sugarplums

Well friends, Christmas is right around the corner!  Payton reminds me daily how far away it is.  It's nice, because I know how much longer I have to get everything ready and wrapped.  We are done shopping, but not wrapping.  I'm pretty sure I am done wrapping.  I think I have wrapped everything that's under the tree.  And, there is a pillow under there.  Has anyone ever wrapped a pillow?  Because, it sucks!  It's soft, not flat, and just rather difficult to make perfect folds!  But all in all, I think we have everything done.  We decided to make our own gift tags this year.  I saw something on pinterest and was like, Let's do this!  So we did, sort of.  It makes it a bit of a longer process, but it's totally worth it because they are super cute.  I haven't been able to get a picture yet, but I will soon!

Over the weekend we didn't really do much.  Both the kiddos had taken ill.  Lucas with a high fever and an automatic drip and Payton with an ear infection and a nasty cough.  However, they seemed to have tons o' energy!  I don't know where they got it, but they were both bouncing off the walls!  It's cute though.  They love to play together and Lucas just laughs and laughs at Payton, and she thinks he is the weirdest thing ever (aside from dad of course).  She always says to Shawn, "Dad, you are the weirdest dad ever!"  Haha...I just laugh because it's true. 

Speaking of Shawn, he is finally done with school!  I am so proud of him!  He is now an MBA Grad.  I can't wait to see what the future holds...ideas are being tossed around, but it's break time for sure.  He has been burning himself out for two years.  I don't know how he has done it.  It's amazing!  Love you sweetie!

Lucas is obsessed with the iphone.  He loves taking and looking at pictures of himself.

My husband knows me so well... I LOVE lilies!!!

Love this man of mine :)

Lucas learning how to play, 'Silent Night' from his dad.

Payton trying so hard not to smile...

The other day I walked up the stairs and this is what I found.  Lucas had pulled  himself up in this chair, grabbed a book, and began to read.

I Couldn't Resist

Have I mentioned that I am a total sucker for marketing?  Well, I am.  Anything that  is cute or seasonal, I am totally head over heels!  While at the grocery store the other day, I came across these little tyrants...

Cute and Festive. 

And, if you notice, there is an Evergreen candle off to the side.  Bath and Body Works is a killer when it comes to seasonal smelly goodness.  I love it when they have a nice big sale on their candles and soaps!  I must say, everyone should always invest in the lovely fragrances of the earth.

All things Bright & Beautiful

Hello!  We had a fabulous weekend!  December has started which means, party time!  We had our first one with Shawn's side of the family.  Potato bar and a white elephant game.  It was actually pretty fun!  There was one unhappy 7 year old.  She kept getting things she did not want.  We still aren't sure what she wanted, but talked about if we play the game again, we should separate the kids gifts. 

Yesterday we decided it was time to decorate for Christmas!  Bring on the Nutcrackers!  We have a collection (from Shawn's grandma).  Payton loves to arrange and play with them, so that is what she did most of the time.  Shawn serenaded us with Silent Night on the harmonica, Lucas helped (take off) the ornaments.  Sadly, I did not photograph any of it...

A few months ago my real camera broke.  I dropped it in the sand a couple of times, and sand is a killer for cameras!  It worked for a while, but one day I tried to zoom in on Payton and Lucas playing, but the camera had a freak out and just stopped working.  I asked my father-in-law to fix it, and he broke it even more.  So I am out a camera for the Holiday's.  It makes me rather sad.  I am hoping to maybe get a new one?  Santa?  I'm sure if you look at my recent photos, you notice that they are all from instagram...

I tried to get him to look...he is way more interested in the tree.

Late night/after the after party shot.

Love Birds :)

He is still my beautiful 'gap' baby. 

P.S.  I made these really delicious Soft Almond Sugar Cookies.  Try them...they are moist and delicious!