Making Plans to Enjoy the Winter

 It's always so nice to get the house back in order after the holidays.

January is an enjoyable time for me because I like winter and being home, and I also like the thought of a fresh, new start.

It's fun to plan a few events in the winter, too. It gives me the feeling that we have something to look forward to... like something bright is on the horizon.

Today we had a little get-together for Micah's birthday.

Yesterday I set a nice table...

(Here is my project manager, overseeing my work...)

When I was at the grocery store picking up fresh flowers and fruit, I thought I'd take a quick peek inside a Home Entertaining magazine. It's inspiring to look at all the very elegant and professional table settings. 

I found this statement to be meaningful and very true for me...

"Winter Gatherings - While the winter season gives us time to rest and reflect within our homes, planning meals and intimate gatherings for those we love can add so much happiness to our lives."

I couldn't have said it better myself!

Now that our family meal for Micah's birthday is over, we are throwing ourselves into getting ready for another fun event.

We are doing a unit study on Paris, France for homeschool this winter, and so far it's been a blast!

We've been researching French cafe's, exhibits at the Louvre, and learning facts about the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower.

Every couple of days Roman puts together a little French lesson for us and we all practice saying a few words together like, Bienvenue! (welcome) Bonjour! (hello) and Cannelle de gateaux (cinnamon cake). 😂

Remembering what a hit our "Downs Hotel" was last winter, we've decided to make it into a similar family homeschool project. We're calling it "A Day in Paris."

To get us in the spirit, I ordered some French music to start...

It is a very charming and relaxing CD, perfect background music for us this winter. Plus, it makes me feel tres chic!

The kids say, "We want to know what they're saying! What are they saying?"

But I reply, "No, no. It's much more fun this way!"

🎶

So, in our spare time we are working on little projects to get ready...

The kids are making Eiffel tower ornaments to sell in the gift shop...

And Micah is helping the kids create an Eiffel tower structure out of cardboard.

Their first step was to make some measurements and craft a plan...

I'll be sure to show you the end result!

Meanwhile I've been stashing away little trinkety items that I've been gathering for the event, like play money euros and a Mona Lisa print.

Everyone in the family seems excited for it, and we've been having fun coming up with ideas.

When someone has an idea I say, "ok!" and we run with it. Like Nola, she wants to be a street artist, so we assembled a little costume for her...

Planning an event like this provides such a fun distraction that before we know it it'll be spring!

 I hope you're enjoying your winter, friends, and I'll share more about this at another time...

💐

~ Courtney