Everything Christmas (Oh, a little bit of Christmas)

I have decided that I am done making holiday "list - of things we would like to do," because twice now in a row I start scratching off these goals, and man does it feel good, and then boom - sickness!  Which leads to guilt because how dare we not complete everything on said list - I know I know.

I have literally spend the last five days in bed, not even bothering getting up, and changing from one set of pajamas into the next - the most brutal sinus infection I have ever encountered - vicious.

Luckily Nate was home or working in town, and then when it got worse he took the day off Monday to take care of me and to take me to the doctor - so I caved and got the shot (whatever it was) and some meds, and well for the first time I feel a little human, and I am able to get a few things done.

I am kind of bummed that I had to miss a WHOLE week of my favorite month, but o well - we got a head start this year and I enjoyed two weeks of Christmas magic.

This year we decided to be a little adventurous and decorate more then just the living room.  The kids have begged me for a couple of years now to decorate their bedrooms, and I was such a grinch saying now all the time.  Well then I saw these sheets, perfect for Ian,  at Target one day (and they were 40% off) so everything changed.

We managed to find a lot of great deals, and I am happy to say that I didn't pay full price for anything - score.

The house feels so homey and festive - I love it so much, oh and we might have figured out that I have a slight addiction when it comes to twinkly light ;)

Hayleigh's room:

Ian's room:

Our room:

  The living room:

  The kitchen:
This is were that subtle addiction comes in ;)

  Once the house was decked out we started to enjoy all sorts of awesome Christmas activities.  Most people are busy this time of the year - but for us we love staying home, baking and crafting, as well as enjoying the simplicity of just being together.

None of this is meant to stress anyone out - so we take simply what we love doing and do it each year - sometimes we take things away and sometimes we add something now, the bottom line - if if leaves you frazzle and empty - just toss it.

The kids enjoyed their annual Christmas picture painting, I loved sipping on my tea and watching them, since they require pretty much no more help.  Yas!

  They are seriously in the magical age for Christmas, and it tends to be a ton of fun.

Christmas movies have been playing in abundance, and that creates the perfect atmosphere for snuggles, warm blankets, and lots and lots and lots of popcorn.

  We also set out to make a few tree ornaments (since I got those mini-trees for their rooms on clearance) and they needed some tender love and care.  This is one of the funnest things to do - all while indulging in super cheesy Christmas films.

a little piece of the beach house on our tree.

cinnamon ornaments (I used this recipe.)

  Since I have been sick, Nate really stepped in to help me out and get everything ready, and do some other things with the kids.  We have this light show (surprisingly one of the largest trees in the world) just down the street from our house - well actually you can stand on our front porch and see part of it.  Anyways the kids have been obsessed, and we had made plans to make hot chocolate and go one night, and then boom - sickness.  So my sweetest Nate bundled up the kids, made the hot chocolate and took them - I loved the little videos they sent me.  We are planning to make another little stop there, because why not?

Some other Christmas deliciousness includes, gingerbread snack cake, eggnog, and leisurely gingerbread and eggnog breakfasts.  Who doesn't love that?

 I can't believe that Christmas is just a few short days away.  I am so excited - I just wish I had little miracle elves to help me straighten out this house.

Happy almost Christmas friends.

Be merry!