It was a really, really good Christmas this year. Maybe because the weeks leading up to it I was learning a few lessons. I felt so overwhelmed with gratitude.
{ There is no better feeling than walking through my parent’s front door.}
Merry Christmas from our family to you.
December 25, 2015
It’s the very best day of the year for so many reasons. I thought I would share a little bit about the last few weeks and the unexpected lessons learned…
I think many of us would admit we have some hope and expectations of what our christmas will be like. That all the gifts will magically be wrapped and put under the tree, or that there will not be any squabbles among siblings, or tiffs between spouses. We might even be picturing that perfect 5 course meal that will turn out perfectly for our guests. We all have a vision of what our ideal Christmas would be. It’s hard not to really.
This year for me it was to do all kinds of good deeds with my kids. I was going to have shopping done early so that I could have a more peace filled few weeks before Christmas. I was going to bake up a storm to shower all of my neighbors with perfect loaves of bread. And I was going to make sure to have my Christmas cards in the mailbox by the 15th. Well, they have yet to be mailed. A little avalanche of events happened that prevented many of these things from happening. I was starting to feel very discouraged and disheartened. I wanted to do all of these good things, but I couldn’t even get my foot out the door without my shirt on backwards.
Over the last few weeks of taking care of my sick little ones, it hit me. I was so attached to MY idea of how Christmas should be, that I was missing the simplicity of what it needed to be. After I was forced to throw my to-do list aside, I served my family. Lots of baths, extra cuddling, and many loads of laundry later, I felt the peace creep in. I learned a real good lesson on acceptance and gratitude. To love my little ones…..so simple, but its something I need to be reminded of constantly. I didn’t need to go caroling and baking bread to find God’s peace. Instead, I found it by pouring myself out into my children.
However, we did have a little time for that advent service list, and here is one cool story too good not to share:
This year we decided to chop down a tree and give it to someone who really needed a boost. We weren’t sure how it was going to happen or who it would be. I almost gave up on the idea several times, but I wanted more than anything for my kids to start to understand what an act of service can do for the world around them. Gabe made a few phone calls, and on our way home from the tree farm, we somehow found a home for it. A mother who recently lost her husband, and was working extra hard this year to make things work for her family. She was so thankful, but as you know, giving usually ends up having a greater impact on the giver than the receiver. What I wanted to be a lesson for my kids completely did a number on me. Perspective. Gratitude. Appreciation for each person around us in different walks of life. Writing this out because I want to remember this day with my crew and that joy that is ours for the taking of we look in the right places.
Wishing you and yours much peace, and time of rest and renewal for the new year.
With love,
Anna
“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks, a new and glorious morn.”
Salted Caramel Gingerbread Cake with Orange Buttercream
December 21, 2015
Anyone else’s mouth watering? I am going to attempt this for Christmas Eve! Thank you Abbey of The Butter Half for sharing this recipe!
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Gingerbread Granola Recipe
December 20, 2015
I’ve got two gingerbread recipes coming up for you from my favorite flavor experts! Today, Lauren of Love Lola is sharing a breakfast special for Christmas week!
Every year, I always seem to find myself scrambling last minute to finish all of my Christmas shopping. One day I will learn not to procrastinate ;). Until then, I depend on easy last minute recipes that also make great gifts, like this gingerbread granola. Put it in a mason jar, and tie it up with string and a gift tag and you’ve got a delicious gift in no time!
Gingerbread Granola Recipe
Ingredients:
3 cups oats
1 cup coconut flakes
3/4 cup pecans, raw and chopped
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
1/4 cup uncooked quinoa
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
pinch of cloves
pinch of cardamom
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tbsp. coconut oil, melted
1/2 tbsp. vanilla extract
1 cup cranberries
1 cup white chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, coconut flakes, pecans, flaxseed, quinoa, salt and spices.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the honey, maple syrup, vanilla extract and coconut oil.
4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry, and stir until the oats are fully coated.
5. Transfer to a large baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
6. Remove from the oven and transfer to a bowl to allow the granola to cool. Once fully cooled, add the cranberries and white chocolate chips.
Hope you enjoy!
Keep up with Lauren here: BLOG | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | FACEBOOK
IHOD’s Fave Things + A few Surprises.
