I was just thinking I’d post a list of a few things I’m loving this rainy, cozy Sunday – but then I put up some of my favorite December photos on the ‘ol Flickr account and realized this can’t be just a “list” post. I have some favorite photos from the last few weeks that need to be in Sunday Love, too.

I LOVE rainy, rainy days. Even though our roof is clearly not equipped to handle the deluge of rain we have been hit with, the rain makes for some lazy days. (We’ve found 4 leaks so far – thankfully 3 are just in the garage. And doubly thankful that there are really only 5 days a year we need to really worry about leaks.) But these lazy days have been much welcomed, and needed, in our house this weekend.

I also LOVE the rain because it feels a little more holiday-like. It might not be snow, but it feels a little more like Christmas.
And is a bit more chilly – so we get to wear cute hats!

I LOVE those chipmunk cheeks on Addie up there. And LOVE the Disneyland churros that her cheeks are stuffed with.

I LOVE soccer. But I LOVE the fact this is our first weekend with no soccer since September. We had a soccer party last weekend and closing ceremonies – check and check. Emma received the “Golden Goalie” award from Coach Alain. She really loved playing goalie (I think because she didn’t have to run – clearly not my kid!) but it is very nerve-wracking when she is in the goalie box. too much pressure for Mom!

I LOVE being the assistant coach for the soccer team. There is not nearly as much stress, or work, as there is with the head coach, but I still get some of the glory and to hear Emma say, “Thanks Mama for being my coach this year.”
Yeah, that makes it worth it.

I LOVE that all of the school obligations are completed. Christmas programs, Christmas presents for classmates and teachers, and Christmas parties are all successfully planned, executed…and over!

I LOVE that our house is finally decorated. We seemed to do it in bits and pieces for most of December – but it has been proclaimed “as good as it gets.” And at night when the house is all picked up, the trees and candles are lit, the fireplace is burning, and there is the smell of pine and cinnamon throughout the house…that is pretty much my definition of heaven. (Mmmm…the eggnog & Bailey’s. That is a pretty nice piece of the puzzle, too.)

I LOVE that I have environmentally conscious girls. I swear Emma demanded that she and Addie sit and cut up the netting that came on our Christmas tree before I could even suggest it – “so the fishies and birdies don’t get caught in the net!”

I LOVE that our Christmas cards are out! I can probably safely share them tomorrow. But here is a shot from the tail-end of our photoshoot. See? They don’t always tolerate Mama’s photo-taking.

I love that Daddy has a fun, new job that caters to the whole family (and friends!). At the tree-lighting ceremony at the studio we got to sled in the snow (yep! real snow!), meet Goofy, and meet some of the animators for Tangled. I don’t know who was more excited the kids – or Mommy.

I LOVE that there has been a sort of backlash to the whole politically correct, “Happy Holidays” movement. We are watching football and one of the announcers just wished all of the troops a “Merry Christmas.” I’ve been consciously saying “Merry Christmas” to everyone I meet, as well.

I LOVE Amazon. Amazon prime and free shipping have accounted for nearly 80% of our Christmas shopping this year. Even though I love wrapping gifts and have had to begrudgingly rely on friends wrapping gifts for me (or will be wrapping like mad when I get to Michigan!), there really is no better deal around. Plus, no waiting in line at the post office.

And lastly, I LOVE that we are in such a good place right now that we can truly enjoy all the sweetness that Christmas brings this week.