Day 939 | Handprint Santas

It was two years in the making, but Robbe finally has a handprint Santa to keep Chase's company on the tree.   

I had enough foresight to make the handprint ornament part (done on both boys' first Christmas) but the painting of the Santa was another story. Sheesh. 

Cute, though, right? I just used some Crayola Model Magic clay, cut around their handprint (and added a whole for a ribbon). Wait for that to dry then paint. Most of the time, this craft would not take two years. 

**Special note: Chase suggested that I leave Robbe's Santa's face without an outline so that they could tell them apart. Smart suggestion!

Day 938 | Winter Wonderland: Take 2

Maybe it's the Christmas spirit, but this just isn't getting old. 

Day 937 | Braving the Cold

Guess what? The boys and I have managed to continue our walks to Chase's school twice a day, four times a week. This week has been the challenge. Today, I checked the temperature on my way out the door and the "feels like" temperature was -9 degrees. That's no joke. 

To be honest, though, it doesn't feel that bad. And I've actually really been enjoying the extra motivation to get out of the house in these conditions and get some exercise. It's nice not to feel super cooped up already when we've got a looong winter ahead of us. 

How do the boys feel, you might ask? They're the ones who requested walking today. I was giving them the choice since it was SO cold and I didn't want them to be uncomfortable. Based on the temperature of their little hands and noses when they get out of the Burley (remember this? and this?) and their request to walk today, I'd say there's no question that they're staying warm and cozy in there. Turns out the bike trailer was an even better purchase than we thought! The big wheels (a must through the snow and slush) and fully-enclosed, side-by-side seats make for a pretty sweet winter ride.

Day 936 | Yoga

My frantic mind and aching body were craving some yoga on this bitterly cold morning (I don't think it even got into the teens!). I'd love to say that the class totally cleared my mind and offered newfound balance in my life. Not so much. The boys were grumpier + more irritable than usual and my patience was at a negative 10...even with the me-time. Oh well, some days are just like that, right? I'm trying to focus on the bright side: these tough days are few and far between as our little guys get older. Thank goodness. 

The heated yoga class did feel pretty amazing, though. And the childcare offered by the studio is about all this former-yogi could ask for to get me back on the mat...even if it is only every now and then.  

Day 935 | December Craft Club

Yep. It's officially a thing. A friend and I have decided to make our craft club (the one we started for Thanksgiving) a monthly occurance. 

Today's beauties? The boys got to decorate their own Christmas trees and stamp gift bags. So fun! 

Stay tuned for the January edition.  

Day 934 | Sunset Over the River

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. ;) 

Day 933 | Snow Fun

With 6+ inches of the fresh white fluffy stuff, it was a beautiful and very Christmas-y day around here.  

Day 932 | My Cup

My cup runneth over.  

Today was a dream day. Seriously. Every part of it. Here's the breakdown:

• Woke up to a breakfast with my favorite teenage nieces (after our sleepover).
• Met some of my aunts + cousins for a good-old-fashioned porch pot crafting session (see photos above). It was intense and creative and totally overwhelming and shockingly organized. Also, totally amazing. Thanks to Karen, Diana, Julie, David and everyone else that helped pull this off!
• Made it home for some holiday present crafting during nap.
• Cleaned up the house a bit before some friends came over for pizza + conversation + serious play time. 
• Wrapped up the evening with my favorite guy in front of a hot fire while the snow fell peacefully outside. 

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.

Day 931 | Friday Night

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.  

Day 930 | Christmas Crafting

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! 

Day 929 | Happy [Belated] St. Nick's!

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!

Day 928 | Winter Wonderland

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.

Day 927 | Rolo Turtles

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! 

Rolo Turtles

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!

Day 926 | Let It Be Christmas

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, by Alan Jackson

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

Day 925 | Christmas Arrives

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.  

Day 924 | Dear Santa, 2016

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:

Chase

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.

---

Robbe

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!

Day 923 | Independence

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.

Day 922 | The Cowl

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. :)

Day 921 | Christmas Kindness Calendar

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.

{ Calendar modified from this version. }

Day 920 | Playing Catch Up

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.