The Branch

Around 9:00pm on December 23, Dave got a text from one of our neighbors telling us a massive branch just took out the girls swing-set. The ice from the storm had proven too much for the branch and down it came and with it the end of the girls' swing-set. It was absolutely heartbreaking to see this in the dark of night, and even more heartbreaking to get a closer look at the damage when we got back from church on Christmas Eve morning. Though they had outgrown many of the pieces of the swing-set, they still used the swings (and the four person glider) quite often. We most likely would have made the decision to take it down this coming summer (or at least by mid-autumn) but to have the decision made for us in such a violent way was just so heartbreaking. 

In addition to the decimated swing-set, the fence sustained a fair amount of damage too. It was already in need of some fixing and painting and now even more so. 

A few weeks later we realized that the other major question that we needed to figure out an answer to was who to offer this wood to. Free for the taking as long as they'd be up for coming to get it. Then it dawned on me: my friend Laura's family has a wood-stove! I quickly sent her a text and some pictures of the branch to see if her husband may want the wood. They replied back yes and Dave and Josh chose a date to deal with the branch. 

And so, today, Josh and his sons came over to tackle this massive branch. With the help of his trusty chainsaw the guys had all the wood chopped up and in Josh's truck in just a smidge over an hour. With the branch turned into logs we could now see just how much damage was done to the fence. And while, I do not have a picture of it (yet), I will say it is quite significant and rather sad.

Thank you Josh and Laura for adopting our branch! We are so glad that the wood could go to such a good home and that it will keep you and your sweet family cozy and warm! xo 

Christmas Eve Eve

This post could have easily been called "Cinnamon Roll Saturday" (and it actually almost was) but I figured I'd also mention that this was the day the girls watched "White Christmas" for the first time, along with the original "Miracle on 34th Street"! They had seen the remake of "Miracle on 34th Street" (which is a truly wonderful remake) but it would have been a total parenting fail if they had not seen the original, too. White Christmas was such a hit that they have asked if we could make it a family tradition to watch it every holiday season! They especially loved "Sisters" (which was to be expected) and adored the dance to "The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing".

But back to the cinnamon rolls. For the last several years we have made a batch (or two) to share with family, friends and neighbors (as well as a tray for ourselves to enjoy on Christmas morning). This year, I prepped the dough (while watching "White Christmas" since it takes about two hours to rise) and then the girls took it from there (once "White Christmas" was over). I think my days of being the main cinnamon roll maker may be over though, as the girls took it and ran (and did a fabulous job)! I did get to make the cream cheese frosting, but that may have been due to them being engrossed in "Miracle on 34th Street" when I was in the kitchen.

Movies and cinnamon roll making was the perfect way to spend a cold, icy day here in New England. We'll be continuing their classic movie education with "It's a Wonderful Life" (most likely on Christmas day)! Happy Christmas Eve Eve, friends! xo

Sunday Smiles::Christmas Eve Eve

Our Sunday began earlier than normal since Grace needed to be at the church about an hour before the service for one final choir rehearsal.  The sanctuary was basically empty, except for the two choirs of children who were there for the final run through.  The sunlight streaming through the windows was just begging for me to take pictures and I gladly answered the call.  The beauty and peace that was present in that sanctuary is one that I am glad I was able to capture.  After all, it's not often that we're there when the sanctuary is so empty!  The choirs all sang beautifully and the service was lovely.  Two days till Christmas and I think we are more than ready!

Christmas Eve Eve, 8:15pm

"We couldn't possibly go to sleep, mama!"

And after their elving was done they headed off to bed without so much as a peep.  Sleep well, sweet girls for tomorrow is Christmas Eve!