Thoughts of a curious elf...

This sprite little elf was completely lost in confusing thoughts after being thrust a candy cane following her terrifying Santa visit.  The candy cane (in wrapper) made it to the mouth and ceased all wailng in an instant.  The elf stood wondering about the man in a bright red suit as she watched her sister gleam with joy in Santa's lap.

Tree trimming

This year, my big girl really got into picking out our tree and trimming it.  We were fortunate to have our 90-year-old Busha here to share in these delightful festivities with an almost 4-year-old and a very curious and semi-destructive 1-year-old.

Ornaments were so sweetly grouped in areas of the tree that only a preschooler's hands could reach.

Busha did her best to gently guide the placement of ornaments so that the whole tree was covered.

Together, they completed the tree trimming and enjoyed nightly stories read in the twinkling lights of the tree.

Thanks, Busha for making our holiday so memorable!

"This used to kill people before we had the medicine we have today..."

Those words cut through my chest and made my heart skip a beat while I talked with the doctor about my babe's struggles last week.  I shivered in disbelief when he explained the severity of bacterial pneumonia on a little body.

Luckily, we do have medicine that can effectively treat the infection in my babe's lungs.  Thankfully, she has made great progress in a week.  Amazingly, she has been a trooper with medications and breathing treatments that seem to consume our days.

Momma Lesson Learned #465:  Always listen to your gut when your kid is concerned.

Get better soon, sweet girl.

All I Want For Christmas...

All They Want For Christmas...

1. Momma to NOT place me on the lap of a complete stranger dressed in a funny red suit

2. To wear whatever I want no matter what the occasion

3. To secretly enjoy watching my little sis cry on Santa's lap

4. "Just four things, Momma: princess stickers, princess chapstick, flowers and a purple wagon"

5. For Santa to bring my little sister a night-light just like mine

All I Want For Christmas...

To remember this day with my girls that was filled with wonder, amazement, tears and fright.

"You get what you get, and you don't throw a fit."

My daughter came home from school today saying this familiar phrase: "You get what you get, and you don't throw a fit."  I had heard these words muttered many times by teachers when kids complain. The only problem was that she was getting some of the words mixed up.  By the time she said it to my husband that evening, it came out as, "You get what you get and don't throw sh#$."

Yikes!

My husband was horrified and asked my daughter where she heard such horrible words.  She promptly talked all about a teacher at preschool.

Later that evening my husband confronted me about our choice in preschools citing the little phrase our daughter had learned from a teacher there.  I laughed and explained that she got the words mixed up.  My husband was relieved when he heard me state the phrase correctly.

I love the sweet and innocent words that come out of the mouths of preschoolers!!

Cookies, cookies and more cookies!

via

find the recipe for these beautiful cookies here

My girls and I attended a wonderful little holiday party today.  The party was a cookie decorating party hosted by a sweet friend.  The hostess provided the sugar cookies and each attendee brought a different type of decoration or frosting.  The kids loved decorating and eating cookies that they decorated.  The kids ran wild together after eating their decorated cookies.  It was the perfect holiday get-together for 10 kiddos that are all 4 and under.

Meanwhile, back at home, we have been baking like crazy.  With the addition of great-grandma the past few weeks, we have certainly enjoyed baking with her.  Here are some of our favorites (these are definitely holiday-gift worthy!):

Candy Cane Cookies

via

this one is a classic from Betty Crocker

-makes about 4 dozen -

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter 
• 1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• red food coloring

Procedure

1. Heat oven to 375 F.
2. Mix butter, sugar, egg, and flavorings thoroughly. Measure flour by dipping method or by sifting; mix flour and salt; stir into the wet mixture.
3. Divide dough in half; blend red food coloring into one half.
4. Roll a 4-inch strip from each color. For smooth, even strips, roll them back and forth on a lightly floured board. Place strips side by side, press lightly together and twist like rope. For best results, complete cookies one at a time--if all the dough of one color is shaped first, strips become too dry to twist. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Curve top down to form the handle of the candy cane.
5. Bake about 9 minutes, until lightly browned. While still warm, remove from baking sheet with spatula; if desired, sprinkle with a mixture of sugar and/or crushed candy canes.

We also made these delectable treats from i am baker

Oatmeal Cranberry Chocolate Spice Cookies!

They are fabulous!

You can find her yummy recipe here.

This afternoon we will attempt Key-Lime Bars from this month's issue of 

Coastal Living.  I love holiday baking! 

I need to start packing some of these treats up and bring them to the neighbors.  

Otherwise, they seem to end up in my belly!

Fresh air

"I must get out and breathe the air deeply again. "

-Gustav Mahler-

I love the fresh air of Autumn.  It is cool and crisp.  There is something so refreshing and cleansing about the cool breeze that blows through an open window.  It freshens the house and the folks inside.  I eagerly throw open the windows in the morning to breathe the chilly air.

NOW, I understand that this is a cardinal sin among allergy sufferers (like some members of my family).  Who could really forego the fresh morning air blowing in because of a little sneezing?  I know, I know, allergies are really a killer for some but the outside air energizes me and my home.  

Are you as energized by the outside air as I am?