A Belated 10 Year Tribute

 On November 22, 2024, K and I celebrated our Tenth Anniversary.  It's such a milestone to reach our first decade.  We have spent the past 10 years creating a happy home to raise our three children.  Providing a comfortable, cozy life but with structure and routines that keep things on the rails.  These Ten years have felt to me like establishing our foundation.  Laying brick after brick.  It's been overwhelming for us both- little sleep, lots of whining, money money money- but we have managed and kept humor and levity at the front.  This decade, the grind of it, has brought us right where we want to be.  We don't have a picture perfect life...there are many hopes and dreams left waiting.  But we're happy where we are, and there is no better place in the whole world.

Photos by the wonderful Betsy Bender!

A December to Remember

Recapping the best and busiest month of the year...it's a long one.

December 2024 was full to the brim!

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Last post I mentioned the ornament parties I was planning as Room mom.

They turned out too cute.  For MB's we featured a photo in a popsicle stick red truck with a Christmas tree handprint in the bed.  

For Lib's we used this tutorial to make ornaments out of plastic cups and the second graders loved them.

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Avondale Wine and Cheese Christmas date!

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Our annual holiday night out!  It was freeeezing so I was thrilled to wear this thrifted trench with the velvet collar.

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Our Christmas cards turned out so great this year.  I'll share more photos from the shoot soon!

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Walked through Hutson Alley on our way to see Santa.  They have so many little photo backdrops set up and the girls loved it.

Santa 2024 :)

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MB's Kindergarten Christmas Pageant:

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John's Christmas Show...once he saw us a couple rows back it was allll over.

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Nutcracker date with Libby.  This is our fourth year seeing the Nutcracker at the Sottile and we both agreed that next year we may switch it up.  It's a beautiful performance, but the costumes and choreography don't change, and something new may be nice.  Curious of any feedback on A Christmas Carol at the Dockstreet...

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This year I took MB to "Let It Snow" at Charleston Place.  It was a nice event with cookies and hot chocolate, but we went at 4 pm and it's much more magical at night.  Always glad to have one on one time with her.

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Celebrated this young buck's birthday on the 18th.

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Christmas Eve Family Portrait

Somehow I didn't snap a single photo on Christmas morning!!  I know K took a good video but nothing to share.  It was a successful Christmas!  Santa came and each of the kids were content to open toys, eat cinnamon rolls, and have a lazy morning.  The day did get more hectic as we hosted a group for Christmas dinner...I should have pulled out my chafing sets from Thanksgiving.  That's my goal next year: To make Christmas Dinner as hands off as possible so I can sit and enjoy time with family, not standing over the stove.

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Fast Forward to New Year's Eve....we had a few couples over for fireworks and appetizers.

I did a glow party for the kids which was such a hit.  Next year I want to buy even more!

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Wrapping up our Christmas Break, took the kids to the aquarium.

And got a much-needed massage down at Wentworth Mansion.

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Phew!

This week I'm in recovery mode.

Christmas falling on a Wednesday made these last few weeks seem especially discombobulating.

So happy to be back in the routine and looking forward to what 2025 has in store.

Happy New Year!

xLaura

Life Lately...Happy Holidays!

It was another great year hosting Thanksgiving!  

We used chafing sets to warm all of the sides and it made the day so much more enjoyable as host.  Clean up was easier as well.  

Next year I want to spend more time making a cohesive tablescape.  It's been very mish-mash style the past years but I think I want to try to pull together a "fancier" table next year.  We'll see...

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Yesterday I celebrated my birthday!  My mom came over during the baby's nap so we could enjoy brunch with the girls.

Later we decorated for Christmas.  I think this is our 4th year using Whole Foods for our tree and it is the best deal!!

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This week I am working on our Christmas cards.  We had some beautiful family photos taken at the beach last week.  Also, photo related- John's school pictures came in.  Naughty List!

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Last thing before I run... I am Room Mom in the girls' classes this year and this week is the "Keepsake Ornament" parties where all of the students make a personalized ornament.  We tested out a SUPER simple craft over the break which is the plan for my second grader's class.  I'll share a tutorial soon.

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Have a great week!

xLaura