December 18, 2015
And just like that we are one week away from Christmas.
My eyes are crossed and my shirt is backwards from the mayhem of the month, but I am getting the Christmas snow flutters nonetheless.
As some of you have seen, I have been featuring some favorite shops throughout the month over on instagram and facebook that are small businesses favorites. Sharing the round up today with some surprise discount codes as well!
“Surviving on Grace & Coffee” tumblers from Transforming Beauty. Pretty much my life motto. (Their shop is closed until after Christmas, but get on their waiting list!)
Ruby Pear Drop Earrings I wore to the nutcracker from Margaret Elizabeth. Free shipping on all orders till Christmas! (Dress is from ASOS (sold out but similar here), purse via Madewell – also 25% off)
Bon Bon hat from Gigi Pip. Super soft and cozy. Giving away THREE right here.
Mother-daughter fitness sets from Albion Fit. 15% off your purchase with code inhonorxalbion15 until Jan. 5th.
Triple layer initials necklace by Barberry + Lace. I put my children’s first name initials on this one. 10% off your oder with code IHODXBL through the end of the year.
Furry boot cuffs from Royal Scout and Co. you can insert in shoes or the end of your coat sleeves! 15% off your order with code “royalinhonorofdesign”
Steamline luggage – the best there is! 10% off with code HOD10.
Waterproof lined makeup bags by Prezzemolo. (And dry shampoo for dark hair by Elizabeth and James!) Take 30% off through the 19th with code IHOD30.
Super soft sheets and cableknit throw from Boll and Branch. $35 off $150 with code HONORDESIGN.
Teething necklaces from Little Teethease. Rocco’s current fix for sore gums! Use code Merry20 for 20% off your purchase.
These chocolates are not only fun to play with, but are all the flavors and combos I dream about! From Maggie Louise Confections. (You can order till the 21st for Christmas delivery!)
Hope you can take advantage of these steals and support these small businesses. Enjoy the weekend and if you are stepping outside your home, good luck out there! It’s a zoo! 😉
x, Anna
Recently – December Edition
December 17, 2015
These last few months all seem to blur together. Maybe it’s the having a new baby thing, or maybe it’s the holidays. I just continue to hold onto my hat and snap away in hopes that someday I will remember some of the days and hours that make up that golden portion of my memory….
{boys rompers from Rags to Raches}
{I think this may be the end of the double sink bath. For obvious reasons.}
{gingerbread decorating with her gal pal Harper}
{My sister Angela’s birthday celebration.}
{The trains are loved again.}
{They all go a little coo-coo over horses. Me included.}
I am choosing to block out the nasty flu bug that hit our house and demanded my sainthood. I am sure you all don’t need the details on that.
Thankful for these moments though that carry us through the tough ones. Those marshmallows that float on top of the cocoa that just make all of the difference you know? I know, ignore my strange metaphors.
x, Anna
A little Christmas Home Tour
December 15, 2015
I didn’t really deck the halls all at once this year. Each day we have added a little more here and there which has been a great way to anticipate Christmas…
{visual signs that little boys live here.}
{Pom throw, patterned throw, pillows, rug}
Stringing up lights and adding the smell of pine just sets the tone for the feeling that something great is coming. My little Veronica has been dutifully attending her advent chain, and all of them anxiously counting down the days till we are reunited with my big family. It’s a magical time of year when you have children who bubble over with excitement over every mention of anything Christmas.
{antler pillow // print}
Gabe and I have never been so excited for the 25th. (We say this every year.) And considering we were all knocked down with the flu last week, I am crossing my fingers for good health. To be honest, it has been some of the most challenging weeks of the year, but I have noticed that in order to appreciate what you have, sometimes you have to be forced to be still. I had to cancel plans, let go of my ideas of how Christmas should be, and simply accept. All I really need to focus on is bringing my family close together, celebrate the gift of each other, and the faith that brings us together each Christmas.
{after spotting a eucalyptus wreath for $150, I decided to just make my own greenery wreaths. A little wire can go a long way.}
As another year approaches I always start to think through the direction of all areas of my life and where it is headed. We will see what January spits out;) Thanks to each of you who visit here each day. I appreciate you so much.
P.S. A little more of our home for Christmas here.
The IHOD Print Shop:
