Anticipation

I snapped this picture on Christmas Eve...the anticipation and excitement in their eyes!!! Priceless!

I'm praying you and yours had a blessed Christmas. We did!

I'll be cozied up for the rest of the week, savoring the last few days of our Christmas decorations, treats and books. Happy Thursday!

Our Christmas Home 2017

I can't believe it's almost here! No matter how much I try to keep it from sneaking up, it always does. I just wish the days could last just a little longer during this season. I love the colors, the music, the movies, the decorations. I took a TON of pictures this year. Looking back on years gone by just makes me oh so happy.

I bought this felt stuffed nativity this year. I had gift card money to Amazon, and I was trying to think of something that I really wanted to add to my decor this year. Then, I saw a similar nativity and thought it was the perfect way to add a tangible reminder of reason for this season! The kids LOVE to play with it, and it has quickly become one of my favorite pieces in the room.

This is my little reading corner. I set out the crown as a decor piece...it's actually a scentsy wrap warmer. But, I think it's pretty all on it's own!

This is my entry table. I love how our lights twinkle through the clear set. The sign over our door is a simple reminder to us as we come and go. I hope it encourages those who visit us, as well.

Sweet little "mistletoes".

I have my scentsy burner on all day long. We have been burning "Christmas Cottage". I love it! I also love those tiny trees in the window. :)

This is our dining table set up for our immediate family dinner. It was a lovely night, and I'll have to share more, soon. But, for now, I'm ready to catch up on a few blogs, read, and watch tv with my hubster. Happy almost Christmas!!!!!

Baking

Last week, we whipped up a batch of banana bread. I told the girls they could help. I think they were just a little bit excited!

When I told them that banana bread is Daddy's favorite, they took it even more seriously. And they couldn't wait to surprise him with it when he got home.

I've learned more this year, than any other, to take those extra minutes here and there to let the girls get involved. Yes, I could have made that bread in half the time, but their squeals of happiness was well worth slowing down and savoring the moment. I'm learning. I really am. ;)

My Babies

My babies. Not such little babies anymore, I know.

This year, to make things easier, I decided to take the girls picture before Thanksgiving. It was my attempt to be ahead of the game. Ha! Are we really ever ahead? I'm not sure, but I like to think so. ;)

I also ordered framed picture ornaments of the girls first Christmases...and digging through those pictures brought back a lot of sweet memories! And now, look at those little peanuts. They are a MESS. And boy do they like making messes, too! Haha.

Happy Friday, friends. :)

All The Christmas Things!

The girls Christmas pictures have been taken.
Photos have been ordered.
Lists are being made.
Cards are being written.
Recipes are being researched.
Carols are being sung...
Lots and lots and lots of Christmas movies are being watched!

Speaking of Christmas movies, if you have Netflix, check out the movie Christmas in The Smokies! It's super cute and very family friendly. My friend Ashley introduced it to me, and I loved it. :)

I love this season. Love it! Happy Wednesday. :)

A Special Visitor

Oliver the Elf arrived last week! He showed up with a box of surprises. Inside were new Christmas nightgowns, and a special movie!

It was a fun night. I love watching the girls get excited over all the Christmas things this season! Also, there is no such thing as too many Christmas pajamas. Am I right?  ;)

Christmas Ornaments

The girls worked on coloring their Christmas ornaments that we bought last week. I think Ella was more excited about getting to hold markers than anything. ;-)

Evie Grace takes her coloring, crafts and any artwork she does very seriously. I love watching her imagination come to life!

I know I'm biased, but I think they are the most precious ornaments. I know I will treasure them for years to come. And these memories. I want to bottle up every second of this season...

Christmas M&M Cookies!

Our church hosted a Festival of Nativity night, and it was so much fun! A first for us, actually. They also had a chili and dessert dinner. I took one of my favorite cookies--pudding cookies--and added Christmas M&M's...because red and green M&M's makes everything taste better, right?

Christmas M&M Cookies (a.k.a Pudding Cookies)

1 Cup Butter, softened
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup White Sugar
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
2 Eggs
1 3.4 oz Pkg. Instant Vanilla Pudding
1/2 Teaspoon of Sea Salt
2 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1 1/2 Cups M&M's

In a bowl, beat together butter, sugars, vanilla and eggs until creamy. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until the dough becomes soft and well incorporated.

Roll into balls by the tablespoon. Be sure to spray your pan with Pam! Then bake for 10-11 minutes at 375. Let them stand for at least one minute before moving onto a plate or cookie sheet.

Enjoy!