“The Little Things” is my blog version of IG stories...these seemingly ordinary daily moments make up our beautiful life! *Click the images to enlarge & scroll*

“I hope you find, as I did, that happiness comes from noticing
and enjoying the little things in life.”
- Barbara Ann Kipfer

The Long-Awaited Cookies: It’s cookie time! We had to wait for our natural food dye to arrive…which delayed the process a bit! LOL! But we finally made them. Gluten-free…and they fell apart a little bit. So although the rooster might not have a leg, they still tasted yummy! What is your favorite treat to make for the holidays?!

Not a Housecat: We try to have the willpower to resist Prince’s sweet face at the door, but we are defenseless against him. So on most days, our “not a housecat” is a couch cat. But not to worry, he still pulls his weight in mouse catching.

Little Elves: It’s a game changer when your children are old enough to help you wrap gifts! While I used to stay up until all hours on Christmas Eve, now we all chip in and help. Also fun to actually have gifts UNDER the tree because there are no toddlers to destroy them. ;-)

Christmas Giving: Ama and Grandpa were here all week…and we did our Christmas with them. Lots of hugs and tears and fun.

Snowman Friend: We had a mini-blizzard this week with 2 inches of snow and 50-60 mph winds…and Emma was able to roll together a friendly snowman.

Garden Chill: Everything is done in the garden now…except for a few pieces of kale and collards that we snacked on while we were out for a walk. It’s so strange to not be tending the garden daily…but I’m deeply grateful for this season of rest.

Memorial: We have had a few chicken deaths in our flock lately (some were ill and some were naughty)…and this was a little memorial service we had for them, thanking God for allowing us to care for them. It’s always sad to say goodbye. Margarita, Soloman, Barbara, Floppy, and Moses…you were well-loved.

Letter writing: Lucy wrote letters to everyone for Christmas and they were the SWEETEST.

Reading by the fire: This is definitely the room of choice right now…and Ama found my favorite “Grandma Chair” to sit and read in. I found this chair at a thrift store…and I promptly sat down in it and wouldn’t move until I could find Matt to tote it away! It’s comfy and perfect.

Home Sweet Home: Everything feels SWEET right now…prepping for the holidays, enjoying each other’s company, sitting by the fire. Lots of snuggling happening.

Special Deliveries: We spent one day this week prepping gifts and getting ready to mail them out to friends and family. We did all the postage at home with Pirate Ship and our little post office in our little town had no line at all for drop off. Benefits of small town life!

Fort Building: The girls found a special little spot in the woods where they created a “winter home”. They gave me a tour and it was pretty magical. Complete with hardwood floors and a kitchen.

Milkweed Fluff: It’s been so neat to see the changes of the milkweed this season. We have copious amounts of it…and we get TONS of monarchs!

Silly faces: Family photo the night before Ama and Grandpa headed home…I’m so thankful for these moments. This is why we moved back to the Midwest from Texas…to be closer to family. It’s truly a gift.

Daddy & Daughter: Matt and Bella went on a daddy-daughter date to see the new Spiderman movie…as is their tradition when a new one comes out.

Hot Chocolate Face: We stopped by our favorite antique store and had hot chocolate and pastries! I found some red goblets for Christmas dinner and a metal basket for storage. We don’t have a Target nearby, so the antique store is where I shop! :)