Life with Dylan

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  • Mommy, Is Santa Claus Real?

    As the holidays approached this year I had a heavy heart. Knowing this could very well be the last year that Dylan believes in Santa Claus and wanting to make it the best Christmas ever was something that I struggled with for the past few days. Financially, I just couldn’t afford the iPad we both wanted – although it would have been the perfect gift to both of us. I knew that he would be happy with whatever he got Christmas morning, but as single parent I always worry if he is getting everything he needs.

    So last night when Dylan asked, “Mommy, is Santa Claus real?” I almost told him the truth.

    However, after a wonderful sermon at church about believing in the spirit of Christmas and the wonderful gift that God gave to us, I had a change of heart. As Dylan lay tossing and turning in bed – unable to fall asleep because he was so excited for Santa to come – I asked him if he wanted me to tell him a story.

    I read him The Night Before Christmas (our annual tradition) and then told him about believing in Christmas magic. The magic of Santa. I told him that if he believed with all his heart in the magical spirit of Santa Claus, then Santa would come. I told him that Santa was whatever he believed him to be. I told him that Santa had been watching him all year long and was very proud of him – and that I knew for a fact he was on the nice list. All of this was true. I was not lying about anything.

    Santa Claus is a magical belief that brings joy to children of all ages. The spirit of giving something that is so special, it only comes once a year. A gift that will bring happiness and love to whoever receives the gift.

    We cannot see God, but we believe in God and that he gave us a gift, the gift of his only son.

    Nobody has ever seen Santa Claus – and I doubt they ever will. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t believe in him. Believing in something gives you hope. Hope that tomorrow will be better than today.

    Presents – yes, Santa Claus brings presents. But is it the presents that get us excited or is it the anticipation of finding out what’s inside of them? Does it matter who gives the presents to you or how much they cost? No, what matters is that someone thought of you and decided to give you something special.

    I don’t think this was the story that Dylan had in mind, but I do believe he enjoyed it. I ended the story with asking him the same question he had asked me … “Dylan, is Santa Claus real?”

    “Yes Mom, if you believe.”

    This morning after opening presents, Dylan came over to me as I sat on the couch drinking my coffee and gave me the biggest hug. I think it was hug #6 (I only gave him two presents, the others were from Santa) and he said, “Thanks Mom, I believe in you.”

    Does this mean he knows who Santa is? I’m not sure and I didn’t bother asking.

  • Five on Friday – Favorite Blog Posts

    I spent last night looking through old pictures and reading some old blog posts. Never before is it more true that my thoughts, put into words, are telling a story. People say that whatever you put on the internet will be around for years to come. I sure hope so. I want my son to be able to read this blog years from now and remember everything we did together – and even read the posts that had nothing to do with visiting the zoo, but that were my way of sharing my thoughts and feelings.

    So this week’s Five on Friday is a listing of some of my favorite blog posts.

    A New Chapter – my very first blog post, where it all began.

    Wii Love Christmas Morning – the year Santa brought Dylan to tears.

    He Doesn’t Need “Mommy” Anymore – the day I cried

    Another Milestone in Life – one of the proudest days in my life.

      Is the American Dream Still Alive? – a turning point in my life.

    As much as I enjoy reading friends current postings, it’s always fun to randomly select an old blog post and read it again – or maybe read it for the first time.

  • Gingerbread Inspirations

    Most of us think of a gingerbread house as a simple house with four walls that is decorated with candy and frosting. Until recently, this is what I always aspired to create when making my gingerbread house.

    But why stop at just ordinary – when you can make extraordinary!

    Think outside the box and use sugar cubes to make an igloo, use candy corn to make a hauntingly cute house – Jack Skellington style, or maybe you like fairies – make Tink’s house … the possibilities are endless.

    After visiting the Science of Gingerbread Exhibit at Discovery Science Center, I have been inspired to go beyond the ordinary. Who knows, maybe I will make a gingerbread house for Valentines Day and Easter next year. With enough practice and creativity, I may even attempt to make one like the penguins and igloo theme I saw at the exhibit next Christmas.

    https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

    Forget the kits and start using your imagination. Anyone can build their own gingerbread house with a little help from the gingerbread men and these simple step-by-step instructions.

