The #1 lesson I learned in 2012

I originally shared these pictures as a Wordless Wednesday post. When reviewing all my posts last night to write my favourite things review for 2012 I just knew I had to share these again as the #1 lesson I learned in 2012.

Lesson learned: Black gel based food dye will actually come {mostly} out of a microfibre couch, however, it would be best to not accidentally leave this stuff out where your preschooler can find it to use as finger paint!

THE CULPRIT

2012 in Review: Favorite Posts

As 2012 draws to a close, I thought it only fitting to share some of my favorite posts from the past year. Thanks to all my readers for continuing to Monkey along with us! 

I just realized while going through all these old posts that I completely missed celebrating my One year Blog Anniversary so will try to come up with an awesome Giveaway for you in the New Year!

Due for a "true" Vacation

December is a busy month. It seems that if we weren't out doing something fun this month we were dealing with a sick kid, working on homework projects for the oldest, making new speech therapy goals and the list goes on and on.

And that is just at home. I have felt similar feelings at work this month, just trying to stay caught up with the work. And even then, it is not necessarily our busiest time of year. Nope this is just the planning for the busy time, which will be the next three months come the New Year.

So I told my boss that I needed a week off and proceeded to book one for a week in early January.

Book Review: Understanding Other People by Bev Flaxington

Starting today I will be in charge while our manager is away. I have had these acting assignments numerous times in the past, so am pretty used to it by now.

These assignments have not always been easy. There have been some in particular, where I remember thinking “Why did I do this again? Reminding myself that I was gaining valuable experience during these times.

I have certainly learned a few things along the way about interacting with others. There have been times though where I simply did not understand what the cause was.

When I recently reviewed Understanding Other People: The five secrets to Human Behavior By Bev Flaxingtion I found some great insight into why these communication breakdowns can occur.  Reading the book, it really made sense that people bring their pasts, values, filters and behavioral styles to the workplace and specifically into the conversations that we have.

Monday Quiz About Me

This great little Blog Hop is hosted by Heather at Acting Balanced and Wayne at Touristic.  

Heather posts 4 questions on Sunday evening and includes a linky list, so be sure to link up after posting your questions/answers.  You also have the option of adding in your own question.

Here are the Questions:

1. What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

2. How does Santa manage to circle the world in one night?

3. How does Santa deliver into your home?

4. How do reindeer fly?

Holiday Helper: Reducing Stress

As we near closer and closer to Christmas Day, last minute plans are being made and some are scrambling to finish up shopping.

 I have a few things that I like to do to reduce the time invested in preparing to celebrate during the Holiday season.

For starters I don’t actually cook a turkey on Christmas Day. With just the four of us (who find turkey not worth the fuss), we simply put a chicken in the crock pot in the morning and let it cook away. Then we can simply make some sides such as the usual mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and veggie plus stuffing and gravy.  I know some people that do there big meal on Christmas Eve so that they can eat the leftovers the following day.

Visit with Santa Claus: Wordless Wednesday {with linky}

We had a great time at the local Christmas Celebration at the Railway and Forestry Museum. The kids had a blast decorating cookies, visiting with Santa, checking out the mini Christmas village display and riding the miniature train.

Sharing a moment in time

I didn't get around to writing anything this past weekend. We were fairly busy and so not only did I not really get a  chance, I also didn't know what to write.

While out on Saturday I found some inspiration.

We attended a local Christmas Celebration at the Railway and Forestry Museum. There was hot dogs, popcorn, cookie decorating, mini train rides, and Christmas Village displays.

Get your Game on: Thunderstruck with Kevin Durant #Giveaway

Warner Bros. is proud to announce the release of Thunderstruck on DVD and Blu-ray December 4th 2012, along with the Thunderstruck Blog App!

NBA superstar Kevin Durant plays himself in this action-packed family film about a basketball star who switches talent with a klutzy 16-year-old fan. When Brian (Taylor Gray) magically switches basketball skills with his hero, Kevin Durant, he becomes the star of his high school team... while Kevin Durant suddenly can’t make a shot to save his life! But with the playoffs approaching, Brian learns that being a true winner means working hard at your own game, and he tries to make things right in time to prevent a catastrophic end to his hero’s season.

Party for a Princess: Wordless Wednesday {with linky}

Her Birthday was a month ago, but I just had to share these photos from our family dinner for Karensa's 4th Birthday.

It's true, only a Princess gives such "dainty" kisses!

Monday Quiz About Me

This great little Blog Hop is hosted by Heather at Acting Balanced and Wayne at Touristic.  

Heather posts 4 questions on Sunday evening and includes a linky list, so be sure to link up after posting your questions/answers.  You also have the option of adding in your own question.

1. When was the last time you had your picture taken with Santa?

Hmm.. Most likely sometime long ago as a child I am guessing. I could dig out a photo to share but it is getting late in the evening to do that. Another time, maybe.

Holiday Helper: Shelf Stable Milk

The countdown is officially on until Christmas Day (as my son reminded me the other day when he noticed the fact that our Advent calendar was not out) and with it comes an even busier schedule. With School concerts, shopping, decorating etc this can be a crazy time of year. To keep up with our busy schedule I like to have quick and easy snacks to take along on our outings. One product I really like for this is Shelf Stable milk, making it super easy to have a nutritional snack on hand I can grab from the cupboard.