Here we go, into the last weekend before the boys’ holiday break starts. I am excited to see friends we haven’t seen in a while and spend some time outside! If you still have holiday shopping left, check out this review of 5 children’s books over at The Washington Post that went up yesterday. It was a lot of fun to do — not much is better than reading through the eye candy of these five. And have a wonderful weekend.
Emil is the funniest little guy. I constantly hear from his teachers how expressive he is, especially when it comes to his feelings. Lately, he has been singing interesting versions of Christmas songs pretty much constantly throughout the day. It takes much restraint to keep from laughing out loud (he does not appreciate being laughed at — who does?).
Emil: A snowflake just be mad at me. So I be sad. Then I be strustrated (frustrated).
(To me in the car on the way to school): You know, Mama, you grow smaller and smaller until you are a baby. Then I be big and take care of you. I be your papa and I drive this car!
(Also in the car, after I pointed out the pretty sunrise): I did dat with my paint-bwush! I fwew up yike Superman and painted it for you!
If a cwokodile eat me, I be dead. Then you won’t see me anymore.
There was a bad guy in my c-yoset (closet). But now he’s nice.
Mama! Fwee-year-owds can do dis! (jumps onto the couch)
The things I will miss most about Emil at this age are his truly passionate hugs and kisses, his constantly telling every one of us how much he loves us, and the costumes. Always with the costumes.
We sure do love you, Emil.
Ah, stripes. No matter what’s trending, I just love ’em. Here’s what I wore last Saturday when we went to breakfast and then to pick out our Christmas tree. The weather was mild enough to forgo tights, but this outfit looks equally good with thigh-high fleece stockings or tights for the upcoming freezing days.
As usual, wearing this necklace (c/o Mariah from Everything Golden), which would make a great Christmas present if you’re stumped on what to get the friend or sister in your life –plus, they do the prettiest gift wrapping!).
Striped dress: Madewell (sold out, similar here, here or here — I had an impossible time trying to find a striped dress with pockets, but will update if I find one!)
Boots: Rachel Comey (sold out, find similar here)
Hat: Anthropologie (similar here)
Sweater: Again, sold out — find similar here
Have a very happy Wednesday!
I just picked up The Plant Recipe Book by Baylor Chapman at our library. It’s so beautiful! Written much like a cookbook, it contains specific “recipes” for living flower arrangements, including exactly what to get for each arrangement, where and how to place each plant, and instructions for care.
Some of the succulent and air plant arrangements are my favorite, but I’m also finding myself going back again and again to just identify the many beautiful plants (they are labeled and photographed beautifully throughout the book). It’s certainly eye candy, especially when everything is dark and dreary and dormant this time of year.
Similarly, here is the flower arrangement companion book by a different author. Either would make a lovely gift for the green thumb in your life!
This weekend we kicked off the Christmas season by celebrating with friends, picking out our tree, and attending Andrew’s faculty holiday party. Fun times! The boys were so shy around Santa and Mrs. Claus, though you wouldn’t know it looking at the silly faces above!
P.s. — Right before taking this picture, I tried unsuccessfully to stifle my laughter as we walked in on Santa blissed out on his iPhone. Oh, Santa, really?
I was so pleasantly reminded of just how much I love my Andrew. What could have been a stuffy affair turned out to be a lot of fun, and we returned home giggling and acting like a couple of clowns. Andrew always puts me at ease in those situations where I only know a couple of people and feel slightly self-conscious, a fact I’m grateful for and that reminds me that he is my best friend in this world.
And speaking of clowns, here is my impression of Emil’s smile:
Pretty close, right?
Hope you enjoyed your weekend, and have a wonderful Monday!