Friday, December 27, 2024 – I think? I have lost track of all days of the week and dates!
With my Hello Monday post, I left off Sunday morning…
Sunday afternoon,
Tom and I went to check out an area called Paristown for their Fete de Noel – some huts with things you can buy a la German Christmas market, a skating rink, a fire pit, and a food hall that is there all year round. A lady offered to take our picture so we said yes! Notice Tom’s head and hand. He saw an alpaca booth and I’ve never seen this man buy something so fast. He is so happy with his new alpaca beanie and scarf. Treat yo’self, Tom.
It was small, but cute and now my curiosity has been satisfied. It was really cold out, too!
I suggested Drake’s for lunch and we lucked out and got to sit by the big fireplace that wasn’t lit…
I asked the host if we could sit by the fireplace and he failed to mention it wasn’t currently a working fireplace. Lol.
Anyway, I had a mimosa. I had hoped to get something at the festival, but I didn’t see anything I wanted.
Anyway, we had a nice afternoon and then came home and didn’t need any dinner! We watched tv and relaxed and we were both really excited to not have work the next day!
Monday I went to Trader Joe’s right when it opened followed by World Market.
I was lazy most of Monday after those errands and then later in the afternoon I went to a bookstore to get my last thing I needed. The traffic wasn’t bad and there weren’t too many people.
I did pretty well with a couple of errands Saturday and Monday – I enjoyed being out in the hustle and bustle but it wasn’t stressful at all because I didn’t pack too much in and I timed it right, I guess. I felt happy to be out.
This was my Monday shopping ‘fit.
I really did get ready and make my holiday errands a fun thing this year. Maybe this is the secret I have been searching for. Well, 90% of my gifts were sent to me in the mail so that helps one be more calm and joyful, right?
Monday afternoon I made cookies – not very holiday but my kids are purists when it come to baked goods. And, I made a simple dinner of the best hot dogs you will ever have from Fresh Market, baked beans, and Kraft mac and cheese. Tom and I started the next season of Bad Sisters on Apple, too. I didn’t accomplish all of my baking list, but I do still have more of break and it might happen.
Monday night I found out that our Eve plans changed. I misunderstood that one kid did have to work until 5 and was only singing in church for the 8:00 service. The other kid had to work 12-5. So, we had to remain flexible, I guess. We had plans to go out to eat on Eve and then go to the 8:00 service.
Even though they live at home, we are rarely all home at the same time. They are really busy with work and social lives right now which is great.
So, it felt like a real treat that we all got to be in the same car and got to go eat at The Irish Rover on Christmas Eve. I wanted to channel a bit of the British simplicity and vibe and this is as close as we’ve got! It also happened to be on the same street as the church we were attending so it worked out well.
So cute, right? Tom said my fish and chips looked like a baby foot. After that, I couldn’t unsee it.
One of us got Welsh rarebit, two got fish and one got stew and it was wonderful.
Tom sitting by the fireplace taking it all in…
Then we headed off to the lovely little church…
It was such a beautiful service!
Eddie Otis slept in until almost 8! Then, he watched me make monkey bread.
We got home so late on Eve that we decided to wait on the somewhat traditional new pajamas. This year I went with fleece pants and hoodies and they immediately put them on and wore them all day so that was nice. And, they posed for a photo!
We had also waited on our new tradition of:
It was a big hit. Everyone got a nice chocolate bar – Lindt and Milka – and a book – except mine was a library book that I wrapped up – lol! I just couldn’t bring myself to buy one for myself even though I did look.
Tom got Greenlights and then wanted us to know how much they look alike. I am going to read Tom’s book and already started it.
I think we will continue the book and chocolate because everyone loved it so much. Also, the kids bought each other an additional book when they were out shopping together so that was sweet.
Eddie Otis was so good! He got a giant Lambie and a pack of cigarettes. He really loves toys and was happy to play with them while we opened presents. My kids were so sweet and appreciative of what we got them. They got a lot of food items in their stockings this year! Ha!
He’s a smoker now.
Our kids used their gifts and spent the whole day hanging out together. For lunch we had charcuterie and Eve leftovers.
Tom got me lots of great magazines in my stocking and it was mild out so I got to do one of my favorite things!
I sat on the patio quite a bit and Tom took EO on a long walk. Then, I started cooking.
We had dinner around 5:30…
I made salmon, bought an already cooked beef roast from Trader Joe’s (that was actually really good!), made my own horseradish sauce, Hasselback potatoes, brussels sprouts with balsamic, and popovers. And, I made a salad with homemade dressing.
The inside of the popover:
After dinner, Tom and I walked EO and enjoyed looking at the lights.
It was a really nice day with just the four of us! Was it perfect? No! Was it good? Yes!
