Gingerbread Houses

It is probably the last year we will be able to talk them into sharing one house.

But they each took a side

We borrowed the leftovers from Mimi's big gingerbread get together

and off they went

We managed to keep the stomach aches at bay by convincing them that the candy was "old" from Mimi's house. (we aren't that mean, they got to have a few bites here and there)

And they were so proud of their creation.

Made together, 

with little bickering,

 lots of fun, 

and a wonderful picture,

 of two proud, 

getting to old for this momma, sweet littles.

Dollar Store FUN

Out third annual trip to the Dollar Store for all of our "guests" was a success!

With each passing year the tag-alongs have become more and more thoughtful in their gift giving!

This year was no different....

From writing their own lists

to what they actually chose to give, their hearts were placed in front of my eyes as they walked through the isles in search of the perfect gift for each recipient.

A few wonderful examples.

For Nonni: a lantern for the next Roaring River trip

Charlie: candles for his store

Chet: an ice scraper because they do not have a garage

Mimi: a cookie sheet to bake gingerbread on for next year's house

Tyler: a light to hook to her book while she reads

My precious and thoughtful babes, 

this tradition will continue, 

for you are teaching me

the art of  giving.

Ritzy snowmen

Peanut butter filled ritz crackers dunked in chocolate are the best Christmas treat...can I get an AMEN?

So this year we added a little fun to the process of creating them.

Got a package of flat craft sticks, some sprinkles and mini m&ms and we had ourselves a snowman party!

They were as good, if not better, than I remember them as a kid.

And this one we will certainly be adding to our string of Christmas traditions. Such a fun time!

And we even made some nutter butter santas. Cause we're cool like that!

who we are

It is a rare occasion that I hand over my camera and ask someone to take a picture of the four of us. 

Emme had a sweet little school performance the other night and I handed the camera to Nonni. I am so glad I did! This is not for a card or anything, but it is a good representation of who we are right now.

My pastor said at church the other day that we often want to come to church or come to God when we have everything "just right" in our lives. He reminded the congregation that God wants us to do just the opposite. He wants us to remember that He accepts us just the way we are RIGHT now, not "just right" now. That lesson hit home for me. I want to believe that I know that about my God. I think I do. 

The problem is that I can't let myself be accepting of the new mother and wife I am, even when I know that God is. I have been and continue to be very hard on myself about what I am accomplishing this year in preparation for Christmas. I feel like I have just been off, the learning curve for working mother is a big one.

I compare myself.......to my last year's  self. And dear last year self, you rocked it out girlfriend. 

But today, as I slow down after two family Christmases and I look around the house....  I see all the loads of unfolded laundry, half-wrapped presents under the tree, decorations haphazardly laying on the floor, kitchen counters covered in baking preparations, I am beginning to see things clearly.

 THIS is who I am right now, who we are right now, and right now will soon be over. So I'm regaining my footing--surveying the scene, and it's grand. I'm burrowing into my family, reflecting on this last year and how far our family has come, feeling grateful and content. 

May you all enjoy your RIGHT NOW as we are enjoying ours.

Merry Christmas!

Preparation

We have been preparing for his arrival for some time now.

It looks different than years passed have looked.

But the effort is being made to make this year special.

We have forgotten to add cotton balls to santa's ever-growing beard,

missed the removal of a few chain links, and pulling ornaments out of our advent calendar has been overlooked a time or two.

But Harry the elf has landed in a new destination each morning, we have gotten the traditional pictures documenting the passing of time and contentment of family.

We are doing it.

I beat myself up a lot being a working mom, worried that I am not giving them the time the need or deserve. Frankly, they are not getting the same me, I am stretched too thin to believe that they are. BUT, they are getting quality time, intentional time. Two parents that are committed to giving them memories and family traditions. And for the moment, that has to be enough. 

We decorated the tree and the house on Black Friday and ate OUR Thanksgiving meal the next day. It was a quiet way to begin the holiday season. 

The mild Saturday weather took Dad-O out to man the lights while Mommy cooked a small turkey breast, roasted root veggies and cubed potatoes. We ate pecan pie with whiskey maple cream sauce for dessert (dad-o's delight) and we began making our annual christmas cd for friends and family.

We have been preparing for his arrival for some time now.

It looks different than years passed have looked.

But the effort is being made to make this year special.

Our Autumn

As we continue to adjust to our new life

I find myself being very protective of our time.

When you go from every day all day to three or four awake hours a day with your family

perspective shifts

A LOT

We spent much of our time off of "life"

living life to our fullest

This fall we have done just that

We picked out pumpkins

Drew up our intended outcome

removed the seeds (one-handed of course)

\

and full body attack (of course)

We carved them up, taking in the fall view of our new little cottage home

posed in front of colorful mums

and in our side yard.

Dad-O went to B's first school halloween party

and MiMi went to E's

and I worked

And the only person who struggled with that was me, 

but I am letting go a little bit at a time, 

and so very thankful that someone was there for them both,

 even if it was not me. (really I AM)

We trick-or-treated only some of whom we wanted, 

because after a school day, there just simply is not enough time 

to go everywhere we want to go

And we smiled a bit more for the camera.....

But 

more than that

the camera stayed hung on it's hook a little more than usual

and we made some memories that will have no snapshots attached to them

we made the most of life

the circus

Not many people know this about me,

but I bet most people could guess.

I HATE the circus.

It totally freaks me out.

I did not want to go

and I especially did not want to put my kids on an elephant or a camel 

or any other wild and stinky animal.

But it made for some good pictures.

Seriously.....could this camel be any more of a poser?

So for the kids sake, I powered through, and tried to see to it that it was not 

obvious how uncomfortable I was.

And the kids loved every minute of it, 

they have talked about it for days now.

Afterall, we were not going to tell these guys no!

Thanks Uncle Jet and Uncle Charlie! 

The kids had a blast at the circus, and it was so cool to watch them enjoy it with you both!

but next time....I think I will take your word for it!