An Etsy Christmas wish list

This year I asked for gifts that didn't require much thought. We really need a new set of dishes, another set of sheets, simple things like that. I always ask for something that can benefit us as a family. I never seem to ask for something just for myself. It doesn't seem right. Maybe it's because I'm an adult. Maybe it's because I really, subconsciously know that I don't need anything.

But, every once in a while I run across stuff that I adore. I'd never ask for it and I'd probably never even buy any of it for myself, but this is a list of things I would want if I thought about just myself for once:

- A beautiful serving bowl to sit on the island in my kitchen.

- Earrings to make me feel elegant.

- This bright, cheerful shirt looks like it's comfy and work casual.

- I really love earrings and I don't have many pairs, but these simple studs would get worn almost every day, I'm sure.

- This wool tote matches my eclectic style. I have been in love with mustard yellow lately.

- Ok, so I guess I like earrings. How about some little sugar drop vintage glass ones?

- I really need something to put all of my jewelry in. I thought this was beautiful.

Maybe some day I will buy one of these items for myself. Maybe not. It is always fun to browse. There is less of a knot in the bottom of my stomach when I browse than when I purchase. Window shopping keeps me out of trouble and helps me spend money on other things. But, that's my Christmas list. If there ever was such a thing.

And sometimes that's how it is

It has been a busy week. I prepped for a sweet, little girl's 3rd birthday party (that really went off without a hitch) and then took a day off of work to spend with her on her actual birthday yesterday.

This child was thrilled! It snowed on her birthday!

We had a cowgirl theme birthday party gone plain due to last minute procrastination planning, but it still turned out great. I even made her entire birthday cake from scratch and it turned out so good.

Yesterday we went to the aquarium. She had a ton of fun seeing all of the fish, turtles, otters and seals. She even got to pet horseshoe crabs and hermit crabs in a touch tank.

Then we went out for lunch and she experienced her first time being sang to by the waiters/waitresses. Free ice cream with sprinkles was pretty neat, too.

So, we have been busy this week! And I have been so tired and trying to catch back up with work. It's almost Christmas and we've barely put a dent into our shopping. The list of things to do just keeps getting longer this time of year. Sometimes being on the adult side of things isn't all that fun. I wish I could be 3 again.

Highs in the lows

Over the last week it has gotten chilly here. We haven't had highs above the low 40s since last Friday. We even got snow on Saturday.

Mark it on your calendars. We got snow on December 4th. I don't think we've ever gotten snow this early in December, if any at all.

I like snow. A lot of people don't like snow. I think of it this way, if it's going to be cold then I want to see some snow. Otherwise, the cold is a waste of my time. I don't like being cold.

When Morgen is cold she tells me "I'm shakin."

We have a thick blanket in the car that I cover her with each time we get in. She stays all bundled up and sings along with the Christmas music. She tells me every day that she loves Christmas. I love that she loves Christmas. It's so magical feeling.

She sat on Santa's lap this year. She told him she wanted puzzles and coloring books. I have never seen her so excited to do something like that.

Her birthday is next Monday. She will be three. She is also very excited about that. She knows she is having a party on Saturday and that there will be cake. We try our very best to separate her birthday from Christmas. I always want her to feel like she has a special day of her own, outside of the holiday. I hope she always likes Christmas this much, too.

Of pumpkins, turkey & cookies

I love the holidays. I love how my favorite three holidays are all smooshed together, too. Halloween, Thanksgiving, and then Christmas. All so much fun. I have always loved them. As far back as I can remember.

We celebrate Halloween. To a certain extent. We're not all about what it's all about, but we dress up, the kids dress up, we decorate with pumpkins, we carve pumpkins, and we even made cookies this year.

Who said cookie decorating is just a Christmas thing?

Next on the list is Thanksgiving. And I'm really excited for Thanksgiving this year. We're cooking our very own meal. In our very own house. Having people over and everything like that. What could be better? Well, sure, having someone else cook. But I love to cook, so it's no big deal to me.

Then in the blink of an eye, Christmas will be here.

Sparkly. Shiny. Christmas.

I love it so much. Watching the kids open their gifts. And just being together. As a family. That's what holidays are all about. Being with your family and the ones you love.

And I love that my family loves being together. I wish holidays like these lasted all year.