Countdown to Christmas 2016 ~ Week 3

Shortly after my last post, it started snowing.

And snowing.

And snowing.

And that causes a lot of excitement around here, 

because the last time we got a snow like this was years ago!

So, what did we do for our Countdown week 3???

We bundled up and went sledding.

And we pretty much stayed in the fluffy, white stuff the whole time it stuck around.

Which was several days!

Now it's gone :(

And we're hustling our bustle to get last minute things done before Christmas Day.

Only three days away. Holy smokes!

What do you still have left to do?

Countdown to Christmas 2016 ~ Week 2

I'm not gonna lie, we've had a rough December so far.

Emotions are running high, and it's such a crazy-busy time of year anyway.  

The two combined aren't always so pretty.

But, we've been trying to find time each day to really appreciate this magical season,

and celebrate the real meaning behind it ~ the birth of our Lord and Savior ~ Jesus Christ.

Our countdown this last week:

Day 7

Read Christmas Stories.

Each of the girls picked out their favorite, we snuggled on the couch, and read.

Day 8

Dental Appointments.

Ha! What a fun countdown activity, right?

But after a couple of hours in the dental chairs, and five check-ups behind us,

we celebrated with donuts at the local bakery ;)

Day 8 also found us decorating Nana and Grandpa's tree.

Day 9

Make Christmas Gift Tags

Day 10

Pedicures at Home.

I had thought how fun it would be to gather up Nana and Grandma and head to the salon with the girls.  But after calculating the cost of 7 pedicures, I thought it wise to just buy a mini spa tub!

Day 11

Baking Gingerbread Cookies . . .

. . . and decorate at Grandma's

And yesterday, Day 12

We went to see Moana!

Oh my goodness, what a wonderful movie!  I absolutely loved it!!

It didn't hurt that our theater has recliners *and* we were the only ones in the whole theater!

What has been keeping you busy?

Are you all done shopping?

Countdown to Christmas ~ Week 1

Whew! We've had a busy first week of December, how about you?

December 1st started off with a North Pole Breakfast.

December 2nd we got our tree!!!!

December 3rd was a little hectic, as I had already scheduled a photo session out of town, and had errands to run before Jeremy and I headed off to an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party.  So the girls' activity that day was Movie Night with Nana and Gramps.

December 4th we hurried home right after Church because Mama was goin' on day 3 of a migraine. Bleh.  We still managed a quick craft.

December 5th we had hoped to wake up to snow, as was forecast. We were a little disappointed at first . . . until it started snowing later that morning.  And continued the rest of the day!! We made these adorable little paper houses while watching the snow fall outside.  It would have been the best day ever had our dog, Kate, not gotten sick.  A short stay at the vet, and overnight in the house snuggled up to us seemed to work magic!  She's feeling much better now.

December 6th we got to see friends we hadn't visited in ETERNITY, and decorate sugar cookies to boot!

Today is another busy one, with a photo shoot at the home studio this morning, followed by the big girls volunteering at the preschool.  But the goal is to snuggle together and read some Christmas stories as well.

What have you been up to???

The Giveaway Winner!

Oh my goodness, y'all.  Yesterday was crazy. The day before that was crazy.

We have a lot of crazy days around here.

So. I didn't get to choose the Giveaway winner last night, but I got my booty moving this morning, so that I could be sure to announce it first thing.

The winner of the the cookie plate, cutter, sprinkles, and Starbucks Gift card is . . . 

{And please pay no attention to the kitty paw that sneaks in at the end.

Silly girl always has to be doing what I'm doing :)

Have a great day! And I'll be back later to chat about more Countdown to Christmas activities!

CONGRATULATIONS CHRISTY!!!!!

Countdown to Christmas 2016 ~ DAY 1 ~ North Pole Breakfast!

It is DECEMBER!

Oh goodness, THIS is my favorite time of year!

Time to count on down to Christmas Day!!

Our first day of December started with a visit from our elf, Holly, and a 

North Pole Breakfast of Berry Crepes.

I'm pretty sure they were a hit because Tay had EIGHT!

Are YOU counting down?

What have you been up to? I'd love to see, so be sure to leave a link in the comments!

ALSO . . . Be sure to enter our Countdown Giveaway if you haven't yet!!

https://sugarplumcreations.blogspot.com/2016/11/countdown-to-christmas-is-near-and.html

Countdown to Christmas is NEAR . . . And a Giveaway!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Jeremy had to work this year, so we were missing him something fierce.

But we enjoyed time spent with family, and lots of delicious food!

And it doesn't hurt that he has most of the rest of the year off work! 

Woooohoooo!

So.

The turkey is gone.

The pie plates are empty.

We've brought the Christmas decor up from the basement.

It is time, y'all!

Countdown to Christmas is right around the corner.

If you've been here long {or ever}, you know that this is our FAVORITE time of year.

Many moons ago I made an advent tree for the girls.

Each day in December they pull out a card indicating the activity, outing, craft, etc. for the day.

We have so much fun!

And I would LOVE it if you'd join in as well.

Plan your own crafts, outings, activities, and post them in the links.

I'm always in need of fresh ideas; let's share!

Here are a few posts from previous years:

Countdown 2015

Countdown 2014

Countdown 2013

Countdown 2012

And to kick off the season, how about a Giveaway?!

What Countdown is complete without a cookie-baking day??

*Cookie Plate

*Snowman Cookie Cutter

*Snowflake Sprinkles

*$15 Starbucks Gift Card

To Enter:

Comment on this Blog Post your FAVORITE CHRISTMAS TRADITION :)

I will pick a winner on Sunday night, December 4th.