TODAY
Out my window: Sunny and cold, but not tooooo coooooold. The week ahead actually looks pretty moderate.
Clothing myself in: Grey sweats, yellow tank and a pink hoodie. Messy bun. Socks. Comfy. I love lazy days around the house with my family.
Around the house: Nice fire burning in the fireplace now. Kids are playing nicely (enough) and hubby is making a pie. I GOT THE CHRISTMAS LETTERS WRITTEN!!!! And stuffed and addressed!! And SENT!!!!!!! Hallelujah! Buying and wrapping is essentially done. I am really excited about the gifts we Santa got for the kids this year, I am excited for Christmas morning!! Speaking of Santa, I really liked this article.
The baby: He nods yes or no when you ask him a question. He doesn't have any words but he sure understands what is going on. He is just so cute. LOVE him!!!!
The kiddos: Kolbe fell up the neighbors' front steps yesterday on the way to take them their Christmas card (and they didn't even end up being home!) and got a little gash on his forehead. I thought it may need a stitch, but decided to wait until Aaron got home for work at lunchtime (minor emergency was open until 6, so I figured we had an out if the butterfly bandage didn't work). He's had it bandaged up the past day now and it looks like we will be OK without a stitch, which is good. That would have been very traumatic for him.
Gemma just has four more days of school until Christmas break! Looking forward to that!! Last Friday at school they had their "Santa's Workshop" where they did Christmas crafts and built gingerbread houses. I got to go with her and it was a fun afternoon.
In the kitchen: Honey Chicken and broccoli salad; Beef and Veggie Stew; Baked Salmon and sides; quesadillas
Learning: Oh my goodness, I put out a request on FB for recommendations for handwriting practice, and my former boss linked me to the Zaner-Bloser website. If you click here and then scroll down and click on "free version" you can make all kinds of handwriting worksheets. I made a whole binder of Scripture verses for each letter of the alphabet (thank you Catholic Icing), letter and number worksheets, Commandments, Sacraments. Now Gemma can just flip through and choose something to copy. SO excited!! I am hoping to have her do this 3-4 times weekly during homework/learning time. AAAAAAAND, since I put them in a binder they will be all ready for use with future children.
Reading: Enjoying our Picture Book a Day selections immensely.
Watching: Gold Rush season 4. Oh my goodness, they have no idea what they are doing in Guyana. It is like watching a train-wreck.
Bringing me joy: Advent. Confession. Gifts for the kids and others. Looking forward to the parish mission. Advent. My family.
Thinking about: meh, not much.
Pictures to share: I traveled to my aunt's funeral (with Clement) this week. This is me with my Uncle Dennis (my aunt's hubby) and "Hank" the Koala. Hank used to ride in Uncle D's Firebird and when I was a little girl and rode with him I'd always play with Hank. I later 'inherited' him and he has been a fixture in every vehicle I've driven since. Please pray for the repose of the soul of my aunt (Gloria) and also for my Uncle Dennis and their daughters. This will be a tough Christmas for them.
