Christmas morning was filled to the brim with excitement.

While the kiddos were jumping on our bed trying to get our butts up we were aching for another hour of sleep!

The show must go on! We stumbled out still a little foggy from all the entertaining the night prior, or shall we blame it on the a – a – a – a – alcohol?

The boys sat on the stairs while mom and dad brushed their teeth and got their act together!

See that picture above? Brody’s eye was swollen and goopy.  We figured his slobber got the best of him during his sleep and let the show go on!

Annnnnd go!

Nothing like the authentic squeals from your kids to wake you up and jolt you into the magic of Christmas!

Brody “hit the jackpot” this year from good ol’ Saint Nick.  Owen was over the moon about all of his gifts too.  I know it is not about the presents, but my word you guys, these kids were SO grateful and excited.  It was adorable!

Soon after the opening of all of the gifts Brody’s eye became a bit more concerning.  We had a family party to get to and something in my mommy brain pushed me to get him to urgent care.  Within minutes – the doctors hardly had to take a peek…

Pink eye it was for the guy!

Tears, laughter, a popsicle, medicine and cancelling all plans for the day.

I kept joking with him asking who farted in his face – poor kid did not quite get the joke but anything with the word fart involved is an absolute hoot these days.

I snuck off to my aunt and uncles with Owen for a moment later that evening – it was so good to see my family and spend some time with everyone! Back home we went to tend to sweet Brody – we have spent the past few days stuck inside – and the boys are in toy mode 24/7.

Loving this holiday break with my family – pink eye or not – so glad we have another whole week together!

Oh my Happy Holidays!!

Whew.  I am on the couch – cuddled up with a cup of black tea, basking in the aroma of dunkin doughnuts and loving the kids being completely immersed into their new toys! Our Christmas this year was one to definitely remember.  Not only was it our first Christmas in our new house – but we hosted Dan’s family for the annual Christmas Eve celebration and it was such a hit!

I know I have been a wee bit absent here lately – but that was completely intentional.  You see – I’m a little old school    in the sense of trying to untap from technology during the holidays.  Of course I peaked at Instagram + Facebook here and there — but really, my phone was never at my side and was the last thing on my list of things to check into. I loved it.  Being truly present in the moment — saving the blogging for another day – like today 🙂

Dan and I both are lucky to have large families.  So any ol’ get together is never a small feat.  Years of growing up with family parties and packed houses definitely made prepping for hosting Christmas Eve SO much easier.  We knew what to expect – and just wanted everyone to enjoy themselves.  And that is exactly what we did!

Great food, plenty of drinks and amazing people – our Christmas celebration was off to an amazing start.

Setting up for the bash was a cinch – we made sure to have it all done the night prior.

With about 30 adults – we were SO thankful we bought this fixer upper with an amazing addition.  We had just enough room to squeeze everyone in for a nice sit down dinner.

We tossed fresh tree trimmings into vases – not quite sure if it looked appealing to most – but it was festive and smelled amazing.

My plaid pillows made their debut – and a super soft threshold throw from Target.  Little punches of red to add the holiday zing to the room.

The kids room was SO much fun to set up.  Buddy, our elf decorated (our boys said).  Simple snowflakes hanging from the ceiling – adorable santa plates and a coloring table-cloth to keep those little stinkers in their seats!

The fire was roaring and as the guests came in we realized the heat was a bit too much to handle.  I am still surprised people did not change into tank tops!

Amazing Christmas sweaters and delicious drinks.

Santa Claus stopped by and the kids were jumping for joy !

Even Great Grandma Thome got in on the action – we are all oh so lucky to spend the holidays with the very people who started this amazing family of ours!

The party went into the wee hours of the morning – and the kids were nestled in their beds.  We could not of asked for a more amazing first Christmas Eve in our new house.

New traditions and memories to last all our years.

Hope your Christmas Eve was one to remember!

There was always this subconscious race against the clock to want to have my kids close together in age.  Everyone told me how nice it is to have them so close – to “get it over with” – the baby stage that is.  When Brody was a little over 2 we welcomed Owen into our lives and it seemed so perfect that they were just two years apart.  What I realized very quickly was that I did not want to rush a darn thing.  If anything, I wanted it to slow down!

Fast forward to today, Brody being 5 1/2 and Owen 3 1/2 and I am so glad we hit pause on the baby train.   After having two little boys closer in age the clock seemed to spin so much faster.  No longer was it about wanting the next one – our miscarriage made us realized to be in the moment, not wishing for the next.

These two have formed a bond that I pray is unbreakable.

No matter who is better at sports, has better grades in school, or dates the girl the other one was crushing on.

 I hope that their bond is deeper than anything life can throw their way.

Dan and I have spent the past few years enjoying life with these two amazing little boys.  Soon enough we will not be able to call them little.  Before we know it they will be taller than me.   Right now, they are having a riot with one another.  It brings us so much joy to watch them play together for hours straight.  Of course there is always fighting in between – but let’s get real, they are brothers.

