Category: Family

Rather than doing a gift guide, I decided it would be more fun to collect some crowd-pleasing stocking stuffer ideas! So for your easy shopping enjoyment, here are 5 ideas for stockings, all under $16 and easily available on Amazon.

Idea #1: Sheepskin insoles, $12.99 https://amzn.to/3Euj55q

I’ve bought these insoles a few times over the years and like to keep an extra pair in my shoe stuff box for ‘just in case’ needs. They are basically like the inside of an Ugg boot or slipper and you can put them in ANYTHING. I have a pair in my slippers and I also have a pair in some thrifted Frye boots that are a half size too big. They are fluffy and warm and fabulous!

Idea #2: 12-pack Squishy set, $8.99 https://amzn.to/3y1CA2I

This is going in Jack’s stocking this year. The kids at his elementary school are obsessed with squishies and this pack of 12 was relatively inexpensive for $9. Believe me, there are TONS of squishy options out there and they get kind of pricey for a piece of foamy plastic…

Idea #3: Makeup Eraser, $15.98 https://amzn.to/3ydtKzn

I picked up an Original Makeup Eraser set at Costco over the summer and I’m obsessed. This has taken the place of any of my disposable eye makeup wipes. If you’re not familiar with it, you just wet it with warm water and the magical little fuzz removes every trace of your makeup with just a wipe or two across your face. It’s gentle and reusable and a fantastic stocking gift!

Idea #4: Brain Teaser Puzzles, $14.99 https://amzn.to/3DrbQdb

Jack recently got this set and the whole family has been enjoying it. So far, I’ve mastered the star metal cage puzzle like a champ, which makes you feel quite smart once you figure out the trick to it. The wooden one is a bit more difficult, so we are working on it. This would be a great addition to anyone’s stocking – kid or adult. {Sad update: the star metal cage puzzle disappeared out of Jack’s locker at school and he’s heartbroken! Santa might need to re-buy this one and save the day!}

Idea #5: Candy Cane Peeps, $8.95 for a 10 count, pack of 3 https://amzn.to/3lFbnOs

Don’t forget the Christmas peeps! The listing shows that you can use them in hot chocolate, which sounds amazing. However, mine always just go directly into my mouth.

Happy Holidays!

Disclaimer: This post contains a Amazon affiliate links. This means that clicking on a link may help me earn a small commission at no cost to you.

What. Is. Going. On?

I don’t know if there is a full moon, something in retrograde, or something strange in the air… but things have been crazy the last week or so.

Back when Jack was younger, it would have been called a ‘sleep regression’.

For those uninitiated: a sleep regression is when a formerly perfect sleeper studently starts waking up in the middle of the night or screaming through regularly scheduled naptimes. It typically happens at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, etc. It’s like your baby is having a super growth spurt, teething or reaching a new milestone that is sucking all their energy and good behavior.

Well, apparently Jack is having a 9-year, 8-month sleep regression.

Within the past week or two, he’s acted up at before/after care and I’ve dealt with random acts of attitude at home. He’s moody. He’s extra hungry. And yesterday I got both a note from his after-care program AND a separate note from his angel of a 4^th grade teacher about his behavior.

They both state that this is out-of-the-ordinary behavior for Jack. They both stress that he’s a good kid with a great attitude, but sometimes we all need little reminders to keep on track.

This is not the first time this has happened. I feel like once or twice a year, Jack gets a little itchy in his skin… a little big for his britches. A little bratty. We get a couple notes. We get a bunch of attitude.

And then, we take away privileges like video games and unrestricted television time for a bit.

And magically, his attitude improves and the ‘sleep regression’ passes. Hmm… perhaps instead of sleep regression, it’s behavior regression.

But when he’s in the thick of it. Inevitably I turn it back around on myself. I think of all the ways I’m failing at being a good mom. I wonder what I DID to make this happen. I think of all the things I should do different. I worry and worry and worry some more.

And I long for that moment that will certainly come in a week or so when I realize that he has suddenly grown out of all his pants again and it was just another growth spurt.