The holidays have been pressing in and I lost my footing with the blog! Have you missed me?

Over the past few weeks I’ve launched my Kickstarter, joined a Mom’s writing group, and done all the holiday-ish things.

This time of year, it is so easy to get lost in the madness. While I try so hard to keep up my Instagram, I have to admit that I’ve been trying even harder to just focus on my kids. Sometimes, giving in to the distractions (social media, projects, parties) is easier than taking part in the traditions that are so important to the little, but might sometimes feel like “old news” to the adults.

I know. What a terrible attitude to have, right?

Maybe it has been the pandemic continuing on that has made the holidays this year feel a little down to me. Or, even, it’s the return to some normalcy that makes me miss my immediate family of six hunkering down to do things and enjoy this season together without the outside world and demands crawling in. I’m not sure. All I know is, I have been tired. And when I’m tired, the “extras” are the things I have to set aside.

But here I am, writing and rambling!

I recently finished A Boy Called Christmas with my 4 & 6 year-olds and we started The Girl Who Saved Christmas (both by Matt Haig). We absolutely love these holiday read-alouds. If you need something that’s quick and fun and magical- pick these up now.

I have been making my way through Crooked Kingdom, the second book in Six of Crows and not at all holiday-esque, but I question why it had taken me this long to read them! the twists and turns have me feeling all the emotions and I can’t get enough of the characters.

Picture book wise, we have been reading all our holiday favorites on repeat. From The Grinch Who Stole Christmas to Grumpy Monkey Oh, No! Christmas, there are too many good ones to count! If you follow me on Instagram, you can find plenty of suggestions there!

Thank you so much for all the renewed support as I brought my writing site and goals and dreams back to life. My Kickstarter for What Did You Do With Maile? is officially funded!! It goes until December 19th, just a mere four days away, and not to get greedy- but you can still give if you haven’t been able to! I know it’s so hard at the holidays, and I’m so thankful for all who have donated and shared. And I can’t put into words how excited I am that it is 100% funded!!