Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs. Hietbrink! It was a lovely evening for a wedding, and Jenny’s was absolutely beautiful. In this photo we have four reasons why I earned a bachelor’s degree in Middle School Education—their names are Caitlin, Karen, Jenny and Bethany. I was 19 when I first became friends with these girls; they were bouncing off the walls at youth group and I was one of their youth leaders. They witnessed the falling-in-love days of Jeremy and me, as well as our wedding vows a year and a half later. I can hardly express what a joy it is has been to see two in this group walk down the aisle this past year (and to see the other two happily dating, I might add). All four are a testament to what a blessing it is to grow in Christ in one big church family. I love each of them dearly.

Here is one, a red bow. And guess what? All of them are staying put (Pottery Barn expectations be damned!).

We are having the most unbelievable weather today. It’s 52 degrees outside and, though admittedly very unChristmas-like, it feels awesome. I’m a girl who loves to feel sunshine on her skin; my black fleece was literally absorbing the rays outside and I’d love to sit in a warm spot all afternoon, perhpas with a good book in my hands. Yet, here we are, three days before Christmas and my “to do” list looks something like this: wrap all presents (which means I have to find them first), plan side dishes for Christmas dinner, go grocery shopping, and clean, clean, clean. The cleaning aspect is nothing new, but I’ve fallen tragically behind in the level of tidiness of almost every room in the house and it’s high time I get organized.

Other topics for the day include:

• Today is my parents’ anniversary. Happy 34 years, Mom and Dad!
• Tomorrow my little brother comes home for a few days. He’s a real working man now, so it’ll be great to have him around for a little while.
• Livia’s finally feeling better from the nasty bug she experienced Tuesday. I’m hoping she’s operating at 100% for the festivities that begin Saturday night with Jeremy’s folks.
• To all my blogging buddies, keep posting over the holidays! We’ll all need those quiet, introverted moments where we slink off to the computer. Give me something to read… : )

There is something to be said for a beautiful entryway, a door that reminds you of an English cottage, warm and welcoming.

Perhaps this is why I’m wondering whether I should remove the large, slightly tacky, bright red bows from my front porch. My Pottery Barn expectations are highly unsuited to my reality…

Sunday I forgot about the December Photo Project. Sorry, DPP, my mind was consumed with other things. Other things like, “Why can’t the Tredways ever leave on time?” and “Will Livia take a nap at home after sleeping in the car for an hour?” (The answers to those questions are: I have no clue. And yes, she will.) We had a nice time eating soup and opening presents in David City on that day… Christmas is offically here, my friends. Fortunately, Livia knows exactly what to do with a wrapped gift, and now I know that I shouldn’t place anymore wrapped gifts under the tree.

Livia’s Guide to Opening Presents:

1) Pretend like you’re watching television and simply hold wrapped gift long enough so that Mommy thinks you’re content just holding it.

2) Stick one little hand underneath the tape.

3) Rip and shred the paper! Woohoo!

4) Check and see if unwrapped gift passes the taste test. And then say thank you for the fun gift (thanks Carol, Jerry & Julie!).

Potential Titles:

What Happens When You Pretend Your Fluffy Sesame Street Chair is a Rocking Chair

or

Shoulda Listened to Mama

My chest gets a little tight when I look at this picture, my throat a little lumpy. As many people have facetiously said, “This kid just doesn’t get enough love, does she?” Yeah, that’s right. Obviously.

I am a peppermint aficionado.

And as a peppermint aficionado, I know that my dear friend Renae makes the best peppermint ice cream ever. (She made if for me, for my birthday. Isn’t that so cool?) The key to great peppermint ice cream is in the texture. While some flavor admittedly must reside in the cream itself, you must must must have peppermint chunks involved. Most seasonal peppermint ice creams just don’t meet this standard (Blue Bunny, I’m talking about you!). But Renae’s ice cream, mmm-mmm, was so perfect and delicious and exquisite that I could have eaten it all in one sitting.

Williams and Sonoma sells amazing Peppermint Bark. I’ve never eaten a whole container, only the little samples they give away in their stores. (Good thing, too, considering I’ve got to keep tabs on my blood sugars. Darn that diabetes!) Cracker Barrel retails Bob’s Sugar Sticks and they’re the best little peppermint sticks you can find anywhere with their melt-in-your-mouth yumminess.

Because I am a great lover of peppermint, I know that a little goes a long way. Peppermint can be misapplied, and often is during this time of year. Huge hunks of crushed candy canes atop cookies and brownies, large mushy glasses of peppermint shakes, too-sweet cream cheese/peppermint layers—ugh. But peppermint used appropriately, as in a single shot of Peppermint Schnapps, well, it absolutely does make the season brighter.

Merry Christmas, from the Peppermint Girl.

I present my mental health support group. Aka, my bible study. These women mean an awful lot to me.