Day 1802 | Bell Ringing

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We rang bells for the Salvation Army tonight. I’ve walked by these folks a thousand times throughout my life but never did the ringing. I was worried about the boys hanging in their for a whole hour and I thought it was going to be freezing cold (we were in the foyer of a grocery store). I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. It was kind of a fun way to spread some Christmas cheer and no one froze! I think I’d even sign us up again next year.

Day 1801 | Christmas Baking

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Yesterday was baking day at my house. My mom arrived in the morning and we baked until the boys got home from school (and helped with the last batch). Man, what a lovely way to spend the day, you know? I feel very lucky to have the ability to do it, that’s for sure.

Here’s a list of what we made. Some of them aren’t the exact recipes, but you get the idea.

Whew. No wonder I’m tired today.

Side note: Sorry yesterday’s photo didn’t come through correctly. Here’s a link to the post again in case you’re dying to see what family picture I used for the team update.

Day 1800 | 1800!

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Nothing like taking a break from the busiest time of the year to contemplate the things that bring joy to our family. I hope this holiday edition of our team update brings a smile to your face.

Sara

FAVORITES: The home renovation process...it's just fascinating, the sound of snow crunching under my feet, a warm house (is it always this cold in December?), my new boots, cheesy Christmas movies, listening to Christmas music, baking Christmas cookies, receiving holiday cards, basically anything Christmas-related
BIGGEST HURDLE TO OVERCOME: Keeping up with the never-ending layer of dust that appears on every surface of the house these days.
DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE: Having my home all to myself (and not several of my favorite contractor friends surrounding me at all times)

Chris

FAVORITES: Reading with the boys, staying up to date on the boys' interests (Minecraft, Pokemon, Harry Potter, etc.), our Christmas decorations (he's partial to the lights on the tree and the giant wreath above our mantle), anything with the almond-extract flavor, chex mix ('tis the season for this delicious treat)
BIGGEST HURDLE TO OVERCOME: Figuring out exactly what festive holiday cocktail his lovely wife would enjoy most at any given time.
DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE: Stepping onto his newly-finished heated floor at 6am for the first time.

Chase

Age: 7.5
FAVORITES: Minecraft (playing it, talking about it, reading about it), movies (he's not picky), spending time with his friends, school, reading (and reading and reading), playing board games (Life and Monopoly Junior are current favorites)
BIGGEST HURDLE TO OVERCOME: Managing the inevitable let down of the Christmas season coming to an end. He's a sensitive soul and it seems to hit him hard every year.
DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE: Planning his video game playdate that I promised him when the weather turned cold

Robbe

AGE: 5.5
FAVORITES: Being outside (sledding, specifically), playing with Chase (anything really), board games, Minecraft, playing Legos, any type of Christmas-y special treat, anything Christmas-y at all, actually, hot chocolate
BIGGEST HURDLE TO OVERCOME: Not always knowing what's coming next. This kid always wants to be one-step ahead: What's for breakfast? What are we doing after school? When do we get to play Minecraft again? You get the idea. Preparation is this guy's middle name.
DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE: Receiving all the presents. Robbe is EXCITED about the "getting" side of Christmas this year. Perhaps the "giving" side will rank a bit higher on his list next year. A mom can hope.

Looking back at 1800 posts:

Day 1797 | Construction Tip #1

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We’re about six weeks into our bathroom renovation project. It’s going well. Kind of slow progress at the moment, but we’re supposed to get the tile work and flooring started next week. Fingers crossed!

Since we’ve had a lull in action this week, I decided it was time to clean up a bit of the construction zone. Hence the “construction tip #1”. I’m not positive there will be a #2 or #3 but I’ve got high hopes.

So what’s the tip? Clear everything out of the space that you possibly can. Don’t leave anything in closets (stuffed animals, for example) or tucked away in hidden spots. Take off window treatments. We were under the impression, because the bulk of the work was being done in another space, that our guest room wouldn’t be quite as effected as it was. Looking back…duh. Of course we should have moved everything out. What were past Sara and Chris thinking?!?

I’m happy to report that after an entire day of cleaning with my mom (thanks again, mom) and about six loads of laundry (including all the stuffed animals pictured above), the space is livable again. Not quite perfect, but definitely livable.

We’ll remember this lesson for the next big reno project we take on.

Day 1796 | Living His Best Life

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This guy loves the snow. It’s a new fascination this year and I’m a big fan. There’s a decent enough “hill” in our front yard to keep him entertained and he’s always finding new and exciting opportunities with his sled.

I asked him if he’d take a photo with me when we were heading inside and his response was, “if my sled can be in it.” As you can see, I complied.

Day 1793 | Best Day Ever

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Robbe declared today his “best day ever”. That’s a pretty big deal.

Here’s why it ranked so high up there:

  • Playtime with friends from out of town

  • Pancake breakfast where we got to chat with Santa

  • Learning a new board game—Catan Junior is super fun

  • Sledding time with dad and big brother

  • Christmas movie night with hot cocoa and popcorn

A pretty great day, right? Now you know what really brings our little guy joy.