snow

Someone got her wish today.  Her plans on the way home from school involved taking off her boots to put on her snowpants and put her boots back on.  All alone out in the back yard, she was in her own mini slice of paradise.  

st. nicholas day

It was a good morning to celebrate St. Nicholas Day.  We're all feeling a little worn down with a month long rotations of coughs, sore throats, and sniffles, and decided to play hooky from the last day of kindergarten this week in favor of a restful day together.  After a really late start, breakfast doled out in spurts as we each surfaced, the girls opened today's advent calendar to see a note from St. Nicholas himself telling them to check under the tree.  

Just as we'd hoped, he'd left a bundle of surprises in two little bags.  New Christmas jammies to wear all month, wooden Nutcracker ornaments for the tree, chocolate coins, and crafting activities to enjoy throughout the day.  

Miss A delighted in the magic of it all.  Little sister wasn't too impressed and decided not to warm up until she'd had her breakfast.

The Santa Claus playlist was on all morning and a few Christmas shows made their way into our lazy day.  Avery sparkle glued as much as possible.  Later we hit the town to get some ideas for Christmas gifts and pick up some groceries, made a visit to our Oma, and then came home to get these girlies into bed.

Not until we'd snapped a few photos in their new matching jammies, of course.  Love those stripes!  

what we've been making

:: a lot of mess

:: one more set of dolls for christmas shoppers

 :: custom moccasins 

:: festive fun

 :: the first of many school projects

 :: candy houses at Gramma's house

 :: fashion statements

 :: christmas wish lists

 :: lots of paintings

 :: her specialty squiggles

:: and a BABY!!  That's the main thing we've been working on these days.  This is one of our early ultrasound pics.  Weeks have gone by and I'm already half way now at about 20 weeks along, feeling those tiny kicks getting stronger and enjoying my still moderately sized belly bump.  Baby number three will be here this Spring and we're all so excited!

first advent

Over the past few days we have endured a cheerful little countdown of how many days until December first.  How many days until we can open the first pocket, Mama?  This morning she was up early (as usual) and again had to wait until little sister was up.  Such a simple pleasure to anticipate a tiny candy treat.  A handful of cherry red jelly beans, counted and divided equally by A while E gobbled them up just as fast.  

This year I was determined not to be caught off guard by December first and spent an impromptu evening putting a new advent calendar together a good four days early - and mostly out of supplies I had on hand or could print off the computer, which was a bonus.  We've filled each pocket with a variety of candies the girls will share and a note to let them know what chapter we'll read in their Jesus storybook bible to lead up to Christmas day.  Simple and straightforward and I can always add to it as we go through December as ideas for fun activities or events come up.

While half the family slept in, and Avery kept me company in the kitchen, I made a batch of warm french breakfast muffins.  I like tradition, and this had the ring of something traditional to do, even though it hasn't been.  Indulging in muffins dipped in butter and cinnamon sugar can't be a bad tradition to start.

We've been having fun lighting up the house with greenery and berries and red and gold.  It was a challenge in patience for A as we took our time setting everything up in stages - a little here, a little there, tree up one day, but decorations another.  We're feeling ready now to bring in the warmth and light as the days grow darker outside each night.  

ding dong

Trick or treat!

two

We will freely admit it.  Ella's second birthday was a good two weeks ago.  But wow that week ended up being a real doozy.  Life happens in unexpected ways.  Thank goodness our little birthday girl is just two and didn't have a clue that things were being delayed over and over.  Avery, on the other hand, wasn't taking our stalling nearly as well.  Last night we decorated with colorful bunting, baked a pretty little cake, wrapped a simple little gift (and rewrapped a couple she'd already received during the week!) and ordered a couple pizzas to give our little girl the party her big sister was awfully desperate for.

Ella was pretty freaked out by the tiny fawn on her cake. 

She received a new baby doll, a collection of princess figurines, marvel comic 'little people', a sweet bag to carry things around in, and a lego bunny hutch set that Avery picked out for her.

Simple and sweet and so nice to finally celebrate our funny little Ella.

grateful

The girls and I took a walk in our favorite park a few days ago.  We were looking to find the prettiest tree.  I didn't find it ... I was too distracted by these two beautiful creatures.  There is so much to be thankful for.  This weekend I am especially grateful for the support and love of our families.  For girlfriends to cry out to.  For prayers being heard.

Happy Thanksgiving!