MY BLOG IS FEELING NEGLECTED

I lost my camera cord. I know I've used this excuse before, but sadly it's true. I'm all ready to blog about the new fireplace, Jase's playdates, my lazy butt at morning workouts, and an exciting post called, "Does My Husband Match?"....but I can't. The camera cord is missing. My usual self is saying this is a good reason to update the camera and equipment, but I'm trying this new "frugal" thing out. It's all about not buying everything you want whenever you want it. I guess it's been around for a while ; )

So my last resort is getting organized and finding the ever evasive camera cord. Wish me luck!

MORE DISNEYLAND FUN

I know I already did a little Disneyland post, but I just wanted to make sure I covered all my bases. And I know this was my first visit, but I definitely learned a few dos and donts for our next magical vacation.

Entrance of the Grand Californian...this picture doesn't do it justice.

Our view from the balcony.

The boys resting before we headed out for the evening.

1. I WILL ALWAYS STAY INSIDE THE DISNEYLAND PARK. I know this sounds like a spoiled brat, but our stay at the Disneyland Grand Caliornian Hotel was perfect. It is a bit pricey with nothing extraordinary about the rooms, but the lobby was AWESOME and there is a private entrance to both parks. This means we brought the kids back for naps and rested our feet without wasting the day walking and catching the shuttle. We also enjoyed the "turn down" service with chocolates on the pillow along with the pool and waterslides. Next time we venture down that way, I'm also going to try out their spa :) The valet parked the truck, the bell boys loaded our luggage and delivered it to our room, and some guy played the grand piano (Disney theme songs) throughout the evening. (4 MAGICAL STARS)

My boys at Minnie's Kitchen.

Jase LOVES Tigger.

Jaxon wasn't afraid of Captain Hook. He gave him high fives and the infamous mean face.

2. I WILL ONLY SUPPORT ONE DISNEY CHARACTER BREAKFAST--MINNIE'S KITCHEN. And for good reason. We tried Chip & Dale's breakfast which was located at our hotel. It wasn't that great, and the only characters entertaining that day was Chip, Dale, Turk, and some Raccoon from Pocahantas. (2 STARS, minus the magic). The next day we walked to Goofy's Kitchen located in the Disneyland Hotel. This is quite a distance from the park and our hotel. We show up to find a sign that reads the kitchen is closed for the day. What a waste of our time...but this led us to Minnie's Kitchen located in Disneyland at The Plaza. The breakfast was delish and the characters were abundant....Minnie, Tigger, Pooh, Eeyore, Captain Hook, the Fairy Godmother, Chip & Dale (again). We also got buttons, balloons, and lots of attention. (4 MAGICAL STARS SPRINKLED W/ PIXIE DUST) The next day we tried Goofy's Kitchen again. The service was poor, food wasn't great, Goofy wasn't goofy, and Chip and Dale were there again. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but when I think of Disneyland, Chip and Dale don't really register???? They also had the Mad Hatter and Alice. (1 STAR and not worth the walk).

Jase was having fun until he realized he was wet.

Jaxon with Brother Bear.

Jaxon, our wild man, running through the fountains.

3. I WILL LET MY KIDS HAVE FUN. This is a hard one for me. Sometimes I'm all about getting my money's worth. I think it stems from my Dad and his motto about buffets. Anyway, we let the kids decide. For those of you with younger kids, we LOVED the Bug's Life area, Soarin' over California, anything with water, and all the shows (Disney Playhouse, Brother Bear, Fantasmic). It was nice not running around trying to hit every ride.

Okay, I'm finished. Take my advice with a grain of salt, and don't forget lots and lots and lots of snacks. Unless you're not worried about spending $5 for an ice cream bar ;)

PAY IT FORWARD

I won, and you can too! Pay it forward!

The Rules...

1. Be one of the first three bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which entitles you to a handmade item from me.

2. Winners, you must post this challenge on your blog, meaning that you will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift for the first THREE bloggers who leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway.

3. The gift that you send to your friends can be from any price range, and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It's the Spirit and the thought that counts!

4. When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate Linky Love!If you are not one of the Top Three Commenters on this post, you can still play along. Start your own Pay It Forward game/link/chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same!

*Leave a comment even if you're not one of the top three, and who knows...maybe you'll get something anyway. :) Thanks Rachel & Melissa!!!

JAXON'S DISAPPEARING ACT

If you have ever spent a day with my little guy, Jaxon, you'll know first-hand that he is a busy boy. Mix that busyness with courage and adventure and you have my little monster. If he's not into the kitchen cupboards, he's scaling the pantry shelves. And if you can't find him shoving everything into the toilet, you'll probably find him pulling a chair to my countertops to reach the highest cupboard of drinking glasses. Yeah, it's fun to drop them on the travertine to hear the crash. Another favorite of his are the vents. Everyday we find different treasures in the vents...shoes, measuring cups and spoons, TV remote controls. This night we just found Jaxon. It was pretty cute and totally blog worthy!

IN CASE YOU FORGOT...

Just a tidbit of information about my honey. He's wonderful! Sometimes he comes home with "just because" flowers. This was one of those occassions. So in case you forgot, may I remind my fellow bloggers that I have an adoring, attentive, handsome husband who has always put me first.

CATCHING UP

Before I post anymore Disneyland fun, I wanted to catch myself up from last year's holidays. I know, I know...I'm such a slacker. On the upside, I have made the holidays last longer, and you do get to see more cute pics of my handsome boys. I also have a risky photo of Stacy (Dustin's sister) trying on my bra. It's toward the bottom. My strategic way of getting you to read the whole blog.

CHRISTMAS EVE...The Wild Whitts scarfed down a delicious meal provided by my ever-talented mother-in-law. We had the traditional cheesey potatoes, spiral ham, salad, costco corn, and pancookies. But the party really started after Jen showed us the game "Ho, Ho, Santa." It was good times and just what the doctor ordered to start the Christmas festivities.


Roger, Dallen, and Dustin getting ready for the game "Ho, Ho, Santa"

The Party Animals....Larry, Spencer, and Shelley

Jaxon w/ Aunt Jen

The gorgeous Christmas Eve decor...it's all plastic ;)

CHRISTMAS...call me a bad mom, but I didn't get a whole lot of pictures of the kids on Christmas morning. I was too excited. I did get a video of each of them checking out their loot from Santa. We were truly blessed, and I am ever grateful for a holiday season that's main focus is Christ.

NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY...You might be asking why Stacy was trying on my bra during our party. I have no answers. She's just a wild, crazy chica who knows how to have a good time. We definitely enjoyed ringing in the New Year with the Barnes', Dustin's parents, and my parents. We ate good food, played Guitar Hero, and hit the sack before midnight. Some might call us quitters, but I would classify it as sleep-deprived parents. I'm not giving up extra sleep hours for some "falling ball."