traditions are: Christmas Eve — party at my sister-in-law's. Home late, cocoa, the children open their gifts to each other. My husband reads "The Night Before Christmas" to them. Christmas morn – homemade cinnamon rolls, presents & stockings, then off to my other sister-in-laws for a family dinner. There are usually matching PJs in there (though my teens are starting to rebel against it), and driving around and looking at lights.