Wild & Three Thursday!

Oh heavens so much. It is the day after the hoopla of the what I considered an over the top commercialized holiday. I am thankful that we personally have worked VERY hard to keep it in check over the years. It is hard. But when you just give it a hard look you should easily be able to see that less is more.

Not long after our daughter was born we started the three gift rule patterned after the number of gifts provided to baby Jesus. We did not "do" Santa Claus, yep, crazy I know. Don't judge us and we won't judge you. It's all about choices and we made the one to go without the Christmas clown eons ago. Our daughter now has chosen not to bring the jolly old man in on a large scale role in her daughters life. They make reference to "the farmer" and tackle discussions as they come without much fanfare. I like it. Whatever and however you celebrate the Christmas season is your choice but we do take the Jesus's Birthday approach with emphasis on the age old story of the Savior's birth in a manger when there was no room at the inn.

We started on Christmas Eve with our traditional pizza dinner along with a drive around town to look at Christmas lights. There were lots of "smiley's" which are snowmen in our world and the little one loved it. A new thing we did this year was decorate a gingerbread house and sugar cookies. It was lots of fun and everyone got in on the action. We will try to keep this up next year. We ended with playing several rounds of Farkle. This has become a nightly ritual; playing several rounds of Farkle after the little one is in bed.

Christmas Day started with cinnamon rolls and stockings! It was all good and filled with lots of laughter. My what a little one can do for your perspective. She is a hoot. Next was the opening of the "snowmen". Then a concentrated effort on a ham dinner with all the fixings and a pumpkin pie to boot.

 Her own SMILEY!

All ready and waiting. The snowmen are their gifts...three just like baby Jesus received. 

Throughout the day gifts from the rest of the family were opened in spurts. Taking time out to play with what was received helped not to get to wrapped up in the plentiful packages. We actually "reloaded" the tree. Christmas Eve was set with the Grands from LaLa's side and Christmas PJs to wear that night. Christmas morning was stockings, her Christmas from her parents and their snowmen from us. Christmas afternoon and evening were from her other Grands, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Whew, what a full, fun day we had. Tomorrow we head back to MO as impending weather moving in make it the best travel day.

Wild & Three Thursday!

Brrrrr....first snow day was Tuesday and we are still feeling the effects. Hmmm hope this isn't the way it's gonna be or I may have to be outta here! Guess it is nearly winter so shouldn't be complaining.

We are trying to tie up loose ends and finish last minute wrapping so we can make our way North to be with the Daughter for Christmas. So far, so good. Still trying to find a few stocking stuffers but otherwise done with that whole gift buying thing. Have a few cards to get in the mail and that's it. Not going overboard here. It's truly sad how much we are all guilty of overdoing. I really, REALLY try not to do that.

Happy travels if you are on the road, we hope to arrive a few days early and be all tucked in before the travel frenzy begins. Getting back right now looks like the bigger challenge as a strong storm will be moving in over the weekend after Christmas. We will adjust our return accordingly!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Wild & Three Thursday!

It's pretty much been sunrise, sunset, wash and repeat this past week as we continue to try and catch up with all that was left while we were gone. Several chores have been accomplished but there are several more on the list. We are still trying to finish what little Christmas shopping needs to be done as well as just procure some items while there are great sales going on. Honestly, it's pretty much Christmas time any given day of the week. We are a society of abundance and immediate possession. Unfortunately, we have fallen prey to this mindset on many occasions, too many really. Be mindful of the company you keep, I think it has plays a role. No longer do we wait for an event such as a birthday or Christmas for gift receiving or giving. We just get it now. Again, sadly, we are as guilty as anyone else. No excuses we just buy it. We have so much more then ever before and are still accumulating. I feel our clutter level has increased too much, I'm a bit out of sorts about that but yet I have contributed to the issue as well as anyone. Being in a real house again has made it harder. What to do, what to do? I plan to make a better, more concentrated effort to get back into the simpler, need based thought process lifestyle and not get even more sucked into the one of gotta have it now, overabundance and for show thinking. Something to ponder seriously and put more work into for sure. I enjoy the hunt for gently used and bargains and just need to make sure I'm not over buying.

Happy Holidays!

Wild & Three Thursday!

We are safely back at the Meadow. It's time for cleaning and catching up. It was a most wonderful trip. We did just over 5K miles. In fact, ROADA is gonna need new shoes! We were also thrilled to get to make a stop in OKC on our way in to see dear friends. It was so lovely to have a "catch up" dinner with those who are so near and dear to our hearts. AND maybe there might have been some new Sooner gear found :) I know for sure there was a new chocolate shop located that had handmade caramel that was sooooo delicious! Repeat visit needed FOR SURE!

December is shaping up to be quite busy as the holidays approach. We are planning to go North to be with the Daughter and family for Christmas. Bee has already called to see when we are coming. Give us a few days little girl, give us a few days! But until then there will be wrestling matches, band concerts, choir performance, candy making and snuggles with MGM. Along with gift wrapping and shopping.