Happy Holidays!!

Happy Holidays!

We are taking a bit of a holiday/baby is coming vacation around these parts, but we wanted to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year!  May you get everything you wished for this holiday season.  We’ll see you again in 2013!!

With love,

The Breiers

Dennis . Kim . Michael . William

Advent Calendar!

Advent Calendar

December 1st couldn’t get here fast enough for our household.  I slowly started putting up Christmas decor the day after Halloween because our boys were so very excited for the holiday season to start, I wanted it to last for as long as possible for them this year.  Michael is at the age where everything is magical, new and exciting because he is only three and for the first time can grasp the concept of a holiday.  William is still happy just following every move of his big brother’s, but I don’t believe he quite understands what’s going on surrounding this time of year. 

Today was a big day for our boys.  Our Elf on the Shelf, Sebastian Winks, showed up after an extended vacation and with him he brought our Advent calendar!!  

I had be mulling over ideas for our calendar this year, and was really particular about it not taking up too much space.  Enter my new favorite store, Archiver’s!  Holy moly, guacamole.  Why hasn’t anyone ever shared this wonderful place with me before.  I was able to pick up mini Kraft bags, holiday washi tape and mini clothes pins for super cheap, which is my kind of project.  I simply decorated each bag with the numbers 1 -25 with stickers I had onhand  and the night of November 30th Dennis helped me stuff these lil’ bags with our boys favorite treats.  I sealed them with a small piece of washi tape, attached a tiny pin and voila... Advent calendar courtesy of our elf Sebastian!!  I love the way the Kraft paper bags look in our tree.  They were just what our tree needed this year!!

The boys were so happy to wake up to Mr. Winks in our tree and then hunted for the bag marked with #1.  The fact that they also were able to eat the treat in the bag so early in the day only added to their excitement.  

What does your Advent calendar look like this year??  

Gratitude

GRATITUDE

I’m a lucky girl.  I have the chance to stay at home with my rambunctious boys while my husband leaves the house every morning and breaks his back to provide for our growing family.  I am also a girl who likes to take a little stress off of my amazing husband by making a few bucks each month.  This was one of the reasons I opened my Etsy shop Organized Chaos and Co.  

I’m so grateful that my “hey, maybe I could bring in some extra cash” venture is a hit with our customers, and I’m super grateful for the positive feedback.  

I wanted to share a couple of photos I received over the weekend from a new bride who had purchased one of our “Here Comes the Bride” banners for her special day.  It’s moments like these that make me smile and remind me just how lucky I really am to be doing just what I love, which is staying home with our boys and making items that make other people smile.  

Taste Testers

Taste Testers

Today we’re doing a little bit of baking  and a lot of taste testing as we put together a delicious treat spread for Thanksgiving tomorrow.  Up first, the boys’ fave chocolate chip cookies and then things will get interesting.  I’m trying to put together tasty desserts that appeal to both the kiddos and the adults.  I’ll let you know how it turns out.

We want to wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!!

Goodbye, Fall!

Goodbye, Fall!

We celebrated what is sure to be one of the last warm fall days dancing and jumping in leaf piles this morning.

The boys fell deeply in love and I fell deeper in love with them 
(if that's even possible).  

Goodbye, Fall.
We're turning on the holiday music as I type this.

Hello, Winter.

Picture Perfect

Picture Perfect

Michael Lincoln (Pre-3)                        William Reagan (Pre-2)

Thankful: Day 1

Thankful: Day 1

You see this all over Facebook.  Post something you are thankful for each day in November until Thanksgiving.  So, I’m hopping on the bandwagon just on my blog rather than the FB.  I have put together a list.  Quite a unique list.  Think wide spectrum here.  From little every day things to the greatest gifts in my life.  Just think housewife.  The little things matter, too.  Here it goes...

Day 1:

Magic Erasers

I buy them in bulk because I have a two and a three year-old.  
No further explanation necessary.

Halloween Is Here!!

Halloween Is Here!!
.........................................................

To say we were looking forward to Halloween this year is quite the understatement.  We had a countdown in our house.  For the last month every time one of my boys saw a Halloween decoration or caught a glimpse of a pumpkin all they could talk about was Halloween. Every day Michael would ask me if it was time to trick or treat yet and I would have to reply, “No, buddy.  # more days until you can get treats.”  Then he would be disappointed.  So, when the boys woke up today and he asked me again and my response was, “Yep- TODAY!!” he was overcome with excitement and jumped up and down so erratically I thought he was going to vomit.  And, then William followed suit because anything Michael does William can do better.

