2017 :: week 50

December 10

The kids were finally fever-free when they woke up Sunday morning, but we still stayed home from church. Lauren got industrious and made some Christmas decorations for our family room. Sundays when I have to stay home from church because my kids are sick feel extra long. Each of the kids had woken me up in the middle of the night over the past three nights so it was nice to get to sleep in and have a slower morning.

December 11

My favorite FHE treat during December is peppermint shakes from Chick-fil-A. The five of us shared two large shakes while we discussed why Jesus is the Prince of Peace. I took this photo from the corner of our kitchen to give perspective of how big the room seems now that wall is gone. We are loving it! Now we just need to put casing around the exposed wall. (And refinish the cabinets, and repaint the family room and kitchen, and buy a new rug and couches...)

December 12

I ordered this over-sized Christmas print for the kids to color, but I have spent as much time on it as they have! Lauren and I like to spend a few minutes every day working on little sections. It is therapeutic and fulfilling to see it come together.

December 13

We finally got around to decorating our tree Wednesday evening. It ended up being a very lovely evening. Anthony wasn't feeling great and decided to stay home from mutual, so it was a rare mid-week night where everyone was home and we could just have fun together. We listened to Christmas music, trimmed the tree and then watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas, per Lauren's request.

December 14

Whenever my kids get restless I try to change things up in hopes they will snap out of their funk. One of my tricks is taking a walk around the block. Elliott and I have been taking a lot of one-on-one walks lately. He is such a happy little boy, but lately he is having some moments where I just have to sigh and remind myself that he is two. It is so wonderful having Anthony home more in the evening so I can take Elliott for a quick walk before we eat. The fresh air does us both a lot of good.

December 15

Friday night was very cozy. I made a big pot of Zupa Toscana for dinner. After we ate we paid a visit to our friend Emsely who got hurt in a bicycle accident the night before. Then we came home to watch a Christmas movie. There are few movies I enjoy more than Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. It has been a favorite for decades and I love watching it with my kids and seeing them laugh at all my favorite parts. We were all tired and Anthony and I were in bed by 10:30.

December 16

Will's basketball team had three preseason game and I was finally able to make it to the third game. The first game was while I was out of town and last week Will was sick and did not play. He is playing with a few friends from school and a few randomly assigned kids. They are all pretty new to basketball but doing really well. Will made some good passes, stole the ball and made a perfect shot right as we arrived. It is fun seeing him improve and have fun with his friends.