christmas festivities

I hope you and yours had a lovely Christmas. We truly enjoyed our day. We typically spend Christmas eve with Paul's parents and Christmas morning with my parents. We all drive over in our pj's and stay in them until lunch time --- I love that tradition! This year was especially fun because Leighton was walking, talking and very aware of Christmas. We had a blast just watching her play.

We also enjoyed our delicious lunch which was prepared by the two chefs below! They are both wonderful cooks. My favorites of the day were Dad's festive drinks and Mom's orange balls and Christmas salad.

It was a wonderful day and I love that it ended with some snow! Blessings to you and your family!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

In case I don't have another chance, Paul and I would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I may or may not be back until the New Year, but I promise to have a refreshed brain and lots more to share next YEAR!

pretty mantel

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Christmas time is here

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Christmas time is here! Can you believe it?!?! I am going to apologize in advance for the lack of posts over the next few weeks. I hope you enjoy the season and spending time with those that you love. Have a great week!

paul frank

Did you know that Paul Frank makes bikes? Look at this cruiser! So cute!

oh Shutterfly, oh Shutterfly...

...you've made my heart so happy (to the tune of 'O Christmas Tree')!

I'm sure by now you've all heard about Shutterfly's offering to bloggers. If you haven't, check it out here. It's AWESOME and so so simple!

Don't you just love Shutterfly? I have always used Shutterfly to print and enlarge pictures. The quality is superb! This year I had a photo of Paul and I that was taken at the beach enlarged by Shutterfly. I was so impressed with the quick turnaround and customer service. It was so convenient for me too. I just placed the order and it showed up at my house just a few days later. I would love to start printing more of my pictures. Hopefully I'll be better about it in the new year:)

Shutterfly offers more than just printing and enlarging your precious photos though. They have canvas wall art, holiday cards, Christmas invitations, thank you cards and photo calendars. The calendars and canvas wall art make great gifts. The cards are super cute too. If you have procrastinated on getting your Christmas cards, like me:), check out the website now! Many of the cards are on sale. You are sure to find something that fits your family's personality. Happy Shopping friends! Merry Christmas!

Holiday card

Holiday card

Canvas print

Thank you card

so happy to be home...

I'm so happy to be home. I've been out of town for the past couple days and I've missed my bed and my husband! Which, by the way, I have the best husband in the world. I came home to a very clean house and fresh flowers today. I love you Paul!

In other news, did you know Coldplay has a Christmas song out? I downloaded it today and love it. You might like it too! Have a great weekend friends!

I'm loving...

...these wreaths!

I'm thankful for...

We truly have so much to be thankful for don't we? I was looking through all of my pictures the other day and was reminded of that. Here are just a few things that I'm thankful for.

My Creator, Savior and the Giver of Life!

My husband who keeps me grounded and laughing at all times. I don't know what I'd do without you.

Joy and laughter.

Good health (what a big one!).

Family and...

...more family.

Freedom.

Love.

God's grace and forgiveness.

Friends.

Music.

The list could go on and on and on. I'm thankful for my readers too. I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Leighton turns 2

We celebrated my sweet niece's 2nd birthday on Saturday. It was a blast. The theme was Little Einstein's since that is her favorite show to watch. I think everyone in our family knows the theme song:) It was fun for Paul and I to see her interact with her little friends. Leighton's mommy thought of every detail for the party:

Beautiful cake,

Coloring sheet placemats,

and places for the little ones to sit during music time!

Leighton enjoyed seeing friends,

coloring and...

...dancing and singing with Mr. Nigel.

And boy did she enjoy her birthday cake!

Happy 2nd birthday sweet Leighton! Don't grow up too fast please!

celebrating...

...Leighton's 2nd birthday this weekend! Wow. Time flies! Can't wait to share the birthday pictures with you! Have a great weekend!

what's for dessert?

Hmmm...what's for dessert?!?!

Carrot Cake

Tiramisu

Lemon Meringue pie

Cherry pie

Pecan pie

Chocolate chess pie

Blackberry cobbler

Peanut butter pie

Coconut cream pie

All can be found here, here, here, here and here

They all sound good to me!

TGIF

This makes me smile! Okay, and the fact that it's Friday makes me smile too! TGIF!

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a little living room inspiration...

all from here