What's a Rody?

That's what Santa said when Cruz asked him for a Rody for Christmas.

But still, this 20-something totally awesome Santa of color pulled through. He also got a great deal. The $50 + popular hipster toy was snagged for $8 used, right here in Crestview.

There are many reasons why I love our 'hood, and those are two reasons right there. :)

Happy holidays, y'all!

The Toddler Wars

Three weeks into Christmas vacation and a certain three year old is yelling anarchy and throwing all routine out the window. Naps? Pshh. Baths? What's a bath? Fine, I WILL sit on you and make you brush your teeth. Potty training? Just look in his pants if you dare to know that answer.

After partying all night with his cousins at grandma's house, this toddler fought a hard battle against sleep in any form today. But desperate times call for desperate measures. He is still too small to defend himself against a desperate parent who has the ability to carry him and lull him to sleep with a moving vehicle: the back pocket, clutch move parents around the country employ.

"But Mommy, I don't wanna take a dri....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz".

Me neither, Cruz. Me neither.

NY Times: Toddlers Once Again Ruin Christmas and the Homes of Gingerbread Families Across America

This is the FIRST Christmas I've spent in my own home without any travel! So time for new old traditions for this family. I took the week off and planned all sorts of Christmas activities for me and Cruz.

Yesterday we wrapped and gifted little candles for Cruz' teachers. Today we shopped for and delivered a needy family, then made our first ever Gingerbread house. Can you believe I've never done one???

Later, we visit Mr. Clause to ask him for Rody, the bouncing Donkey. I don't think Cruz is used to being out if daycare because he had about 4 tantrums in 2 days. (Someone is getting a lump of coal in his stocking!)

I hope Instagram doesn't try to sell this photo

And away we go, back down to the bowels of parenting and into potty training purgatory. Underpants is the name of the game. Mess up in public and your SOL, especially if it's a number 2.

Mommy is ready to graduate. Daddy has his doubts. Cruz? It's all fun and games, especially during the deed.

Wish us luck, friends. Hope to see you on the other side, with clean knickers and a mouth full of M&Ms.