birthday goodies

Amongst the birthday madness that happens in our family from December 25 to January 18, simple handwritten messages taped around the kitchen this morning from my middle girl {days after my birthday} make me smile.  Yes, these are the best birthday wishes. 

the last of Christmas

Today was the twelfth and final day of Christmas.  We waited until after dinner to dismantle the cozy tree that lit up the living room for the past 6 weeks.  

Carefully, we took down the ornaments, garland and lights as we drank hot cocoa.  There were even a few arguments about who could remove which ornament from the tree.  The kids moaned and the little one cried when Daddy drug the tree outside for trash pick up in the morning.  It was a lovely Christmas season and we are all sad to see it leave.  These are the little moments I want to remember about this year...

The littlest sister began arranging the figures of the nativity in cozy places and in interesting formations, just like her sisters did at this age.

She proudly hung her homemade clothespin glittered star on top of the tree.  We left our expertly woven birchbark star in the attic this year in favor of a wonderfully whimsical handmade touch to our Christmas decor.

They participated as sheep and a narrator in the annual Christmas pageant at church.  The biggest sister also played "Jingle Bells" on the piano in perfect time that Sunday.  The littlest sister sang loudly, "Ha-way-wu-ya," (Hallelujah).  The middle sister was carefully watching all the little sheep as they roamed here and there during the performance.

Their beautiful little drawings and imperfect writing adorned the wrapping of all my packages this year.

We used hand-sewn yo-yos to decorate the tree along with lots of handmade ornaments, snowballs and dala horses from all the creative members of our family.  It was cozy and familiar using only handmade accouterments this year.

They were all excited to see Santa this year.  The youngest didn't even shed a tear when her Momma plopped her in his lap for the annual photo.  The middle sister did lots of talking while the oldest carefully observed the jolly old elf.

Her hair was long enough for a beautiful new hairdo for Christmas Eve.

They were thrilled to pour a tall glass of Coke for Santa.  

In her note, she asked him to leave her a sip.

They carefully wrote their separate notes to Santa on Christmas Eve.  The oldest sister proudly left gifts for Mr. and Mrs. Claus that she bought and wrapped herself.

She took her time to sound out all the words she wanted to write.  Those words wrapped around the entire envelope and intertwined with a myriad of  little drawings.

They excitedly helped each other discover the recipients of the gifts left under the tree.

She spent lots of time gazing at the tree, "my Christmas tree," as she loudly stated.

She performed where the real ballerinas dance and enjoyed watching all the ballerinas warm up through the window.

They searched for the trees with mistletoe so they could stop for a sweet sisterly smooch.

The ornaments on the lower half of the tree are hung at the very tip of the pine bough and tug down at the limbs.  Each day they seem to migrate to different spots as both #2 and #3 rearrange their favorites in a captivated dreamy daze.

She was delighted to be surprised by a homemade ice cream cake for an early birthday celebration.

She enjoyed her sister's pinata contents that fell to the ground after being hit by all the cousins.

They were overjoyed to find a mystery.

The winter morning sun never fails to shed such pure light.

Together with their cousins, they found new ways to help around the house.

They skated around the tile floors with their new woolen elf booties. 

They were quieted by the fire and some Christmas carols played on the guitar.

She played all morning with a new set of wood blocks.

They were excited to give.

Most of all it was nice to have them all together, wound up tight in play, imaginary fun, quarrels, their big pup and the magic of the season.   

2015 wish

Cheers to a very Happy New Year!

{even if you are at home tucked into a warm bed and thankful for sleeping children, 

a quiet house, and a glass of something bubbly--yes, I will be asleep by midnight this year}

Little treats

There is this wonderful little shop we visit by the doctor's office. It is often the little treat after a dreaded doctor's visit. This night we were at the doctor but took advantage of being out together and visited our favorite little spot for gelato and all things Italian.  It was late but the fire on the patio was warm. We cozied up and enjoyed a little espresso, hot cocoa and gelato.  A treat, once in a while, is good for the soul--maybe, best for my soul to drink up time with her. 

Buon Natale!

Merry Christmas time!

Wishing you lots of carefree moments this Christmas time!  Happy 12 days of Christmas!

For some wonderful 12 days of Christmas prints, check out Lindsay Letters 12 days of Christmas prints.  They are all hand drawn and a perfect reminder to celebrate the days ahead.

Happy 2nd day of Christmas!

LindsayLetters.com

cozy

He seems to know it is Christmas--maybe it is the extra food he steals from the counter-top, the tree that changes the living room, the lights, music, boisterous children, or just the quiet evenings by the fireplace.  He lays under the tree and by the fireplace just watching everything unfold.  He is an all-knowing and soothing presence around the holidays.  His big white paws spread out from where he lays and remind us of reindeer hoofs and legs.  His thick coat begs to be pet and hugged.  His deep brown eyes gaze at us while we scurry here and there.

He is calm and bright.  His coziness forces me to stop and sit for a minute with him on the floor.  Together, we silently communicate. 

This is one of my favorite parts of Christmas--my big cozy dog by the tree.

a long winter's nap

She arrived home in tears about not getting to say goodbye to her teacher that day.  Later we realized that she thought school was over permanently after December 19 -- after all, we counted down the days, talked about the "last day," and discussed things we would do together during the day when they weren't in school.  Never did we explain that this was just a winter holiday and not a final end.  

She cozied up in her folksy winter PJs and laid down on the couch while I made dinner.  In a moment's time, she was lured to sleep by the quiet twinkling of lights from the Christmas tree and the familiar sounds of and old Christmas classic on TV.  She slept so peacefully as she relaxed from all the tension that had built up in her little body -- tension that could have easily been avoided if we more clearly explained that this was a winter holiday and not the end of the school year.  

I often forget that kindergarten is so new to these little ones.  Long days, clear academic expectations, and a classroom of 20 take their toll on these sensitive little kids.

I am grateful for a long winter break and the long winter's nap she had on the couch that evening.  We will be ready to start anew in a few weeks, but now we are happy to move at our own pace and enjoy the season.