We're definitely not living in a tropical paradise these days (and it's only going to get worse...), but the boys and I lengthened our walk home from school to see this breathtaking sunset over the river. Just don't tell our neighbors we snuck onto their driveway while they're on vacation. ;)
With 6+ inches of the fresh white fluffy stuff, it was a beautiful and very Christmas-y day around here.
My cup runneth over.
Today was a dream day. Seriously. Every part of it. Here's the breakdown:
It really doesn't get much better. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. This. This is why we moved back.
Yeah, that's us out on a Friday night...after bedtime. It's not a big deal, it's a huge deal.
It turns out adult time is super enjoyable, for the record.
Why is it that this time of year offers the motivation I can't muster for crafting the other 11 months? Whatever! I'll take it.
We snatched these Christmas tree crafts on clearance last year and they were a total hit. Thanks, past Sara + Chris!
Chris's family celebrated St. Nick's day every year when he was growing up. Mine didn't. We obviously decided to continue this family tradition with our little guys but somehow the holiday just can't seem to solidify in my mind. I swear (SWEAR!) St. Nick's day is on December 7th. Nope. It's December 6th. Shoot! We missed it yesterday.
Luckily, the boys don't care when they get presents, so no one was any wiser. Whew.
Here's a bit of a history, if you are completely clueless about it as I was. So, last night we put out our shoes by the fire place and waited for Saint Nicholas to visit and fill them up. And he came! We all got some coins, Christmas socks, and clementines and the boys got new Christmas books, too. It was quite the exciting morning. Oh, and Grandma and Grandpa M spoiled us rotten with additional treats + gifts as well...thank you!
Just a little snippet of Christmas come early in our house this morning. The excitement mounts for the real deal in just a couple of weeks!
Maybe it's just because it's new and exciting, but this snow is bringing me more joy than I anticipated. There's nothing better (for the moment) than walking down stairs and seeing our front yard covered in a pristine layer of fluffy white stuff. We actually don't have piles and piles yet (which is when it might get a bit old), but the two little dustings we've had are enough to make me smile.
I'll follow up in February to let you know how I feel about the cold + snow after months of living with it, but, for now, I'll just soak in the excitement and beauty while I can still appreciate it.
This recipe came across my Facebook feed and I couldn't resist. I don't even really like pecans but something about this was calling my name. And boy, oh boy, are they tasty. Was there really any question?
'Tis the season for indulging!
Ingredients:
Small pretzels (we used the Old Dutch holiday shape version)
Pecan halves
A bag of Rolos
Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Place one pretzel down on sheet for each turtle desired.Top each pretzel with one unwrapped Rolo.
Bake 3-5 minutes or until caramel piece begins to soften, but not melt. Remove from oven; top with pecan halves by pushing down slightly. Cool completely.
**Good luck keeping these around until the holidays!
Today. It finally feels like Christmas today.
The decorated Christmas tree helped. The garland going up our stairs helped. Putting out my grandpa's santas helped. But the real kicker, I decided, was the snow.
We had a beautiful, picturesque snow today. It was warm enough to spend the whole morning frolicking in it and the belly laughs coming from the boys lit up my heart as much as it lit up their faces.
Maybe I've been watching too many cheesy Christmas movies, but I just love this time of year. One of my favorite Christmas songs sums it up perfectly. It's a country song (no surprise), but give it a chance.
Let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let every heart sing
Let every bell ring
The story of hope and joy and peace
And let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let anger and fear and hate disappear
Let there be love that lasts through the year
And let it be Christmas, Christmas everywhere
Let it be Christmas everywhere
With the gold and the silver, the green and the red
Christmas everywhere
In the smiles of all children asleep in their beds
In the eyes of young babies
Their first fallen snow
The elderly's memories that never grow old
Let it be Christmas everywhere
Big day over here. There was a breakfast with Santa (both boys were champs!). There was cookie decorating (some impressive designs). There was a tree hunt (we found the perfect one!). There was a hanging of Christmas lights (inside + outside). There were Christmas movies (yep, plural). There were ornaments hung (and lots of reminiscing).