This…
really gave me some food for thought this year. I know. I know. You are tired of hearing about it. But, I really wanted to be intentional and control what I could control this year. This book helped with that. I was sad to not be in England and Scotland like last year but also happy to be home this year (pros and cons). This can be a hard stage with kids this age. I had some hurts, disappointments, and stresses with family lest you think all is perfect in my world – it’s definitely not. But, I enjoyed the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas and did some festive activities. I watched so many holiday movies and I didn’t run myself ragged with all the preparations. I did my share of overthinking – when will I stop doing this? Never – most likely! But, I wore my festive clothes and my red lipstick. I had my toes painted red even though no one saw them out in the wild. And, I hope I showed the most important people in my life how much I love them.
Amy
Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 
the photo of you and Tom needs framed. This was the first Christmas my kids did not have a meltdown over not getting something they wanted. I made chocolate chip cookies on Christmas Eve and they were FLAT. Which recipe did you use?
LikeLike
Thank you! It’s decent and he is kind of smiling. lol.
Oh, that’s good!
I used a recipe Melanie Shankle shared and it wasn’t my favorite. It wasn’t that sweet? I like the Nestle Tollhouse recipe on the package better, I think. The dough chilled might help the flatness.
LikeLike
That is a great picture of y’all! That church looks so pretty. I’m glad you got some family time and the food looks great. I’m glad it was a good December.
LikeLike
Thank you – it’s a rare thing. It was so pretty and new to me. It was nice that our choir child let us come for the first time! Ha!
LikeLike
You had a great Christmas! I have to go to my mother in laws and it is a nightmare. All of my husbands siblings have many grandchildren so trying to have a big Italian feast and about 150 presents later and an hour long car ride, I am toast! I’m glad it’s over as always. I love the season hate the day. I have heard many people say that over the years. My goal is to comment more on your posts! Have a great time being off! You totally deserve it!
Cheers!
Missy!
LikeLike
I love your goal, Missy! I hope to provide much to comment on.
My Mom’s was yesterday and in-laws today. It’s a lot of driving and a lot of small talk. I felt mentally exhausted last night! We asked my mom to scale down number of presents and it’s helped.
I hope you have plans today to rest and take care of you!
LikeLike
I wish! My husband has 3 kids and usually we can never get together all at once. They do that with mom! So tonight is one kid tomorrow another one. (And all 3 hate me) maybe someday I can get your thoughts on that. I’m not a mom I wish I had advice! So I can rest Sunday. Can’t wait to talk more!
Missy
LikeLike
Oh gosh – I can see that being more taxing than just a one and done. I mean – you could let him go to them and you not be involved. The most important thing is keeping your relationship with your husband on track so that might be a deal breaker for him.
you need to look into Mel Robbins “let them” theory.
LikeLike
It sounds like your Christmas celebrating were wonderful and just what you all needed. I’m so glad to hear that, and I love that book tradition. I’m actually ending the year on a reading kick once again, and I’m so excited! I finished a book on Christmas morning, and now I’m done with holiday themed books for the year. I love Eddie Otis’ eyes in the picture of him “smoking”. He looks like he’s looking at someone adoringly! What a sweet pup. Santa brought our baby dogs some pig’s ears that our fur babies love. I love seeing them enjoy a treat, and I’ve had Graham’s dogs since Christmas. I asked him if they could stay with me a little longer since it was Christmas and because I love them so much. They’ll probably go home today. Enjoy your day, my friend!
LikeLike
We still aren’t done! Today is Tom’s parent’s house. I’m tired!
I am so happy to hear you are reading! Can’t wait to hear what you enjoy.
EO got a pig ear! Dogs are just the best. EO has scary eyes sometimes. He is growing up and did really well at my mom’s house yesterday.
LikeLike
Such a wonderful holiday post. The pic of your and Tom is soooo perfect. Looks like out of a magazine
I felt the same way about errands during the holidays – I just kind of factored in extra time, listened to Christmas music in the car, enjoyed the holiday decor at shops, etc
I love getting magazines in my stocking too! Love that you all bought books. Such a fun tradition- the pjs too. I hope you have a great weekend.
LikeLike
Thank you! Sounds like you were all over the place this year so I’m glad you have until January 6 to be at home.
Wow – thank you!
That’s the way to do it – be festive and enjoy the errands. I also think since we as teachers are trapped inside all day that getting out to do errands is fun for us.
The books were really a big hit! I was surprised!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that you were so intentional. I am going to try that next year. My Advent/Christmas season was different this year due to my dad’s passing. But I used the “Good Enough” idea of yours. My boyfriend/partner said that we should call it “Plenty Fine” instead, it sounds more positive. Ha!
LikeLike
Thank you! I swear it was the book. I took notes and reflected on years past, too. I asked kids what they like but they didn’t give me much information. The year my Dad died I was so ready and happy to be with the four of us again because the illness and the funeral was so much. I remember that being a really simple year but feeling comfort in my home.
That’s sweet. I love the plenty fine idea.
This year I bought some fun food treats at the gourmet grocery store and that was really nice.
LikeLike
Tom’s 70’s rock album cover is exquisite!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
Merry Christmas to you and your family. It looks like you had a great week!
LikeLike
Thank you and same to you and yours!
