Baby It's Cold Outside!

It has finally begun to feel like Christmas here in So. California.  We have had several days of rain, and the temps are in the 50's during the day. 
Last night, we had a holiday party to go to, and it was so nice to dress warm, and even wear a coat!!  Erika took this of Greg and I in front of the tree before we left.

We had a really nice time, but had to say goodbye to some good friends who are moving to North Dakota.  We hope to get to go see them this summer.  They will be living right on a lake, and say it is beautiful there.
We got up this morning, (pretty late) to a visit from our oldest daughter, and two grandgirls.  Geeps took our youngest granddaughter and went to get donuts for everyone.  I thought they looked so adorable sitting on the sofa, with the coffee table tilted up for them to have their donuts and a little cartoon.

Noah's Elf Billy was sitting on the counter this morning roasting mini marshmallows over a holiday candle!!!

Greg and I got dressed and headed out to finish up our Christmas shopping.  It was an Uggs kind of day here today.

We had a good time, and even stopped in for some lunch at King's Fish House before hitting the last store.  Then we drove through Starbucks on the way home for a hot cup of coffee.  One of the things we were after today was the movie Home Alone.  We finally found it at Target for 5 dollars.

 I have been wrapping gifts as I have purchased them, so I only have a couple of things to wrap and I am done.

I love being home in the evening, with all of the lights lit.  From the garlands that softly light the ledges....

To the bathrooms with a little snowman light....

Sugary goodies on display in the kitchen...

 And my favorite room to sit and enjoy the lights, the living room, where the Christmas tree sits in the front window.

I love the little Christmas church that sits on the coffee table.  My Mom gave that to me several years ago.  It is clayworks, by Heather Goldminc.

I have several of these little houses.  They are so pretty.
I like this picture below, because you can see the lights from the house through the window, and also the reflection of the lights on the glass top of the coffee table.

Yes, Christmas is in the air around here at our house.  The grand children are all so excited.   There is lots of giggling and present counting, and cookie eating.
This morning, Gennifer, Erika, their Dad and I, sat in the family room talking about the horrific tragedy in Connecticut yesterday.  I know that this has hit everyone hard.  Such a senseless act, with no explanation.  Mommies and Daddies hugged their children tight, and wept.  We talked, and cried, and in the background, we could hear our three little ones, laughing and playing, and we are so thankful.  Thankful for their health, for their innocence.  Thankful that they know nothing of this terrible tragedy.  Praying for all of those families in Newtown.  Every child, every parent, teacher, officer and family member that had a loved one in that building.  Most of all, for the parents whose children did not come home that day. 
There is no answer to the why this had to happen.  I have absolutely no idea what to do, or how to help, or even if anyone can.  But certainly, above all else, this unspeakable thing that happened yesterday is weighing heavy on our hearts.  It is hard to be joyous when something like this has happened.  But it also makes you look at your life and your gifts....your family, a little bit differently.  Family is everything.
XO  Kris