Christmas Cuties

“For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself.” ~Charles Dickens

Our Christmas Home

Well, here we are on Christmas Eve...and in the interest of full disclosure, it has been a rough week for us. Between travels, and a tummy bug, our schedule was thrown off track! But, the girls are on the men d, the house is starting to look like our cozy Christmas home again, and I'm ready for Egg Nog. ;)

One of my favorite additions to our Christmas décor this year is our "new" Christmas village! I actually bought the entire set at a flea market. I've always wanted one and finally had a place in our house to set one up. It like a scene straight from a hallmark movie!

Oliver the Elf has been keeping the girls entertained!

Our tree is filled with old world ornaments, hallmark ornaments, and ornaments that we've collected over the years. This year, we added a new Merry Christmas Sign that looked perfect at the top.

Happy Christmas Eve!

My Leaf Explorers

I just now got around to uploading pictures from last month. For the last two years, we take the girls on a leaf excursion. We drive around town collecting the brightest colored leaves we can find, then finish up with a treat at Starbucks. Evie remembered us doing this last year, and asked to do it again. It blows me away that she is now creating little memories of her own.

My sweet treasures. Yesterday babies, today, big girls.

Hope you all have a wonderful day! I have to buckle down and finish up my Christmas list. <3

Currently Loving (December Edition)

Drinking: My current order at Starbucks is a Grande Iced Cold Brew Coffee with Peppermint & Cream. Ever since switching from iced latte's to cold brew, I've realized I no longer enjoy the taste of their regular espresso. I do enjoy their Blond Roast, though. The cold brew is smooth, almost creamy for coffee consistency! ;)

Reading: I've been reading through The Christmas Blessing by Donna Van Liere for the seventh time (I think). I typically read it every year at Christmas, and every year, I think it's just as magical is the first time. It's equal parts romance, heartbreak and miracles.

Watching: I'm busy watching all the cheesy Christmas movies. And yes, I'm one of those that love Hallmark movies. I can't help it. I just love knowing they make me happy in the end and I don't ever have to worry about content. We are also slowly plowing our way through our traditional Christmas movies: Elf, Christmas With The Kranks, Polar Express, Home Alone 1 & 2, Santa Clause, and I always love watching While You Were Sleeping this time of year. I also love the old classics like It's A Wonderful Life, Christmas in Connecticut, White Christmas, etc. Ok, I clearly have a thing for Christmas movies. *wink* And my all time favorite? A Charlie Brown Christmas. 🎄

Side note...If you are looking for a new movie to add to your Christmas Collection, check out The Christmas Chronicles on Netflix! It's cute, funny, and good family-friendly movie.

Driving: Around looing at lights every single chance I get. There are few things that make me as happy and peaceful as looking at lights, listening to carols. It's just he best feeling in the world.

Buying: Well, I confess I have quite a bit left to purchase for gifts. I'm not too worried though, I have my ideas ready and rearing to go!

Enjoying: Grocery Delivery Service! I  have only used it twice now. Both times during cold weather and when I didn't want to get the kids out. It is just SO easy. You fill out your list, they go shopping for me, then deliver it on my front door. Such a fantastic service!

Christmas School

I'm finishing up my iced coffee this morning, while catching up with some online work. The girls slept in after a late (and fun) night out with their Grandmother. Josh and I got to have a quiet dinner out, which we topped off with a stop at Coldstone Creamery! Every year, I get a bowl of the Dark Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream. I like it mixed with chocolate shavings, oreos, and whipped cream. It's a tiny slice of heaven!

We have been busy reading Christmas books, crafts, and doing school by the twinkling tree lights. Our morning basket is brimming with new treasures. I might be having more fun reading these new books than they are! *wink*

For some reason, school seems even more precious and sacred at this time of year. 💖

Happy Tuesday!