I wasn’t quite sure what to come on here and write this morning. When tragedies take place it’s hard to want to just jump on this space and show you my grocery cart. I get how insignificant these posts are in comparison to to the real events going on around us. It’s difficult, though, because I don’t have anything poignant or profound to say about what happened in Paris or what is going on elsewhere. I watch the updates with just as much horror and sadness. I pray for peace and this world we’re raising our two girls in. So while words that carry any weight escape me, please don’t think it means I am oblivious or heartless. Like you, I see it all. It makes me hug my people more tightly and focus on being grateful for the good that I see. I believe that despite these horrific happenings, there is still much good in the world, including under my own roof. And that’s what I try to focus on here, the good.
With that, we started decorating for Christmas this weekend. I do usually wait until after Thanksgiving, but honestly, an extra week to experience the childlike joy of the season sounded pretty darn great to me. As we turned on Christmas music and pulled out the garland, Hailey lit up. In fact, all weekend she ran around the house literally squealing with happiness.
A child’s joy is nothing short of infectious.
Saturday we were excited to have our friends visit with their new, one-month-old, baby girl.
Sarah graciously let me snuggle her for a large majority of the time and I soaked in that sweet baby goodness. She was such a sweet baby I’d be lying if I said it didn’t pull on my heartstrings.
I love having friends over because it gives me an excuse to play hostess.
I love snacking more than almost any meal, so snack we did. I’m glad the adults got to try some of the fancy cheese before Hailey took a liking to the goat gouda.
Stay classy, sweet girl.
Dan brought along a local ginger cider from York, SC that was on point.
It was so much fun just relaxing and catching up with longtime friends. We actually introduced these two back in the days of yore when we were all a bunch of 20-somethings living and playing in the city. Where does the time go?!
The rest of the weekend was spent taking pictures of Kaitlyn, according to my camera.
I thought I remembered 18 months (today!) being challenging because of communication gaps, but honestly this girl is at an awesome stage. Hide and seek in the cabinets, delight at the pet store…
and she’s such a fabulous little helper at Target too.
I turned for one second and she comes toddling over with these shrieking “diss?!”
We finished up the weekend with Mexican food.
And a pitcher of margaritas for no other reason than to celebrate this little life that we love so much.
Now I’m ready for bootcamp to really give it to me this week.
Let’s keep the good going.
What is one thing that brought you joy this weekend?
sherry says
So enjoy the pictures and descriptions of the family’s weekend! One (of many) things that brought me joy this weekend was a 15 mile bike ride with best friend and hubby (one and the same); a GA win over Auburn; and a night out at The Tavern where we had fun conversations with various people.
Kate says
Thank you for the reminder that we should celebrate EVERY single day with friends or with Mexican food or with early Christmas decorating!
Your girls are just darling and I laughed when I saw your baby girl with the cheese puffs! She knows what’s good apparently!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
I can’t even with Hailey and they cheese. Go her! Ryan’s really digging hiding in cabinets these days as well -the other day he kept going in one and closing the door, which was perfect, since we would just hold the door closed when we needed to get into the over quickly. Hhaha, I swear we’re good parents!
John J. says
I like your emphasis on “the good”. I spent some time this weekend on the dock meditating and being grateful for the “good life” I am able to live – and the “good” people in it – like you!
Joanna @Makingmine says
Love seeing your Christmas decor up! We’re in the process of selling our home, so I’m not sure how much decorating I’m going to get to do. I’ll just have to live vicariously through others 😉
brynn says
This weekend I focused on all of the beautiful things in my life. We played outside in the leaves, got dirty and soaked in the sun. It was a perfect day of just being present.
Lindsey @ Simply Lindsey says
I’m so glad that we aren’t the only ones who have started decorating for Christmas! 🙂 Hobby Lobby had a huge Christmas sale this weekend, so we got a few things and then haddddd to put them up when we got home! Last year we waited until after Thanksgiving, but I felt like that wasn’t enough time to enjoy everything!
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl says
I tried to focus on the good too even though I was scared for friends who live/travel/are in close proximity to Paris. I visited a good friend and her 1-month-old baby and brought them some baked goods to enjoy since they’re still not up to cooking much (he likes to be held or worn constantly so cooking is tough!)
Hannah @CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Kaitlyn is SO cute! I love her little boots!
I totally put up my Christmas tree and decorations yesterday. I just couldn’t say no anymore 😉
Kate says
My parents visited this weekend and we soaked up as much family time as possible.
Your snack plate looks delicious! I would be happy to skip a full meal for one of those… 😉
Parita @ myinnershakti says
This weekend I really focused on the small things that I usually take for granted. The thing that brought me the most joy was going for a walk on Sunday and seeing so many people out and about with their families.
Elizabeth says
Did you get the cheese balls? That pic is so cute! You’re so good about being healthy, I didn’t know if you gave into a little cheese ball craving.
We had our first glimpse of Christmas magic this weekend. We rode through the callaway garden Xmas lights on bikes last night. They do it 1x/yr on bikes & it was magical!!
Have a great week
Brittany Dixon says
I didn’t buy the cheese puffs ha! But only because they don’t do anything for me. Now that Mexican food? I’m all over it! Mexican is my achilles heel.
Also, I LOVE Callways Gardens’ Christmas display. I didn’t know you could ride bikes through it- how awesome!
Heather says
Love the joy in this post. One of the highlights from my weekend was when we did some shopping at Target and while we were letting the kids pick out their Christmas Tree ornaments (they each pick a new one each year) a woman came over and said, “I just wanted to tell you how adorable your family is. It made my day seeing you all.” My heart swelled.
Brittany Dixon says
Wow, what a wonderfully kind thing for her to say to you! I love when people are so open and willing to tell you the good thoughts in their minds. What a sweet family you must have!
Julie says
I bet you just CRACKED UP when you turned around & saw Kaitlyn toting that ginormous tub o’ cheese balls! Too cute! Speaking of too cute… her little boots! I die!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says
I’m all for early Christmas cheer! I love the decorations and the fact that you made a day out of it with your girls! Ending a weekend with Mexican food is always a good idea.
One thing to bring me joy this weekend: I went on a pretty incredible first date! Actually, I think the best first date I have ever been on. While reading this blog post, he even just texted me! I feel like a thirteen year old girl with butterflies. 🙂
Happy Monday Brittany!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh Julia, I have butterflies for you! Nothing compares to that great first date feeling. You’re such an amazing, encouraging, kind person. Hope he realizes that 😉
Ruth says
I know what you mean about having nothing profound to say about the world. It just makes me so sad how broken the world is. Hoping our children will be warriors for peace and love.
On a happier note, your girls are just gorgeous! I loved 18 months with my daughter. Such a fun age 🙂
Lisa O says
What more can you do, but keep spreading the love? It has been a sad time in the world this week but the overwhelming vibe that I’ve taken heart from, is to fight the darkness with light and the hate with love. You bring much light and love to the world with your posts. Thank you Brittany, I really appreciate your eloquent words and the kindness behind them. Big virtual hug from Australia xx
Savina says
Wow, so cute girl ! Your share is interesting. I will prepare to welcome Christmas with my daughter.
Margarita Smith says
your kids is cute overload, love them