So much alike, and yet totally different.  Each one bringing something to the table that the other is learning from.  Each one cracking us up with their corky personality.

Their wit is unbeatable and their compassion for everything is so evident.

We are loving this stage of life we are in.  Even when the baby fever reaches a high and we wonder what it would be like to add another member to our family – we make sure to take a step back and relish in this.

I never imagined my life would be so blessed with these two little men.

I would not trade it for the world.

{This post contains some affiliate links.  By purchashing items through these links The Thome Home receives commission.  Thank you for supporting our blog and helping us grow.}

First off – someone is going to be very happy that their Holiday wish came true! The winner of our Giani Countertop Kit Giveaway is …….

April Aiosa !!!

April – email me at  thethomehome@gmail.com within the next 24 hours to claim your prize! 

Our tree this year is coated in blue, silver and gold, and I must admit it is my favorite tree we have done yet! Every year I try to give you guys a sneak peek at the boys holiday wishes – and this year we picked a few of our favorites to share with you all!

Want a peek into Santa’s bag?

Well the boys have been extra good lately, really, I swear.  They are counting down the days until Santa squeezes his way down our chimney and places their presents under the twinkling tree.

Rumor has it that Santa’s elves are working extra hard this year on everyone’s Christmas wishes! Our boys are forever adding to the list, and thankfully these elves are up for the challenge.

1.Buzz Lightyear  2. Disney Avengers   3. Disney Infinity   4. Laser Tag  5. MLB running bases 

 6. disney game  7. Rock em’ Soc em’  8. Wilson Junior Size Football   9. Mario Cart

#4 Has to be the one we are most excited about the elves making this year.  We sent a request in  for 4 .. just in case mom and dad wanted to jump in on the fun outside next summer!

Of course Mom and Dad put in a few requests early – and somehow they have found their way here before Christmas.  We must have been extra good this year 🙂

1. My Drunk Kitchen – Hannah Hart   This cook book is not for the faint of heart.  Her sense of humor is hysterical.  She says it like it is and keeps the puns rolling in … it is a great read! So if you know someone who likes to cook, consume alochol and laugh their butts off – this is the perfect gift!

2. record player   Dan and I use this daily.  One of the best + cheapest purchases of the year.  We use it every single day  to play music with in the background – nothing better than records playing while cooking up a meal!

ALSO – I could not pass up another Happy Mommy Box for the month of December – Ladies/mammas out there, you have to jump on this opportunity to give yourself a little something special each month.  I cannot wait to my second box! You can read a bit more about the amazing subscription box in my post here. 

(This is NOT sponsored, NOR contains affiliate links.  Just me wanting to share a good deal + my favorite pieces!) 

These cold winter days leave my neck begging for warmth.  Thankfully, my other lover, Target  knows how to warm me up just right.

Figured I’d share these with you incase you were in need this winter season of the perfect winter scarves!

Even better, right now they are buy one get one 50% off! I could not resist sharing a good deal with you guys!

This cream knitted scarf is one of my favorites added to my bunch.  It goes with everything! Over a jacket, sweater, layered with a cardigan, topless etc.  Okay, maybe not the topless one would be the best option.  Bit nipply out, ay?

You can find it here. 

Scarf number 2 I wear more often that I probably should.  the holiday colors swirling through in plaid gets me every time! I adore the way it looks layered with navy blues, greys and of course crisp whites.

You can find it here. 

I have never been a hat girl, and trying to push my limits with wearing a few.  Same with scarves  — but these two were a game changer!

I cannot thank you guys enough for all of the amazing feedback to our Giani Countertop post! Not only are we completely smitten with their product, but we are totally blown away by your responses and humbled that you even care to look at what we do to our home! We truly hope you guys will continue to check back in and join in on all the fun we have on our blog!  

Halfway through the week – are you needing a pick me up? 

You can catch me singing 99% of my day.  Maybe it’s my showchoir past or my urge to dance in my pants all day long?

The other weekend at a wedding I had a chance with Dan to let my hair down and get my groove on.  Honestly I’m 100% embarrassing and 10% entertaining to be around.  But this is me.  The girl who will not get off the dance floor once the music starts … it’s in my bones.  

Apparently Dan wanted to freeze this moment in time with a picture.  

To prove how ridiculous I am?

( Saying that out loud felt like an, “I’m Ron Burgundy?” moment.)

Just like when he swears that I snore at night … psssssh.  Whatever. 

I thought it would be fun to share with you some of my favorite tunes lately. 

Songs I can never get enough of.  Now while these may not be songs that I bust out moves, they are definitely ones I’m caught singing in the shower, hoping nobody can hear me.

I LOVE Brandon and Leah Jenner .. and Brandon’s voice in this song is like butta. 

Oh Tony Bennett.  Oh Lady Gaga. Who would have ever thought? This song makes me love you both even more.

So join me in the shower, will you?

Singing that is!