a merry one

The highlights: hearing Stella say that every gift was just exactly what she's always wanted, seeing Mabel and Oliver completely pleased and content with everything they received, even the boring things like socks, and listening to Mike, Mabel, and Oliver sing in the choir at our church services. They did such a nice job. It was a long, perfect day, and I was so grateful to get back into my cozy Christmas pajamas at the end of it.

I have much to be thankful for this holiday season, but I am most especially grateful for the birth of our Savior, for His life, and for the knowledge that He lives! He lives and He loves each one of us, of this I am sure.

Merry Christmas, friends!

all is calm, all is bright

It's Christmastime.

Signs that Christmas is almost here:

The leaves have fallen.
The daffodils have bloomed.
There is freshly squeezed orange juice for breakfast.
The nativity advent is getting crowded.
I've stopped checking to see if the tree needs more water.
We are eating too much junk.
The presents are piling up and showing signs of lots of little hands shaking and sorting.
And, just like every year, we are frantically finishing up our Christmas cards.

What's happening at your house this week?

lately

 It has been stormy, which it never really is here, so Elliot and I made the most of it one afternoon with sips of hot chocolate and a cozy viewing of Roman Holiday.

 Sometimes Elliot has a hard time waiting until after we pick up Stella from preschool to have a morning nap. That makes us a little bit clingy and whiney. Mabel was chosen to be in the school spelling bee and did a great job! Mike and I have to speak in church on Sunday and I am very very nervous. But I keep telling myself that if Mabel can get up in front of the school for the bee, then I can get up in front of our congregation and read my little talk.

This morning found us at Mike's office, which has a ginormous white board. So much fun. And I've been baking all week, it seems. We finally delivered goodie plates to our neighbors last night. These mini chocolate peppermint cake bites made it on the list this year. It's hard to tell, but they were so pretty and sparkly. (I also included caramel layer cocoa squares, pumpkin gingerbread bars, and molasses cookies.)

What is your favorite thing to give your neighbors at Christmas?

dear flannel shirt, where have you been all my life?

I picked up this shirt yesterday at Old Navy (my yellow one isn't available online, for some reason). As soon as I touched it, I knew I had to bring it home. I mean, have you ever worn a flannel shirt? Coziest thing ever. And just right for an Arizona winter. Also, I drive a Grand Wagoneer. I kind of feel like flannel shirts should be a requirement for ownership.

gingerbread men

One of my favorite things to do at Christmastime is bake gingerbread men. It seems like I am always trying out a new recipe. My ideal gingerbread men are soft, but sort of crunchy on the outside, spicy, and maybe even a little salty. Last year I made these. They were good, but a bit too crispy for me (more like a gingersnap). This year I made these:


Gingerbread Men
adapted from allrecipes

1 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup molasses
2 egg yolks
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons cloves
2 1/2 teaspoons ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg

Cream together butter and sugars until smooth. Stir in molasses and yolks. Combine the dry ingredients and blend into the molasses mixture until smooth. Chill for at least one hour.

Preheat the oven to 350. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness, then cut into shapes. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.


They were delightful. In fact, this might be my new go-to recipe. I usually roll my cookies between two sheets of wax or parchment paper, but I think these could have benefited from a little extra flour (the dough was pretty sticky, even when chilled). So next time I think I'll just roll them on a lightly floured surface. I baked mine for 9 minutes, but you need to watch them carefully. You almost want them a tiny bit undercooked, otherwise they will be too crispy. As soon as mine were cool, I put them in an airtight container to keep them soft, and so far, so good. Spread liberally with cream cheese frosting and chocolate chips and you will be in Christmas heaven.

It looks like all my dreams.

"My house is me and I am it. My house is where I like to be and it looks like all my dreams."

Have you ever read The Big Orange Splot? It is one of my favorite children's books. My favorite quote from the book exactly describes my feelings about our house. We first saw it on Christmas day, six years ago. And despite its 1978 trappings, we were sold. I loved it immediately, concrete walls, windowless family room, popcorn ceilings, shag carpeting, and all. We have lived here the longest of any other place, and we hope to stay here forever.

But I was kind of antsy for a change. So Mike and I threw caution to the wind and changed the direction of the couch in our basement family room! We are wild, I tell you. :) Then, as if that wasn't enough, I switched out the hooks in our office and moved my vintage sewing table into Elliot's room. I am pleasantly surprised every time I walk into these rooms now.

What I'm trying to say is, you don't always need to spend money to get a new look. I'm sure you know this, but it is a lesson I seem to learn over and over again.

p.s. I really really love these vintage hooks we inherited from Mike's parents. Aren't they pretty?

a peek and some serious advice

Don't wait ten years to get family pictures taken like we did! I mean it. It's a really dumb idea. I'm so glad we finally had some pictures taken last week. Oh, I love them. While I decide which one will make it to the Christmas card, have a little peek at some of my favorites.

Thank you a million times Sunshine & Shade Photography!

a few anouncements

For locals: Would you like to do some holiday shopping for a good cause? There is a boutique sale tomorrow, 7am to 2pm, 1719 E. McClellan, Mesa, AZ 85203. The sale benefits the family of Leah Bowles Lowe, who passed away recently after a two year battle with cancer, leaving her husband of 16 years, and four young children. Sounds like a great cause and a fun event. Here's a link for more info.

For everyone: Remember when I told you about Singers Company? Well, I have great news! Singers Company is now opening groups all over the country, including a few here in the Mesa/Gilbert area. Hooray! There might even be one in your neck of the woods! Go here to enroll your girls and here if you're interested in becoming a director of your very own group.

Have a great weekend! I think we'll spend some time sitting in front of our pretty tree (that's where I found Stella last night, singing) and taking it easy. What do you have planned?

decking my halls

I've been a bit under the weather this week (I think I might have the flu, except that I'm not throwing up?). I'm trying to make the best of it by laying on the couch and watching all of my favorite holiday movies. So far I've seen Dan in Real Life (technically not a holiday movie, but I love it just the same), the Family Stone, Little Women, and Pride and Prejudice (Again, not holiday themed, but like I'm going to be sick for a week and not watch P & P! I'm so sure). Am I missing anything?

This morning I decided that I wasn't going to let whatever it is I have get me down anymore, so I brought all of our Christmas decorations up from the basement. And very s l o w l y started putting them out. I still have a ways to go, but it's looking quite festive at our house now. Mike and the kids might even get a tree tonight!

Is the tree up at your house?