A New Tradition?

I have always wanted to think of a fun way to count down to Christmas with the girls. Well, that's not entirely true...I do think of fun ways to do it, I just never think of it enough in advance to actually plan something. (I blame genetics. We are not great planners in my family. Just ask the people who ate Thanksgiving dinner with us...two hours after we told them to be there.) So you can imagine how pleased I am with myself for thinking of something to do (and getting it ready!) before December actually started. Pleased as punch, that's me.

So, we rounded up all of our Christmas books and wrapped them last week. ("We" being Savanna and me. But mostly me.) 24 books in all. We numbered them and we're going to open one every night in December and read it before bed. The smaller the pile gets, the closer to Christmas we'll be. Woo Hoo!

As great as this idea sounded in my head, I will admit I was a little overwhelmed when it came time to actually do it. By the time I was wrapping book #6, I was seriously questioning my sanity. By book #13, contemplating giving up. Book #24, just glad it was finished. I'm so glad I followed through, though, I think it will be a super fun and tangible way to count down to the best holiday ever.

 Who knows? Maybe I'll be crazy enough to

pick this tradition again next year.

Grateful, Thankful, and Incredibly Blessed

It's the last day of November, and I am quite ready to go full speed ahead 'til Christmas. (I've actually been counting down the days until we can begin the countdown until Christmas, if that tells you anything.)

But alas,  I know that I would be remiss if I didn't take advantage now to make special mention of some of the things that I am most grateful for...since November is supposed to be about remembering our blessings and all.

Since there are much too many to count, (like cereal and dishwashers and socks and brownies and electricity and binkies and down comforters and soap) I've narrowed it down to my top ten. (But do you like how I snuck some more in there?) (I'm also grateful for my clever intellect.) Here they are in all their Thanksgiving glory.

1. A religion that keeps me grounded, in-tune, and aware of my blessings.
2. A husband who cracks me up, folds laundry with me, fixes whatever needs fixing, loves the heck out of me, and blesses the lives of our children.
3. Children who are kind, healthy, adventurous, imaginative, affectionate, and loving.
4. Siblings who are supportive, hilarious, and forgiving when needs be.
5. Parents who have taught me so much about which choices to make in my life.
6. In-laws who love me (and spoil me) like I was their own.
7. Friends who constantly amaze me with their love and willingness to serve.
8. School. Though most days it feels like a thorn in my side, I'm grateful for the chance to keep my brain from turning to marshmallows, all from the comfort of my own home. (I should also add that I am quite grateful for a break from school over the holidays. Hallelujah, marshmallow brain, here I come!)
9. All of the people--friends, family, and strangers alike-- that have been a source for good in my life.
10. A loving Father in Heaven who helps me to see and understand the purpose in my life.

Happy Thanks-remembering everyone!

Lunch Break

The Art of Eating Mac & Cheese:

Step 1: Look hungry and cute

Step 2: Dive in

Step 3: Bring hand to mouth.

Step 4: Make sure everything gets in.

Step 5:  Throw your bowl on the floor.

(Don't worry; that nice lady will be happy to clean it up.)

Quote of the Day

Me: Do you know what the number one parenting mistake is?

Craig: Having kids?

Sisterly Love

These two really are Devoted Sisters. But there comes a time in every girl's life when her Big Sis (or Little Sis) is more of a pain than anything else. Like when Vanna's Big Sis "looks dirty eyes" at her. Or when J's Little Sis follows her around making noise when she is on the phone, talking to her aunt about important things like kindergarten.

In the car a few week ago, the girls were arguing about something, and I stopped them and said, "Can you stop arguing, please? I really want you two to be friends." Julia summed things up for me when she answered, "Um, actually, we're not friends...we're sisters." I thought about it for a second and then said, "I'm friends with my sisters. They're my best friends in the whole world." Her reply came in no time: "Yeah, but you don't even live together."

Hmmm...maybe that's why we get along so well.

***In the picture above, the girls are getting into their usual shenanigans: this time they emptied one of the kitchen cupboards to use as a car for a beach trip. They sure love each other, they just forget to act like it sometimes.***