OK, so last night, we did the big family tree decorating thing. We also made a Thanksgiving-esque dinner (because we had a turkey we hadn't used since we didn't host Thanksgiving) and made gingerbread cookies at the same time.
Because some of our children were horrified that we would be decorating the tree without gingerbread. Apparently, that's a tradition around here.
So, anyway, CHAOS, is what I'm saying.
My husband said that next year we'll decorate the tree and get take-out and that will be our new tradition. (In case you're wondering why we tried to cram so much into one day, it's because we have two daughters that will be dancing in a Nutcracker show, including one night of dress rehearsal, FOUR times this weekend.)
Tempers were lost (and regained). Several of us threatened to run away from home (and one went out for a walk to cool down). Multiple ornaments were broken, including one filled with paint that still hadn't dried (a craft from LAST year).
It was not a scene from a warm, cozy holiday movie. But it was our life. And in the end the tree was done, the cookies were consumed, and everyone went to bed still speaking to each other. And I was reminded of this quote:
We are not going to win any decorating awards for our tree. But my children love it.
The gingerbread was a mix. But we happily ate them.
Some ornaments were lost. But the toddler fascinated by this whole Christmas thing is more than worth a few broken things.
There is an art to living.
Recently Finished
Still not finishing anything. But reading is happening!
Recently Added
I have a few holds in at the library but I haven't stopped by to pick them up. My oldest volunteers on Thursdays, so I'll probably pick up my books then.
Current Read Aloud
The Christmas books are also out now and we've added Christmas poems to our morning read alouds and Christmas picture books to our free reading.
Current Book to Review
Book Look bloggers sent me this gorgeous KJV Journal the Word Bible to review. I haven't quite gotten into the whole "Bible journaling" thing, but I'm loving this anyway. The margins are amazing for taking notes.
Current Kindle Deals
I expect the deals will be starting fresh tomorrow, so if you're interested in any of the Kindle deals I've mentioned this month, hurry to get them today. I also saw:
Linking up with:
Resources for readers:
Dover is still offering 50% off gift books.
I recently finished A Gentleman in Moscow. Highly recommend. I also read Evicted. That one also tugged at my heartstrings. But I wasn't sure I agreed with the author's fix. However, at least he had an idea. I appreciate that. I think I might move to some light Christmas reading. So many books at the library that I want to read. Victoria looks good. Have you seen that one? Daisy Goodwin wrote it. Her last one was ok. Not great, but ok.
If you want a fast sci-fi read, Dark Matter was good. It read like a movie. I enjoyed it.
My tree isn't up yet because I haven't caught up on my reading. :-) maybe this weekend.
Love your thoughts here, Karen! We lost a couple of ornaments here this year, too, but that was due to me, not the kids. :P
Love the honesty of this post. Have added Marni Jameson to my "books to investigate" list. Blessings, Hope