dance of the sugar plum fairy

When I listen to Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker I feel like a smart person. But as I type this I know I am not. After all, I had to look up how to spell Tchaikovsky.

Christmas has a way of making you feel better than your usual self.  Have you noticed this?  It makes me feel like a nicer person than I really am.  If I wasn't sick you know I'd be out spreading the holiday cheer.  I still need to pass along leisure suit lady's good deed.  But I'm stuck inside, on the couch, spreading my germs.

All the Christmas activities make my children look at me with adoring eyes. As if I, personally, have created this whole elaborate celebration just for them.  If a person is told something often enough, they tend to live up to it. Good or bad.  I hope I can live up to the person they think I am. I'm determined to become the Sugar Plum Fairy and bring some magic into our home this season.

 Right after I get off the couch.

P.S. Not only does the Nutcracker make me feel smart it makes me feel like prancing around the room as if I weighed but a few pounds. Now that's some real Christmas magic.

god bless the food, oh and america too.

To be honest, and I know this is totally not P.C., I'm not so much about the patriotism as I am about the food. Sure, I'm thankful for my freedom. But what I'm really concerned about is getting to the cupcakes.

Just a little honesty on this Independence Day.

the greatest snow on earth

The boys hit the slopes, and hit the slopes, and hit the slopes. . .





Even Finn played all day in the snow.





Personally, I preferred a little warmer location.

I am now the proud owner of this little number in not one, but two colors.

winter song

The snow came down softly all day long. We stayed indoors and prepared a Sunday feast not soon to be forgotten. The whole family was here, crowded and noisy and happy to be together. The children played games at our feet and we told stories of our travels and adventures over the last few months.

Tomorrow we venture out into the cold to play.

Here's a little something I'd like to share with you.

the thing about christmas cards

It's the same thing every year. What to do about Christmas cards? Some years I am lucky enough to stumble upon a fabulous after season sale on Crane cards or some other set that would be way out of my price range if I were to pay full price, which I never do, because I was raised by people who would rather suck on an Akla-Seltzer than buy something that is not on sale.

It is incredible drudgery being a girl with a penchant for fine papers. A girl, that is, on a budget.

And then there is the whole family photo thing to consider. Attempting to photograph our little family may seem like a simple task until you throw in a boy named Thom and a wild canine (yes, the dog does have to be in the photo because we are just that type of family).

I stopped writing a newsletter when I finally realized that I really dislike reading epistles about what other people have done all year. That's what blogs are for right?

Having said all this, let me just give a small caveat and say I really LOVE getting Christmas cards. It is one of my favorite things about December*. And I know that in order to get cards, I must send, so I'm off to do a little shopping on Etsy for some fabulous, one-of-a-kind, inexpensive cards. Wish me luck.

Don't forget to scroll on down a few posts and enter to win the Winter Glam earrings.

* If you feel so inclined, I'd love to get a Christmas card from you, especially Ms. Finland who has yet to reveal herself. Send me an email and I'll swap addresses with you.