Christmas Traditions

 I really like making lists.  Hope y'all don't mind...  Plus everything's so busy right now, I feel like there are 1000 things going on & none of them really go together, so this is my best effort.

one.

I've seen lots of posts & linkys asking about favorite holiday traditions...& I think I have a different answer every time.  So here's one more.

We've had this advent calendar as long as I remember, but haven't been able to find it the past few years.  A few weeks ago, I climbed on the counter to get a Christmas mug out of the cabinet over the refrigerator...& my calendar was buried in the back.  It's a little ridiculous how excited I was.  I pitter-pattered my almost 24-year-old feet back to where my mom was taking a shower & knocked on the door to tell her.  And just like that, I reclaimed my position as official mouse-mover each day.

two.

Now, for a few more Christmas pictures...

I'm really loving our gift wrap this year.

three.

Last painting project is officially finished!  A step stool for 2 of my little girl cousins.  Their bathroom is pink & green, so I think it'll be perfect.

four.

Last night when I got in bed, I sat down to read my Bible.  And it looked like this.  There's just something comforting as a sleeping cat...especially when he's as lovely as this little fellow.  Okay, maybe not little...but lovely all the same.  I never thought I'd really care so much about an animal...so not me.  P.S. think this is one of my new favorite pictures.  :)

five.

I got this recipe at Picky Palate by way of Savannah...hot chocolate cupcakes!

Turns out I was going to have to devote hours my whole life to making these, so the rest turned out a little more like this because I was not feeling patient tonight...& got tired washing chocolate batter off my hands.  The recipe said it made 24, but for some reason, my batter made more like 1000.  I guess Jesus was up to multiplying again...doesn't He know He should be relaxing during His birthday week?!

Next order of business: finding a good Christmas movie on tv.  Adios, friends.

Happy Christmas Eve Eve!

#66. Christmas traditions

#67. holy anticipation.

#68. hustle & bustle of the week of Christmas.

#69. an empty house + new recipe + loud Christmas music.  I love my family, but when I'm cooking, I'd rather have loud music, no one to judge what I'm doing, & space to dance around while I cook.