LikeLike
I have lost all track of days too! In fact I completely forgot to even hit publish on today’s post until quite late! It sounds like a lovely Christmas. I’m feeling that weirdness of travel versus being at home this year too. I’m not sure there is a better or worse but it sure is different.
LikeLike
Right? Travel makes that easy to do, too. I know – it’s like if I travel I question it and if I stay home I think why didn’t I travel.
LikeLike
Tom’s 70’s rock album fireplace cover is exquisite!
LikeLike
haha! Thank you!
LikeLike
I haven’t made Monkey Bread in a long time, but your post reminded me of the year my sister made it for Christmas morning and the dog we had at that time ate 3/4 of it while we were doing something in the other room. She was a sticky mess. It’s funny now but maybe not so funny at the time. Sounds like you had a nice day spent with family. That’s a great pic of you and the hubs! Happy new year!
LikeLike
Oh that sounds like something Eddie Otis would do. I think that would turn me off monkey bread for life! Thank you!
LikeLike
As always, your blog is such an authentic one! Thank you for showing your readers real life! It sounds like y’all had a fantastic Christmas. My dog, Gunner, received a pack of cigarettes – the same “brand” as Eddie Otis! I can’t tell you the joy I have when I see one hanging out of his mouth! Did you get the idea from The Big Boo podcast? They were one of Sophie’s favorites a month or so ago! Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much. We had a really good one. It wasn’t perfect, but still I’m thankful. Yes, I did see it there first! Eddie Otis really enjoys pulling his smokes out of the pack! Lol!
LikeLike
That sounds like a perfect Christmas! I love the book/chocolate Christmas Eve tradition but we’re Italian so the big celebration is the Feast of the Seven Fishes on the Eve. Maybe I can make it my Christmas night tradition? I love the pic of you and Tom and you look stunning without makeup as well! Christmas is always a little tricky with older kids – it still feels like they should spend the day on the floor in front of you playing 😉
Happy New Year!
LikeLike
It was really nice! I love that you do the full Italian feast! Thank you so much. it really is tricky but there are lots of good things, too.
LikeLike
It sounds like you are making the most of your week! I bet it was a little hard to be home instead of on vacation for Christmas! I am finding that Christmas is changing even with teenagers, and I think you are doing a great job of meeting your kids exactly where they are as adults now. I love that Tom quick shopped a new hat and scarf! We do Jolabokaflod without the chocolate on Christmas Eve and I love it. It’s hard to find great books for everyone but when you do it is so good! Wrapped a library book – hah! This is a good week for reading magazines! I have a big stack and you’re inspiring me to get to them in the next 5 days. Have a great weekend!
LikeLike
I’m trying! I know that my number one priority needs to be rest and recharge because our principal has a busy calendar for us in January. It’s crazy!
Yes, the holidays change with each stage but still I never think it’s a bad idea to reassess and see what still works. I went through my magazines so fast! Sad! Ha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think your little shopping excursion looked like lots of fun. I’ve always wanted to try the Christkindlmarkt in Carmel, but I’ve heard parking is a nightmare. It’s clear your trip last year has made a lasting impression on all of you…that’s part of the magic of travel, right? I only made two kinds of cookies (sugar cookies I never frosted and peanut butter blossoms). I will have to write a blog post about our Christmas Day. It was all good, but there were a few stressful moments. Let me know if you ever figure out the over thinking…that’s part of why I’m such a night owl.
Have a wonderful week, Amy!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
LikeLike
Thank you! You should go at an off or less busy time next year.
It has. I really like how they do it. It really is. That’s ok! I didn’t bake nearly as much as I thought I would. You should! I am a classic overthinker.
You too!
LikeLike
It sounds like a good week. I love how honest you were about the ups and downs. So true. We had a great Christmas, but not without some bumps like family drama (extended) and G getting sick. I also love the toll house cookie recipe. Sometimes it is hard to beat a classic! Hope you have a good weekend!
LikeLike
It was good! It was definitely not perfect and I had some not so great thoughts. I can relate to family drama. I’m so sorry G got sick! It really is such a good recipe. I did Melanie Shankle’s and it just wasn’t as good in my opinion.
LikeLike
That was beautiful, Amy, thank you for sharing your warm and lovely Christmas! I guess I have to buy that Fiona Christmas book for next year…! I love it that you painted your toenails and how you juggled around everyone’s schedule to still fit in all the fun stuff! It’s hard with all the expectations, and I also had some short spurts of negative feelings… But all in all I had a lovely Christmas. Just like you we celebrate with our little family (and MIL of course).
LikeLike
Aww, thank you and so nice to see you here! I think you would like it but I also think you do a lot from the book already! it really is hard with expectations.
I hope you are continuing to have some time off!
LikeLike
One more week, yay! Tue-Wed teacher conferences (blah) and kids on Thursday. You start on Monday, right?
Glad to be back! 😀 ❤
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
LikeLike
Yay! Are you fully in hygge mode? Cabin? I hate conferences – so boring. We start on January 6th, yes.
I’m glad you are reading regularly again!
HNY!
LikeLike