{A Recap of Our Holidays}

Well, where do I begin!?!? December is always a busy month, but in the best way! So much family time and memory making fill our entire days! We kicked off the month by hosting our cousins for the weekend. We played video games, explored the pasture in the unseasonably warm temperatures, made Christmas cookies in our Christmas pajamas and watched movies! Sounds like the ideal kids weekend at home! Our all -time favorite mantra is, “Cousin time is the best time!”

The following weekend we met up with our cousins again for our annual breakfast date with Santa. Oren is still obsessed with Santa and always gives him a big hug when he first sees him. This year Oren asked for a Nerf gun, Eden Mini Brands, and Liella Squishmallows. Not pictured, but that evening we also took a carriage ride through Candy Cane Lane to check out all the funny (Christmas) lights. The very next weekend consisted of just our little family’s traditions. Gingerbread house creation and our second annual “Fancy Dinner” took center stage. Last year, looking at all of our “fancy” dishes, I decided that I wanted to bust them out and actually USE them. All 5 of us dressed in our best, ate a delicious, full meal with a table properly set for a formal dinner. From then on, we vowed to recreate this tradition every year. This year’s spread included smoked brisket, toasted pistachio green beans on a bed of lemony whipped feta, sweat potato casserole, homemade cranberry sauce, chorizo queso as an appetizer and French silk pie for dessert. This is when I learned that French silk pie contains raw egg as Oren complained of a scratchy throat after eating it. Queue the mom guilt! I’m continually shocked on the amount of foods that contain raw egg!

We rounded out the year with both family’s Christmas festivities and hosting our very first New Year’s Eve Party! If you know Jordan or I, neither of us do anything simple. We both went all out on decor, food and activities for the kids, all planned at the last minute. It was the first time my kiddos had actually celebrated New Year’s Eve and they had the BEST time! All 3 were still talking about the epic balloon drop a week later! Needless to say, we finished 2024 strong!

Reflecting on this last year, my heart is filled with so much gratitude. I thank God for the incredible blessings he has given our family. As I look ahead to 2025, I pray for His continued peace and trust that His will continue to unfold in our lives. Until next month…