After coming back to Atlanta from my parents, we spent almost every day in jammies, downing hot cocoas and playing games.
I totally neglected to share the hat the baby deemed a MUST-HAVE for Honey’s stocking. OMG. Mother and I were in complete stitches in the WalMart. I didn’t even get a photo of the undies he picked out. Let it suffice to say it was reminiscent of the banana ones. I tried to find a picture of them on the internet (batman) …because it just seems wrong to pull them out of his drawer and photograph them… but all I was left with are scorched eyeballs. ew.
Some of our Christmas loot from Mother got picked up from my monogrammer today. Wahoo!!! I tried to get her that fleece yesterday at the sale but it was gone in a snap.
I scored this garden stool at Home Goods in Savannah and have been test driving it for a few weeks. Ahh… who am I kidding?! I test drove it for five minutes and knew it had to stay.
I am SO excited about these lion soup bowls from Sur la Table. They are on sale and are so much cheaper than the ones I’ve wanted for EVER at Williams Sonoma. I also threw in a few ramekins and a coeur a la crème bowl for good measure. And to be more like Ina.
Speaking of Savannah, Sister and I spent a morning painting Lilly inspired ornaments. This is the progress shot. I really can’t promise that I’ll unpack the finished ones till next year.
Oh, and I thought y’all would appreciate this. Sister left this on the puzzle table for me in Savannah. I wasn’t being grumpy or grinchy. Promise! I’m just quietly working on my puzzle, step away for a few minutes and come back to this harassment. The best part is that the baby walks by a few mins later and says “Oh good. A chocolate banana.” and starts to eat it. Tears were coming out of my eyes it was so funny.
We did Christmas with Honey’s family Friday night. We should really call “Uncle C” “big brother C” instead. The littles had the BEST time with all of his gifts!
We did a girls night of Lilly Monopoly (from the Jubilee in 2008) and punch this weekend with bestie P and M.
I made symphony brownies for the first time in eons. I do a Ghiradelli mix with the icing and break up a Hershey’s Symphony bar (the one with toffee) in the mix. It is to die for. Seriously, y’all.
Bestie M (aka That Southern Chick) made us each a darling Lilly monogrammed mug for the night. She also made one for John’s new teacher’s birthday today because we found out she got engaged over the break!!!!
I have STILL not watched Downton Abbey and am DYING. Hopefully tomorrow night! EEK. So far I have successfully avoided all spoilers!
With that, the boys are home and we’ve got to work on homework and reading. Waaaahhhhh.
xoxo
I hear ya! It is always so hard sending them back. I drove baby girl back Monday, and flew home yesterday. 'Bout broke my heart!!! It was soooo quiet after I got home from Bible study today :-(
The mugs are darling that M made. And, I would love to try and make some Lilly ornaments for next year.
Yes, watch DA. I found it somewhat boring. But, then again I've been reading a lot of Outlander books so I think I am stuck in that mode where there needs to be fighting? Can you please help me decide on a hotel for Disney? Wilderness, Polynesian, Animal Kingdom, or Caribbean. Port Orleans I'm just not excited about? So those are my choices. I want pools. And I guess we'll sign up for dining plan. I am so overwhelmed. I plan weddings! Yet this is killing me.
Girl, we need to talk!!! Send me your number :-)
You know, you'd be a perfect homeschooling family…. I did it for twelve years and it was wonderful! My three boys are an grown now, college graduates and I wouldn't trade one second of those years!
Gena
Thanks for the info on Sur La Table! We have one an hour away in Charlotte and I alway envy Ina's. I got a few for a wedding gift but need more! Happy New Year! I know Hubby is great – but you deserve that Super Man hat too!
Love your musings, Amanda. I so remember those days when my children were little, and we did "not so adult" things. I won't say that Christmas has lost its "magic," but it is not quite what it used to be. The good news is that having adult children makes for different memories and outings–dining at fine restaurants instead of "kid-friendly" places and other things one can do when the children are not "children" anymore. Have a good evening! xoxo
Ha! I see that Piper photo-bombed the picture of the Lilly ornaments that y'all were working on! And she was the best-behaved one in the house! Heehee
Love, Marme
Happy New Year Amanda! I really enjoyed following your blog last year and can't wait to see what you have in store for this year! Thanks to your blog my family rode The Blue Ridge Railroad this Christmas and loved it! I hope we can try the grilled cheese bar this weekend. Have you Heard that Target & Lilly P. are pairing up this spring?! I cant't wait!! Best wishes for 2015!
Yes, it is SO exciting!!!!! So glad y'all road the railroad!
Awww……….I see that Cookie has his kitties next to him while drinking his hot chocolate!
Love, Marme
It looks like yall had a wonderful Christmas break!! My littles go back to school tomorrow and I am so not ready for that!! Did you see Lily's coming to target?! Also, I noticed you said the cup for johns new teacher. Was he able to change classes? Hoping this will help with the issues he's been having at school this year!
Yes, Lilly + Target. OH MY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! John did get a new teacher. All is well now. It is absolutely incredible how quickly he returned to normal!!! xo
Loved the Grinchy Banana. And the brownies sound absolutely delicious!
As for the reading… does it ever stop???? I have two 1st graders and it's KILLING me. And I feel terrible for saying it, but I DREAD reading now. And I love to read. Really, I do. I even love to hear the kids read to me. But the amounts of required reading we've been doing are just insanely too much. Of course, hubby's no help. On a good day he gets home as dinner hits the table. And it's dinner, clean-up, baths, then straight to bed. So not only do I work, I also then have to pick the kids up, frantically try to get something cooked while they are doing homework and reading, and doing the million other things school wants us to do. Let's not even talk about extra curricular nights…
I just don't remember there being hours worth of school work when I was in 1st grade!
It looks like you've all enjoyed some wonderful time together over the holidays. I feel your ache in terms of kids returning to school. Often I am the only parent in the playground not desperate for my kids to return to school. It has been a real joy to spend quality time with them over the festive period – uno is a favourite in our house too! Would love the recipe for your brownies too!! J9 x
The brownies are SO easy. Take your favorite box mix (mine is ghiradelli) and prepare according to the package. Pour half of the batter into the pan, break up a hershey's symphony bar with toffee on top, pour the rest of the batter in to cover and bake.
I love game nights! We have them here at the house a lot which I love.. I love the Lilly monopoly! How cute.. & those cups hello adorable..
I agree about homeschool ! You would be amazing at it. We started half year through third grade and it has chaged out lives. The possibilities are endless:)
Jenna from Ga:)