For the last two weeks I have slowly put together their costumes, as not to be bombarded with the task last minute.  I helped plan two preschool parties.  Stuffed 57 goodie bags for the boys’ classmates.  Made three trips to our local pumpkin patch.  Decorated our house.  Helped the boys mail out 18 Halloween cards.  Organized a Trunk or Treat at the YMCA.  Baked spooky treats.  Attended two pumpkin programs.  Watched Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin 1, 748 times (the boys are OBSESSED).  Purchased candy- five separate times.  Made two treat bags.  All of this in the spirit of the season- because this is by far my favorite holiday of the year.  I’m tickled the boys were so involved this year. 

After what seemed like the longest build-up ever it was finally here.  Today was an absolute blast!  Daddy took the day off which was AMAZING, and we all went to Michael's preschool program first thing this morning where his class serenaded us with five spooky favorites.  Then we were free to do whatever it was our little hearts desired.

I’ll tell you what, there’s nothing like trick or treating with a two and three year-old.  The excitement (which I blame on the sugar high) was overwhelming as our two dinos sprinted from house to house anxiously waiting to see what was in store for them next.   We made our way through Dennis' old stompin' grounds one house at a time, including the house he grew up in.  William snacked on treats (pretzels and goldfish) in between houses  and Michael made friends with each and every costumed kiddo and parent we met. 

Our first stop... Gramma's of course!

Where we picked up another trick or treater.

And, then we were off...

Dino Crossing

Waiting patiently for someone to answer their door.

Visiting Daddy's old house.

(Dennis may or may not have been crying at this exact moment.)

Dinosaur attack!!

William examining the contents of his bag between houses.

I turned around a few times to find Michael pouncing in the leaves.

When trick or treating was over for our Michaelsaurus and Willceratops we dragged two pooped boys back to Gramma and Boompa’s house where we gorged ourselves on pizza, gin and tonic (for Daddy) and maybe a chocolate bar or two.  One hilight of the evening, Michael helping Gramma pass out candy to other trick or treaters.  He was hysterical- determining how many pieces each guest should receive and deciding for them what exactly it was they wanted from the treat bowl.  By the end of the evening he screamed, “Hey, stop ringing that doorbell.”  He was exhausted.

Now the task of packing it all away for next year and dragging the Christmas decor out.  We’re going to decorate super early this year so the boys can get as deep in the holiday spirit as they did for Halloween.  

We hope your family had a safe and wonderful day!  From our family to yours...

Happy Halloween! 

I used the following tutorials for the boys' costumes: 
Dino Hoodies
Dino Tails

I did improvise a little.  I used fleece for all of the spikes instead of felt (hoodie) and cotton (tail).  I didn't have to worry about frayed edges, but did top-stitch the spikes for appearance.  I also added the dino bellies to each hoodie as an extra little something.  I used a machine for all of the sewing, no hand-stitching here.  For the treat bags I purchased canvas bags from Hobby Lobby and used my Silhouette to create a dinosaur stencil and just tattooed these bags with a little paint.  These costumes are so fun, and can be worn all year long.

No Itsy Bitsy Spider Here!

No Itsy Bitsy Spider Here!

William,

You are stubborn.  Today supports the previous statement.

For...

After three hours of sewing together your blue dinosaur costume you refuse to wear the tail (the cutest part).

You have definitely come a long way regarding school.  So, today I was impressed that you joined your class on the carpet for your Halloween program.  However, you absolutely refused to sing any of the songs.  You stood there- with your arms crossed sternly across your chest all while trying really hard not to smile at your Dad and I as we held our video camera directly toward your face in hopes you would spontaneously bust out into Itsy Bitsy spider.  You didn’t. 

Then for the first time since school began, you cried when we left.  

Point proven.

I love you to the moon,

Mommy

Potty Training Pointers

Potty Training Pointers

(William Reagan)

I started potty training Will today (cue dramatic music).  To be honest, I don’t remember the first few days with Michael.  I try to think back to how Michael approached days 1-4 after I decided I could no longer change another poopy diaper, and I just can’t remember.  I know how long it took for me to get Michael COMPLETELY potty trained- 3 months.  The peeing part was a breeze, it was the #2 that was not.  

With Will I’m trying not to compare him to Michael.  He is four months younger than Michael was when he started.  William actually seems to enjoy potty training.  Ok, there I go again comparing the two.  I just hope this one goes by quickly from start to finish, and by quickly I mean shorter than three months.

