Kelle, Author at Enjoying the Small Things

Sending the Best Gift: Our Words

November 21, 2016 By Kelle

This post is sponsored by Hallmark Signature.

One of my favorite things about the holidays is taking an opportunity to recognize our people–from the closest in our village like our best friends and parents, to ones we sometimes forget to acknowledge–the friends who live far away, our kids’ teachers, the mail lady who carries our kids’ bikes up to the garage when we leave them out. And while I love finding the perfect little gift to make someone smile, the gift that’s most remembered is our words–taking the time to tell someone what they really bring to our lives.

I’ve had a small stack of gorgeous holiday cards Hallmark Signature sent me on my desk for a couple of weeks now, and I finally took some time this past weekend to sit down and write some special notes to people I wanted to recognize–beyond the “Merry Christmas” and smiling faces in the family card we send to all our friends. I loved the challenge of thinking about a few extraordinary relationships in my life, and doing something a little extra to let them know how much I love them.

Now I’ve always been a stationery lover and remember exactly what the first box of cards I bought with my own money looked like (they were peach, embossed, with off white envelopes–I was probably 14 when I bought them), so I speak fluent card love. And these Hallmark Signature cards? They’re more than cards–they’re presents, exquisitely decorated with textured details and stand-out embellishments from removable ornaments to framed jingle bells.

And my extraordinary recipients?

Well, I took some time to tell my friend Lindsey how much I love doing motherhood with her–how I love that she gets as excited as I do for picking out Christmas pajamas and taping preschool projects to the wall and switching regular bed sheets to reindeer ones come December 1st. I told her that no matter how old our kids get, I will always remember preschool drop off days and hugging her in the hallways as some of the best days of my life, and that she always makes me feel like everything is going to be okay.

I wrote three cards to my kids’ teachers, to be left on their desk with presents after the holiday parties next month, and willed meaningful words to match the gratitude I feel for their love and support of my kids. I tell myself “Don’t gush” before my pen starts moving, but then sometimes I cry when I’m writing, so maybe a little gushing is okay. If there’s anyone who deserves an extraordinary card this Christmas, it’s our teachers.

I tucked a Nutcracker ticket in the sweetest Nutcracker card and wrote some words for my dear friend who’s sharing the tradition with us this year.

…and began a letter to each of my parents in the two most extraordinary cards of the bunch because I know that, as much as I’ll search for the perfect gift for both of them, what will mean the most are the words that go with it. There’s so much to say to both of them.

The best gift for all our people who are anything but ordinary? Words. Pour them out. Tell them how much they matter.

Thank you Hallmark Signature for giving us the prettiest place for those words to land.

Hallmark Signature cards are available in the card aisle wherever Hallmark cards are sold. Click HERE to find a store near you! Don’t forget the cocoa to keep you cozy while you write.

24 of the Best Children’s Holiday Books for Advent Countdown

November 17, 2016 By Kelle

When Lainey was about two years old, one of my friends had the brilliant idea of hitting Barnes & Noble the day after Christmas to scrape up as many kids’ holiday books we could get our hands on, for 75% off. The goal was to stash them away in a closet and pull them out each night in December the following year. I started a great collection that year and have since expanded our compilation slowly so that we now have 24 of our very favorite winter and Christmas-themed books.

This year, our advent calendar is going to be focused on reading together before bed–books that celebrate everything we love about the season. Even though the kids have already seen several of the books, I wrapped each of them up to add the excitement of surprise and opening a gift together. To bring a little more fun to the tradition, several of the books have added treats and instructions on where and how the book should be read…

Hot cocoa and a fort for one…

Popcorn under the stars for another…

And a S’mores kit for a reading session under our twinkle lights on the lanai.

Since 24 books can be a hefty cost (we built our collection over the years), a few tips if you’re interested:

*Buy paperback books if available: much cheaper, and they shouldn’t get too much wear and tear if you tuck them away after the holiday to save for next year.
*Buy used books: While it might take a little longer to receive and cost you a few dollars for shipping, it often still works out to be a great deal–many used books on Amazon cost literally only pennies.
*Rotate books: Find a few mom friends who want to join the tradition and each commit to buying 4-5 different books and rotating them at the end of the week. Let your kids wrap them up for the next recipients.
*Check them out at your library. If you’re a regular library visitor, check out 7 each week, and swap them out every Friday.

I can easily gush about children’s literature–kids books are one of my great loves–and I’ve included a list of the favorite Christmas books in our collection at the end of this post, but first: a few ideas to bring a little holiday sparkle to your book ritual.

*Buy an extra copy of one of the books (preferably an inexpensive one) and have it sent to a family member or friend far away. On the evening that book is opened, include the instructions: “For tonight’s book, Grandma is waiting for a FaceTime call. She will be reading you the story while you follow along.” I had one sent to my mom in New York and can’t wait to hear her read it to the kids while we’re snuggled together looking at the pictures.

