a {not} long December

1. I could've titled this post, "space heaters and stomach bugs" but didn't think that had the same ring to it. A relatively mild but still unpleasant (even took Simon down which is rare) bug has been making the rounds at our house and either my will to never get sick while the kids are sick or my "take charcoal immediately when someone gets sick" rule saved me (so far! knock on all wood). In the thick of what felt like the worst of it our temperamental boiler (anyone else still have one of those?) went out and apparently our auxiliary heat was never wired correctly to begin with (the charms and headaches of old homes - luckily the charm wins the vast majority of the time!) so we had a chilly couple of days + nights but we survived. Thankfully the kids don't seem to have inherited my hate for the cold slash being cold and were total troopers. Can they say the same for their mom? She'll never tell.

2. Anyway, back to above photo! Clement turned one on Wednesday and I know it's cliche but it truly felt like the fastest first year of any of our kids lives. His birth feels like mere months ago! He's at the golden happy baby age and isn't getting into TOO much mischief (as long as we close the bathroom doors, I know all of his siblings are working on that, ha) and pretty much everything pleases and excites him. Abe calls him, "temmy" or what sounds like, "dammit" but we're working toward, "Clement" :) He was so engrossed with his birthday cupcake that we didn't even get to his two presents and they are now tucked back under the tree - no complaints!

3. Simon and I watched The Peanut Butter Falcon this past weekend at the suggestion of my parents and I have to pass the recommendation onto you! It was a pleasant surprise, delightful, and entertaining. A feel good flick without being TOO feel goody, you know? You do. Shall I start writing movie reviews? I shall. And I'm now fully invested invested in season 3 of The Crown. I'll be very sad when we're finished with it - JUST in time for cheery January ;)

4. Since I'm still working through Don't You Forget About Me (subpar so far but getting better) and listening to Little Women I'll tell you that Simon just finished All Creatures Great and Small and enjoyed it if you're looking for something engaging and ever so slightly off the beaten path.

5. If you're a Bachelor/ette diehard fan like myself you might enjoy the recap and ranking of ALL the seasons on the Bachelor Party podcast. If you're a newbie - it's my favorite podcast to listen to during the seasons!

6. A couple of recipes worth sharing (saying a lot! I've got some selective palates!) if you're forever in search of good ones to add to the rotation like I am: A) Change Your Life Chicken - I have to do half the pan with certain veggies for certain kids and go crazy with the other half but it's so so good!! and B) BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs - I used boneless/skinless thighs because that's what we had on hand and I don't like dealing with the bones and left the sauce off a couple for my couple of condiment-averse kids but even Clement couldn't get enough. It's so easy and so delicious.

7. A. Despite feeling like I'm set for years to come in the leggings department I ordered these on Cyber Monday at the recommendation of a friend and I am now a ruined legging wearer. The pockets are a game changer for getting in and out of the gym with the kids and the keys and the headphones and the phone because why bother with one of those genius inventions by the name of a .... bag? I love the high waisted fit and how they are both super comfortable but also hold things in like compression leggings without feeling like they compress SO much. Anyway, I know Zella goes on sale on occasion and if they do - I highly highly recommend this exact pair!! Nordstrom Rack looks like it sells an identical pair but I need to know if they are the same.

B. For the past two winters I've been looking for a pair of tall black boots but keep finding myself a little too fickle and henceforth .... black bootless. If you have a pair you love - I'd love to know! No crazy (or any) heel but dressy enough for church but not too flashy, if that makes sense. These are just a hair too fancy but I do love them so much - something a little more casual! I'm leaning toward these right now!

Alright, lots of wrapping and baking awaits (going to make these for neighbors!) ... hope you have a wonderful third week of Advent!!

XOXO,
GP