Snowflakes for Sandy Hook

On December 14, 11 days before Christmas - there was another unimaginable tragedy - a school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary.  20 children, 6 adults, and the shooter's mother were all killed.  Horrific.  Anywho, let's not get bogged down in the sadness.  I heard on the news that the CT PTSA asked for paper snowflakes to decorate the new school as a winter wonderland.  That is such a fun and easy thing to bring smiles to children's faces and can warm your heart!  So the next day, the last day of work before break, I gathered the few coworkers who were around and we all made snowflakes!  I sent them yesterday, and I truly hope they will be mesmerized by a winter wonderland :)

<3

I will continue to pray for all of those affected - from the victims' families to the first responders, I know from personal experience this is a life-long struggle.  The only thing we can do is continue to make a difference. 

Christmas Crafts

I did lots of crafting for Christmas this year because a) I think it's more personal and b) I can make exactly what I have in mind and c) it's generally cheaper (hey, it's a bad economy!).  Here are some of the things I have worked on :)

Abby's First Christmas ornament

The other half

Ellen is the daughter of a sweet friend of mine - she had the same ornament except initials instead of a tree!

The Fails Family - family tree - I just love this

The Staley Family - family tree - HUGE hit!

Nativity ornament

Nativity ornament - other side

I also made Daniel's mom a wine bottle with Christmas lights, I just need to get a picture of that to show you :)

Merry Christmas!

We had an absolutely amazing Christmas!  We spent the weekend finishing up gifts, napped a lot, and just hung out.  Pretty low key :)
Christmas Adam (yep, remember Adam came before Eve!) is our "engagement anniversary".  That's right - Daniel dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him.  The day we were engaged, Daniel had made dinner reservations at Bonefish Grill - neither of us had been there, but it was the most delicious & enjoyable meal ever.  Each year since, we have gone back to have a Christmas date on Christmas Adam!  This year was no exception - we had a fabulous meal and found an awesome neighborhood nearby with awesome lights!  We'll have to remember to go back!

first time making Dog Food - addicting!

Annabeth & Ashley came over to decorate a gingerbread house.  Well, Annabeth was the main decorator ;)

I know the picture doesn't do this justice, but these lights were incredible!  The trees were FILLED with lights!  Amazing

I baked an awesome Christmas Eve breakfast - Cinnamon Roll Casserole - to die for!  What is it, you ask?  Basically it's just cinnamon rolls baked in a big casserole with icing on top!  We went to church with Daniel's family, went to my parent's for dinner & gifts with my Granma.  Busy, but fun!  So glad we get to spend time with my Granma :)

Reindeer cookies - soooo cute and super easy!

Daniel woke up bright and early on Christmas day - he said he was just too excited about giving me my gifts, haha!  He was amazing and gave me fun gifts, but the biggest surprise was not one, but four Coach items!  We went to his parent's house and I had another surprise (with help from Robin) - $100 to go shopping!  He says he doesn't trust himself to buy me clothes, so he's sending me shopping to pick out exactly what I want - how sweet!  After that, we went to his grandparent's for lunch and lots of laughs.  When we were finished there, we continued our journey to my parent's for gifts and dinner.  I had another surprise there - a new Dyson vaccuum!  Isn't he incredible?  He went waaaay over budget, and told me it was because I deserve it.  How did I pick such an amazing person?  I am so in love with him, and though I'm happy to just be with him, he made my Christmas extra-extra-special.  His thoughtfulness is just too much, and I am so very appreciative of him!
It was also so much fun to be around Abby for her very first Christmas!  Although she cannot unwrap gifts and has no clue what's going on, we love to spend time with her and love her giggles!

I hope everyone had a great day filled with fun, family, and memories!

...I forgot the thing I need to upload pics, so I'll add more tomorrow!

....and I'm back - here are some pics!

Abby Cadabby shoes!

Abby in her new red wagon

Pretty momma and abby

Happy girl!

love, love, love my husband!

December update

A few weeks went by and I didn't update because, well, we are boring and there wasn't much to update - then BAM! lots of fun stuff happening!  So here's the skinny:

Our dear Wanda Bear turned FIFTY on December 18th (Happy Birthday Sweet Wanda!) - but in preparation for the big day, Robin has been planning a surprise party all year!  We planned for months and partied on December 1st.  I am SO glad to say that she was suprised!  If you don't know Wanda, let me fill you in - she knows everything that is going on.  It is near-impossible to get anything past her.  Well, Robin did the impossible and pulled off the surprise!  What a fun, fun evening celebrating a pretty fantastic lady!  I don't have many pictures, so here is all i have-



Annabeth helping to ice lots and lots of mini cupcakes and brownie bites




Robin making the country club BEAUITFUL with pom poms!

Fifty & Fabulous cake

Cute mini cupcakes with pom-pom toppers

Dessert table set-up

The next weekend was my birthday :)  I took Friday off for a long weekend, and admist a pending sinus infection, we ran lots of christmas errands, made Christmas crafts (can't wait to show you!), and wrapped Christmas gifts!  Even better - we were treated with a special visit from Abby, and we were able to watch her for the afternoon :)

Abby loved the Rudolphs on the back of my socks

Sweet thing

Watching Home Alone

Oh - and to top it off - my BEST FRIEND GOT ENGAGED!!!  That's right - Ben & Robin are officially tying the knot!  I couldn't be more excited for two incredible people.  I am looking forward to the fun year to come!  xoxo

BEAUTIFUL!

My grandma gave me extra pieces to my Elfa organizer from The Container Store - woo hoo!  We all know that storage space is a hot commodity around our house, so I have to make space where I can.  I love it!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the new organizers!

Speaking of birthday gifts - you know, there isn't a whole lot of "stuff" I need/want.  And, quite frankly, I don't want for someone to give me a gift just for the sake of giving a gift.  So, I asked my dear husband for a trip away in lieu of a gift.  We found a great Living Social deal for a resort in VA Beach.  For $80, we got a suite and a $25 spa credit.  The resort had wonderful reviews, so we went for it!  We went last weekend, on Friday, and I am so glad we did.  We arrived to the beautiful resort, and walked into our room which had the fireplace going for us!  How neat is that.  I used my spa credit for the Chocolate Peppermint Pedi, which was oh-so relaxing, while drinking a Starbucks treat.  We enjoyed a delicious dinner on the beach, and drove on the Boardwalk to see their Christmas lights!  The resort is beautifully decorated - we walked around and enjoyed their outdoor firepits.  On our way back on Saturday, we stopped by the outlets which was a madhouse, and all-in-all had an incredible time!  Much needed romantic getaway!

Daniel & Myself in front of the beautifully decorated fireplace

YUM!  Best ever bloody mary

crab - perfect for the beach!

Santa surfing

my handsome husband hanging out near the fire pit

isn't this place gorgeous?

xoxo

And THIS is what I got to wake up to!  how relaxing!