What Sisters Wore: Christmas Eve

Brielana:

Top: BabyGap

Tutu Leggings: Carter's

Slippers: gifted

Kinsey:

Top: GapKids

Leggings: Old Navy

   

   

Just call me Scrooge

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I am knee- deep in fun, festive Holiday plans that I just feel blah about.  Anyone else?  We watched Charlie Brown Christmas the other night and I totally related when Charlie Brown was telling Linus how he enjoys Christmas but gets depressed.  Bingo.  Even with everything so bright and shiny, it can be a little downer.   I like to partially blame the weather and the lack of sunshine but I also know its really just me.

I guess after all the decorating, and wrapping, and baking the hype wears off and then I wonder, what else?  And, am I creating enough wonderful memories for the girls?  I'm probably over thinking all of it, but it bothers me, nonetheless.

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And why does an Elf have to cost $30?!  I remember the first year Elf on a Shelf was being sold in Target (2011, I believe) I was struck by how creepy it was; and now I'm on that bandwagon, pinning clever ideas on how to pose him and we don't even own one.  I'm shaking my head over the ridiculousness of it.  How easily I am made to believe we need an Elf to truly enjoy Christmas. I am not in any way begrudging anyone's Elf or family tradition of displaying their Elf!  I'm just a little surprised at myself for now wanting one so badly after being repulsed only 3 years ago. 

And don't get me started on the sad business of stripping down the tree and putting away all the decorations.  Its enough to get me in a fit just thinking about it!  Of course, with our minimal decorations, it will be easy enough.  #Silverlining... I'm trying ok?!

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But since I don't like being Scrooge, I am praying for a better attitude, a refocusing on the importance of this Holiday (hello Jesus) and finding joy in the little things; daily cuddles, baby smiles, hot cocoa.  And baking.  Since eating cookies is always enjoyable.

Thanks for letting me rant.  It's just want I needed.  Or better yet, I should rewatch It's A Wonderful Life :)

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Peppermint Bark Blossoms

I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.  Thank you Influenster and Hershey's Kisses!

These are my new go-to Christmas cookies; easy to make, taste heavenly, and look festive!

I love the original Peanut Butter Blossoms and I am all about Peppermint Bark. Combining the two? A no- brainer.  Have a cookie swap?  Try these and be prepared for compliments :)

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch- process cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup vegetable shortening or 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1 large egg

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup peppermint crunch (or just crushed candy canes)

unwrapped Hershey's Peppermint Kisses

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt and set aside.

Cream butter and sugar in electric mixer with a paddle attachment.  Mix on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy.  Mix in shortening (or additional butter). Add eggs and vanilla; mix until creamy.  Gradually add flour mixture.  Add peppermint crunch until just combined.

Use a small ice cream scoop for uniform cookies and drop onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Bake until edges are firm and a toothpick comes out clean from center, about 12 minutes.  Insert unwrapped Hershey's Peppermint Kisses into center of each cookie.  Let cool on a wire rack.  Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. (Let's be honest, they never last that long.)

Modified from this Martha Stewart recipe

   

   

I Believe: Faith

Keeping the Reason for the Season foremost, here is my I Believe: Faith edition.  Who can say it better then Hillsong Worship?!

I believe in God our Father
I believe in Christ the Son
I believe in the Holy Spirit
Our God is three in one
I believe in the resurrection
That we will rise again
For I believe in the name of Jesus

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{Merry Christmas!}

   
   

My original I believe post here.

Santa's Workshop

Our neighborhood hosted a Santa's Workshop at the local park (literally right down the street from our house) that had fun crafts and activities; card making, cookie decorating, and pictures with Santa.

We met some friends at the house and walked down to the park together.  It was a sweet, small affair and Kinsey had fun spending time with her friends.

And there were no tears to be had when spending time with the Main Man.  #ChristmasWin

Anyone notice the matching Matilda Jane leggings?!  I die.