Anticipation

I snapped this picture on Christmas Eve...the anticipation and excitement in their eyes!!! Priceless!

I'm praying you and yours had a blessed Christmas. We did!

I'll be cozied up for the rest of the week, savoring the last few days of our Christmas decorations, treats and books. Happy Thursday!

Our Christmas Home 2017

I can't believe it's almost here! No matter how much I try to keep it from sneaking up, it always does. I just wish the days could last just a little longer during this season. I love the colors, the music, the movies, the decorations. I took a TON of pictures this year. Looking back on years gone by just makes me oh so happy.

I bought this felt stuffed nativity this year. I had gift card money to Amazon, and I was trying to think of something that I really wanted to add to my decor this year. Then, I saw a similar nativity and thought it was the perfect way to add a tangible reminder of reason for this season! The kids LOVE to play with it, and it has quickly become one of my favorite pieces in the room.

This is my little reading corner. I set out the crown as a decor piece...it's actually a scentsy wrap warmer. But, I think it's pretty all on it's own!

This is my entry table. I love how our lights twinkle through the clear set. The sign over our door is a simple reminder to us as we come and go. I hope it encourages those who visit us, as well.

Sweet little "mistletoes".

I have my scentsy burner on all day long. We have been burning "Christmas Cottage". I love it! I also love those tiny trees in the window. :)

This is our dining table set up for our immediate family dinner. It was a lovely night, and I'll have to share more, soon. But, for now, I'm ready to catch up on a few blogs, read, and watch tv with my hubster. Happy almost Christmas!!!!!

Baking

Last week, we whipped up a batch of banana bread. I told the girls they could help. I think they were just a little bit excited!

When I told them that banana bread is Daddy's favorite, they took it even more seriously. And they couldn't wait to surprise him with it when he got home.

I've learned more this year, than any other, to take those extra minutes here and there to let the girls get involved. Yes, I could have made that bread in half the time, but their squeals of happiness was well worth slowing down and savoring the moment. I'm learning. I really am. ;)

My Babies

My babies. Not such little babies anymore, I know.

This year, to make things easier, I decided to take the girls picture before Thanksgiving. It was my attempt to be ahead of the game. Ha! Are we really ever ahead? I'm not sure, but I like to think so. ;)

I also ordered framed picture ornaments of the girls first Christmases...and digging through those pictures brought back a lot of sweet memories! And now, look at those little peanuts. They are a MESS. And boy do they like making messes, too! Haha.

Happy Friday, friends. :)

All The Christmas Things!

The girls Christmas pictures have been taken.
Photos have been ordered.
Lists are being made.
Cards are being written.
Recipes are being researched.
Carols are being sung...
Lots and lots and lots of Christmas movies are being watched!

Speaking of Christmas movies, if you have Netflix, check out the movie Christmas in The Smokies! It's super cute and very family friendly. My friend Ashley introduced it to me, and I loved it. :)

I love this season. Love it! Happy Wednesday. :)

A Special Visitor

Oliver the Elf arrived last week! He showed up with a box of surprises. Inside were new Christmas nightgowns, and a special movie!

It was a fun night. I love watching the girls get excited over all the Christmas things this season! Also, there is no such thing as too many Christmas pajamas. Am I right?  ;)

Christmas Ornaments

The girls worked on coloring their Christmas ornaments that we bought last week. I think Ella was more excited about getting to hold markers than anything. ;-)

Evie Grace takes her coloring, crafts and any artwork she does very seriously. I love watching her imagination come to life!

I know I'm biased, but I think they are the most precious ornaments. I know I will treasure them for years to come. And these memories. I want to bottle up every second of this season...

Christmas M&M Cookies!

Our church hosted a Festival of Nativity night, and it was so much fun! A first for us, actually. They also had a chili and dessert dinner. I took one of my favorite cookies--pudding cookies--and added Christmas M&M's...because red and green M&M's makes everything taste better, right?

Christmas M&M Cookies (a.k.a Pudding Cookies)

1 Cup Butter, softened
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup White Sugar
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
2 Eggs
1 3.4 oz Pkg. Instant Vanilla Pudding
1/2 Teaspoon of Sea Salt
2 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1 1/2 Cups M&M's

In a bowl, beat together butter, sugars, vanilla and eggs until creamy. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until the dough becomes soft and well incorporated.

