This is the family photo I would have put on our Christmas cards had I gotten them done in time. We went to Florida with Andy's family from the 16th to the 25th. Trying to get everything ready for Christmas before we left was enough to just about put me over the edge :).  Florida was fun. We are really missing the sunshine, but so glad to be home. Traveling on Christmas day made me really homesick. The kids left Santa a note asking him to come a day late. So we had Christmas this morning. I love this time of year when we can reflect on the real reason for this holiday season, our Savior Jesus Christ. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!!!

photo by Jodi Tolman. Edited by me

And a few Drewisms I don't want to forget

* On the way to the airport Drew asks "Mom, there are like a Bzillion kids in the world, right?" I said yes and then he thinks for a moment and says "Santa must NEVER get a potty break!" hahahahaha. I swear his brain never stops thinking!

* We were getting Chicken nuggets at the McDonald's in WalMart and I told Drew that we couldn't get happy meals this time. He was sad because he really wanted the toy. He then says "Maybe I should be really nice. Sometimes people give you stuff when you are nice." (I don't know where he came up with that). I started placing our order and he looks at the cashier and says "You guys are all really good cookers back there" and then he smiles real big. I started laughing so hard. I love that he tried to think of the best compliment he could, hoping to get a free toy! Unfortunately the guy at the register did not even crack a smile.

Christmas Goodness

The other day I came home from the grocery store and saw a big box on the front porch. I didn't think that my Andy or I had ordered anything, so I was curious to see what it was. I took the kids into the house and then opened the front door to take a gander. On top of the box was an adorable Matilda Jane sticker. I freaked out. A matilda jane package on MY doorstep??? (I have been in love with Matilda Jane ever since my sister introduced my to them a few years ago). What could it be??? I started to get little butterflies of excitement in my stomach. I don't think I have ever ripped open a package that fast before in my life. In the box I found this cute little note...

 My sister's adorable girls were picked to be in the next MJC spring catalog and my sister was going to buy my girls a little something with the gift card they received. I thought that maybe the package was from her. I started taking the carefully wrapped clothes out of the box. every piece was more adorable than the next. the goodness just kept coming and coming and coming. I laughed. I cried. I may have screamed and jumped up and down a little too. I could not believe it. I called my sister to see where all of it came from. She too laughed, screamed, cried, and jumped up and down. Every year Denise (owner of MJC) asks people to submit someone who they feel is deserving of a some MJC LOVE. My sister entered me. Denise receives thousands of emails and she picked little ol' me to receive of the MJC goodness. I feel SO loved!! and grateful!!! Denise you are truly amazing! I  can not thank you enough!! I am more than elated! My husband who is a man of few words when it comes to girls' clothes even said "WOW!".  :) Three days later and I am still smiling.

Livi's Loot

Avery's loot

Avery wasn't in much of a picture taking mood, so don't let her fake smile fool you. She has LOVED wearing her new clothes!

If you haven't checked out Matilda Jane clothing before, YOU MUST. The clothes are to die for cute and the quality is beyond amazing. We Love MJC!!! Thank you for putting a smile on my face!

On another note, Is there a cuter, funnier, more lovable boy on the face of the earth??? I think not!

Drew found Andy's ski goggles and wore them the ENTIRE day. To the store and all. I think he looked pretty cute :) Oh, and don't forget the princess stickers on his forehead. that a boy! :)

A Spring Fling in December

 I am in total denial that Avery is turning 6 tomorrow! She wanted a Rainbow, butterfly, flower party this year. I tried to convince her to do one or the other, but she wanted them all! The birthday girl got her wish!

I designed the invite with some freebies from Lettering Delights. love that site.

For the decorations I replicated the invite on a big wall in the family room. Almost everything I used was from the dollar store. Avery and her friend Remi helped me make the rainbow out of tissue paper and then I cut everything else out of scrapbook paper and taped it onto the blue table cloths. It is really bright and happy, perfect for a Spring Fling!

sorry my crappy point and shoot picture doesn't do it justice

I also order butterfly wings for all of the girls from haloheaven. another great site you should check out. They are really cheap! this is the only picture I have showing some of the girls and the wings

And last but not least, a rainbow cake topped with a cute little bunting. The kids LOVED it. 

Livi snuck into the corner to play chubby bunny with some leftover marshmallows :)

Super fun!! I only wish I had more pictures. Can someone tell me how to run a party AND photograph the event? How do people do it? I'm lucky I got what I did! :)

Happy Birthday Sugar Booger!!! we Love you!

I blinked

I blinked and November was over. Why do I feel like my life is speeding by? Please slow down. I want to savor my sweet little kids. They are growing up too too fast.

I have been a terrible picture taker this last month (mostly because the thought of keeping up with all the editing is so daunting). So, the november recap will be quick :)

Drew's Preschool pictures. Isn't he a handsome little dude?

After I got my wisdom teeth out (so NOT fun) my face was really swollen and I didn't feel like doing much. But, I did manage to do a few Thanksgiving crafts while hiding out in my house for a week. I jumped on the crafting bandwagon and made a coffee filter wreath and a give thanks banner out of an old book and doilies(it was supposed to be for the fireplace mantel, but I made it too big). 

Super fun and easy!

Drew being Drew☺

Simple Sweet Moments...Siblings sharing an Apple Cider slushy at the apple orchard

and the most exciting news of all. drum roll please...

Avery lost her first tooth!!! She has been wiggling them since april and finally pulled one out. She was so excited! Andy and I both cried. Sounds silly I know, but I felt like a piece of her "little girl-ness" came out with it. She needs to stop growing up so fast!

That's all for now folks. I told you I was bad. Hopefully December will be a better month.