*Have fun with changing up where the book is to be read and who reads it. Beds are cozy and an obvious choice for bedtime reading sessions, but kids will love the excitement of changing up the instructions: “Take a flashlight and a blanket outside, and read this book under the stars.” “Get a bubble bath ready. Mom will read this one to you while you’re in the tub tonight.” “Dad reads tonight, but build a blanket fort in the living room first. He’ll meet you there for the story.”

*On the outside, tape snacks or treats to be enjoyed while you read–cocoa packets, microwave popcorn, Hershey’s kisses.

*Try the audio version for a couple (especially longer/wordier stories). You’ll love quietly relaxing while you listen with your kids (don’t fall asleep!), and if you’re lucky, you might get a great reader (see James Earl Jones for one of them below!).

*Include a fun activity: “Run around the house two times before the book tonight.” “Make up a dance to Jingle Bell Rock.” “Cut these sheets of paper into snowflakes and hang them over your bed before the story.” Or, my personal favorite: “Warning. Tonight’s story will be read in a British accent.”

Also, very important: Skipping activities or anything extra is just fine because BOOKS ARE MAGIC JUST AS THEY ARE. And even more magical? Snuggling together to read them in a huddle.

Cue Drummer Boy’s pa-rum-pa-pum-pum…
Our 24 Favorite Christmas books

1. A Winter Story, Brambly Hedge. I’ve expressed my love for Brambly Hedge on social media before, but truly these books are magical and, sadly, many out of print. You can easily find them used on Amazon though (see third-party sellers), and you’ll be happy you did when you open the book to find Jill Barklem’s enchanting miniature fantasy land of mice. This cozy story will take you inside the tree home of the mice during a snow storm and make you wish you were attending their Snow Ball. Your kids will get lost in the illustrations and surely dream of the magical Brambly Hedge at Christmas.

2. Christmas in the Big Woods (Little House picture book) Whether you’re a Laura Ingalls fan or not, this sweet picture book version of Christmas at the Ingalls cabin will bring out all the good feels.

3. The Polar Express. A holiday classic, this one is a great book to be followed by the movie. All aboard!

4. Splendiferous Christmas (Fancy Nancy). Expand your Christmas vocabulary and get your fancy on with this favorite.

5. Almost a Full Moon. Newly published this year. The illustrations capture all the enchantment of winter, and the simple text of a winter gathering story is perfectly combined to evoke warm feelings of togetherness.

6. The Jolly Christmas Postman. If you’ve read the original Jolly Postman, you’ll know the fun that’s tucked inside this book–tiny envelopes that open and reveal pull-out treasures. Follow the Christmas postman as he makes his mail journey, delivering holiday letters to all our favorite fairy tale characters.

7. The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree. I found this book at a little cabin store nestled in the mountains of North Carolina, and the illustrations took my breath away. Every time we read it, I remember that little shop and how the illustrations in the book represent that cozy setting. It’s a bit of a longer story, but my kids love it, and we stop at every page to point out all the winter magic in the pictures.

8. Eloise at Christmastime. The Plaza Hotel in New York City. Christmas. Eloise. A trifecta of holiday fun.

9. The Snowy Day. A little boy in the city and all the possibility that lies in the first snowfall. If only we could read this in Florida and dream of waking up to school canceled from our first snow.

10. Charlie and the Christmas Kitty (Charlie the Ranch Dog). My kids love the adventures of the Pioneer Woman’s ranch dog, Charlie. This is Christmas version is one of Dash’s favorites.

11. Winter Poems. Snowy landscape paintings accompany 25 different poems of winter from the world’s greatest poets.

12. How Santa Got His Job. A cute story about how Santa met the elves and found his dream job.

13. A Very Marley Christmas. Another one of Dash’s favorites (rambunctious lab is his spirit animal).

14. A Wish to Be a Christmas Tree. An overgrown pine tree has his wish come true with help from his woodland friends. The illustrations make me want to book a ticket north, just to walk through the woods in the snow.

15. Room for a Little One. A sweet version of the nativity story, the simple text and warm illustrations of the stable animals are a delight, especially for little ones. “There’s always room at the inn.”

16. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey a long story but a truly meaningful one that captures the importance of caring for others. This anniversary issue comes with an audio narration by James Earl Jones as a complimentary download. Let him read this one. In fact, anytime you ever have a chance to have James Earl Jones read anything to you, go with it.

17. Jenny’s Winter Walk: A Kids’ Yoga Winter Book. A fun winter story that will have you practicing stretches and yoga positions. Nella is going to love this one.

18. Snowmen at Night. What do snowmen do when we all go to bed? Why, they come alive and have fun. A kindergarten favorite.

19. The Mitten. My kids have heard me read this story so many times, but they never tire. The part they wait for? The giant, overly dramatic AH-CHOOOOOOOO!

20. The Sweet Smell of Christmas. Great for little ones, this book is full of scratch and sniff stickers that invite kids to experience the story with their senses–pine, cookies, peppermint, etc.

