what we've been up to

{gingerbread Dala horse}

I am feeling very Decembery, Christmassy, and relaxed since I declared that I would enjoy this break and promised not to stress out. It's amazing what an attitude adjustment will do. We've mostly just been hanging out and instagraming* about it. Here's what we've been up to:

{spritz}

Breaking out the cookie press was really fun. My mom bought it for me a number of years ago, and I finally got it out and used it. Even the boys were able to squeeze out a few cookies (it takes a great deal of hand strength!).

{the littlest angel}

Carrie sent the kids this vintage copy of The Littlest Angel. It's kind of strange; have you read it? I'm not sure if I entirely "get it." Dieter has taken a liking to it. The "understanding angel" looks like Ben.

{gingerbread}

We approached the gingerbread cookie making as a kid-lead project. We made the dough a day before. Today we rolled and cut to the kids' content. There were gingerbread men and boys, trees, mushrooms, woodland creatures, stars. Gazillions of them.

{gingerbread fox}

The decorating was also child-led. We only decorated about a fourth of the batch. We just kept it mellow.

{december mantle}

{december mantle}

We even put up a little December mantle, something I thought I would not get around to-- I was so overwhelmed this month. But gladly I had a few minutes to make these little vignettes. The Dala horses are instant mood lifters. (I love them so much, Carrie! Thank you!!)

{dinner in}

We also had dinner of just popcorn and snacks one night, and watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Rainer really got into this--preparing the snack, setting out a candle and decorations. So sweet, and exactly the sort of thing I want him to enjoy and remember.

*are you on Instragram? Come follow me at Faeriemb.