if my life were a Christmas stocking, it'd be over-full

What a wonderful day! We have a little bit of snow on the ground – just enough to make things pretty, without being slippery or needing to be shoveled – and I’m sitting by the woodstove while some homemade chicken soup fills the air with its delectable aroma. Today is Arden’s fifth birthday and we started the day with homemade blueberry cake (Arden’s request) and brownies (for those who were not here to voice a choice). Here’s Arden, hamming it up for the camera as only he can:

 

And here he is again, in front of our beautiful, twice-decorated (it fell down the first time!) tree. The tree is straight – it is the picture that’s crooked (this time, LOL!).

 

Our days have indeed been merry and bright. This is our biggest-yet tree. So big, indeed, that Max had to hang the lights this year because no one else could easily reach around the top. For a wonderful change of pace, here’s Max hamming up his big moment as the star of the show:

Is it too big?

 

 

Fa la la la LA!

And once the nose-bleed heights were taken care of, the rest of the elves quickly joined in. Nicky didn’t like how Rowen’s jeans allowed for a bit of plumber’s cleavage, so he made me re-take the photo while he safe-guarded his sister’s modesty.

 

After it was done, my favorite ‘gifts’ of all settled down for a nice family picture:

 

Rowen also needed to pose with Peanut, her hamster.

 

Arden was allowed to open one of his presents this morning, which turned out to be a new Harold and his Purple Crayon book, much to everyone’s delight. Nick and Rowen immediately began reading it to him.

I have finished a little Bent Creek project, “Glad Tidings” from the Stoneware Wishes series. I love these charts! And this one really sums up how we’re feeling around here!

 

It was fun to pull out our Christmas decorations, many of which are handmade by friends far and near. <3

 

Our family has grown again, too! I joked that this is the first time in 15 years I haven’t been pregnant with a little boy so maybe that’s why this big fella followed me home yesterday. This is Arthur, a New Zealand buck who just adores being petted and loved.

 

And his future mate, Mary Margaret, consented to have a photo taken this morning as well:

 

So as you can see, all is well here at Chateau Chaos. We wish you and yours all the best during this season of rebirth and renewal!

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