Roll into balls by the tablespoon. Be sure to spray your pan with Pam! Then bake for 10-11 minutes at 375. Let them stand for at least one minute before moving onto a plate or cookie sheet.

Enjoy!

A Happy Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Lots of pie was had. Lots of visiting with family.

We hosted Thanksgiving Eve at our house this year for Josh's side of the family. Then on Thanksgiving day we headed to my folks house for dinner there.

We watched the Macy's parade, did quite a bit of shopping, and Josh decked the outside of our house for Christmas! The kids went wild over the lights!! It made me want to be a kid again...

So, today, back to salads and walking outside. Happy little routines!

One Year

It's been a year since we bought our home. One year of making memories and loving our "new" place.

Last year, I couldn't wait to spend fall here. Our trees are deep reds of orange and yellow. Our backyard, for two weeks, was a goldmine of crunchy leaves. The girls LOVED it! I knew they would. It's a wonderful backyard for little ones. I'm so thankful.

Today, I'm working on Thanksgiving dinner for Josh's side of the family. I'm making a Butter Roast, Homemade Noodles with broth (made the noodles weeks ago!), Hashbrown Casserole, and his mom is bringing salad and her Christmas cookies. Yum! Also, I need to walk a lot this weekend. ;)

For Thanksgiving day, I'll be making Watergate Salad and a Pumpkin Pie for my side of the family. Good food and good memories!

And Black Friday we have fun traditions that we always enjoy...and yes we like to get out and shop...but, just for fun. I love the music, the decorations and all the bustle.

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

PS. My house is decorated for Christmas!!!! Pictures coming soon. ~The Crazy Christmas Gal

First Show

We took the girls to see PJ Masks live this week. Evie Grace was beside herself. She kept saying "I'm so excited" as we drove the half hour trip. We offered to stop and get her french fries (Ella was asleep) before the show began, and she declined. She just wanted to see the PJ Masks show!

One we got there, both girls were mesmerized. For one and half hours, they were glued to the show! I was impressed with how well they handled sitting for that long. I honestly didn't know what to expect.

Ella would yell out for her favorite character, "Green!! Gecko!!" She was all about it. Also, she sat on Josh's shoulders for nearly the entire show. There were no seats behind us, so that worked out nicely. ;)

Evie Grace asked if we could go see it again, I explained to  her it was late, and they all needed their sleep. She fell fast asleep in the car and slept even as we transferred her to bed once we got home. I think all that excitement plumb wore her out.

So thankful for the sweet memories we are creating!

Backyard Tea Party

Last week, I had a last minute idea to set up a little tea party for the girls. I knew they would love it AND hey, I could get some cute pictures out of it.

So, I we primped and pampered. I gave the girls a bath, picked out their sweet little MJ Top Knot Outfits, scrunched there hair, and set up cookies & chocolate milk outside.

I just love the girls faces. They loved it! They may not remember it in the years to come, but I sure will. They are sweet dolly babies.

I love being their momma.

Trunk or Treat 2017

Presenting Cinderella and Snow White! Apparently, BFF's!

"Mommy, I'm pretty!", says Evie Grace.

We stopped for 50 cent Corndogs at Sonic, and Ella pipes up from the back seat: "Trick or Treat!!!" when the waitress arrived with our order. I got so tickled. ;)

Sisters forever. I love them so much. I don't want to forget ANYTHING.

Our Home at Fall

Tiny white pumpkins! I am slightly obsessed with them. And Evie's pumpkin craft moved to the window seal. Happy reminders while I work in the kitchen.

We've been eating a lot more at home, plus, with the weather change, it makes me enjoy being in the kitchen area much, much more. Josh bought me a new Scentsy burner, and I'm really loving it. 

Their fall artwork on display in our little schoolroom/family room. The leaves are my favorite! Also, that vintage barn came from my mom. It's my favorite little toy. So cute.

I lined up a few of their fall board books. I love how colorful they are! I need to add a few more to my collection this year.

That little leaf banner. Simple.

Sunday night baking: Pumpkin chocolate muffins! I need a new muffin pan, mine is ancient and starting to look at bit scary. ;)

Magic of Fall

Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons. ~Jim Bishop

Josh took me around our neighborhood to take pictures of the fall colors...I love the vibrant contrasts between the red, yellow, orange and gold. There's nothing quite like the paintbrush of our Heavenly Father. It's magical, isn't it?

