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.

Jingle bells and Jammies

Today she stood on stage at preschool for the first time, dressed in her cozy winter jammies and sang with the rest of the preschool children.  Her little group arrived on stage last and sat down just in time for Jingle Bells.  

She sat with her little classmates and rang her little bell.  We were delight that she didn't push, pull hair or dart away.  It is neat to see my third on the same stage as her sisters once stood.  Just last year we watched her middle sister's final Christmas performance and 2 years before that, we watched her older sister.  I love that this little school does the same thing each year.  The consistency is good for me and gives all of us lots to look forward to each year.

sugar plum faries

There is something so timeless about watching ballet during the holiday season.  We had the opportunity to watch our ballerina at her holiday recital downtown where the real ballerinas in town practice.  We arrived extra early to be sure we found a place to park amidst the flurry of downtown traffic and construction.

When we got there, we noticed the real ballerinas warming up for their Nutracker performance later that afternoon.  My girl stood outside the window and warmed up with one of the real ballerinas in the window.  They silently warmed up, mimicking each other, for the better part of 20 minutes.  My girl was entranced to be interacting (through the window) with a real ballerina.  We were grateful to the ballerina in the window who took such great interest in our little girl standing outside.  

It was a magical morning for all of us!