Slice of Life – December 13th, 2016

Oh hey December… you know how to bring the party! We’ve had a really fun month so far, and it’s a little hard to believe that we’re not even halfway through it. The next couple of weeks hold a bunch of fun events, but I know come New Years Day we four DeSpains will be soaking up a lot of down time in pajamas. Like many of you, I know we’ll need it!

Here’s a little slice of life from the last 10 days or so.

Our local Hy-Vee grocery store advertised on Facebook that Minnie and Mickey would be walking around the store last Saturday, so after we got our Christmas tree we ran over to meet the mice. 🙂 Hadley was super shy but still gave each of them a hug. She was also okay with having her picture taken as long as her safety net (her daddy) was with her. I held her as we walked back out to the car, and she giggled like an absolute fool the whole way; she talked about it for days. I dream of when we’ll finally find the right time to make a big Disney trip. One day!

So we totally  hit the jackpot with our new neighbors that moved in across the street, and these two girls would be inseparable if we let them! Marcy (my neighbor) and I were cracking up last week when we noticed their shirts said the same thing. I love watching these two act like such little girls and have so much fun together.

My sister’s in-laws gifted this to Hadley for her birthday, and she loves it. I also love it to because it’s teaching her a skill that we hadn’t worked on together yet. It comes with four little boards and matching string. Highly recommend!

I sent this snap to a few people before dance last week and my best friend totally called me out that I’m wearing a maternity tunic. She remembered it from Target when she was pregnant last year, and I died laughing from how observant she is. It’s so comfy though! I still probably wear three or four of my maternity tops simply because they don’t fit like they’re maternity. Anybody else do this?!

Our annual MOPS Christmas breakfast could not have been any more beautiful or enjoyable last week. We have about 30-35 members, and we all enjoyed a hot breakfast, a chocolate fountain, delicious cider and punch, and more. We heard a great speaker, received a beautiful (and practical) gift, and had some nice time to chat and enjoy each other’s company.

I’ve said it a million times before, but I’m so thankful to do life with this group of moms. They’re truly a blessing to me as I walk through this season as a mom to small children.

Last Wednesday we got this winter’s first dusting of snow. As soon as it started snowing, Hadley and I ran to the front door to check it out, and in the sweetest, most excited voice she said “It’s Christmas!” I shared the video on my Snapchat and IG story, so you may have seen it. I’ll keep it forever. Love my girl and her wonder!

All bundled up to take Hadley to preschool last week. My weather app said that it was 14 degrees out. Brr!

On Friday Jamie and I threw his company’s Christmas party and had a really nice time! It was a Tacky Christmas/Ugly Sweater shindig and we gave out Amazon gift cards to those with the top three best costumes or sweaters. It was held at the bowling alley and was so easy to do. Fellow FRG leaders, I’d highly recommend a party at the bowling alley on post. We had a private room for pizza, drinks, and dessert, and the attendees only had to pay for their bowling shoes. We reserved eight lanes for two hours, and it seemed like everyone had a good time. To be honest, Jamie planned 90% of it, and I was impressed with him. Good job, Commander!

Hadley always gets new Christmas pajamas each year, but this year I was excited to buy two pairs to include our new little family member. 🙂 I couldn’t help giving them to them early so that they get max use out of them.

Saturday was SO MUCH FUN! We went over to the Landers’s house to watch the Army/Navy game and crossed our fingers that this was Army’s year to end their losing streak; they hadn’t won in this rivalry since 2001!

The kids were total rockstars and enjoyed hanging with their buddies, even the babies! These girls must have been good luck charms because ARMY WON!

Did you see my video on Instagram? These grads were absolutely beside themselves. It was such a good game and we all had so much fun celebrating and watching Army sing second… finally!

For eight years straight I’ve had to console Jamie after another Army loss, but this year I had (have) the happiest husband in all the land. It was about time. 🙂 I just wish we could have witnessed the win in person.

15 minutes after the game ended, we packed up and headed home to freshen up for Jamie’s battalion command team Christmas party on post. We received our sweetest babysitter (we love you Sydney!), changed clothes, and ran out the door. We mingled for a few hours before coming home and crashing hard after an excellent day.

We are all usually up and at ’em by 7 a.m. thanks to our tiniest munchkin, but on Sunday morning Jamie woke me up by shrieking “Oh my gosh, it’s 8 o’clock! We gotta get up!” We all four obviously needed some extra sleep (don’t be fooled though – Sadie still woke up twice during the night to comfort nurse.) We still made it to church on time and then knocked out a long to-do list of stuff the rest of the day on Sunday. WHAT. A. WEEKEND.

How cute does Sadie look in this dress? It was Hadley’s Christmas Day outfit when she was 14 months old. Sadie is only 7.5 months old. Ha!

PS: I rounded up a huge list of last-minute gift ideas for everyone you know all for under $20! Take a look and finish your shopping once and for all. 🙂