The Queen’s Chronicles – Week 52

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No Elfin’ way Christmas is just 3 days away!  We are working on “wrapping” things up literally and the tree is looking a little more ready for the big day.  A lot of my baking is complete but I will finish up tomorrow on my first day of vacation!  A few little gifts for the Janac cousins to pull together and we will be ready to celebrate with our family and do a little relaxing.  
This week BJ encouraged us to spread kindness by leaving post it notes with sweet messages for others to find.  
 It was also time for our sweet Kelsey to come clean and he wanted to be sure we thanked her properly.  
 When I took Dutch to playcare this week I was super proud when I found out he was the June poster dog for the calendar!!  He is so darn adorable and I just love him! 
 We rang the bell for the Salvation Army on Wednesday night.  This is such an easy way to give back during the holidays.  
 We love volunteering with the McBertys and splitting a 2 hour shift between the girls and the boys makes things much smoother.   
I took the picture on the right and sent it to Holly with a note about them being little mini’s of us…and she sent this back!   
BJ was amping up the creep factor and all eyes were on us when we opened the pantry! 
 We had our office Christmas lunch and oh my goodness this was so delicious!  
 And Tis the Season right?   So of course I also  had this dessert!  
 Carly’s party at school included decorating Gingerbread houses!  
 This has been a tradition in fourth grade at her school and the kids have so much fun and there were some really creative houses. 

And maybe you might get caught eating some of your materials….maybe more than you used on your house!  
So proud! 
 If you are looking for a fun gift for a friend these little “adult” coloring books are so fun.  I have gifted several times but was super excited to receive one myself!  
 Carly & I settled right in coloring on Friday night.  
My big boy showed up after I was already asleep on Friday and was up at dawn for bird hunting.  I just love that these two are able to spend some time together doing “guy” stuff.  
 Saturday morning me and my little peep headed out to grab a couple of gifts, our Christmas cards and baking supplies!   She was so excited about her “Fleece” Navidad ugly sweater from Target.  
Ready to get busy baking!  
 Everyone was put to work!  Dad was stuffing Christmas cards.  
 Dillon was my cookie taster. 
And Carly was my little helper in the kitchen.  
 And then we headed off for a Christmas party and dad was being super silly for our picture.  
 I am all about giving an experience instead of a gift and Aunt Amy gave Carly tickets to dancing with the stars in Houston on Sunday!  
 She was super excited and all about this sparkly dress.
 I pretty much spent the day baking away 
And tried to restrain myself from eating too many of these! 
Then my man grilled up bacon wrapped dove and shrimp and started a great fire outside and it was the perfect end to the weekend! 
 The holidays always get me in just a bit of a tizzy.  I know I am so blessed and I know what the real focus should be but still every year I manage to feel the pressure.  I also think I miss my dad just a little bit more than usual this time of year.  He worked away most of the year when I was growing up but he would always be back in time for Christmas and it was always a big deal.   I heard Cole Swindell on a morning show recently talking about his new single which is about his dad and when it came on yesterday I couldn’t help but shed a few tears.  When I watched the video it was full on ugly crying.  

Speaking of dads, will you say a quick prayer for a dear friend whose dad is actually fighting for his life right now and it was very unexpected.  Obviously there is a huge realm of emotions going on for their family right now and they could use all the prayers for strength and guidance.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!  

12 Comments

  1. How is Christmas in 3 days??? That dessert looks heavenly!!! And cole swindell…one of my favorites. We have seen him live twice and he is awesome! Have a great week my friend !

    Reply

  5. I have heard him before but never really followed him but when I heard him on the Bobby Bones show last week I was an instant fan. This video got me girl. Merry Christmas! Oh…and thank you for the Christmas card….hopefully mine are going in the mail today. Eek

    Reply

  7. Girl, I haven't done any baking this year except for the few things I've done for parties and I feel so guilty because I love to do it. The time just wasn't there this year. Loved seeing Carly's concentration face in all your pics and she looks beautiful in her sparkly dress. Hope you have a very Merry Christmas, Shelly!

    Reply

  10. Cole Swindell happens to be my favorite and I bawled my eyes out when I heard the song for the first time! I absolutely adored seeing all your pictures and your family getting ready for all the festivities! You are a beautiful person my friend and I hope your Christmas is joyous, blessed and beautiful just like you are!

    Reply

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