So, What Happened?

It went silent here for a while. The silence was probably best described as a reflection of the amount of noise in all the other areas of my life. Three kids, a job, renovating a house, keeping something that resembles a social life, and Matt taking on a much more demanding job all led to me taking a step back. I found that most recently the original intent of this blog got lost. There are awesome relationships I created, yet I was phoning it in while attempting to keep up my end of the bargain with brands. I never got into it to work with brands or make money. And the landscape of blogging started to change. I was on social media more than I wanted to be and not connecting in real life. I wasn't proud of what I was writing. I was tired. I wasn't writing about what was important to me any more.

So, we took a break from being the Hannemaniacs... online, at least. We're still here and as the bug continues to bite I'll share what I can. But I needed to disconnect and take some time to focus on getting through the day to day. In all the best ways it has been good. And maybe I'll find some time to tell you all about it. But I'd be lying if I said the relief of the pressure to do so doesn't feel good - at least for now.

Our 2015 Had A Happy Welcome

We rang in 2015 with a King Julien countdown on Netflix. Six kids ages six and under... It was the most perfect option to prove the perfect moment to make some noise, raise some sparkling apple juice, and welcome another year.

I don't really make resolutions for the new year. But if you've noticed things seem quieter around here it was because I needed to step back in 2014. I had lots of irons in the fire and I was losing out in the end. So, I'm just hoping to we continue to focus on what is most important in 2015.

Christmas Eve Eve

It's Christmas break and we're partying over here! It's been a long month. A long, long month for our family with two demanding work schedules sandwiching the holidays. So, we're kicking off the next couple weeks of holidays and time off to spend together with a King Julien viewing party for the kids. Party hats, popcorn, hot chocolate, smiling faces, and even a fever (it is flu season after all).

We generally try to limit the kids screen time, however holiday time means lots of special things and that means binging on episodes of their favorite shows (we knocked these out in two days) and watching plenty of holiday specials on Netlix.

We have previewed lots of them.. Our faves?

Santa Buddies, Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas, Santa Paws, Santa Paws 2, and Happy Holidays From Madagascar. Clearly my kids have a thing for talking animals, huh?

So, here's to a couple of weeks of indulging in movie time, special treats, together time, and I'm sure plenty of new toys...

Disclosure: I am a member of the Netflix Stream Team. All opinions are my own.

Happy Halloween from the Hannemaniacs

Happy Halloween! Halloween is one of our favorite holidays here at the Hannemaniac house... And, though a stomach flu almost sidelined B, this year did not disappoint. We've created a few little traditions so far and one of them is sitting the kids down for some Halloween specials.

This year we found a few goodies on Netflix that I hadn't seen before... The kids were excited to mix it up a bit after watching the Great Pumpkin about 20 times earlier in the month.

This year we found a few goodies that were new to us: Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest, Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkin From Outer Space, and episodes of Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated.

Netflix, popcorn, and a dip into their Halloween candy stash made for three happy munchkins.

This year we had to skip our usual chili (in case the stomach flu continued to take down victims in our house) and opted for a pizza party with friends.

We do love us some holiday specials... And now it's time to start digging around the Christmas specials. Stay tuned!

Disclosure: I am part of the Netflix Stream Team. All opinions are my own.