21. Madeline’s Christmas. Another classic, we like to read this story with our best French accent.

22. The Most Perfect Snowman A touching winter story about kindness and what perfection is truly about. We love this one.

23. Owl Moon. A Caldecott medal winner, and one I save to the end because I love it so much. The illustrations, the descriptions (snow that’s “whiter than the milk in a cereal bowl”), the truth of finding magic in the simplest acts in nature. Jane Yolen dreamily captures the imagination with this winter tale that engages all the senses.

24. The Night Before Christmas. A Christmas Eve tradition, but the real predicament is which version to choose? The Classic illustrated version or the sweet Holly Hobbie one?

The countdown begins two weeks from today. We can’t wait to start our tradition and end our evenings cuddled up, lost in story.

Did I forget one of your holiday favorites? Do tell.

Enjoying: November

November 15, 2016 By Kelle

Some enjoying catch-up here after taking a little blogging break. I’ve got a handful of holiday posts I’m photographing right now and an epic stocking stuffer guide (my favorite guide of the year–TINY SHIT MADNESS!) in the works, and with the Christmas bins out of the attic and all the gatherings we have to look forward to, I’m excited and grateful to have good creative places to pour energy into.

I’ve always been a little bit of a start-early girl when it comes to busting out the Christmas cheer, but it’s more because I don’t want to scramble. I want to enjoy it all, spread it out so that instead of slapping return addresses on Christmas cards and running them out to the mailbox to get it over with, I can have fun with it–watch a movie while I address them, use pretty pens and stamps, tuck stickers in for families with kids.

We managed to round everyone up for a family picture last week…(naturally, stripes on stripes on STRIPES)…

…and it allowed for a nice head start for a December evening I now look forward to: The Addressing of the Christmas Mailers. There’s a pile in the corner of my office ready for it: The Family Stone DVD, return address labels, Christmas stamps, cards, stickers, two calligraphy pens, colored pencils and glitter. The problem with getting ready too early though is that it allows time for you to expand the project, and with stickers and glitter, we’re already well past “STOP HERE.” Or so I thought.

“I’m adding something to our cards this year, ” I told Brett as I shoved him a finished card. “Here, smell it.”

“Oh my God, you did not order scented cards,” he said as he took a deep sniff. “What is that–pine?”

“Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree! I spritzed it with balsam & cedar room spray,” I explained. “It’s Christmas in an envelope, Brett. We’re delivering cheer and Christmas spirit. It’s like a gift from the North Pole. Wait, wouldn’t it be cool if you could lick the card and it tasted like cocoa?”

“You’re nuts, ” he concluded.

Like I’ve always said, I’m a minimalist. Okay, I never said that.

Needless to say, I’m happy it’s November and looking forward to the initiation of the season with Thanksgiving next week when we will gather with our friends and family and recalibrate all our love and gratitude for each other and the world.

With that said, I don’t want to ignore the political discourse and hurts of our country right now. To be honest, I don’t really know what to say, so I listen–to my friends who both think like me but also to those who don’t. I try to stay current and aware by listening to the news from responsible sources, but I also know when to turn it off and focus on my family–funneling my agitated energy into my kids, teaching them to be the kind of humans I think the world needs more of, telling them about the wonderful things being done by the people that make this country beautiful. I come from a long line of conservatives with politics often driven by faith, but I swing liberal and voted for Hillary. I have friends and family who did not, and I refuse to let our political views drive us apart. We listen to each other, learn from each other and respectfully challenge each other, and if we can do that responsibly and with compassion, we can strengthen our views, our voice and better serve our country and our communities, no matter what political party we belong to.

In between that, we hold our footing where the ground is solid and strong–in our homes, with our families, and in our communities, modeling love in every way we can.

Enjoying lately…

A trip to The Bird Gardens of Naples…
…a non profit organization that rescues and rehouses abandoned birds. No surprise, Dash was the only one of my kids who wanted to get closer to the birds.

It’s so nice having my dad and Gary back in Florida for the season.

Waiting for pizza is hard, Dash, isn’t it?

A little ice cream accident on the dock.

Afternoon walks to the lake.
People always ask when I reference our lakes if there are any alligators. The small lakes in our neighborhood generally don’t have any alligators, but it’s always possible in any Florida body of fresh water for them to find their way. Brett has taught me to scan the water and what to look for, and we never swim in the lakes. In the unlikely situation that an alligator would make its way to this small lake, our neighborhood would report it, and if it was sizable enough to be a danger to kids/humans, it would be removed.

In November.
Cynthia Rylant’s In November is such a delightful read for the fall and Thanksgiving season. We’ve reread it several times this month.

Early Nightfall.
I’ve never loved the time change and losing that extra hour of daylight as it often feels like less time to get everything done, but the silver lining? More opportunity for twinkle lights to have their moment. More cozy retreat, more family, more love in our living rooms.

Happy Tuesday. xo