Where has all my time gone?? (& Merry Christmas?)

I had this idea in my head that once Aurora started school, I would have all this free time to catch up on things or get back to the gym. I thought I would be looking for ways to fill those hours when she was gone. It seems I was couldn't have been more wrong. First, just getting Aurora to and from her Pre-K across town is a part time job in and of itself (seriously, it's 20 hours a week). I'm also working a contract that has me at another 20 hours a week and I am back at school for my masters degree. My days generally consist of cramming as much work in as I can, or running errands on my day off, just so I can hang out with Aurora after school. We also walk a friend's dog twice a week. I realized the other day that the school year is already halfway over and I have no idea where all that free time I dreamed about ended up. It also dawned on me that I have been letting a lot of things slip because I got so established in this school/work/school/sleep routine. One of them has been this blog! I keep storing pictures and writing down notes for new posts, but by the time I get around to posting them, they are already out of date. One thing I would feel awful about neglecting though is Christmas! So, here I am posting about it in February. Our Christmas was great and it was the first year that Aurora truly appreciated the holidays really got into the Santa aspect of it. We also got our first live tree this year which was exciting! I was paranoid about a 6ft tree in a house with a five year old and a cat, but we had no problems at all, so a new tradition is born!

Aurora is in PRE-K!!

Christmas 2014!

This was the first year that Aurora really understood and appreciated the whole Santa thing. We definitely took full advantage and found him wherever we could. The first time was a little bit of a disaster because Aura took a nasty spill. Guess we had to get that first ER visit out of the way at some point... She was more disappointed to miss the hayride than anything. In spite of that, though, it was a great Christmas!

Aurora is FOUR!!! We had an Arty Party!!

I know everyone always says that children grow up so fast, but that doesn't even begin to cover the experience of watching your helpless baby turn into an intelligent, headstrong, independent, and opinionated little person. My little Bean turned four yesterday surrounded by friends and family who love her almost as much as I do. To be fair, though, I don't think she gave them any choice. I know that I am biased, but I don't think I've ever met a more lovable kid. I am in awe of how easily she pulls people in and how quickly she gives her trust and affection. I watch her look around to see who is watching her just so she can interact with them. She has always done this, ever since she had the ability to make eye contact. When she was a baby, it was just smiles, but now she'll ask questions and talk to anyone who'll pay attention. She can even make random scowling strangers on a crowded bus light up and have full-on conversations with her. I am not sure how I have managed to raise this kind, considerate and compassionate human being but I am eternally grateful for her and I hope she never becomes jaded or hardened by life. The world needs grown ups who are just as wide-eyed and innocent as this child is. I cannot wait to see the person she becomes and to be there by her side as she continues to grow and change and invite new and amazing people into our lives. Here are some of the pictures from her special day:

Our summer!

We had a great summer! So good, in fact, that I didn't even have a moment to sit and write about it. I took lots of pictures but they mostly went on Instagram (you can follow HERE if you'd like!) School has been crazy but I should be done in May! Aurora has grown from a giggly toddler into a smart, funny, friendly and opinionated "big girl". Life has been amazing, hectic and fast-paced and I wouldn't trade one second of it. Here's a peek:

Backyard Bubbles!

Visiting Estrella at the Children's Museum.

Eating a delicious fresh tortilla at the farmer's market.

Drawing at a block party (one of many this year!)

New scooter!

Storytime yoga at OmKids,

First time on a Ferris Wheel!

First time riding solo on a carnival ride. She loved it!

Playing at a pal's birthday party.

Aurora's spectacular Providence Pride outfit!

Hope everyone else's summer was just as packed with fun as ours was!

What we've been up to.

As of three weeks ago, Aurora has her very own, all-to-herself big girl bedroom. It was a pretty grueling process and it took much longer than I expected, but I am thrilled to say that it's done and I'm super happy with the results. Aurora is pretty pumped too! One of the things I'm the most proud of is that almost all of the furniture in Aurora's room was refinished furniture that may have otherwise been thrown away. The most I paid for anything in the room was $70 for the toddler bed a year and a half ago. The next is $50 for the curtains (I HAD to have them for her) and $20 for the dresser. Everything else was $10 or under! Here's a peek at the process and the results!

Aurora's ruler growth chart, thanks Pinterest!

Dresser - before

A before picture of our old shared bedroom

Dresser- after!

Nightstand - before (with my secret weapon liquid sandpaper!)

Nightstand - after!

This one I'm really proud of. This is an old sawhorse support... 

And this is a sawhorse support turned into a bookcase!

Aurora's cool flower lamp.

Awesome textured wallpaper. Still unsure whether or not I'll be painting it pink.

Hello Kitty decal wall and play table.

Aurora's new reading corner. Still hunting for the perfect fluffy chair.

Closet wall.

Bed and nightstand.

Dresser, Aura's framed pictures, Hello Kitty clock.

 

Play table. Got this for $5 but it needed a total overhaul. 

The infamous $50 curtains. Totally worth it, right?!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Nothing says "I love you" like a heart-shaped, potato flatbread pizza!

This is a new recipe I tried for the first time. It was delicious and may be my go-to crust from now on. If there is any interest in the recipe, let me know and I'll post it!