8 : 25 {authors' tea}

Every couple of months at school, they hold an Authors' Tea to honor two students from each grade that are selected based on their writing by a panel of teachers.

Will and his buddy, Juanita, were the 2nd graders honored this afternoon. They read their stories from the podium and then enjoyed cupcakes. So cute.

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And to show you what I mean about his costume-love, here is Peter's Thursday creation. He tells me that he is planning to make one for each of his friends to wear to his birthday party.

Catching Up : Thanksgiving

I know I'm late, but I couldn't not post photos from our Thanksgiving weekend.

Peter was in the Kindergarten Thanksgiving Play, "Miracle in Massachusetts." He played Samoset and did a terrific job with all his lines.

Apparently, acting is exhausting work because he was "too tired" to smile for any photos after the play. We have a lot like this.


We hosted Thanksgiving dinner.

Hannah made her famous popovers.

These wonderful people came and celebrated with us. We ate and ate and then, later in the evening, the kids got out Twister of all games. I have no photos of that. Grin.

And my mom and dad were here the whole week! Folding my laundry, fixing leaky faucets, fetching take out, cooking the turkey.... Thanks, Mom and Dad!

Friday, we headed to the FDR and MLK Jr. Memorials.

It was a sunny day.


We tried to get a good family picture.

There were many attempts.

By the end of it, this is all I could get.

These two are much easier.

Before heading home, a little football.

6 & 7 : 25 {sniffles and a shepherd}

It's been raining steadily for two days and all of us are feeling a little under the weather.
Last night, I addressed Christmas cards and cozied up with a cup of tea.

Winter fruit. This is me trying to not eat homemade cookies for breakfast in hopes that I will start to feel a little better.
Lunch was a different story.

My favorite thing to do with orange peels. Throw a few cinnamon sticks and cloves on top (and fresh cranberries if you have them). Cover with water and simmer on the stove. Smells so good.

And here is my little shepherd. Just for the fun of it. Peter is *always* in costume.

5 : 25 {decorating the tree}

I'm not sure about all these dots. Anyone?

4 : 25 {holiday cheer}

We enjoyed a full and wonderful weekend.
Hannah snapped a photo of us as we headed to a party on Saturday night.

And those are feathers in my hair, not some new spike-y haircut. My dear friend, Aimee, convinced me that every girl needs a feather headband.
Hannah was blown away! : )

Sunday afternoon we headed to Alexandria for a holiday open house with old friends.
This time of year is so fun and festive, I just sometimes wish we could spread it out a little. Perhaps we should start hosting an annual party in February... that month could use a party.

We sat on the GW Parkway for a *long* time on our way home. The view made up for the traffic.

Then back to church for the York Nativity Play. Which was followed by a reception full of holiday goodies.
My children all went to bed last night feeling a little sugar-sick.

So thankful for today... a quiet Monday at home.

3 : 25 {tree trek}

For a writing assignment this week, Hannah was asked to write about her favorite Christmas tradition.
This is it.
Cutting down the tree.

This year we made the trek with a big group of friends. Hot chocolate, picnic lunches, a sunny December Saturday, and all these fun people... well, that's just about perfect.

1 : 25 {advent reading}

How is it that the first week of Advent is almost behind us?

Again this year, desiring to slow and savor, I will attempt to daily post a simple moment from our day... these full and beautiful days of sweet anticipation.

This year we have added two new books to our family library. During my morning devotions I am enjoying Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: Experiencing the Peace and Promise of Christmas edited by Nancy Guthrie.


And for our evening family advent devotions I found a new book, Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room: Daily Family Devotions for Advent by Nancy Guthrie. There are daily readings beginning December 1st and ending December 31st. Each reading is followed by "Discussion Starters" and more scripture that reinforces the reading. Also, scatted throughout the book, there are Christmas hymns and a page or so written about each hymn.

Something else I am enjoying these days is Aunt Sadie's Famous Tree in a Can. I am easily overwhelmed by most scented candles. This one is just perfect. Next year, I may buy a case and spread the Aunt Sadie goodness...