A Red Nose, A Magic Hat, Or Several Kringle Elves?

We have many Christmas traditions in our family, including watching our favorite Christmas movies together each and every year. These movies all hold a special place in my heart. I remember watching them myself many years ago. I recall being so excited when we knew they would be coming on television. And we were always ready! Because back then, these precious animated Christmas specials were on once a year! This was long before VCRS or DVDS. If you weren't sitting on the couch in your family room at 8:00 sharp, you were out of luck.

Random Photo Friday

I hope you are enjoying these December days, my friends. We are trying to capture as much Christmas joy as we can while keeping our days slow and cozy. Here is a quick look at the past week in our Christmas home.

Flynn and I took selfies while we waited for everyone else to be ready for Mass...

After the weekly on-the-way-to-Mass picture. : )

 Flynn was chosen to light the first candle on the Advent Wreath and she was so honored!

(This is actually a reenactment after Mass, because...reverence.)

Guess what? I won this awesome gift set from my-sweet-as-can-be hairstylist, Jodi!!!!

She had a drawing at Thanksgiving, and I won!

Not only has Jodi given me the best hairstyle I have ever had...she is the nicest young woman ever!

I have known her since she was as young as Flynn, and am so happy that she has followed her dream and now owns and operates her very own salon.

And it is beautiful.

Peyton was a busy baker last week!

She made this delicious jello cake after numerous requests from Rhett. : )

St. Nicolas visited us on his Feast Day...

And his chocolates were delicious!

My niece Nicole sent me this adorable, beautiful sign!

I was so touched because she knows how important cozy is to me.

She is a wonderful young lady who has three of the most precious littles ever.

And lastly, these two are back across the ocean safe and sound. 

They are working and schooling and enjoying all the beauty of Denmark at Christmas.

How will you be spending your December weekend, my friends?

I hope it is happy, cozy, and filled with lots of warm cups of coffee or cocoa.

Thanks for visiting!

My Oldest And My Youngest

I love that my children love each other. I love that they are each other's best friends. I love that all of my children have special relationships with each other. The one I am enjoying watching now is the one between my oldest and my youngest.

Madison and Flynn are thirteen years apart. They have a special bond that continues to grow as Flynn gets older. They share a love of fashion, hairstyles and barbies. They also share a love of music and singing. They even text each other everyday.

Mothering is my vocation.

I am so thankful for that.

Being blessed with children when you dream of being a mommy is such a wonderful gift.

Watching those children grow and develop into loving and caring people is an even greater one.

Our Christmas Home 2017

Welcome to our Christmas home! Pour a cup of tea, coffee, or cocoa, grab a cozy throw blanket, and settle in. I'd love to show you around.

The kids' tree in the foyer holds their own ornaments, as well as some of my favorites from years past...

In the den, Steve's tree holds his favorites.

                        

I have new ornaments for the family tree this year.

But I kept the candles I have had for twenty six years. : )

We spend most of our time in the family room, so I like to keep all the Christmas movies, books, and games nearby. 

 Little wooden tables hold special pieces with different themes...

Like these precious little ones Madison brought me from Denmark. 

The kitchen has touches of Christmas sprinkled about...

And across from the kitchen...the coziest spot in our home...

The hearth room is also where our little friend The Brownie lives. : )

Next to the hearth room...

The dining room...

Through the years, I have collected many sweet Santa decorations.

Every time I look at this collection, I smile.

You are never too old to believe in the magic. : )

Something else that makes me smile?

These new Christmas dishes I got this year...

I absolutely love them!

They are so pretty and well made.

And you know where I found them??

Walmart!!!

If you are looking for some special dishes, check online there.

They are very reasonably priced!

Some other special pieces I keep in my hutch and buffet...

Madison brought me the candle holder from Denmark, and the tins came from Nicolas' sweet mother Kirsten. Each of the past two years, she has sent me some delicious homemade Danish cookies!

Our kitchen table.

The old oak table that our family has gathered around to eat, visit, and play games for years.

So many memories. : )

Christmas touches in our room too...

Just to make cold winter evenings even more cozy. 

Lastly, our little mudroom...

With a reminder that this is indeed the most wonderful time of the year.

Thank you for visiting our Christmas home, my friends.

I would love to stop by for a visit with you!