    What will your next gingerbread house look like?

  • Wordless Wednesday – LEGO Santa

    Even though Snow Days was a bit of a disappointment, this LEGO Santa was awesome!
    The first real smile from Dylan with a Santa.

    And the LEGO creations were pretty awesome too.

    I only wish the entire park could have been decorated for the holidays instead of just the small area in Fun Town.

  • Gingerbread Houses are a Fun Holiday Tradition

    The smell of ginger and molasses filling the kitchen is something I look forward to every year.  Ever since I was a child and read the story of Hansel and Gretel, I have wanted to make my own gingerbread house.

    These edible houses are quite popular at classroom parties (usually made from graham crackers) and endless amounts of frosting. Many families will buy a kit from the local craft store and attempt making a gingerbread house of their own.

    We used a kit one year because I was short on time, but it just wasn’t the same. Last year, Dylan decided he wanted to make a big house, but just a flat one, so we we got creative.

    This year, we went back to the family tradition of making the house from scratch – and it was so much fun. Friends are always asking me, “How did you do that?” It’s not hard, really it’s not. And you don’t need to use a glue gun – royal icing works great!

    So, with the help of the graphics department, I have created step-by-step instructions for you and your family to build your very own gingerbread house over at OC Moms. Check it out and let me know if you decide to make a gingerbread house of your own this year.

    Be sure to take a look at the printable version of the instructions too.

  • Holiday Travel Done Right

    Nothing says the holidays like traveling through the busy airports. Families fumbling through the security lines and hoping that no major meltdowns happen on the plane.

    After a recent trip to visit family, I took the opportunity to make a list of all the situations I encountered and share my tips with the OC Moms.

    Delayed flights, crying babies on the plane, and long security lines.

    This year, make sure you are one step ahead with some useful mom tips for traveling with the kids.

  • Five on Friday – Ornaments

    I use to have a beautiful Christmas tree decorated in snowflakes, glass balls in shades of blue and green, silver icicles, and seashells. That all changed when I became a mom 8 years ago. I still have the beautiful ornaments – packed away in a plastic bin – and someday I will hang them on the tree again.

    Until that day, my tree will be decorated with childhood favorites from Disney to Star Wars and whatever else my son wants to hang on the tree. Don’t worry, I still manage to sneak a few of my favorites on the tree too.

    My families five favorite ornaments. (well, six, there was a tie)

    Can you guess which ones are my favorite?

  • Take a ride to the North Pole at Irvine Park Railroad

    Anyone can visit Santa at the mall – Why not visit the jolly man at the North Pole this year?

    Irvine Park Railroad has been transformed into a winter wonderland. Start in Santa’s Village with some cookie decorating and stories with Mrs. Claus – then board the train for a magical ride directly to the North Pole.

    Dylan and I went last week and had so much fun. He loved decorating sugar cookies.

    The train ride is my favorite part. The park is so beautiful at night with all the lights. You forget you are in a park and feel like you really are traveling to the North Pole.

    And before you know it, Santa is welcoming you with open arms.

    Make sure you bring your wish list with you … but in all the excitement you forget … don’t worry because Santa knows everything. He even knew that Dylan wanted Legos for Christmas!

    All the details, including pricing and hours can be found here.

    While at the park, don’t forget to visit the Orange County Zoo and wish the animals a Merry Christmas too! The zoo is decorated in holiday cheer and has this great picture spot by the waterfall at the entrance.

  • Wordless Wednesday – Even Stormtroopers Believe

    The force was with us at Discovery Science Center

  • Christmas Shopping Plan of Attack

    Christmas shopping can seem like a difficult task for many people, but for a single parent – sometimes impossible. Finding the time to go shopping without the child takes some serious planning. Strategy is key.

    I knew what I needed to get. His list was simple.
    1. LEGO
    2. Star Wars LEGO
    3. Star Wars
    How hard can that be? Well, considering he already has every Star Wars LEGO under $40 I had some planning and budgeting to do. Imagine my excitement when I saw this ad in Sunday’s paper.
    A plan of attack was needed – and fast. At this price the shelves will be empty in no time.