Simple Pleasures

I love the fall... right through the holidays. I love the change in the weather and the colors and the general atmosphere at the end of the year. No matter what else is going on, I always feel better when October arrives. Now we are into December and I am very much enjoying life with a munchkin. Some of my favorite things that we have been experiencing...

• Walks in crunchy leaves


• Watching Alyssa discover things for the first time


• A munchkin carrying her bucket on walks and picking things up for her collection... pine cones, leaves, seeds, flowers, pine needles. A true nature lover already!


• A very polite little girl... "da do!"= thank you, "peas"= please. I'm so proud!


• Thanksgiving dinner... all my favorites including stuffing, cheesecake, and card games with my wonderful family


• Evening strolls... checking out the lights, pointing out the moon and the stars


• Having my sister home for a while... we've missed having Allison around the last 3 years while she's been out making a difference!


• Baby dress up. See below!


• Weather that is cool enough to warrant jeans, sweatshirts and hot chocolate or tea when we get home!


• Decorating for Christmas. And then redecorating after Alyssa has removed all the "pitty" ornaments within her reach!


• The tell- tale jingle of bells on the tree as tiny hands get curious, and then the grin that follows when she knows she's been caught!


• Being duped by a little monkey! She'll ask for "joosh" (juice) or some sort of snack, wait until I'm in the kitchen, and race me to the computer to play! I think she'll love her own mini laptop... full keyboard and mouse for her to click away like Mommy and Daddy!

Best of ALL my fall and Christmas favorites? Voluntary kisses from sweet little lips and "I ya you!" I'm putty in her hands!

Thank heavens for simple pleasures!