This year I decided I am going to really focus on a more thankful heart (i need it) and to document one thing a day that I am grateful for. I already take one photo a day and document a lot of our lives, but this time I wanted more of a focus of things I am thankful for.
I thought this was an original idea to do 365 Grateful. I was wrong ;) I used the hashtag #365Grateful and quickly realized it wasn’t the only one who thought of this. Which is kind of wonderful, if ya think about it!
It has already proven to be a really good challenge for me!
Day 1: For the little reminders that even on the roughest, most terrible-horrible-no-good-very-bad-day (parenting) days…They are here: blessings and breathing. For that I am beyond thankful, even on the bad days. 
Day 2: For time to play pirates with them. 
Day 3: For priceless moments like this one with Grandma Anisa.
Day 4: For this little loud one.
Day 5: For a spontaneous homemade lunch with a dear friend.
Day 6: For insurance for an idiotic mistake I made yesterday :)
Wanna join me? Phone or camera lens. (I’m using IG) #365Grateful
for me.
Christmas eve tradition: open our stockings, change into our newly opened jammies and drive around to see Christmas lights in the city. This year I had desired to make matching flannel jammies for the boys and totally didn’t end up with enough time. I crammed way too much into December, unfortunately. (I have some MAJOR resolutions this year regarding the busyness of life) I was {thrilled} to stumble upon these matching (yes, I’m a sucker for the matchy-matchy) Jake and the Neverland Pirates jammies for the boys! Anything pirates is Chaseyboy’s current obsession which I love, especially because it’s not CARS. ;) And it’s SUPER cute to have my little ones running around saying, “Har har” and (Chase) saying “Hoist the sails, Matey.” Bahaha, sure love these boys.
Ted woke us ALL up early, early. He was as excited for Christmas morning as Chaseyboy was. Hehe. We began our Christmas morning with a tradition and that is reading the story of Jesus’ birth, from my personal favourite: Song of the Stars. It is such a beautiful book with stunning illustrations. Makes me tear up every time. (Definitely recommend!) 
What a fun year! I loved watching their reactions. Best. ever. (I am kind of “that” momma whose kiddos will either grow up thrifty too, or want everything BRAND NEW haha, I thrifted this little doctors set. And also, wooden blocks for Shai)
Fun morning and then. Ted surprised me with a date out annnnnd to see…. 
Les Mis (which I love, the old and new)!! AMAZING, btw.
What a fun, memorable night!
I’ve always wanted to throw a hot cocoa/christmas’y treats and ugly sweater party, so this year I combined the two and invited a small group of mutual friends. It was a blast!
Wouldn’t be a Davis’ party without a photoshoot ;) I had planned on the photo booth banner reading “merry & bright” but my hubby put it up before I could tell him. I kind of loved it, hehe.
The boys… How. stinkin’.cute!
Just way too much fun and a whole lot of goofy.
Step 4: Draw your letters onto the fabric. I used a sharpie which is all I could find at the time ;) Maybe use a disappearing ink one instead. hehe
Step 7: Hang and admire.
(yes, he is often in just his underwear hahaha) Grab some finger paints or washable paint and let them go for it!
I was actually pretty impressed with his fishy paintin’ ;)
The Practical:
I have a problem with messes all over our counter space. About a month ago, I decided I wanted to get the ironing supplies OFF the counter but I knew I needed them super handy because I iron a lot (Ted’s work clothes and sewing projects mostly). I found this tin “planter” (at a thrift store) and turned it into an ironing supplies basket. This might seem so simple and meaningless but in fact, to me it’s huge! What kinds of little things might you have lying around that could help you clear the clutter? Or maybe make a list and head to the thrift store in search of something to help! Think past the colour you may see and imagine what it could be with a little paint! Like this planter turned ironing supply holder:
I use the Dollar store often for little baskets to help me organize. Like you see here, to store fruit on the counters (without the baggies) or to store food in our fridge.
Once you’ve made your paper trees, grab a hot glue gun and begin winding your material around them. I would start from the tippy top. For material – I used leftover beads, gaudy silver garland ($1 Target section) and lace I had.
My cute little helper!
Ta-da! You’re done :) Chaseyboy even helped a little!
Super simple, and they add a fun, festive touch :)
