Hibernating...

When I asked her what she was doing she replied, "hibernating." I guess under our island is the most cave-like spot she could find. Our little bear then went on to say that she ate all of Mr. Korwan's (our neighbor down the road) bird food and she was going to hibernate and sleep until Spring! FYI...we do have a bear that has been spotted numerous times in our little neighborhood and really did break down a fence to eat the neighbor's bird feed. We have not seen him near our house, but his droppings were spotted on our lawn. BB is in awe of the bear and would listen to bear stories all day. I think she would be so excited to really see the bear one day!

Game Night

6 Girls + 1 Mommy + 1 Daddy + 1 very competitive game of Horse-opoly = tons of fun, which is still on going...

It got to be quite late so Horse-opoly has been to be continued...

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

and BP and BB were nestled all snug in their beds. Santa had come and all would be calm until the morning...

Elf on the Shelf

Aunt Nicole and Uncle Matt sent BP and BB "The Elf on the Shelf" a couple weeks ago. Thank you!! Thank you!!
It has been so much fun for them and for us too! The girls named their Elf, Ernie, and each night he travels home to "talk" to Santa at the North Pole. He has magical powers you see...and in the morning he is hiding in a new place in our house. They jump out of bed each morning and the first thing they do is search for the elf. The book that came with Ernie explains the whole thing. It is a great new tradition for us!

Tree 2009

We have bought our "Christmas bush" as my husband calls it at the same tree farm for the last three years. Now the tree farm is only 5 minutes from our house (b/c of our move in the last year). We always go with our friends Jess and Brian (top pic). The best part about this tree farm is they have this really cool drill thing that drills a hole into the center of the tree stump. Then we just bring the tree home and pop it on the special stand and voila!, no fighting over getting the tree in the stand. It is soo.. cool!

This year we picked out a tall and country looking tree. Both girls were really excited about our tree, but BP loved the whole decorating process and took the time to ask and then listen to the significance of each ornament. BB even helped put a few ornaments on also. Everyday BP tells us which ornaments are her favorite and why. It is really cute.

Belly Buddies / 32 Weeks

My friend Jess and I are due within a couple weeks of each other. Here is a shot of us. Thanks babes for cutting my head off, you hid my double chin! Haha!

Teacher Gifts

BP and I are going to make granola for her teacher gifts using this idea I found in Country Living magazine. The recipe sounds yummy and fool proof...so I think I can handle it. Plus it sounds like fun for a 4 year old and a 2 year old who love to help in the kitchen in anyway they can. If you are interested I will post the recipe below and by the way I found the exact same glass containers at Wal-Mart for a steal!

Golden Honey Granola

Preheat oven to 350

In a large bowl, toss together one 18 ounce container (6 cups) old-fashioned oats

8 ounces sliced almonds

1 cup dried cranberries

1 cup chopped dried apricots

1 cup light-brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 11/2 sticks unsalted butter and then stir in 1/2 cup honey

Pour over oat mixture and toss to distribute

Spread the granola onto a parchment-lined baking pan and bake, stirring occasionally, until oats are toasted and sugar begins to carmelize, 35 to 40 minutes

Cool completely on pan and then transfer to an airtight container

Baby Bedding

Baby G's bedding came the other day. We have two lists going in our house, one to get ready for the Holidays, and one to prepare for Baby G. Now that her bedding is here, I can choose a paint color for her room and then the painters will be here next week (I hope). BP and BB have cozy, comfy handmade looking quilts in their rooms, so that is what I tried to find for Baby G. I fell in love with The Land of Nod's crazy quilt. Her room will be a soft buttery yellow with green and red accents. I will post pictures when it is finished.

Wreath Inspiration...

Holiday wreaths...so many styles...so many places to hang one...how to choose?

I love all of these!!!

all wreath pics from Country Living

Holiday Library

The girls and I gathered all our Christmas / Chanakah books yesterday and arranged them on the stairs. Some are old some are new. Many were gifts. There is one that was Daddy's when he was a little boy. Each night BP and BB choose a story from the stairs to read at bedtime. It is fun to start these traditions. We have almost lived in our house for a year, but this will be our first Christmas.