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RAE ANN KELLY

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ADVENTURES IN CHRISTMAS TREE PICKING

Dec 10, 2021life + family

Last weekend we rounded up the kids to head to our favorite Christmas Tree Farm where there’s a big barrel fire, complimentary train ride around the grounds, barn full of flocked trees to oogle at, a forrest for all the u-cutters, and a lot full of trendy Spruces and Firs to choose from. We had done the u-cut thing in the past, but I always seemed to be happier with the ones we picked out from the lot. With that in mind, we dressed accordingly and I resisted the urge to tell the kids to wear boots. Well, as we approached the farm, we noticed an empty parking lot and shortly after, a closed gate to the entrance. After the initial disappointment, we continued down the road to another tree farm we had driven past several times and were always curious about. As we loaded out of the car at our new destination, the kids and I immediately noticed a woman dressed in a sweatsuit and sneakers, covered almost head to toe, in a blanket of mud. She had obviously fallen while collecting her tree and was not happy about it. I immediately regretted not insisting the kids wear boots, and the kids echoed my sentiment verbally as they turned to me and said, “MOM! You didn’t tell us to wear boots!?” Resisting the urge to defend myself, I replied, “We’ll be quick! Just walk carefully.”

As we continued our journey out into the field of trees, the mud became unavoidable. Griff lost a shoe in one of the mud pits we crossed, and everyones shoes and pant legs (except poppy who managed to find willing arms and backs to carry her) were fully immersed and speckled in mud. The kids were not happy and they did not hold back on sharing their criticism: This is the worst tree farm we have ever ben to! I hate getting our tree this year! This is the worst Christmas! My feet are frozen! Why would anyone come here!? My shoes are ruined! Etc.

The kids continued as Johan replied with one of the best movie quotes ever, “That’s all part of the experience honey!” (so pleased with himself) and I tried to encourage them with, “It might not be your favorite now but it will definitely be the most memorable!” When what I really wanted to say was, “Here are the keys, go sit in the car while the rest of us put on our big kid undies and make the best of it!” In other words, have fun or get lost kids. But I resisted, knowing that it would have turned the moment of tension into a 5 alarm meltdown.

So thankful that Johan and I did our best to keep things light, because by the time we made it to our tree, everyone was laughing and having fun. By some small miracle we all agreed on the same tree and managed to make it back to the parking lot without falling. While Johan strapped the tree to the top of the car, the kids warmed up with a free hot cocoa and I thanked Jesus for the teachable moment and reminder that we always have the choice to make the best with what we have or waste our time and energy complaining and overreacting.

By the time we loaded back into the car, the kids were already laughing about the ridiculous experience. I hate to say it children, but we told ya so… and we have the pictures (way too many of them) to prove it!

The first tree they jokingly said they wanted to cut down and bring home.

The second tree they jokingly wanted to cut down and bring home.

The third tree was the winner!

She’s perfect.

How are your Christmas and Holiday traditions going!?

XO, Rae

OUTFIT SOURCES:

Rae | beatles tee (on sale and extra 15% off), jacket, jeans (the 90’s bootcut – my color is sold out but there are other cute options!), boots

Yoder | jacket (also cute), sweater (similar), boots

Espen | hoodie, jeans

Tilly | sweatshirt, jeans, shoes, beanie (similar in purple)

Griff | jacket, pants, hat

Poppy | cardigan, jeans, beanie, shoes

Previous Post: « CHRISTMAS FETTUCCINI RECIPE
Next Post: TRENDING: SHERPA EVERYTHING AND AN EASY OUTFIT »

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  1. Tootie

    Dec 12, 2021 at

    Love this. It’s refreshing to hear about outings like these, because anyone with kiddos knows them well!

    Reply

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So happy you're here! I'm Rae, style enthusiast, amateur cook, graphic designer, firefighter wife, and mama of 5 (big) kids. We live in the PNW with our 12 chickens and dog, Waffles...

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SIMPLE (SPRING) THINGS ๐Ÿงข๐Ÿคโ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿ‘Ÿ rounded SIMPLE (SPRING) THINGS ๐Ÿงข๐Ÿคโ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿ‘Ÿ rounded up a bunch of sporty jackets (need them allll), cute tees, and other spring things OTBโ€ฆ link in bio!!
Just a reminder to play the long game ๐Ÿ–ค parent Just a reminder to play the long game ๐Ÿ–ค parent their hearts, enjoy their company, encourage their dreams, be a soft place to fail, and grow along side them. Parenthood is messy and incredibly challenging, but easily the most important and deeply rewarding thing I will ever do ๐Ÿ–ค Feeling thankful (for it alllll) and a little sentimental after a weekend with Ozzie (and a couple friends) home. Nothing better.
BETTER THAN TAKEOUT CHICKEN PAD THAI ๐Ÿœ๐Ÿค made BETTER THAN TAKEOUT CHICKEN PAD THAI ๐Ÿœ๐Ÿค made with healthy ingredients, lots of love, and good mems in the kitchen. (RECIPE BELOW OR USE LINK IN BIO)

YOUโ€™LL NEED:
avocado oil, as needed for cooking
1-1/2 pounds chicken breast or tenders, thinly sliced (like you would for stir fry or fajitas)
1 package dried pad thai rice noodles, cooked to package directions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 onion, sliced
2 eggs, gently whisked
1 cup bean sprouts (plus more for topping)
1/2 cup firm tofu, cut into bite sized pieces (optional IMO)
1/4 cup garlic chives, cut to inch size pieces
1/4 cup peanuts, roughly chopped (plus more for topping)
2 limes, cut into wedges for serving
ground chilli or cayenne pepper, to taste (for those that want extra stars โ€“ optional)
1/2 cup pad thai sauce* (see note)
HEREโ€™S HOW:
Prep toppings, as desired, setting aside bean sprouts, peanuts, and lime wedges.
Heat avocado oil over medium-high heat and sautรฉ onions and garlic for a few minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add chicken. Cook most of the way through. Move chicken mixture to one side of pan and pour egg into the other. Scramble before mixing everything together (like you would for fried rice). Cover and let sit while you prepare noodles.
Prepare noodles according to package directions. In a large pot, add noodles and avocado oil (to taste) and stir fry for a few minutes. Add bean sprouts, chicken mixture, tofu (if using), and sauce. Toss together until sauce is distributed evenly. Add chives and peanuts and toss gently.
Serve immediately with toppings of choice!
How do we feel about midi denim skirts as a winter How do we feel about midi denim skirts as a winter to spring (and pretty much year round) staple?! ๐Ÿ‘–๐Ÿ‘—๐Ÿค itโ€™s a yes for me! 

They seem to be popping up everywhere so I rounded up a bunch for you, as well as outfit sources at link in bio or here: https://raeannkelly.com/ootd-the-denim-skirt-you-can-wear-all-year-long/
Mondays are for stocking the pantry! And since our Mondays are for stocking the pantry! And since our bins and labels needed a refresh, I thought Iโ€™d share the process ๐Ÿ˜‹ We organized our pantry about a year and a half ago (with the help of @finding.order ) and have never looked back! I was nervous about my ability to stay on top of things but have found that it makes grocery shopping and cooking so much easier because you can actually see what you have and what needs to be restocked. Anywho, Iโ€™ll link to sources in my bio and stories for anyone interested in details ๐Ÿ–ค let me know if you have any questions!
Small town Friday night ๐Ÿ€๐Ÿฟ๐Ÿ‘€ Small town Friday night ๐Ÿ€๐Ÿฟ๐Ÿ‘€

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