favorite things [Christmas edition]

It’s been raining all day.

In fact it’s been gloomy weather for the past few days.

The real bummer of it all is not that it has been rainy or gloomy, but that it’s also been seventy(ish) degrees outside! To interpret the season from the weather outside would not result in very much Christmas cheer, but do not let the bizarre weather fool you.

There has been plenty of Christmas cheer around these parts.

Despite the ease to slip into an adult, more mature, and, perhaps, lackadaisical approach to this holiday season…despite the family woes and ups and downs…despite the redefining of (how we celebrate) the season that seems to be taking place in my life…and even despite the crummy warm weather that I wish would go away…my heart has been overwhelmed with joy and love.

A few days ago I was keeping the kiddos and it was storming. One brief flash of lightning and they were unnerved. The littlest little one has told me that God is in your heart. (Can we just pause to acknowledge how sweet and precious that is!!? …k, thanks.) When she gets scared she tells me that God has left her heart to go fight the bad guys…so she’s scared.

We talked about how God can fight off bad guys and still be in her heart. ({Another} Side note: Dear parents, life chats are hard. Good grief. Those little brains can throw out some big, tough questions. I often find myself answering, “Well…just because He (God) can.” To those of you who do this well and right…how do you do it? I applaud you and pray for you regularly. Sheesh. When the “where do babies come from?” question pops up, I am sending them to mom and dad…anywho…) During our chat about why they shouldn’t be afraid and who was taking care of them and watching over them I found myself thinking of (and feeling like) Maria.

Oh, silly Maria. So lost in all her wandering. But her favorite things…well those she definitely got right. I found myself singing this song with them and haven’t been able to get it out of my head for days now.

So here’s a Christmas edition of my favorite things…

Impromptu photo shoots in the bathroom…we couldn’t all be still at the same time but does that really matter!!?

These peacock earrings…and the turquoise sweater. Hello! I’ve worn it every day since Saturday (since I received it). It’s such a pretty color, don’t judge.

Those little toesies…no explanation needed. They’re ticklish, in case you were wondering.

Being with my favorite siblings. We’re all grown up now, but I don’t think we’ll ever lose the wonder and magical feelings of Christmas as long as we’re together.

Alright, alright…you know this one already. This sweet, precious, little, puppy face. Duh.

And yes…you see correctly. He was lying on top of the sofa and slowly let himself slide down. He’s upside down. Silly pup.

Twinkly lights…can we change the rule that they’re only for Christmas time? 

I think January-November would really appreciate some twinkly light love.

…just sayin’.

Rain stained windows… (Dear Santa, Bring cold weather with you, please!!?)

A little girl that proudly proclaims: “Look! I stayed inside the lines! Isn’t it pretty?”

…and then proceeds to cover her clothes in the (600) stickers she just received!

Little boys too cool for school…

And not pictured here, but other frequent favorites of this week are:

Zumba…I’ve danced every day this week and it is so good for a girl’s heart (and booty!)

Mi madre…that I have gotten to bake with so much lately because she’s been playing hooky from work! Whoo hoo!

And that favorite guy of mine who is…let’s be real…just the best. If you ever thought I was crazy before I find a very special, five-year-old crazy for December and it’s well…endearing. Let’s leave it at that. He deserves a gold medal. I’m going to stick with pans and buckets of puppy chow, peanut butter krinkles, white chocolate covered oreos, and pie…I have a sneaking suspicion he’ll accept.

And, lastly, game night with some awesome cousins coming up tomorrow night. Eggnog, puppy chow, and pjs to be included.

Hope your days are filled with lots of silliness, laughter, joy, love, hugs, peace, and hope.

Merry Christmas Eve Eve Eve…xxxoo