Snow and sledding. We are enjoying the snowiest December since I can remember.
Skating too. The school rink is already flooded. T. Bone has visited it once and Miss dreams about doing so daily.
A quiet family night last Saturday in the midst of the hustle and bustle. We went out for our favorite pizza, took the long way home while enjoying the holiday lights, and then played a board game. It was perfect.
Traditions especially this time of year. Sunday family dinner is one we enjoy year round. Aunt Jess joined us this week. Before we ate, we decorated gingerbread cut outs. Even T. Bone got in on the fun. I've been mixing this same dough since I was T. Bone's age so it's tradition. I have just recently acquired a taste for it though.
I finally finished The Telling Room. I can only give it a 2.5, but there are parts of it that I am still mulling over like this on the truth of storytelling:
So was
that to say that mystique won out over the truth every time? All the best stories and strangest dreams
metaphorically seemed to exist on the apparently nonexisting second floor
of the Quinta, didn’t they? In the
end, it wasn’t so much that there was an alternative narrative – there
always was – but it came down to belief: Which one did you want to believe. Which one suited you best? Or, perhaps most to the point: Which one
told the story you were already telling yourself?
Coach, Miss Bit and I watched Pride and Prejudice this week. As I remember, the book is better, but it's such a treat to find entertainment that is appropriate for all ages. I will be rereading Austen's second novel soon.
Moroccan oil.
Miss Bit had her second swim meet this week. She took first place in her 50 yard freestyle heat. She was proudest of all.
T. Bone's report card was his best yet, and the last few were hard to beat.
I took the kids out to shop for their gifts in the last 48 hours and I found both experiences to be warm and fuzzy. They care and they want to show it. There is a sense of pride in earning, saving and then spending their money on tokens they personally pick out for loved ones. He entered stores he normally wouldn't think of shopping in. She carefully counted her crumpled up dollar bills, and the cashier was patient even if the patrons behind us weren't. I'm thankful she didn't notice. They receive so much, but there is nothing like the good feelings that come from giving to others.
eos lip glosses although I wish they'd make an unscented option..
My Christmas cactus is blooming.
Minecraft central aka our dining room table where they sit side by side and scheme. I cannot remember the last time they played so nicely together for so long.
A new Brussel's Sprout recipe. Dice a couple slices of bacon and brown in a skillet. Remove and add halved sprouts, a slight drizzle of EVOO, and pat of butter. When slightly browned, add a chopped shallot, salt and pepper and a generous glug of chicken stock. Let simmer until the stock evaporates and sprouts are tender. Serve topped with bacon.
Winter solstice is tomorrow.
This
post on sadness versus happiness and anger. I've been retreating into myself as I fend off this funk. This came at the right time.
Sitting with the idea that we don't change because we have insight, but rather we change and then have insight. This timeline is what makes change so hard. We just have to do it. The understanding comes after.
T. Bone turns 13 next week. I cannot believe that my son is almost a teenager. I'd prefer he not grow up and just stay with us forever, but I'm incredibly grateful for the beautiful young man he is becoming.
