christmas croquet.

Our family has been playing a game of Christmas croquet ever since I can remember. The course is never perfect & the rules are never spot on, but we enjoy the game anyway. I didn't play this year since we decided to set up a mega-long course with plenty of obstacles, but I had fun watching and cheering everyone on. Jeffrey won the game this year with an impossibly awesome shot that began on one side of a canoe, went through, came out the other side, swished through both wickets and hit the final post as the grand finale. It was so incredible my aunt threw her coffee mug in disbelief! A good time was had by all and Jeffrey felt especially great!

christmas 2011.

Our Christmas was filled with family, friends, new shoes, croquet, dessert, sunshine (80º weather!), good food, fun conversation, puppies, and lots of love. I was reminded of all the good in my life and how thankful I am to have a kind and funny family who gets together every year to remember the importance of strong relationships and a sense of humor.

andy.

Oh, I forgot I have the cutest dog in the world. Just kidding. I didn't forget. But just in case you did, here's four pictures to remind you. I hope your holiday was filled with love and laughter. xo

friday inspiration.

*******************************************************************
1. A thoroughly happy image.
2. A pear + cranberry crumble (with gingersnap topping)!
3. A dreamy living room.
4. A wonderfully cute bicycle.
*******************************************************************

Have a really special weekend -- filled with celebrations of a holiday, or simply with celebrations of this blessed life. xo

christmas baking.

A few weeks ago my good friends Emily and Caroline made these delicious cookies. I asked for the recipe and have made them twice since then. They are full of chocolate-y goodness, if that's your thing (it's mine), and every chocolate lover I've come across has loved them so far.

My aunt came down to our house to bake some cookies yesterday. It's the first year we've done it, but maybe it will become a new tradition. While we were sitting in the kitchen -- my mom washing dishes, my sister researching recipes, me mixing some batter, and my aunt sitting and enjoying a cup of tea -- I realized that my life is pretty perfect.

The holidays are such a special time to remind myself of all the blessings in my life and the people who have filled my life with happiness and joy. It is a good time for reflection and thanks.

our christmas decorations.

My mom has a serious knack for decorating, and her Christmas displays are among my favorite. Every year when I come home at winter break, I'm excited to see what she's done to make our house magical. She never disappoints.

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays because everything becomes really magical and special. The week before Christmas is one of the best of the year -- people bustling around to complete last minute shopping lists, riding around in the car to look at Christmas lights, I love every last bit of it!

(Croquet is our Christmas game of choice. We play at our family gathering every year. I'm still not good at it, but it's fun to play anyway!)

friday inspiration.

*********************************************
{1} white chicken chili.
{2} Julia Child, so smart.
{3} sweet decorations.
{4} wedding kiss.
*********************************************

an afternoon.

This afternoon Jeffrey and I went to a potential wedding venue to see if we felt inspired by it. The location is in a park in our hometown area that saves historical homes from around the county, and restores/maintains them for public appreciation. (A very special venture, if I do say so myself!) Walking into the old building, we both felt very at home in it.

It was the first time I honestly felt a connection to a wedding location, which sounds kind of silly, but was actually really great. I think we both felt pretty good about it. That, my friends, is very exciting.

friday inspiration.

******************
{1} tiny house.
{2} classroom valentines.
{3} fresh salad.
{4} twirl.
******************

list nineteen: christmas list.

1. Sweet pajama pants that support an amazing cause.

2. A cozy sweater.

3. Teacher tote.

4. Penelope.

5. Mylo Xyloto.

6. Hot Tools (1 inch) curling iron.

7. Thorlo Experia socks (in lime/white).