Wednesday, December 28, 2011

A Christmas Tradition

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is taking the kids to the Purdue Memorial Union to see the Christmas tree and gingerbread house. Nothing smells like Christmas more than a giant, fresh tree and a life-sized gingerbread house. Jaclyn and I got to go twice this year. We took our annual trip with my besties Jen and Erin with all of our little besties, Jaclyn, Ali, and Andrew. Then a few days later Jeremy and I headed over with the kids. Such fun!
The view from the upstairs balcony of the tree.



Me and my girl on our first trip to the tree.

I can't believe Jman is almost too tall for the gingerbread house window!

They thought it would be fun to sit on the presents this year.

3 of my favorite people in this world!


In front of the gingerbread house with the amazing sugar swirled windows!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

It's Beginning to Look Alot Like (Less) Christmas

We have decked our halls. Well, as much as we are going to this year. This year we are scaling back on the the crazy decorating, scaling back on the crazy shopping, scaling back on the crazy scheduling and trying to put a focus on what Christmas is really about- Christ. The Children's Department at our church has been doing the Advent Conspiracy campaign. Which essentially is Spending Less to Give More. I am loving this idea.
So this year we are doing most of our favorite holiday things, but remembering what the season is all about. It is a year of making handmade gifts, and cutting out some of the excess. We are still buying gifts but being more mindful of what we purchase ( I know Dave Ramsey would be proud- Ha!)
We have decorated the tree...
Put out the nativity set-- this is one of my most favorite things. It was my moms, and sure the faces are getting chipped and the donkey is missing an ear, but I love the nostalgia of it.
And decorated the table... This year I tried something a little different with the table. We had a Ladies Ornament Exchange at church and they decorated with mason jars filled with Epsom's salt and candles. So simple! So I came home and pulled out the Epsom's salt we had and put it in these cute cups with an ornament and a tulle bow. I love the snowy feel of it.

This little guy was my prize at the Ornament Exchange. Isn't he adorable! He makes me smile every time I look at him. I actually didn't win him, but one of my bestest friends did. Erin knew how much I adored "Timmy" and let me take him home. =)
Can't wait to share some of our favorite Christmas traditions like going the Purdue Memorial Union to see the giant Christmas Tree and gingerbread house!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

May your Holidays be Merry & Bright

It's that time of year again. Time to take the Christmas card pictures, put up the tree, untangle the lights, sing carols at the top of our lungs, drink lots of hot chocolate and hopefully get to make some snow angels before too long.
I LOVE CHRISTMAS!






Even Lily and Cinder have gotten into the Christmas spirit this year. =)



And my wonderful hubby just celebrated his birthday. I am so thankful to have such a funny and loving man who is such a fantastic father in my life.
The shirt I am wearing was a little part of his gift this year. =o)
Posted by Picasa

Fall Programs

Both kids participated in Fall Programs over the last couple weeks. The 2nd graders at Cumberland put on "Fall Into the Thanksgiving Season". They did a fantastic job. Jaeden was a Sweet Potato and had his first speaking lines! He did an amazing job.



Grandma Nana and Papaw were able to make it up to see Jaeden's play as well. =)
Jaclyn's preschool held their Thanksgiving program as well. It was filled with adorable little Pilgrims and Indians.
My favorite little Indian had to be Flower Power. =)


Posted by Picasa

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Fall, Beautiful Fall!

The older I get, the more I love Fall. I love the crunch of the leaves under my feet as I walk, the smells, the crispness in the air and the explosion of color all around me.
Here are a few of my favorite photos this season.
( More to come, I promise.)

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Halloween 2010

We had a great Halloween this year. We started with Trunk or Treat on Wednesday, then carved pumpkins, and yesterday hit the trick or treat trail.
It's not really pumpkin carving until you have to get out a saber saw. =) We had a great time scooping out our pumpkins while letting Jeremy put the finishing touches on them.


Jaclyn was a mermaid this year. She just so happened to get a mermaid doll for her birthday. She has a new best friend in, Evelyn.
Jaeden is so into Star Wars so this year it just made since to be a Jedi. Every one kept asking if he was Obi Wan and he would just reply " no, I'm just a Jedi.". Love him!
Happy Fall!!