Happy December!
all things holidays + end of year wrap-up
November Recap
November was a full, fun month! We could have done without three weeks of off and on sickness, but we’re healthy (knock on wood) for the time being. All four kids got what we think was the flu, the two little ones got strep at the same time as said flu, and then I had a confirmed case of flu B at the end of their sickness streak! I had the worst case of the flu but it was (thankfully) short-lived.
Kya (our 10-year-old) participated in a young entrepreneurs market in mid-November along with 25 or so other kids. They each set up a booth in our church basement and sold handmade items and baked goods to shoppers! I was sick and couldn’t go with her, but quite a few friends reported what a great job she did. Kya has been working on her crocheting skills for a couple of years now and is really honing her craft. She prepared 37 items (big and small) to sell at the market and she sold out! I was so proud of her. She has since received orders for commissioned pieces — her next few weeks are full! It’s very fun to see her teach herself a skill, continue to improve, and be able to sell her goods for a profit. No one prepares you for the feeling of watching your own offspring do or make something you yourself cannot. It’s kind of the best!
Last fall, Daniel and I bought tickets to see Ben Rector in concert this fall. That concert happened on November 13 in downtown Salt Lake City. It turned out to be the biggest show he had ever performed — he sold out the arena where our NBA team plays. Watching our very favorite music artist perform the best show of his career was magical. The energy was electric! Ben recently shared this tour recap video which tied up all the nostalgia of the show we attended into a beautiful bow.
My sister, her husband and their son came to visit for Thanksgiving, which was fun since we don’t get to spend much time with our out-of-town family. We made our traditional Thanksgiving meal, saw the new Wicked movie, and took them along to a big local Christmas lights event that we love!
A Few of My Favorite Things
This beautiful song, Canticle by Taya and Jon Guerra is a meditative and calming way to start the day. I’m trying to keep it in constant rotation.
We’re trying Christmas School from Read-Aloud Revival this month to change up our homeschool routine for the holidays. I look forward to the slower pace — sometimes I have to force myself to break from a settled routine, but it’s good for me.
I needed a new and warmer winter hat this year and because I had zero time to go out and look for one (which would have been my preference), I tried this chunky cable knit beanie from Amazon and let me tell you — it’s a good one!
For those of you still in the baby/toddler phase, might I recommend a quality, warm, and affordable sleep sack? I’ve owned this one twice now (in two sizes). It’s SO GOOD and easier on the budget than some. Our kids’ basement bedrooms can get quite chilly in the winter so I dress my crib-residing babies and toddlers in a onesie, warm pajamas, and a winter sleep sack to keep them cozy.
I’ve used a Walli phone case for the last couple of years and just ordered a new one during their Black Friday sale. I was a Loopy girl previously, but I actually prefer the Walli cases now!
I’ve shared these before, but two years later, we’re still LOVING our custom library bags from this Etsy shop! I even bought one for my toddler nephew recently. These would make a fun Christmas gift for kids in your life. I customize with the child’s name on the first line and “books” on the second line. Makes library trips much easier!
This cookware set was recently gifted to us (much-needed!!) and I’m here to tell you how much I love these pieces! 10/10 recommend!
I ordered this Aerie sweatshirt in a couple colors last week during their Black Friday sale — I know it will be a winner. I basically live in Aerie leggings, flares, and cute sweatshirts and have for years. I’m able to look cute and put together but I maintain a level of comfortability that makes mothering four young kids possible!
Photo by Oliver Kiss on Unsplash