Traditions: Advent

I'm a book hoarder. While in school, I loved ordering from Scholastic Book Clubs. I've got quite a collection that Ellie appreciates as well.

So when I came across the idea of a counting down to Christmas by reading a story a night, I was in love.

Back in October, I went through all the books on the shelf and pulled the winter-themed and Christmas stories. I had an old, antique suitcase that I'd bought years ago and started collecting the books there. I think I started out with 18 books. While grocery shopping, I picked up a few more favorites and Little Golden Books.

Last week, I grabbed my suitcase full of books and some supplies - wrapping paper, Scotch tape and scissors. During nap time I wrapped all the "presents."

Starting on December 1st, we have opened one book a night. The kids love it! Ellie looks forward to ripping the paper off and seems genuinely surprised to find a book in the package every night. Grant's favorite book has been one of those touchy-feely texture books.

We read the book together as a family then I go to nurse Grant and put him to bed. Aaron goes through Ellie's bedtime routine and rereads the book along with several other bedtime stories.

Our book list:

• Who is Coming to our House
• The Mouse that Jack Built
• The Littlest Christmas Tree
• Harold and the North Pole
• Biscuit's Pet & Play Christmas
• The Snowy Day
• Mooseltoe
• The Hat
• The Mitten
• The Poky Little Puppy's First Christmas
• The Three Snow Bears
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
• a Little Golden Book's The Night Before Christmas
• The Biggest Snowman Ever
• Light the Lights (A Story About Celebrating Hanukkah & Christmas)
• (Picture Me) Under the Christmas Tree
• Hurry Santa
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• Russell's Christmas Magic
• The Velveteen Rabit
• Christmas for the Snowmen
• It's Christmas, David!
• The Berenstain Bears' Christmas Tree
• The Night Before Christmas (Illustrated by Donald Mills) -- Somehow we wound up with two copies, but different illustrators, of this story on the same shopping trip. I'll be sure to replace it with something else for next year.

I didn't worry about what order the books went in and Ellie knows only to open one a night, so they're not numbered or anything. Just a visual reminder that the fewer the books the closer we are to Christmas. I went ahead and placed the wrapped books in order by height back into the suitcase and we pull one out every night. We will be sure to read or reread The Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve, even if it isn't the last book in the suitcase.

Happy Easter

From my two bunnies to yours ♥

Egg Hunt

Took Ellie to an Egg Hunt this morning. She collected 20 eggs! I was afraid she wouldn't know what to do, but we had a hard time keeping her contained until the hunt began.

Happy Father's Day

Holiday Travel

We're spending some time up North with Aaron's family this weekend.

Christmas Eve Dinner

On the Menu ::

Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Croissants

Assortment of Mustard and Cheese

Green Bean Casserole

Cheesy Potatoes

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Coconut Pie

O Christmas Tree

Home for the Holidays

Visited Gramma up north over the weekend. (Both of Aaron's parents hail from Michigan.) Had Thanksgiving dinner with Aaron's side of the family. It was nice, but a long way to travel. We stayed overnight because 7 hours in the car is too much in one day!

Bebe Ellie with Gramma

Bebe Ellie with Aunt Linda

Snowman Hat compliment of Gigi.

Holiday Traditions, continued

We did not get the tree up on Black Friday. I was not feeling well and had to pack for our trip up North. We're shooting for December 1, unless an offer for a real tree comes through.

Thanksgiving

Ellie's first Thanksgiving dinner has come and gone. Sadly, I was too busy to remember to snap a few photos. She joined us at the dinner table and feasted on Golden Winter Soup and Mashed Potatoes with Gravy.

We're packing up tonight because we're headed up North for the weekend. We'll share Thanksgiving with Aaron's Gramma and family on Saturday and will return home on Sunday. It's our first big car ride, so wish us luck!

Thank You

My sincerest thanks goes out to all who have served our great country.

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Trick or Treat

Gigi and Bebe Ellie

Great Grandma Nini and Bebe Ellie

Happy Halloween!

In the orange spirit, Ellie tried carrots today! She sure missed eating solids while she was sick. Gobbled them all down and wanted more!

Happy Birthday, Nini

My wonderful and beautiful grandmother turned 79. Cheers to many more beautiful years.

Vacation

We're packing our bags and heading North this week. We'll be spending time with family up in Michigan. The dogs are going to the kennel tomorrow and we're leaving shortly after that. Be home sometime on Friday/Saturday.

Google Image Search

Happy Father's Day

I love you, Dad.

Easter Dinner

Artichoke Appetizer

Fruit Salsa

Deep-fried Turkey

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Roasted Asparagus

Corn

Cranberry Salad

Rolls

Cherry Pie

Strawberry Cheesecake

Red and White Wine

:: Had an allergic reaction to the red wine. Felt like I was on fire. My face was a horrible shade of red and I had hives. Need to get a new prescription for my Epi-pen. Mine expired in February. This is the second allergic reaction I've ever had, the first was close to two years ago.

Family Get-Togethers

I just don't understand why two families can't combine together to make one big happy family. Isn't that the whole point of marriage - to combine two families. Ever since we got married, it's been pulling us apart. You have to choose - my family for Thanksgiving and yours for Christmas or vice versa.

Why does it have to be that way? This Sunday is Easter and I'm hosting dinner. My house. My rules. I ventured out to invite both sides of the family. Why not? There's a 13-pound turkey, big enough to share.

photo :: google image search

Auld Lange Syne

Happy New Year

We're going out tonight to celebrate. I'm taking a platter of crab dip and crackers - Yum. Here's to health and happiness! May all your dreams come true.