I love the wonder. And... a giveaway.

We are counting down the days to Christmas with books this year. The kids take turns opening a book to read each night. To prevent arguments amongst my lovely children over who gets to open the book, I used three different wrapping papers... one for each kid. We just finished reading tonight's book about Christmas carols... we sang and sang... and my kids shushed me.

Dear Santa... For Christmas, I would like to be able to sing. Love, Bethany

I bought 20 kids' Christmas books at our local used book store for $21... a used book store is a must for this project. The other four books... well, three of them are actually videos... one for each kid... and the fourth book is 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, which came from our collection.



I'm just patting myself on the back for actually being on the ball this year and having a countdown to Christmas. I made a pact with myself to get things done early this year... so far, so good. Our holiday decor has settled in for the winter.



And my cards are sent. Booya.



I love the wonder and beauty of the holidays. It gives me the warm fuzzies.



We spent this past weekend soaking up the beginning of the holiday season.

We worked on our gingerbread sleigh. Mason decided he should take off his shirt and anything that Mason does... Payton follows. Not sure when my kids became so concerned with getting themselves dirty but... there ya have it. Ha.

Payton really enjoyed the frosting. Literally. She preferred to eat it, rather than give to her reindeer. "Mmmmm," she kept saying.



We did crafts at our community holiday extravaganza.



We cozied up on a horse drawn hay ride... hooves clacking, bells jingling and sporadic singing of Christmas carols.



And the kids got to see the jolly guy in the red suit.



We hit the local holiday parade... one of my favorite traditions.






And Rex is back. This year, he is up to no good. Mason was less than thrilled when we discussed the fact that Rex may be coming back... but now, he can't wait to get up in the morning to see what Rex is up to.



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Time for a giveaway... and there are more to come. Just a few of my favorite things. ♥

I lurve hats on my babies. Nothing warms a momma's heart like seeing those sweet little cheeks peek out from beneath a hat that gets "Oh, I love that hat!" or "Where did you get that hat?!" everywhere you go.

Enter Freckles & Firecrackers. An adorable little business that is run by one awesome momma and her momma... and they just so happen to have an adorable little someone with Down syndrome in their lives. ♥



One random commenter from this post will win their choice of hat from Freckles & Firecrackers. Contest ends Friday, December 9th at midnight EST and the winner will be announced this weekend.

Check out their etsy page here... and their facebook page here. And use coupon code 12days for 25% off your order... only now through Friday, December 9th at midnight EST!

Although we are already past their cut off date for Christmas, they have agreed to offer an expedited option just for you... click here for details. This offer is only good through Friday, December 9th... so hurry!

Good luck!

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Favorite deals of the day:

Best Buy has the Nintendo 3DS for $169.99 (retail value) plus free shipping... but you get a $50 Best Buy gift card with your purchase. Net cost of 3DS = $119.99.

Best Buy has the Nintendo 3DS Madden NFL game for $7.99 plus free shipping... go, go, go... not sure this will last! Retail value is $29.99.

And ... if your child needs a clear case to protect their Nintendo 3DS... check this out on Amazon... dude, it's only $.12... yes, 12 cents! Retail value is $14.99.

Got any good deals to share?