December 7th: A Christmas Carol

Enjoying some version of A Christmas Carol is a must for me this time of year.  I think the story is timeless classic with a beautiful message--it's never too late to change and correct our mistakes.  I'm so grateful we can always improve and repent.  

My nieces and nephews were in a play of A Christmas Carol so I wanted to introduce the girls to the story hoping that would help them pay better attention during the play. 

My childhood bff and I loved the Muppets movie.  We would laugh ourselves silly and watch it over and over.  We had a movie night and watched it with our kids, who didn't laugh nearly as much as us.  

But the girls really enjoyed the movie and songs when we watched it in the car.  The songs are super catchy and get stuck in your head easily.

Sweet Fran, Scrooge's sister

Mrs. Dilber, Scrooge’s laundress (next to Lizzie)

Jacob Marley

Doesn't he look great?!  My sister-in-law did his make-up.

The girls and I loved seeing their cousins in the play!

What is your favorite version of this Christmas classic?

December 6th: Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Thursday was one of those days with doctor's appointments, shots, errands, lessons, one starting right after the other.  Oh and did I mention a leak in the basement?  The HVAC guy said, "the pipe was primed but never glued."  Lovely.  We had a big leak in the garage right after we moved in because they put on the temporary strap and forgot to put the permanent one on.  Really?  Aren't they supposed to pay attention to stuff like that when they build a house?  Thankfully, both have been over unfinished space.  Hopefully, they paid attention to the rest of the pipes...

Fortunately, I had everything on hand to make these after the girls went to bed.  Peppermint and chocolate can cure any ailment of mine.  I've earmarked loads of holiday recipes recently and these were on top of my list.

The cookies are so rich and taste as good as they look in the picture.

Recipe and photos from the blog, Sally's Baking Addiction.  I recently discovered her blog and can't wait to try more of the yummy recipes.   Her photos are gorgeous too!

December 5th: Let it Snow

We visited the planetarium at the Gateway for the first time and as Lizzie says, "I want to go to the moo-zz-em again."  The planetarium a special holiday music/laser show called Let it Snow.  The girls were throughly entertained by the 30 minute show--just the right length for a 2-yr old.  Though, be warned that if you are prone to the "dizzies", this only amplifies that! 

Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to these sweet boys, their sister, and mama after the show.  They went back to mars or is this the moon?!  The flight to Singapore sure feels that long.  We are sad their visit is over. :(

December 4th: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

One of my favorite Christmas memories is from my teenage years--my friend's mom read us the Best Christmas Pageant Ever while we were sitting around the Christmas tree.  You are never too old to be read to!    

I wanted to start giving my kids the same memories.  We started reading it over several nights and Samara thought all the Herdmans' antics were pretty hilarious.  I think it's a great read and one kids can relate to. 

The book has a wonderful message.  I think we are all imperfect like the Herdmans, though our imperfections may not be as obvious as theirs.  We all need the Savior as much as the next guy.  It's a great reminder not to be judgmental.  I love these last pages that talk about how the Herdmans are so touched by the Christmas story when all the other kids, who've heard it their whole lives, aren't affected by it or don't understand it.  They've heard it so many times that they just go through the motions when reenacting the pageant.  I am too complacent/casual about important things sometimes.  So this story is a great reminder for me to slow down and really appreciate why we celebrate Christmas.

I love Christmas stories.  What are some of your favorites?

December 3rd: Banana Splits and Bells

Samara's homework this week was about words that end in "it".  She had to make a banana split out of paper and write a recipe.  It seemed like a perfect excuse to have banana splits for family home evening, which are basically our excuse to make a treat on Monday nights. wink. wink.

Afterwards, Samara and I headed to a handbell concert at the library.

When we picked Samara up from school one day last week, she was so sad that Lizzie and I had been at the library (we'd been to story time) without her.  She requested a mommy date at the library, so when I saw they were having a Handbell concert, it seemed like the perfect outing.

Here are some videos from their site.  The concert was unique, free,  and geared towards kids.  They even let kids participate and had sing-a-long songs.  I'd definitely recommend it!   

December 2nd: Temple Lights & Children's Choir

 We got up to the lights and my camera battery was dead. :(  It used to shut off (go to sleep like a computer) when turned "on" but I realized after going to use it a handful of times and having a dead battery that it doesn't do that anymore.  Sometimes though it is just nice to enjoy the atmosphere without worrying about photos.  

We got there right as they turned on the lights.  I have always loved the Temple Square lights and think they are magical.  I love the nativity they do as well.  The 1st Presidency Devotional was taking place while we were there so it wasn't crowded or cold--bonus!  Ben left the next day for a conference in Austria so it was just nice to spend the evening all together.

But can I just say first that phone pictures make me cringe and then remember how lovely the evening was?!

Image found here

Afterwards, Ben took the girls home to bed and I attended my friend's daughter's concert at the Cathedral of the Madeline.  She is in the SLC Children's Choir.  The venue was stunning and the sound magnificent.  The children sounded like angels.  I'm so glad I was able to attend.

December 1st: Christmas Around the World

My intent this month was to post something we did, a thought about this time of year, a song, etc. every day until Christmas.  The 13th is sort of like the 1st, right?  I'm hoping to still catch up.  

Today (you know the 1st of December), we went to Christmas Around the World.  I hope we can make it a tradition every year.  It's such a fun performance.  I went last year but before that hadn't been since I was a kid.  I know I've really assimilated because last year when I saw the dance from India I giggled and thought, how funny to see white kids dance like they think they are part of Bollywood.  This year my thought was, It's so fun to see Indian dancing again!  This is so authentic. 

Of course, we needed photos of the girls in their Christmas dresses.

Elizabeth's reaction when she hears "time for a picture!"

Samara's reaction when she hears "time for a picture!"

Their reaction when Ben says to me, "you are in a parking stall and a car is trying to pull in."  And  I reply, "Bah Hum Bug!  There are other parking spots.  I'm using this one."

 I'm biased but I sure think they are darling!

I scored their dresses at Old Navy--$11 for both of them!  It was the "buy one get one 75% off" sale and then the holiday dresses were on some additional sale.  I was very pleasantly surprised at the register.

Afterwards, we hit the creamery for delicious ice cream.  Then Ben and I got to go on a date that evening.  A perfect way to start the magical month of December!