Slumber Party Under the Tree

Decorated the girls' first real tree.

Little Caesar's Pizza.

Eleanor Jo, A Christmas to Remember read by the fire.

Two of us slept.

One of us read.

The other one liked her bed better.:)

It was a lot of fun and everyone enjoyed it in their own way.

As I anticipated, the real tree is my favorite.

Silver, gold, and nature are magical together.

Decorating the tree is like opening packages of memories.

Delightful.

Below is the pin that sweet Jenny made for me.  The color is perfection and the birdie is so me!  Love it, Jenny. 

Seeing my girls grow up through pictures is bittersweet.

My heart aches at the changes but thrills for what God has in store for them.

This little birdie was broken and left on the shelf at Hobby Lobby.  I took her home, gave her a mini make-over and a second chance.  I do believe she is happier now.:)

This ornament is from my precious friend, Alicia.  Classic with a touch of bling, that's her!  She always remembers the true reason for the season.

My English sister, Lindsay, made this for me and I treasure it.  Just arrived yesterday.  The other ornament is from her trip to Disney and it's so me!  Love the berries and color.  Yep, she's my sister!  

Sweet, sweet Joy.  She created this little bird house for me and almost set her house on fire!  I LOVE it.  And I love that she really wanted to keep it for herself because she loved it, too.:)  The "ugly" green (as she calls it) is gorgeous and I can't get over the polka dots and fluffy trim!

This is my little Katie wearing the Elmo outfit I had made for her.  It was precious and people stopped us all the time to ask where they could get one.  Those days are over but I haven't forgotten.  Sweetness.

This ornament arrived in my mail this week from Sheri!  Such a fun surprise, dear friend, and it smells amazing!  Bath and Body Works on my tree!

I remember making this necklace with Mandy.  I remember the halter dress from Kelly's Kids, too.  Oh, my sweet girl, how I love you and the precious way you painted this treasure.

Katie in her Madeline overalls, Mandy with her Disney pins and memories with Auntie Amy.  My amazing sister lives in Switzerland.  Too far for us to watch the Twilight movies together.:(  Movie marathon, crafting and snacks needs to happen very, very soon.  I won't watch the last movie without you.;)

This darling ornament is from my parents.  I'm always the last person done opening presents and they embrace that.:)  Christmas and birthdays only happen once a year and I think the moments need to be savored.  Do you take your time or rip through your gifts?

This little cottage is from my English sister, Lindsay.  I have memories of her all over my home.  Reminds me so much of the movie, The Holiday.  One of my favorites, this cottage and the movie.  We're going to see cottages together one day.:)

Katie on our trip to Williamsburg, VA.  It was so hot but it curled her hair beautifully.  The hydrangeas were in full bloom.  She was wearing a Colonial dress with a pink sash.  Such a dear memory.

Mandy's birthday mystery party!  She was a movie star and it was a blast!  (The chef did it!)  Another lovely gift from Lindsay.  A stone with the Union Jack on it.  Delicate birdie made by Jes.  I have these tweeties all over my home.  Wish you still made them, Cutie.;)

This birdie stays up all your round.  LOVE her.  Elise, I think of you each and every day.:)

Another unique creation from Joy.  One of my favorites!  It's made from a cheese dome!  Birds of a feather flock together... indeed.  And I'm so blessed for that!  All year a bird's nest is the focal point but for Christmas we decided to jazz it up a bit. ;) 

Books are the ultimate decoration!  For the holidays, I'm going to venture into the classics a bit.  If I can just find a bit of time tucked into my stocking.;)  Thank you so much, Robin, for the book.  You are the best big sister and I'm so glad you found me.:)

On my mantle, year round, is the absolutely gorgeous platter from my precious friend, Heather.  It's beyond beautiful and I don't think a crumb will ever touch it!  I think of you every single day, Sweets.  If not more.;)

Our slumber party was such a success that I think it will become a new tradition.  I'll be looking forward to next years!  Perhaps you'll try it at your home, too.

Christmas Music and Twinkle Lights

I'm beyond exhausted.

Today, while I driving my girls to classes, I took a bite of my lunch and panicked.

I couldn't swallow. 

I was doing too much, too fast.

Not good.

I want to simplify.

But, I don't want to let anyone down.

I want to make the magic.

Without losing my mind in the process.

Thanks goodness, the little one (below) likes to makes treats (above).:)

Our house smells fabulous even if it isn't perfect.

This (above) is last night's magical creation.  

Daddy is awesome but the vision was all Katie.

(Psst...  I would love some in our room.)

:)

Michael Buble, Josh Groban, Justin Bieber and Amy Grant have been serenading us.

Christmas music and twinkle lights make me feel like anything is possible.

We are putting up 3 trees this year.  The one above is our "girly" tree with dolls, sparkle and such.

The one downstairs is colorful with more of a handmade /country look.

Most of these beauties are being saved for our last tree.  A "real" one this year!  It will be silver, gold and white with white twinkle lights.  I anticipate that it will be my favorite.

I'm off to finish some gifts.  Are you crafting any gifts this year?

(Not) Full of Grace

I learned a bit about myself over Thanksgiving.

1. I'm crabby. more often than needed.

2. I'm not (often) full of grace.

3. I worry. a lot.

Thankfully, I have family members that shine brightly even when I'm unable.

Beauty and love surrounded us.

I was lifted above the peace that was just not attainable.

I've never been prouder of my girls.

My husband was a rock of support.

My parents were absolutely full of grace.

The smiles you see here are very real as most chose to rise above the situation.

Some even got silly and this lightened the mood.

We told the nuts below to "act normal".

Priceless.:)

How do you deal with conflict?

How do you handle a wrong that needs to be righted?

Please don't get me wrong, precious memories were made and the sun did shine, in more ways than one.

Where do you draw the line between slapping a smile on your face and stepping in to right a wrong?

grace.

Are you full of it?

For Thanksgiving I was most thankful for the love that surrounds me.  

Every day.

Even when I'm a Crabby Appleton.:)

When all was said and done, I truly remember the good times.

The real smiles.

The good feelings.

I have to learn to let go of moments that are out of my control.

Sometimes it's just so hard.

This holiday season is going to lovely.

We put up our trees last night.

3 this year!

Even a real one, which is a first for the girls.

I'm excited.

Moments are fleeting.

How blessed we are to be there for each and every one of them.

Good and not so good.

Sometimes things go perfectly.

Other times we have to try...

a little...

harder.:)

On my Christmas wish list this year I have...

1. patience

2. grace

3. peace

Santa isn't going to bring that to me but I know that God surely can.

Love you all.

Thanks for being there to support me, inspire me and pray for me.

How was your Thanksgiving?

Was it a small intimate gathering or bustling with children and activity?

I've always wished for cousins for my girls.

It's just the two of them.

Good thing their grandparents make fabulous playmates.:)

And so does their Dad.

Below, both girls have water guns.

See their Dad's chair?

Exactly.:)

Are you ready for Christmas?

I'm not even close.

And I think it's time for my nap.