can you hear those sleighbells ringing?

We left Santa a slice of our traditional, red velvet birthday cake for Jesus.




Some people couldn't wait until morning!

the best gift of all

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever.

Isaiah 9 : 2, 6-7

a very merry Christmas to you

cookie monster

2 packages organic sugar cookie dough +

4 cups powdered sugar +

4 colors of food coloring +

5 shakers of Christmas sprinkles +

=

One super hyped-up 5 year old

A big sticky mess

several dozen very colorful cookies for Santa

Here's a shot of Auntie and the very proud baker.

ocho, ocho, ocho - ocho, ocho, zero, ocho

Thanks Colleen for the tag!

8 shows I watch:
The Real Housewives (all of them)
The Office
Big Love (Jan. 18, ya'll)
Kath & Kim (one of my new faves)
Made, True Life, The Hills (like, because I, like, think I'm, like a teenager)
Jon & Kate Plus 8

8 Favorite Restaurants
I can't think of 8 places I like to eat. Pretty much any place where they refill your drinks and wash the dishes.

8 things that happened today:
I slept in. Love it when J can stay home.
Checked email
Took a shower.
Went to exercise.
Sat in traffic foreva ya'll
Went to Target (I'm totally brave)
Went to World Market
Both of my SILs came to visit

8 things I look forward too:
Spending time alone with J.
Snuggling with Brooke
Spending time with my friends
Getting to exercise (alone)
Picking Paige up from school
Justin coming home
Going on vacation
Having a clean house

8 things I wish for:
A long and happy marriage.
A deeper faith in the Lord.
Healthy children who outlive me.
To know my true purpose.
To be a better photographer.
Feeling fulfilled and successful.
Beating the odds.
Wellness and Energy

8 people I tag:

Unfortunately i don't think 8 people read my blog.

and the stockings were hung...

it's a far cry from "o, come all ye faithful"

The theme for this year's Christmas program was a '50's rock and roll Christmas.



The Pre-K/Kinder class sang Rockin at the North Pole.

Paige was a total Christmas ham. See how the other kids finished the song? See how Paige did it?



All the other kids gave a single obligatory bow. Not our Paigie! She keep curtsying until the applause stopped!



And not to be outdone, Brooke insisted on dancing in the aisles!!

because your house smells funny, that's why

I made these cute little Christmas potpourri bags for some friends recently and thought I'd share the recipe with you in case you need a last minute hostess/teacher/mailman/asst. to the regional manager gift.



I wrapped these in squares of cellophane (approx. 20"x30"). Inside, I put:

1 small green apple
1 small red apple
1 small orange
10 whole cloves
3 star anise
a chunk of fresh ginger
3 small sticks of cinnamon

You can buy all of these in bulk and save a ton of money. Each bag cost me about a dollar.

I also added these instructions:


Then I just wrapped it all up and tied with a ribbon!

I have some on the stove right now and it smells SOOOOOO GOOOOD!!!!

santa, south texas style

Santa visited Paige's school today...via helecopter. Apparently, according to Santa (who bears an interesting resemblance to our HS football coach), the reindeer were home resting.



Paige drew Santa a picture of a gingerbread house. Here's a pic of him holding it.



Paige said she asked Santa for a video game, a new radio (hers no longer plays cds), and princess dcc's (dvds).

oh my this is funny!

Santa, don't forget the Grinch. I know he's mean and hairy and smelly, and his hands are cold and clammy, but I think he's kinda... sweet.

Cindy Lou Who doesn't have anything on our little elf!





I found a fabulous lady on etsy that makes these appliques. Those plus a WM tee, iron, some old jeans and a little fabric equals a pretty cute outfit if I do say so myself!