The goal:  potty train boy #2 completely before another infant in diapers takes up residence in our home.

William’s tips to (what Mommy calls) a successful day one:

1. Have on hand at all times your favorite red aviators (worn all day) to insure no one is watching you and your secret bathroom behavior.
2. Carry with you an item of comfort (all day).  For me this is a baseball.  Don't ask.
3. Forgo pants... all day!  No further explaination necessary.

Pampers, 

William

Coffee Break

Talent

Talent

Michael serenaded me for two and a half hours this morning while William was at school.  No potty breaks.  No car breaks.  Two and a half straight hours of him making up songs for me while I did a little work.  I greatly appreciate the entertainment, and I think he appreciates not be pestered by his baby brother all morning.  

Michael, I think you have more of your Daddy in you than I would like to admit.  But, this is a trait of his that I fell deeply in love with and am so happy to announce that I believe the music's in your blood.

Maple & Magnolia Cottage Sale

Remember how I mentioned that I’m heading to a couple of amazing sales this weekend?!  Well, I just had to share a few preview pics from the one I’m looking forward to the most.  The sitter is booked.  I've been to the ATM.  The GPS is prepped with the location and there's a Starbucks on the way.  I'm set to go...

Maple & Magnolia happens to be one of my favorite blogs.  I dream about living in a 150 year old farmhouse with a guesthouse off the back and a golden retriever running about.  Actually, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t live vicariously through Susan.  You have to check out her tutorials, and her projects, and everything else on her blog.  

Look at this amazing stuff she is just getting rid of because like she said, “It’s just stuff!”  Well, Susan, I’d be happy to take some of it off of your hands.  Looking for “stuff” to stock my Etsy shop for the winter, oh and maybe a few things for myself!  What?!  Wait until you see some of the prices...

Call me crazy but I'm ditching all of my Crate and Barrel dishes for mismatched, perfectly chipped and worn white ironstone.  I can't wait to get my hands on this display!!  

A suitcase for every occasion.

A vintage surveyor's cabinet that makes we want to throw out 

everything I've ever bought from a store.

Isn't it all just fantastic??  Head on over to Maple & Magnolia to see what else this lovely lady is so graciously selling.

Photo Source: Maple & Magnolia

Pockets

Pockets

William, this week you discovered pockets.  The first thing you ask for in the morning is to put on your hooded sweatshirt and you walk around with your hands in your pockets- I’m sure you're wondering, “Hey, where'd my hands go?”

October

October

Pumpkins.  Gourds.  Hay bales.  Bon fires.  Comfort food.  Sweats.  Wood burning fireplaces.  Halloween.  I think I should just stop there.  I could go on for days.  I love sweet October.  I get a welcomed burst of energy each year right at this time, and I think my husband appreciates it more than it lets on.  Let’s see... we’ve had a yard sale.  I’ve spruced up our sitting room and powder room with new decor.  Decorated our home for my favorite holiday.  Have begun sewing the boys’ Halloween costumes.  Michael announced he would like to be a red dinosaur and William would like to be a blue dinosaur.  Easy enough.  I’ve started our baby girl’s nursery- what a fun project that is going to be.  I’m finally ok with the color pink and have thoroughly enjoyed treasure hunting for little details to add to her room.  It’s been busy, but a good busy.  People do drugs.  I do October.  

Last week we did one of my favorite all time October traditions.  We visited our favorite local pumpkin patch, The Farm, and let the boys hunt for their carving pumpkins.  Every time Michael sees a pumpkin he shouts, “It’s Halloween!”  I am beside myself giddy that he is actually looking forward to it this year.  William loved climbing atop the mammoth pumpkins at The Farm- although next to Will they don’t appear all that mammoth.  They enjoyed hunting for their pumpkins and I just took in the chilly air and the amazing atmosphere dreading the fact that in two short weeks it will all be over.  

Then, over the weekend Den and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary with some of our personal favorites.  Appetizer hopping, shopping at Pottery Barn (I’m in love with my new throw pillows) and Crate and Barrel, dinner at my fave place of all time, Maggiano’s.  Then a night cap (for Den) at a local pub.  It’s been months since we went on a date, just the two of us without there being some event going on.  Sure we’ve been away from the kiddos for a couple nights.  Weddings, birthday parties.  You get the idea.  But, there is something to be said for quiet one on one time with your favorite person in the entire world.  With the kids being so sick recently and the stresses of every day life we kind of lost sight in appreciating each other’s time- so we took full advantage on Saturday.  Celebrating our marriage is my all time favorite thing about October.  

