Wordless Wednesday

Merry Christmas to All

Ready?

I think I'm almost ready. I've found the slow cooker wild rice soup recipe I'm going to use for Christmas Eve, and I think I've figured out how to keep the hot appetizers warm so I don't have to spend the whole night making them in batches. Gifts are wrapped although they don't have any bows on them. Maybe they will be bow-less this year. House is sort of clean, but I'd better vacuum up the animal hair one more time. I'm sure I'll be thinking of more things I've forgotten as the day goes on.

Grandfather Clock

I've always wanted a grandfather clock and this year, Bruce and I decided to give each other one for Christmas. We found a new for us one on Craig's list, and I love it so much. It has more simple lines than some grandfather clocks do, and Westminster chimes. We decided to place it beside the sofa in the living room. I had originally thought that the chiming would be loud and difficult to sleep through, but that hasn't been the case. Perhaps the carpet mutes it, or maybe I'm getting hard of hearing, either way, it's perfect.

Cookie Therapy

It's been difficult to try and process the killings of the children and teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn. last Friday. I've come to my own conclusions that this is the type of thing that will never be understood or even explained as to why it ever happened in the first place. I can't pretend to imagine the horror and grief those parents must feel. I know we all need to hear about it, but it's about the only thing the news has been talking about all weekend, and it's hard not to cry when I really listen. I decided to try and distract myself a bit by making some Christmas cookies. I felt my mood improving as I dipped the pretzels in almond bark and poured colored sugar and sprinkles over them. It was kind of therapy. I know that making cookies isn't going to take away the evils of the world, but it is something beautiful I can focus on in my own little life.

Wordless Wednesday

Yummy Crockpot Egg Dish

I tried out a new crockpot recipe on the family tonight, an egg casserole. The family liked it, and it actually looked appetizing! I'm thinking that it will make a nice addition to our Christmas morning breakfast. And since Bruce has promised to make the French Toast, I think we are good to go. It made a good amount, and we now have some tasty leftovers for the week.

Makes Sense

I was excited when I saw this because this is how I've tried to manage Christmas for the kids over the years. I haven't always followed it exactly, but it's been my goal. Funny how the holidays can get people so worked up that they buy things they normally wouldn't. It does take effort and reflection to stay on track.

Wordless Wednesday

Decorating For The Holidays

The tree is now up and decorated. I love that we use the same ornaments every year, especially the ones of my kids' smiling faces. I'm surprised that Minnie Mouse is being so good... I don't think she's tried to climb up the tree once this year yet! She does love sleeping under it, though. And when Kates brings Tristin home over Christmas break, I have a feeling that things might get wild. That little boy cat is full of mischief and never gives up.