Adventures in La La Land

And just like that Christmas is over. 😢 We squeezed all the joy and fun out of it, though.  1. On Sunday, we "jingled" the cousins. Last year I found an idea on Pinterest that involved a cute little rhyme about sharing Christmas cheer. My kids loved  it, so I decided to try a new twist this year. I scoured Pinterest for hours and finally ended up making something up myself. Haha. I found (or made) a snack to represent each part of the Christmas story, and assembled them all in a bag to tell the story. The angel who appeared to Mary: hot chocolate packet, baggie of mini marshmallows, and a glittery pipe cleaner. This was supposed to be the door to the inn. See the little doorknob M&M? 😂 Sweet little Twinkie Baby Jesus swaddled in a napkin. Animal crackers to represent the animals in the stable. Lena glued cotton balls to applesauce cups for the sheep. I was trying to think of some healthier options, so I made air fryer apple slices with a star cutout in the middle for t...

1. Good news, everyone. I'm feeling much more prepared for Christmas than I was at this time last week! I know you were concerned. On my day off Wednesday, I finished my last minute shopping, then spent two hours wrapping all my kids' gifts while binging The Great British Baking Show! Today I finally solidified my plans for Jesus' Birthday Party and one other time-consuming Advent Activity. And I think  I've gotten all the groceries I need so I don't have to go back to the store before Christmas! Now I just get to enjoy the season! 2. Our Advent Activities were hit or miss again this week. Sunday was our annual Cousins' Cookie Decorating Day.  Brodie was a big fan of his first Christmas Cookie Decorating Day Whit was less impressed Lainey was only a few days old at her first cookie day, so she enjoyed it a lot more this year! Nash and Saylor were sick, so they missed the festivities. We're hopeful that everyone gets their germs out of the way before Christma...