Today has been a day of enjoying the simple things of my life, things I have been unable to do for the last while. Like make bread! I love making bread. I love the way warm bread makes my house smell and I love the comforting taste of warm bread. Today I realized what I have missed most about making bread is watching my girls 'make there own bread'. They always come up with some creative way to make Daddy a special treat out of their dough. It's a simple joy...one I am so thankful I was able to again enjoy with my little darlings!



And now I must go to bed as it is far past my bed time!

Holiday fever is setting in quick and hard a specially as Christmas packages are coming from lands afar sent by loved ones who have thought about us all the way in Africa. Yesterday we received two packages. The girls were very bothered that they have to wait to open these tempting boxes. This morning when I came down stairs I noticed a little hole in one of the packages. I asked my little girls what and who had torn the paper…they both gave me a look of bewilderment. They had absolutely no idea what could have caused this mysterious hole! I told them it must be two little mice who live in our walls, instantly the girls face lit up with a perfectly good scapegoat option and they quickly exclaimed that yes these mice must have been the cause…



I wonder if those two little mice would rather nibble on these then a box.

This morning these pictures greeted me in my inbox. As always pictures excite me, especially when they are of the sweetest of my darling's...except for Kristopher...who can no longer be called 'sweetest' but rather 'studliest'! The little girls shirts and Josephine's dress along with Caleb's outfit were found while I was in France, I could not resist sending these frocks to them. I just knew that they would make the clothing look even cuter then they were!My Mom made the girls the skirts to perfect the outfits. Great job Mom, I'll order two please.

Wish I could hug each of you...your so beautiful and handsome!

Luv your big sis

My Mom sent these three lumberjacks out one afternoon to cut her a Christmas tree...they came back with a thirteen foot giant tree! Kids can you send one of those my way? And please find me the nicest smelling tree!

My love for books is an essential part of who I am and what we love as a family. A few months back while I was sick and miserable my Mom gave me some wonderful suggestion’s to perk up my life. One of her ideas was to browse the Internet for nice Christmas books and to order a few of the ones I thought my family would love. Then as Christmas nears, bring out a new book in the evening and have a cosy reading time, by the twinkle of the lights. Not only was I excited about spending my hours of bed rest searching for books, the anticipation of a new book and package in the mail was good medicine…for my mind at least. Some have arrived and I am eagerly awaiting more. Here are a few of the ones that have come so far.

A Small Miracle: My Mom told me about how this wordless book was impacting her young children and highly recommended it to me. It is a very moving book and brings you in contact with many of the delicate issues of life and living. After Marion studied this story a few times, she told me she was not sure how to feel when she read it. She said it makes her feel sad, happy, worried, grateful, tearful and amazed. Strong emotions from just a picture book...a must have for any family!


My dear Brambly Hedge, perfected with the enchantment of Christmas time! A Poem from the pages of this story:
" When the snows are lying deep,
When the field has gone to sleep,
When the blackthorn turns to white,
And frosty stars bejewel the night,
When summer streams are turned to ice,
A Snow Ball warms the heart of mice.



This simple story of a snowman seems to work magic on any child. I remember it's charm from my own childhood and it seems to be the same for my children. I have read this book everyday since we got it, the girls simply love it.



I am sure I will post more as the rest of the books come in the mail.

If you have a 'holiday' book that has meant something to you, please share with me! I am eager to fill this holiday with the things my family loves!

I wish you a simple and sweet start to your week!