today

i sit, still trying to understand such a tragedy
hug and kiss my baby even more
hope she will never witness another of its kind
wish there was a mommy bubble to protect them
grieve so hard for the families of all those involved

my heart aches for those babies and the horror they went through
their parents and the nightmare they are experiencing
friday night - thinking of those babies not with their families

no more news, i can't stomach any more details
unimaginable

holly jolly christmas

*loving philosophy peppermint bark shower gel 
*a new mini santa = childhood nostalgia , my husband finds it creepy, lauren loves it - the girls win, it stays
*introduced lauren to the muppets, i'm sure i enjoyed it more but she loved dancing to the songs
*lots of time at home this year - blankets, twinkle lights,  pajamas, playtime
*where did my baby go? little miss independant
*going to see santa = a total fail.  lauren would not let go of me but i did manage some pictures in front of the gorgeous tree because well my tree will never look like this and in case you are curious i still have no ornaments on mine

i did manage 1 christmas craft (thank you pinterest)
again i let go of expectations, as you can see from my horrible cutting job (it was 1am and i of course couldn't find any good scissors) - i kept telling myself, she's only 1 and wouldn't care
she still liked it, best $3 i have spent - it has kept her very entertained in the kitchen while i cook
 next year i will definately make a nicer one

making spirits bright

the hustle and bustle has begun
i have no craft projects, december daily or perfectly decorated home to share
i am limiting my time on pinterest and blogs because they make me feel inadequate
i felt like a rockstar because i actually ordered my christmas cards before december 1st
but they along with everything else are sitting on my kitchen table waiting to be addressed 
my tree is up and has lights but still not decorated
i'm constantly tripping over jingle bell elmo and a christmas train
but this year i am okay with it

i made a list of everything i really wanted to do this year
making it simple
and sticking to it

i loved nora's manifesto and decided to "adopt" it!

a little homemade - only 2 craft projects planned

create family merriment - our bucket list - visits to santa , peanuts christmas display, holiday magic at the zoo

keep cozy - more nights at home , movies with twinkle lights, under my favorite blanket on my couch - perfect 

give well - santa letters from work and i volunteered to do a food drive for the chicago food depository

carry on traditions - gingerbread house party, holiday baking with mom

twinkling lights - everyday and night i am home they are on!

enjoy the details - a christmas house - one full of jingles, constant christmas music (lauren now points to the ipod to turn it on if music is not playing), shreds of ribbon and wrapping paper being found by a toddler, peppermint bark in all forms, lots of candles, batches of chex mix (its getting to be an unhealthy obsession), mismatched ornaments, christmas books everywhere, and the constant sound of elmo singing jingle bells  

this year i have seen and heard so much bad news and there are so many in need
i am really trying to take in all my blessings and enjoy the magic and details of the season that make it special