It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Daddy fills P in on how to care for our tree.

 It's about time we got some cooler weather! I will just try to push the fact that we wore shorts and t-shirts to get our tree out of my mind and be happy that our heater is now currently running. Tree is up and decorated, the few decorations that I have {according to the husband, I threw a bunch of stuff away last year} are out, and there is a 'project present wrapping' are in the guest room. Just a few pictures and collages to share the joy.

I love the thought of saving our Christmas cards from year to year and displaying in a creative way during the holidays. SO far we just have the one from last year. I have all of our cards from last year on a ring with ribbon. I just love looking back and am ready to fill the bowl with holiday cheer from this year.

A few of my favorite ornaments. Most of the ornaments are pretty simple, but each year we add a few pieces that are unique to our year. For example; the glass heart was from the year we got married, the red poinsettia is an annual ornament from my mom, the red heart was handmade by Spencer's mom, and the little house is what I added this year....since we built a home this year.I also picked up a handful of those cute little burlap ornaments at Target for a buck each....I figured they tied everything together, since I added a bunch of twine to my bow this year.

Topper & Tree Skirt. I like a big bow on the top of my tree! I made a new one this year and no, I can not give you a tutorial because there is no rhyme or reason to my bows. They look different every time, but I really like this one. One of these days, I will make that cute layered burlap tree skirt. The one where you don't have to sew a thing! I just didn't get to it this year so I went with the good old white sheet {looks like snow right?} and cute little tree skirt. We get a real tree every year {tradition} so my hubs has to have easy access to water it. This works well!

I watched a couple you tube videos, scanned pinterest for 30 minutes, read a few informative DIY blogs and whipped up this wreath on a Saturday evening. I mean, really, what else would you do on a Saturday evening? For my first mesh wreath, I am happy with it.

That is how we are getting jolly over here.The UPS man drops off a pacakge just about every day and my stack to wrap is growing. Better get busy this weekend, now that we truly have to play "Santa."

Merry, Merry......

An American Girl Experience

Presley and I spent Saturday evening at the American Girl store celebrating Lila & Sophia's birthdays. GiGi planned a sweet little party in the bistro for the girls and it was nothing short of pink perfection.


The birthday girls each chose a new doll and then the dolls get to join us at the table. Yes, the have highchairs for the dolls. They even serve the dolls little plastic cups and saucers when they bring the drinks. P brought her bitty baby and oh my goodness, she was entertained the whole time by feeding her baby. I think I need one of those little highchairs to take to restaurants in the future. Seriously, she has never been so well behaved at a restaurant-such a little lady!

This store is really over the top and a tad overwhelming. The dolls are in glass cases, there is a doll salon, the carpet is bright pink, you can schedule a personal shopper, and the line to purchase weaves around and around. It is pretty much a little girls dream! We had a blast and I can't wait to take Miss P back to pick out her doll one day. She will stick with her bitty baby until she fully understands that tossing baby her and there is not quite acceptable when baby costs as much as a fabulous pair of boots. 

We had such a great time! I highly recommend this outing to any mommy with a little girl who loves dolls. The girls were in heaven and they said it was "the best day ever!"

The Sippy Review-Part 2

I have spent a ridiculous amount of money on sippy cups. We are the proud owners of 80% of the cups they sell at Babies R Us. You might remember me giving my opinions on some cups back in June. Well, it has been determined that our child is picky.....only when it comes to cups. We are completely on whole milk now, but it is a struggle to get her to drink the recommended daily amount. That is the reason I have purchased so many cups-because we were trying to find that 'perfect' one. They one where she would finish her milk and not get caught squeezing it out onto the floor. {true story}
My sitter has been concerned too and she has told me that she tries many different things to get her to drink milk. A couple weeks ago, she showed me these cups that seemed to be working. So off I go to good ole Wally World to add yet another addition to my precious collection. After searching for these cups, I gasp when I see that they come 4 to a pack for under three bucks. Are you kidding me? My daughter prefers the cheapest cups at the store. Fabulous. If only I hadn't already spend well over $100 on others.

The First Years-Take & Toss. Cup of choice

They even offer a hands free options. No need to stop for milk drinking. Perfect.

These seem to be working well for meal times. They spill easily because there is not a stopper, so that would be my one complaint. However, if she drinks milk, then I am happy.

Happy December

December is finally here! 

See, the reason why I have been so non existent on my blog lately is because I have been getting ready for December. {lame excuse} Honestly, the task of -update blog- has been on every list I have made for two weeks. I just can't find the time in the evenings! I am going to try to get back in the swing this month....I find I am a lot more calm when I write about what is going on in our busy lives. I think it helps me focus on what I DO get done and not what is still waiting to be crossed off the list.

~a week late recap~

We had a lovely Thanksgiving. My family was out of town so we spent the day at Spencer's parents. It was a treat for us to be at one house all day. Usually we make several stops around the city, which can be challenging with a toddler who prefers to play, uninterrupted, all day long. It wasn't until I had a baby that I realized just how blessed we are. She puts everything in perspective for me. It was nice to spend five straight days with the ones I adore.

Such a little turkey herself

The sweet place setting for Miss P complete with toddler size silver. I love family heirlooms.

 

 

We spent the rest of our time off playing with P, decorating the house for Christmas, making gift lists, and just spending time at home. Ahhh-my favorite thing to do lately. I did not go out shopping for Black Friday-because it is a complete waste of time when you can get the same deals online. I prefer free shipping over an hour in line. Thank you very much!

We are decorated over here {sharing pics a little later this week} and ready for December & a month of Christmas music and festivities!

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