Merry Christmas, Everyone...

We had a wonderful whilrwind Christmas as usual. Full of wonderful family and friends and the kids couldn't have experienced anything more magical than Christmas morning. I was in heaven watching them really enjoy the gift of giving and the miracle of Jesus's birth. Many Blessings to you and yours!!















Aiden rocking out to the musical "dog in a box" toy Nana got for Desi, hilarious. I especially love the wild hair...





Jillian has been in love with this unicorn music box forever. This Christmas, Nana lovingly wrapped it up and gave it to her. Such a special, memorable, priceless treasure. I love this little girl...

another year wiser

I have to say my birthday this year was a blur, I don't think I sat down much at all that day, hence, I looked like I'd found myself in the center of a tornado, but it was a lovely day, none-the-less.
The best-est parts of the day were: Coffee and visit with my girls in the am, lunch with Apee and Sebs, my Mom, Mark, and Nana coming over. My mom made the yummiest fruit tart for the occassion and my hubby, well he surprised me with the perfect gift I never expected. PLUS I got to watch my baby at her performance. So I'll take looking a little scuffled anyday...



Can't go wrong with a Starbucks Gift Card --wink wink--



What'd I tell ya about the tart and isn't that paper gorgeous, I saved it (I sort pf have a "thing" for gift wrap as my mother well knows, probably get it from her... However, her homemade bow is to die for, really)



Me and my Bestie...



Something about this pic I just love, prob Jilly's genuine smile... She's just so beautiful to me...



Can't forget the boys, and did I mention my sweet daddio got me a bread maker? Well, he did, and its fabulous!



**Thanks for the best Birthday ever FAMILY!!

Jilly's First Christmas Program

My girl, ever so shy... At least she sang, sorta, even if she attempted to hide her mouth in the very cowl neck she was complaining about earlier in the evening. She was adorable, and was so stinkin proud of herself I didn't say a word =) I was sort of annoyed she didn't get to be by her fav friends, but whatever, that's grade school
for you. It was the BEST birthday gift EVER =)

Pre-program, have I mentioned this girl is very anti-photo these days?



She and Spence perplexed as to where to sit as both am and pm classes were there:



Settled and coloring Christmas ornaments





The Crew:







Can't forget the little man, who is quickly outgrowing his baby-boyishness. Where does the time go...



Jilly's congrats gift from Gram, a hairless pony, we still have no idea what happened to her hair? Weird?



Me and My Girl...

decked...or so they say

I've collected some new favorites and retired some oldies, but goodies. In decorating this year I realize I've had to simplify, or just buy more furniture to support my christmas decoration collection. Here are a few of my treasures that made decorating the day after Turkey Day a must!

The Before:



The After:

christmas tree farming

We picked up the tree, probably the hugest to date, for a whopping $10. We will miss this fun farm next year as the family is moving, but we couldn't have picked a more beautiful day to shop for a tree.

Our tree in the raw...


Can you even believe this view? I'm watching Twilight while I post this and its just magical with the music and these memories. There is nothing like the Willamette Valley..