Pretty Organized Home: Update Number NINE

So last week I gave you ten random updates on my life but I left out number nine.

I thought all week about what I could come up with that would shock and awe you but I got nothin'.

Sorry.

I guess the big news is I can't count.

Instead I'll give you a few more updates but I won't number them. I also won't describe them as miscellaneous cause I spelled that wrong last week as well.

I still love short rolls of wrap for the multi wrapping that happens before Christmas. I highly recommend it...so much easier to maneuver. These cute rolls are from Michael's.

Also super duper love the empty shelf in my office that is now piled with gifts. Before these would all be stacked all over already full tables or shelves so having an empty spot to fill up has been great.

During December I switched from a one percent americano misto to an americano misto with eggnog. So. Amazing. I will miss them when they are gone and I will have to shed some pounds but it was so worth it.

Okay, you got me. I actually switched in November as soon as the eggnog came out.

Do you have some very favourite ornaments?

Here are a few of mine.

This one was from our first married Christmas.

I got baby Jesus from the store at St. Peter's dome in the summer. He lays by my bed all year now.

Is he not the cutest??

This salt and pepper with the marshmallows on their heads...adorable.

Plus they magnet together which I find quite satisfying.

And of course my original elf.

He still has a twinkle in his eye that is quite endearing.

I seem to have saved the ivy!

Let's not anyone read this out loud and cause a return of the grossy bugs, but so far, so good!

After 4 tries I managed to get a kid after my own heart.

Cate has made/bought gifts for everyone, wrapped them and is over the moon excited to see us open them. I just LOVE watching her spirit of giving!

One of my favourite traditions we've adopted is to have a boat load of chocolates at our house during the holiday season. I put them out in bowls and set them out in boxes. At any given time there are 7-10 varieties. I am always amazed at how much guests enjoy having options...and what an easy way to make your company feel special!

There are loads of lights available now on battery. I put a strand in a vase with snow at my front door. A friend had one on her door wreath which I copied. So fun to string little lights all over the house with no need to plug in!

This year's puzzle is going slowly...it's a bit tricky maybe.

Buddy continues his adventures. Soon he will be headed back to Santa and this year he plans to leave the kids with the gift of a novel that is apparently set in our neighbourhood. I'm excited to get reading with the kids!

I had a baking fiasco.

I know! Me!?!?

Yes...WHY would I even try? But I did and it ended up with a batch of cookies in the garbage. Next I broke the cookie jar that I was trying to fill with chocolates instead.

Then I had my friend over to coach me through another try at the cookies. She was great and the cookies are fine. I'd bought treat bags from Dollar Tree to package them in before I put them into the remaining unbroken cookie jars.

Um, those are some LARGE treat bags huh?

Might need to bake another batch or 12.

For some reason this makes me laugh and laugh and laugh.

And now we're into the final stretch. Just a week and it will all be over. I hope you've enjoyed the waiting...and pray you've had some times of silence and peace and lots of moments of fun.

Our final week is a bit of crazy so I'm thankful for a husband who can whip up 4 pages of colour coded charts to guide us through.