At 1:00 this afternoon, this was the weather in normally mild Georgia.

I know that is not near as bad as where some of you are, but its still flipping cold to me. I had nothing on my to-do list today and nowhere to be, so I managed to stay nice & cozy.

Makenzie & I hung out in sweats (or comfortable tacky outfits a 2 year old picks out) for the day.

We danced to Christmas music and snuggled with some books. Right now, she is all about “Rudolph song” and The Christmas Story book.

I sipped Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride hot tea and ate a lemon sugar cookie with icing from the cookie exchange over the weekend.

I took a nice nap, then entertained myself with this link a friend posted. Most hilarious pregnancy photos ever. Why have I not heard of this blog before?

I whipped up a bowl of comfort in the form of one of the most delicious soups ever.

Italian Tortellini Soup (from Taste of Home – shared by my friend, Danielle)

3 Italian turkey sausage links (4 ounces each), casings removed
1 medium onion, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced 2-3 heaping spoonfuls of pre-minced garlic
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) Reduced-Sodium Chicken Broth
1-3/4 cups water
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini (found whole wheat! woo!)
1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach, coarsely chopped
2-1/4 teaspoons minced fresh basil or 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Dash Heavy sprinkling crushed red pepper flakes (I like it spicy)
Shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

Crumble sausage into a Dutch oven; add onion.

Cook and stir over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the broth, water and tomatoes. Bring to a boil.

Add tortellini; return to a boil. Cook for 7-9 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.

Reduce heat; add the spinach, basil, pepper and pepper flakes. Cook 2-3 minutes longer or until spinach is wilted. Serve with cheese if desired.

Make this! You know if I share a recipe it means it is tasty and amazingly easy.

Now, I think a blanket, another cup of tea, and The Biggest Loser Finale with my sister are calling my name for the remainder of the evening. Stay nice & cozy!

• How do you like to stay nice & cozy?
• What is your favorite soup?

I knocked the productivity ball out of the park today. I killed my to-do list, despite it being quite the long one.

This morning I had to head to the store to pick up stamps, laundry detergent, and sweet potatoes…because don’t you know it’s impossible to get everything on your first weekly trip? I know it’s not just me. Then, I stopped by the post office to mail something for Peter.

After getting home, I got to work prepping our dinner. Makenzie loved having the chance to help out by tossing sweet potato chunks into the crockpot.

I also knockaed out two loads of laundry and dishes today. Plus, a ton of prep work for the tutoring I did earlier this afternoon. Most importantly, I still managed to fit in moments for myself and those quality moments with little M. During her nap I relaxed with my usual blog reading…and discovered the coffee + hot chocolate mix does NOT suit me. Blech. I was so shocked! Not quite as shocked as what I found when I went upstairs because I could hear little footsteps roaming around.

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At least she sneaks from her nap to read books like her children’s Bible. Although I’m not quite sure on the shedding of the pants? Whatever floats her boat I guess.

But does stripping put you on Santa’s naughty list? I should ask. We’re buddies. I even got him to make a special video message for M.

Click on the image above and check it out (especially any moms who do Santa). It’s SO cute! Look at how excited M was when watching.

I can’t believe how much she is growing. And how cool would it have been to have things like that growing up?

Lastly, I had my 34 weeks (8.5 months) prenatal visit today. I made sure to share once again about all the discomfort, pressure, contractions, etc I have increasingly felt. The midwife I saw today didn’t share the same affinity for the dramatic as the last one I saw. She says to keep doing what I’m doing – resting more, drinking extra fluids when they start, and not to worry. She also told me my belly growth jumped and I am now measuring a week ahead. It sure feels like it!

And I’m all for him making his appearance sometime early January. It can’t get here soon enough!

• Do you enjoy busy and productive days? I think it helped distract me and made for a great day for me!