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.
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?
Well i know you must be tired that i keep saying : i really really miss your blog! I actually had to begging following other blogs to fill my reads lol.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures and Wow Mason looks big! How old is he?
Oh my goodness....your house looks beautifully decorated and I LOVE the tree! I wish we could have a real tree that we cut down a family (hubby is allergic to pine). The hats are also adorable and I have many heads in this house that would certainly fight over who got the "cool" hat :). Merry Christmas!!!!
ReplyDeleteAli, he is 7 ... almost 8! And thank you, I love that you miss my blog. I will try harder. LOL. I know I always say that.
ReplyDeleteSheri, OMG that isn't my tree. But I'm laughing because it probably appears that way! This is our community tree ... I didn't post a pic of my tree yet. Sorry for the let down. Err, maybe I should just claim it as mine? :)
Ok.. I was on my way to bed when I saw your post. So I decided to pop over and check it out! WOW!!.. this is an awesome site and I LOVE love love.. your photography girl. Now where is a picture of the outside of your house and the wreaths! :) .. I saw the fire place.. Lovely!!.. but I"m waiting to see what you have done with the outside after our Michaels adventures! :) :)hehe..
ReplyDeleteLove the new pictures on the blog! When can I hire you? Ha!
ReplyDeleteAnd I want a hat!
Love those hats!!! And I too love your decor - the simple mantel and wreath - will have to copy that. Are those wrapped up books on your fireplace? I saw that idea once as a countdown to Christmas. Meant to do that this year and so far I've forgotten where I put those books (we moved over the summer).
ReplyDeleteAnyway, love the giveaway and your blog!
I was really excited to take Claire to her first holiday parade this year, but it wasn't meant to be. We had snow the day before the parade and the temps during the parade were in low teens. Way to cold to be standing around outside!
ReplyDeleteKaty, yep ... they are books. :) I talked about that in the beginning of my post. LOL!
ReplyDeleteAw... You inspire me and amaze me all the time girl! Love ya and all your ideas! Xoxo
ReplyDeleteI sure love a cute hat....especially when it is so freaking cold. Ugh! Love all the pictures!!!
ReplyDeleteClear case is $0.13 now! Oh and same deal is going on at Target $169.99 and you get a $50 Target gift card :) LOVE the hats!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea for the books...ill have to store that away in my head for next year....loved the pictures and your new header!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the books! Wrapping 3 times so everyone gets to open is pure genius!!! Here's my question, do they not still fight over who gets to open first and last? Just kidding! I know mine would! You're pictures are AWESOME!!!!
ReplyDeleteLOL Aimee, no, sorry, I meant 3 different papers, rotating through the days.
ReplyDeleteThose are so cute! Your kids are growing up so fast, I can't believe it.
ReplyDeleteHa, it must be the brain damage from the fighting! Thanks for clarifying!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos and kids as always. Are you Jayhawks fans? Rock chalk jayhawk, go KU! Those hats are adorable too.
ReplyDeleteKatie no, just a random shirt. :)
ReplyDeletewoow love the hats! and all the photos in your post! :) lovely idea with the christmas books! :) happy holidays!
ReplyDeleteOMG I LOVE LOVE LOVE your christmas countdown idea! U R AWESOME B!
ReplyDeleteI am SO getting us that elf ! I am seeing him appear on every blog I love~ where do I find one?!
ReplyDeletePatti, try Target or just google ... they are everywhere! :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you're blogging again! Love the decorations!
ReplyDeletelove hats on babies, wish my kiddos were still hat wearing babes,**sniff**
ReplyDeleteOk, so next year I need all of your creative Christmas ideas early enough for me to copy them ;). And, those hats? One would be adorable on my new grand-nephew!
ReplyDeleteBethany
ReplyDeleteSo glad to see you blogging more I missed ya! The kids are adorable! I love the hats!!!!!!
Nicole
Nmills25@verizon.net