Even more magical when you have little ones to share in the fun and beauty around us! Now, I'm off to sip my coffee, my cocoa, and devour pumpkin pie like it's my job. Happy Weekend! ;)

Moments

Things I want to remember...

How much they love to color at this stage.
How much they love playing with blocks, or "Box" as Ella likes to call them.
How Evie Grace has worn her Tinkerbell costume for two days in a row.
How Ella's hair just keeps getting curlier and curlier.
How much I love being a mom even when I'm so tired, I think I could sleep standing up. ;)

Life is full and oh so happy.

A Happy Friday Post

"Preserve your memories. Keep them well, what you forget, you can never retell" ~ Louisa May Alcott 

Fall colors have finally arrived! Nothing beats the color change...it's my favorite. :) We were all a bit worried that we wouldn't get a colorful fall due to no rain and such a late arrival of fall weather. We've been spending time outside every day, and I'm loving the fact it's cool enough for hoodies at night! If I could live in my jeans and hoodie, I would.

I stumbled on an iced coffee brew that you can purchase at Target. It's called STOK coffee. Ever heard of it? I picked it up on a whim, and goodness, I am addicted. The carton is only $5 and usually lasts me all week. It has a smooth flavor with caramel undertones. Delicious!!! Try it if you like to mix up your coffee routines like I do. I drink mine with half and half. Creamy, goodness.

We have been busy little bees with pre-school. It makes me giggle to watch them interact. Most days are focused on reading aloud to them, coloring while listening to classical music, and plenty of time outside to play and let their imaginations run wild. We've also had mini "nature walks" in the backyard to collect leaves, sticks, and acorns. They also love it when I bring out the flash cards! We are focusing on counting to 10 right now.

Also, I've had my nose buried in mystery books over the last couple of weeks. I'll have to do a book post soon!

Happy Friday!

Life Lately October Edition

Look at those two! My little toots. ;) This cute picture was followed promptly by melt downs from both. But, it was worth it to get this shot. Hee hee! Life with littles, right? ;)

Such a big girl now! She was impressed with the pumpkins, and was determined to pick one up and hold it. ;)

My big girl. She makes me so proud! She is LOVING pre-school and works so hard at it.

And just for fun, I did another day in the life vlog for Vlogtober:




Happy Tuesday, friends!!! :)

Our Fall Home Tour 2017

Here's a quick peak at some of our fall home decor. This year, I am loving my B&B Works Candle, and my new wax melts from Scentsy! I think candles might be my favorite thing during this season. Also, I'm sipping a Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte as I sip this...it's going to be a perfect fall day!

Happy Wednesday!

Happy Homemaker Monday - Fall Edition!

Fall is finally here! And with that came another heat wave---aka---living in the south! However, word has it that it's supposed to cool down again later this week, and I am READY.

The weather...Fall is finally here! And with that came another heat wave---aka---living in the south! However, word has it that it's supposed to cool down again later this week, and I am READY.

Right now I am...
Blogging and watching a few of my favorite YouTube channels. I've enjoyed learning about a few random things lately.

Thinking... 
About my new vehicle! Josh bought me a small sport SUV that I am just in love with it. He spoils me!

On my TV...

I've been watching romantic comedies lately. If you have Netflix, check out the movie "Coffee House", it's a Christian romantic film, super cheesy, but still cute. ;)

What I'm Reading... 
Anne's House of Dreams. The Anne of Green Gables series is my favorite hands down, and it has been so fun to re-visit my favorite characters!

On the menu for this week...
Sausage & Veggie Stir Fry

Chicken & Rice

Breakfast for Dinner

Soup & Sandwiches

On my to do list...
Speed clean

Laundry

Sweep/Swiffer

Dust

One of my simple pleasures...
Going for drives around town with the windows down, sipping coffee, and listening to music. Usually classic rock or oldies. :)

Public Service Announcement: The new Maple Pecan Latte from Starbucks is delicious!!! I ordered half the amount of syrup and added whip cream. Deeeelicious!

Linking up with Happy Homemaker Monday!

September Days

I've been waiting for the heat break that usually greets us a few days into September...and it finally arrived. The nights are much cooler (enough for hoodies! my favorite!) and the mornings have that crisp, new, feel to it.

Our roses are still blooming away, but our last blue hydrangea is still holding on. I am obsessed with how vibrant and blue it is!!

Happy Wednesday!