One of Paul’s gifts was “The Gruffalo” dvd, which we recently borrowed and read from the library.

This is the perfect excuse to have a movie night.

Which involves projecting the image onto the wall, moving furniture around, and microwaving popcorn.

Good times all around.

The last couple days…or more like the last few months…I have been pursuing the details of purchasing a car. Which let me say, has been the most intimidating purchase I have made (coming from the girl who has been blessed with being given the two previously owned cars). But I can say it is over and I have a little more peace of mind right now.

Ta da…

Meanwhile the boys have been thankfully oblivious to this stress. In part because they have cousins to jump on trampolines with.

Or the opportunity to visit amazing local parks, which haven’t changed much from when their father played at them as a kid.

Where they find “spooky trails” to explore.

Oh and let’s not forget the amazing weather: sunshine and shorts in the winter.

I have had a faithful companion who continues to remind me with subtle nudges that she will be arriving shortly.

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Visiting family and friends.

Decorating gingerbread houses.

Eating candy off of houses.

Taking walks.

Picking citrus to make fresh juice.

I have always been preferential to candlelight. The eyes sparkle and the skin glows.

Tonight the lighting took place while singing “Silent Night.”

Paul instantly recognized it, saying “momma, it is the song you sing me.”

We stopped in for a dive show.

But all of us really wanted to soak up some sunshine.

Eating outdoors while watching sailboats

makes for a smooth transition to either nap 

or dessert.

Thanks to Jich the boys had special holiday cookies.

Today Grammy gave the boys their first ever scarves. Definitely made with love.

This means they won’t have to borrow mine (which didn’t really fit).

One of my student’s mom made this for me. No pattern! She could totally open her own shop! It fits perfect and I love it.

I can’t help but wonder about the genetics involved in the details.

All three of these guys sleep hard and don’t really like waking up. So as much as I can, I fight the urge to wake them up and take advantage of the solitude.

Then there is the love of mail. Small envelopes containing unexpected surprises are the best. We love mail. Doesn’t everyone?

So when a working momma gets a break, one of the simple pleasures is delighting in the ordinary.

This means I get up early to take my boy to preschool where I get to put faces to names (Isaac in tow), and see how fast he is on the bike yard.

As excited as I am, he is off to play and hardly notices when I leave.

Since he is at a co-op, Joe and our friend Michelle have worked out a baby swap. Michelle worked today and so we took her pumpkin Aurora (Henry calls her baby) to the playground.

In the midst of playing, a friendly kiss.

By mid morning we were off to the doctor’s. Another adventure.

Almost three feet!

Strong heartbeat.

By the evening, when it was time to unwind. Solution: bubble bath.

Paul loves the Instant beard

and the audience of one, always entertained.

Henry and I spent the morning together

The climbing makes me nervous.

Our little sheperd with his angel friend Mia.

He loves costumes. 

Beginning with dinner and dessert at Jich’s house.

A trip to the dentist for the whole family.

Henry’s first vist ever.

And a belated birthday celebration with grandpa Royce, grandma Cheryl, and Cameron.

Tossed in with a little decorating of the tree

and the thought of babies in our hearts.