Cinnamon Rolls Round One

 

happening now. xo 

During the Festive Season

 

This year was easily the least I have ever blogged. Here is it, Decemebr 30th, and I have (including this post) blogged a total of 39 times. Before this year, the lowest number of posts in this space of ours was 127 (in 2022). This isn't to say that there have not been blog worthy events that would total in the hundreds, but it does speak to how full life is with two teenagers, a full time (paid) job, my full time unpaid job (as mama of those two amazing girls), as well as life as a wife and doctoral student. In early November I ended up resigning from my job as the Director of Children's Ministry at the church in Holliston, and we have fully returned to our church home/family in Framingham. That brought with it more downtime than I have had in a long while, though that will be short lived as I move into the proposal and disseration phase of my program starting in January. 

Our December was full of wonderful traditions. The Advent Spiral, Saint Nichoas Day, Winter Solstice (my most favorite Deemebr holiday!), cinnamon roll making (and delivering), and of, course, the Christmas Eve service. It was so lovely to be there, with a pew full of my church children, all of whom have grown into the most incredible young women and men. 

The bunnies have loved sitting by the tree as much as we do, and we are all so sure that they will be very sad when the tree comes down. Truly, is there anything more relaxing than sitting by the light of the tree before the sun comes up or after it goes down? 

It was quite a year for this family of ours. But more about that tomororw. Tonight is all about getting this blog updated so that we can go into 2024 and this next chapter, fresh and ready to go! xo 

On Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas Eve, friends! xo

Meanwhile, Back at Home...

 

While Grace was at the dance, Emma and I had a fabulous time making cinnamon rolls and singing! 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