December can be a bit of a mine field for this family so today I choose to look at some bright spots…..what’s going well, what we’re looking forward to, etc.

Traditions are always a fun way to look back at past years, remember funny and good times and document year in and year out of doing the same thing. We went and found our tree on a beautiful sunny day and relaxed afterward with decorating and Christmas movies.Kittens plus Christmas – is there anything cuter????This year, Scott’s family did a big “Grinch-themed” Christmas party….I was so impressed with my MIL’s themed tree and so much other amazing decor around the house. What a festive start to December!!!BraveGIRL is finding her groove and comfort with our extended families and really becoming a big hit with some younger tribe members. This little man pretty much fell in love and per usual, BG is amazing with littles.This year, we have two trees in our home!!! This flocked tree was my favorite Black Friday purchase and I love the light and vibe it adds to our upstairs space. Since my early morning quiet times take place in the chair opposite this tree, I love it during the recent month of dark mornings….it will be hard to take it down after the holiday season, that’s for sure!!!

Each year, we typically do some sort of countdown that includes service projects and focusing on others. This year, I found this amazing cute storybook/set called The Giving Manger and have loved it so far…..every time a family member completes an act of serving another, they get to place a piece of straw in the manger. When it’s filled with joy and giving, it’s ready for the baby Jesus and Christmas….even though we shouldn’t need a “gimmick” to focus on serving others, it’s been a great conversation piece each night at family dinners and I love challenging the kiddos to go off each and day and look for ways to serve versus receive. Also, their instagram feed and stories are my favorite to look at each day if you want some amazing ideas for kiddos and serving.

Looking forward to:

– our first Christmas morning in this house!

– a slow Christmas break and days in our happy jams

– Christmas Eve service together!

– uncles and future aunts coming to stay with us

– snow and sledding day at Baker

– kiddos in new cute clothes (I am anticipating this way more than them obviously)

– Christmas Eve scavenger hunt for present