Holy smokes we had a crazy weekend. But what is more alarming than how quickly the weekend raced by, is that Christmas is in one week. Ummm. What!? Ladies. Is that sinking in? I love this time of year so much so I hate to see it come and go. Having said that, it’s also an extremely emotional time for our family. I know that the majority of you can relate. Christmas time stirs up so many emotions. Perhaps there is more beauty in that than we care to admit. Before I get too sappy on you, I’ll keep it light and share our Monday Morning Wrap-Up.

GIVEAWAY

Head over to my Instagram for a chance to win two pairs of Hunter boots. I’ve teamed up with some blogger friends to spread some holiday cheer. I’ve had these classic boots for years and love them. Just wish we saw more rain in Southern California. If it so much as drizzles, you better believe I bust these out! I did find this pair which is on sale!

We spent all day Saturday at a volleyball tournament which brings me crazy amounts of joy. I played volleyball for years so this is my happy place. The fact that this sweet girl loves playing is really so much fun. She is just starting but is enjoying every minute of it. And it’s finally a sport where I understand the rules. LOL.

PARTY TIME

On Saturday night we headed to a Christmas party and they had the most amazing food. But this charcuterie platter stole the show. I had never seen a wood pedestal like this and now I really want one! Having it elevated was really beautiful.

LIFE LESSONS

Sunday was spent at the ice rink. Our son, who just started hockey five months ago, played in the championship game. It was a heart breaker. He scored a goal and the game ended in a tie. In a shoot out the boys lost the game. All part of life but boy is it hard to see those tears. The passion for the game really shone through. Congrats to both teams on playing their hearts out.

TRUE FRIENDS

We also snuck in cookie decorating with some dear friends of ours. This very special family has been in our lives since I taught their son in fifth grade many many moons ago. They invited us to their beautiful home so that everyone could decorate together.

And because they are such thoughtful friends, they even sent us home with more cookies and all of the darling decorations. My kids enjoyed round two and I have to say that their cookie decorating skills have gone to the next level. A giant thank you to Kara for making all of the dough and setting up such a memorable event for our crew. Together time is really what this time of year is all about.

PRINTABLE RECIPE

Just wanted to let you know that I have finally figured out how to include a printable recipe! Cue the happy dance. So from now on, my recipes will be printable with a click of a button. If you want to print out this cookie recipe, head to this post and do so! Very exciting for the girl who struggles keeping up with technology.

I hope you had a lovely weekend. Are you smooth sailing this week or a bit frazzled.  Listen, try as I might, I never seem to get it all done. The only difference is I don’t seem to be stressed out by the to-do list this year so that’s a plus. Please stop back in tomorrow as I am sharing our front room all decked out for Christmas. It’s our favorite place gather.