Fabulous Giveaway for Scrap paper Addicts

You must check out this giveaway @ Lainey's Altered Ego. She is giving away a fun pack of goodies for those of us who love to play with paper and embellies. Good luck on wining it, but I hope I do.

Visiting with Santa

We had a ward Christmas party tonight (can you say free meal? though not as good as past years), and of course after all the spiritual stuff (which was good for my soul at least) Santa came to visit. I like that they do this because then I can get picts with Santa without having to take my kids to the dreaded mall.

First, baby dd did fabulous! Most other kids around her age were crying, throwing fits, or just not willing to even get close. I think it helped that she was a little bit tired. Youngest ds...well I'm not so sure he believes anymore, which is kind of sad, but he was more than willing to hop on, tell Santa he wanted a laptop and receive his candy bag (which turned out to be only peanuts-they ran out of the good stuff).

I wasn't too shocked to discover my teens wanted in on the action. Middle ds played the part and asked for something (I can't remember), but older dd (back row on right) and her friends just wanted the photo op. I believe there is a part of them that just isn't willing to totally give up on Santa yet, and I'm good with that.

Then came the funny hubbys. This is my hubby on the right and his best bud on the left.

When these two get together, there is usually some kind of silly nonsense going down.

They both acted like little boys...telling Santa everything they wanted for Christmas.

Too bad they asked for such big boy toys, I know Santa can't afford those! LOL

We, the wives can't help it, we love these goofballs.

Christmas Tree Hunting

Ok, we went last weekend, but I forgot to get the photos up. Here is a sampling of our trip into the wilds of the Idaho City area of Idaho. We went with some good friends and were very grateful it wasn't icky weather.

Baby girl and I hung out in the truck.

Both of our trees loaded.

Our tree ... at home ... at last.

I wasn't sure how to get the best picture of it lit (I used my fireworks setting), if any of you have any better suggestions, please leave me a comment - THANK YOU!

Husband disgruntled because wife found new hobby to spend money on!

After a lesson with a good friend yesterday, and her generosity of letting me use her stuff...I made this bracelet for my youngest dd last night. I had to sneak in her room to measure her wrist, thankfully she didn't wake up, and then I got to work looking at possible combinations. So many possibilities! I like the final product with it's lavender and silver hues. I tried it on her today and it fit nicely...best of all she seemed to love it. She kept staring at it and gently touching it...it was so cute to watch.

Yes I wouldn't normally get an 11 month old jewelry, but she isn't receiving it until her first birthday and even if she doesn't wear it much, it will be a nice reminder of how little she was when she is older. Alright, alright! I'll admit it...it was more for me than her....I still love it.

I was going to make one for my older dd but nothing quite spoke to me. She is getting harder and harder to make things for (getting too picky). I gave up on her and now that I know what I'm doing, I'm thinking of making myself some matching earrings and a necklace. Thanks Dub for all your generous help...now I'm hooked on making jewelry! My hubby rolled his eyes at the thought of me getting a new hobby, he thinks I have too many already.

"Recycled" Gift

I was getting ready to recycle these containers, but when the label was off, all I saw was snowmen. I used black buttons for the eyes and since I didn't have any carrot noses on hand (and no money to go buy any) I searched and searched and found these tiny leaves that work just fine. I love how they came together and I'm sure my son's teacher, bus driver, and bus monitor will enjoy them...and the treats inside!

11 Months Old....christmassy

I love this outfit, but let me tell you...it is an 18 month size and I had to squeeze her into it! I'm a little sad she can't wear it for Christmas...she is so cute in it.

11 Months Old...(part one)

Here she was this morning...this was actually the second photo shoot, in an adorable outfit from "Bob". I love the "laughing" pict and the close up.

10 Months Old...

I can't believe I forgot to put these up...here she is...in her jammies.....10 months old and she would NOT hold still for anything. She is becoming such a character.

Halloween

We had a lot of fun. For the first time ever, I even dressed up. I forgot to have someone take a picture though. Our church did a trunk-or-treat and even though there were tons of kids, there was way more than enough candy for each child...in fact many of them made the rounds more than a couple of times. Below is what our trunk had in it, except I have no idea why the giant spider isn't there. I named him Fred and anyone 12 and over that wanted candy had to kiss him (Fred the giant hairy spider) in order to get any. I was really suprised how many wouldn't do it.

WIG FUN...

We just couldn't help ourselves...when we opened the box of costumes to see what was there, we felt we had no choice but to have some fun.

Steve didn't seem to mind too much...he was a good sport.

No matter what she wears...she is still too cute!

Call the Fire Department!

This is my birthday cake from last night (my birthday is officially today). Can you tell a man put the candles on? There are the right number, they are just clumped to form a towering inferno. It made me feel much older than I really am. LOL Ok, it really makes me laugh more than anything...I just had to have a picture! LOL

Another One Bites The Dust!

Just a couple of months ago, we had three of them. Our most recently acquired one, kicked the bucket about 1 month ago and this evening, the one we have had since Aug. 1990, died. Now we are down to one lonely, tiny one that is too old to hook anything "extra" up to. How will we survive? In this day and age, it may be a matter of addiction counseling to get over the loss. Things will not be "normal" around here for a long time, 'cause it is just too pricey to buy a new one anytime soon.

I miss my TV that worked with my VCR and DVD players.

9 months old...

I just can't get over how much she has grown up. 4 teeth with more on the way, constantly babbling dah-dah-bah-dah, and she is starting to test out getting on her knees. If everyone would quit holding her, I'm sure she would be crawling by now. We can't help it, we love to snuggle her.

She is looking older and older everyday. Time is just flying by...I hope I can truly cherish every moment I have with her. It is so different this time around, knowing she is the last. I really don't want her to grow up so fast. I'm really enjoying being her mom and seeing the world through her eyes.

(Beautiful dress given to us by a very good friend...I just LOVE it!)