Christmas Eve night.

I am sooooooo excited for Christmas to come, but probably for different reasons than Lydia and Mary have. While they’re upstairs dreaming of sugar plums, I am dreaming of throwing out the dead Christmas tree, taking down what has started to feel like an oppressive number of decorations, and some clutter-free spaces in the house to look at.

I’m a little tired and intimidated by all that stands between me and my bed tonight. I shouldn’t have procrastinated wrapping presents again…

So without further ado, here are today’s pictures.

I took pictures of the girls stuffing their faces with broccoli because I'm pretty sure I've been so busy the past two days that they've eaten nothing but cookies and junk food. I had to record the ONE moment of meal time success I've had in the entire past 48 hours.
I took pictures of the girls stuffing their faces with broccoli because I’m pretty sure I’ve been so busy the past two days that they’ve eaten nothing but cookies and junk food. I had to record the ONE moment of meal time success I’ve had in the entire past 48 hours.

IMG_0579I spent most of today working on tomorrow’s foods. I made a sweet potato casserole for the Darais get together, lemon curd tarts with candied lemons for our dinner, and frangipane-apple tarts for dessert. I got nothing done on tomorrow’s actual dinner, so that makes planning out tomorrow so easy! (You will find me in the kitchen panicking over my sure-to-be-burned croutons and dry lamb.)

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Apple tarts. I am trusting that the little ones will look better when I take them out of their molds tomorrow. Grandma, I discovered I have a lot of your old tart molds! They even have some of your recipes with them! Unfortunately, I found them after I’d used up almost all of my tart dough, but I will think of a party or some excuse to use them soon.
Candied lemons. I think I stand unevenly on my feet and therefore make uneven knife cuts. One of my chefs noted that I cut on an angle, and you can really see that in these lemons.
Candied lemons. I think I stand unevenly on my feet and therefore make uneven knife cuts. One of my chefs noted that I cut on an angle, and you can really see that in these lemons.
At the Miners' Christmas Eve party.
At the Miners’ Christmas Eve party.

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Loralee gave the girls a cool looking smart pad.
Loralee gave the girls a cool looking smart pad.
After the Miners' party, we headed to Tom and Suzanne's for gift exchanges.
After the Miners’ party, we headed to Tom and Suzanne’s for gift exchanges.

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It was after 10 pm when we got home, and we were all a mess. But through the tantrums (I threw one too!) Abe managed to get out a Santa letter. We put out cookies, cold cocoa, and a carrot for the reindeer.
It was after 10 pm when we got home, and we were all a mess. But through the tantrums (I threw one too!) Abe managed to get out a Santa letter. We put out cookies, cold cocoa, and a carrot for the reindeer.
Mary asked for dinner, milk, and explicitly "nothing" else. Lydia had to be restrained; otherwise her list would have gone on indefinitely. I told her she got to list three things she wants since she's three.
Mary asked for dinner, milk, and explicitly “nothing” else. Lydia had to be restrained; otherwise her list would have gone on indefinitely. I told her she got to list three things she wants since she’s three.