It was a good day.
After much thought and deliberation, the boys have settled on their *final* santa lists. Hopefully we'll be able to deliver these lists in person tomorrow. Stay tuned.
Without further ado:
Dear Santa,
First, no matter where we are on Christmas Eve, you can eat as many cookies as you want. I would like to ask for the Batman and Superman House that is connected together and also a surprise.
That is all I'm asking for. Thank you. Merry Christmas!
p.s. I have been very good.
Dear Santa,
I would like a big fire truck for Christmas, That is all I want. I have been a very nice boy this year.
Thank you and Ho Ho Ho!
The boys are becoming more and more independent everyday. From putting on coats + shoes, to bathroom antics, to helping set the table for meals, it's been wonderful. The photo above is a snapshot from their newest venture in independence: collecting their dishes for their morning snack (of cereal + dried fruit while they wait for their real breakfast, in case you're curious). Yes, the animal bowls that they usually use are located easily in the lower cabinet but they've realized that eating their snack out of a plastic cup is preferred, and, for that, you need to move one of our stools across the kitchen and scale the counter to find the perfect cup.
Of course the little one always volunteers for the job.
We're all wearing cowls, minus the snapping turtle in the background. They don't work well under water.
I don't know when the cowl became hip but I'm grateful. It's definitely my favorite cold-weather accessory. And now the boys agree. Too bad they just have the old ones from years past. Maybe, just maybe, they'll have newly knitted ones under the tree this year. :)
Inspired by my desire to "do something", I've decided we're going to tackle this "Random Acts of Christmas Kindness" calendar this year. Every day (starting December 1) leading up to Christmas, we will pick one item on this list to make the world a better place.
I'm hoping this will be fun and not another to-do on my already excessive list. There might be a day off here or there but I'm hoping we can really commit and get inspired to make someone's day just a little bit brighter.
Want to join in? You should be able to grab the calendar from the photo above, otherwise comment below or contact me and I'll send it your way. And I'll report back at the end of the month to let you know how we did.
One long weekend away = the need for a recovery and catch up day. Unfortunately, I didn't get quite as much accomplished as I had hoped, but there was progress.
Plus, my day ended reading a book to this guy in a tent. You can't complain about that.
Chase and I busted out of the house solo (what?!?) this afternoon for some serious holiday crafting. A local church puts on an amazing advent workshop that I attended and loved when I was young.
I will say, it surpassed all expectations. I bet there were close to 20 different crafts to chose from. Chase finally had to call it quits after about ten. He was just too tired. That never happens! He painted a wooden bird ornament (thanks to Aunt Lynn + Uncle Jim for this one!), constructed a marshmallow snowman, crafted a glitter ornament, created a star out of legos, decorated a gingerbread man (and one for his brother)...plus more!
Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit faster than a serious crafting session. See you next year, advent workshop!
It's been another great Wisconsin day. Highlights include: holiday card making, a bit of shopping, some baby snuggles, board games, lots of family time, and laughing so hard my stomach hurt. What more could you ask for?
What's better than Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving + a birthday celebration back to back. Whoop whoop! We celebrated Maria's 9th (!!) birthday with an amazing sub sandwich bar and some yummy cake. Can't wait to see what's in store for tomorrow to keep the party going.
A snapshot from our post-meal crafting session. Hands-down one of my favorite family traditions.
It was a day full of family + food + laughing + crafting at our Thanksgiving feast. I hope that wherever you celebrated today, you had the same ingredients for a lovely day.
Happy Thanksgiving!
It snowed today. The boys loved every second. I think they were hoping for something closer to snowman-building accumulation, but they didn't complain. Instead we discussed the strategy for forming the perfect snowball and enjoyed see the different types of tracks we could create.
Oh, and we had a discussion on what type of snow is acceptable to eat...not the 1/4 inch snow that's lying directly on top of the dirt, in case you were wondering.
small city | BIG DAYS
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