This coming weekend is going to be amazing.  A couple of my favorite Chicago suburb bloggers are hosting cottage sales and I plan on being the first in line.  I'm hunting for vintage ironstone, a clock and old lockers for a project for the boys'  room.  Keeping my fingers crossed that I come across a couple of these finds as I drool over 100+ year old furniture that I wish I could bring home.  And, last but certainly not least we have a HUGE surprise for the boys- compliments of a dear friend.  Can't wait to see their reactions to it and share the photos!

Oh, October!

House Arrest

House Arrest

It’s been a long twelve days in the Breier house.  We've been on house arrest.  What started as sore throats accompanied by high fevers quickly turned into bronchitis and walking pneumonia with fevers that just would not quit.  Luckily, we have an amazing pediatrician who put the both of them on high dose antibiotics and steroids to try and avoid paying the hospital a visit to administer antibiotics.  I must say though, that this route was very slow- and I am without patience these days especially on my average of three hours of sleep per night.  Green snots are now visiting our house as the infections are finally saying their goodbyes.  Most days I can’t believe how much energy our boys have.  So, when something like this hits them and they spend their days lethargic and on a couch I’m reminded that I would take the high dose of energy over the illness any day.  

Today was a little different.  Michael didn’t complain about his throat, and William’s cough only sounded like a Chi-hua-hua and not a Rotweiller.  Outside we went for the first time in TWELVE stinkin’ days to enjoy a little bit of the fresh fall air during Bears halftime.  Uncle Nemo and Daddy taught the boys the art of tackling as I kept tabs on the clock.  I was not willing to let them be outside too long, fearing that the fresh air would reverse the affects of the antibiotics.  Freedom for twenty minutes.  It was wonderful to see them giggling and running about.  Oh, how I missed the high dose of energy.

A Beautiful Day

A Beautiful Day

Today Uncle Nate and Auntie Kel finally tied the knot!!  It was an amazing day- well, if you forget to mention the fact that neither Michael or William would walk down the aisle and were complete monsters all day.  Besides the twelve melt downs, repeated bowtie tugging and having our priest tell us that their behavior was clearly a payback for our behavior as children it sure was a beautiful day.  These nap deprived children did look awfully cute, and so did my husband if I can say so myself.  Luckily Dennis and I were able to enjoy ourselves at the reception because Uncle Mike was generous enough to pay us a visit just to sit for the boys.  We called it at night at 3:00 AM- about three hours after my exhausted pregnant body told me to pack it in.  More photos and details to follow once I can get my entertainer of a husband out of bed.  You'll see what I mean.

All dressed up and about to start screaming.

The sign they would have carried had they walked down the aisle.
You can find yours  here in my Etsy shop.

This sweet moment only lasted a milli-second before 

William started throwing dirt at Michael.

Congrats, Uncle Nate and Auntie Kel!!  We are so happy for you.

Smells and Sounds

Smells & Sounds

I am not a sit around and do nothing all day kind of gal, but today is different.  Once again, it’s blazin’ hot outside.  While we were at the farm this morning at 8:30 the temp was already reading 86°.  I’m not interested in trying to play in 99° this afternoon.  By the way, if you were to ask me what I think the temperature of Hell is I would simply answer with 99°.  It seems to be the number Mother Nature is stuck on these days in the greater Chicagoland area.  My boys instantly want to come back inside the second they walk out the door and into the wall of  suffocating heat.  So, today we are staying in.  Opening new school supplies.  I am obsessed with the way a new box of crayons smell.  Doodling over anything that will accept a new coat of color.  Making endless trails of perfectly lined up Match Box cars.  I guarantee that the boys can make car noises for an hour straight without taking a breath.  We'll also be watching movies until our eyes pop out.  Without a doubt Cars and Cars 2 will be making appearances.  And, there might be a couple of batches of cookies in there somewhere.  The laundry is going to have to wait, and so are the dishes.  I’ll be drawing geometric shapes and quizzing my two and three year-olds if the vacuum calls wondering where I am.  

Movie Night.

Movie Night

My kids’ bedtime is 7:00 pm.  Not tonight.  They helped me harvest three pounds of lettuce from our garden this evening.  

So, popcorn and a movie it is for all their hard work.

Needless to say they squealed when I told them they could stay up late.