DIY Christmas Ornaments

So I thought I'd share a few pictures of the ornaments my girls and I did several weeks ago. I think I'm going to stock on more plastic ornament balls and supplies as soon as I make it to a sale. I know that this time next year we will be making some more. They're just too easy and fun to do. 

I used plastic ornaments from Michael's in both the smaller and bigger size and filled them with several different items (you can pretty much use anything that'll fit through the opening): tinsel stems, pom poms, foam figures, faux snow, pipe cleaners, pine stems, ribbon and, sequins.

Just remove the cap, fill the ornament balls with whatever you like and put cap back on. So easy your toddler can do them. 

Feeling Festive

It seems like these days (or rather weeks) have flown by. I've been busy at home with the girls, a few guests here and there and Christmas decorating. Yes, my mind is in Christmas mode and it's the first time that I've started celebrating this early. I say celebrating because decorating, buying or making ornaments, seeking out lights that have been hidden for a year is, in my book, a way of celebrating; especially when you can share with your kids your love for this holiday and have them be a part of it. On the other hand, Thanksgiving is approaching and although dinner will be our home this year, I haven't started planning and honestly, I'm not really feeling it. Though I don't have a dinner menu, this morning I was singing along to Christmas station on Pandora and lit up our Christmas village. Oh, my priorities...

Our tree is up, to much of the excitement of my daughters. I tried to make of the decorating something special with them by having them help me put up decorations and actually making some. I would like for them to be excited each year as winter approaches, to see Christmas not only for the gifts but for the chance to share and be around family; or better yet, I'd like the tree decorating to become a family tradition, something we do together (if only I can get my husband to join us too). Perhaps I ask for too much but, when I think of my childhood, some of my best memories are those of family gatherings (brothers, cousins, uncles/aunts...) not only on Christmas Eve but also on Thanksgiving and New Year's. The holidays felt special and there was always a tree. I'd like something similar for my girls. 

This year will be particularly special because it will be one of the very few times that my entire family  is together; not only will my parents be present but also my first nephew, who will be born at the beginning of december. Anyway, I've been in a very good mood this week, enjoying the Christmas cheer that is slowly taking over the city (I find New York to be at its best during this season). Here a few recent pics:

Halloween

Halloween was a bit different this year and there were some aspects about it that I loved. Stella refused to attend Day Care so she stayed home with me while Lucía went to her party. Stella asked to wear her costume early and since it was lovely out, I took her outside for some pictures. The moment she walked out the door my heart ached because her sister would not join her in the fun nor be photographed with her costume. I smiled and decided to enjoy this special moment between my eldest daughter and I even though a piece of my heart was not there. She has been feeling quite attached lately and these moments alone with me make her extremely happy; and when I see her smile liked she did that morning, it makes me feel that as a mother, I’m doing something right. 

Later that afternoon we picked up Lucy and got ready to go trick-or-treating with cousin Gabi. It was a first for all of us. We knocked on a few doors and the girls were thrilled repeating something that sounded like trick-or-treat. Lucía only wore her costume when she realized we were going out. Maybe next year I’ll have a better chance at photographing her. 

Here’s a few pics of our day:

"Mommy, our flowers are back!"

Two princesses and a bee.