Christmas ~ country style

This Christmas was spent up in the rolling hills enjoying the towering oaks, family, great food a warm fire and lots of love. The girls woke up to gifts under the Christmas...table. That's right, there was no tree to stack gifts under this year (we didn't want to haul ours up there) and I thought it would be strange but really, it was very nice NOT to have a tree and the kids didn't miss it at all.

My favorite gift to give this year was something that I passed on from my childhood. My mum happened upon a whole box of old Disney records with books to read along with that I fondly remember listening to as a wee one. I was glowing with excitement when I found an old Disney record player (made in Canada-so happy) on craigslist that my Mr. lovingly wrapped up for the little one to open. Low and behold, she LOVES it and listens/reads with fascination every day. My family and I exchange handmade gifts every year, but for me this one outshines anything I have ever made because it takes me back to a place of joy which I now can experience through new eyes.

Hope your Christmas was joyful!

Merry Christmas

to all, and to all a good night...

XoXo

photo taken by our VERY talented friend at Andrejka Photography

This one's for daddy...

today you become a ...

but to us you have always been the...

of our hearts and our home

We think you're the bees knees and are so proud of your captainhood!

This morning I happened upon this picture Miss M had drawn of her family. I was SHOCKED as I have never seen our three year old draw people before (although they are somewhat representative of jellyfish) and fitting it was that she wanted to include daddy's name on her masterpiece. So here's your surprise sweet darlin...Maya's first family portrait. Whadoyathink?

Hurry home honey...and don't forget to wear that uniform...;)

YouAREamazing!

King photo courtesy of etsy artist Whimzykidsdezign

Rain drops keep fallin

Oh how I just LoVe cold and rainy days here on the California coast. There's nothing like sipping some hot cocoa or a creamy latte while watching the sky drop it's blessings down on our dry and thirsty land. The three year old pinball child doesn't quite get the idea of a mellow day indoors yet and is constantly wondering why the park is not an option today, nor was is yesterday, or the day before that.....no wonder we're a little on the crankie side lately.

Cookie Madness

Last week was my first cookie exchange with the preschool parents. We made gingerbread and sugar goodies in trade for a whole slough of spare~tire~makers to fill our tummies. As if that weren't enough, I decided to have another cookie-fest for Sunday night dinner. Oatmeal and peanut butter were on the dessert menu and they were divine. Now I just have to get them out of my house asap before I turn into a B.L.I.M.P.

For the love of tidepools

This time of year brings many days of beach strolling for our family. We enjoy summer days at the beach most definitely, but with winter comes the excitement of sea creatures and exploration that brings out the kid in me and in all of us. It becomes a game of "who can find the most interesting creature." We love packing up the family for cobble hopping whenever we know the tide will reveal its precious gems.

What's your favorite way to enjoy winter~wonders?

Want to play dress up?

Here's a sweet little dress I'd love to win over at Grosgrain. She's truly amazing! If your interested here's the link, but just keep in mind that this one would be perfect on little Miss M...
Recital Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Turkey times two

My 90 year old grandma & me

This holiday we celebrated twice. One full day of cooking on wednesday for my sweet family (husband, kids, grandma) and the next day up at G's ranch with family and friends. Andrea took some great photos here if you're curious to see more. She's a fabulous photographer! Hope your holiday was lovely!

xoxo

She's all straightened out

Beautiful as she is....I'm gonna miss those curls.

Thankful

For my adorable husband and bright~eyed children, our health, our loving families, beautiful friendships, our sweet little home, bountiful food, clean water, miracles large and small. Hope your day is blessed with the people you love. Happy Thanksgiving.

xoxo

Furry friends day

Our latest zoo visit with Maya

We ran into our friend Amy and her beautiful boy, Taj

Bet you've never seen a purple monkey feeding a giraffe?

My little fire maiden

Who is this girl and what did she do with my sweet little baby...maybe she ate her???

Bri has been asking to get her hair relaxed for months and months now. I finally took her for a couple of "consultations" only to find that relaxing curly hair in this day and age is worth as much as putting her through a four year private college. Maybe that's a slight exaggeration. I repeat, SLIGHT. Anywho, the hairpimp told me she could cut the cost in half if my daughter wanted to model in a hair show this last Sunday.

The show was a benefit to raise money for a local family who lost their father/husband in the recent metrolink train tragedy that killed 25 people and injured over a hundred. My inlaws, husband and I bought tickets for the big night. The turnout seemed promising and the entertainment was a hoot. There was a delicious dinner followed by a fun African drumming and dance performance, the "hair show" and some comedian performances. The hair show portion had each of the models dressed to represent elements, i.e. earth, fire, water, etc. The models were mostly women with a handful of men strutting their stuff on stage. It was definitely comical and we all had a good roll on the floor.

Bri had a good time and we were all happy to participate in such a worthwhile cause. I thought for sure she would get up there and be nervous, but I have to give it to her.....she walked that catwalk with confidence and style! I was impressed.

Maybe we'll look into some more modeling opportunities to build her portfolio.....NOT. This little taste of the fashion/hair world was proof enough that I am totally content without all the glitz and glamour in our lives. Now Bri on the other hand?

She'll be getting her new doo this weekend. I'm just hoping for simple and keeping my fingers crossed.

xoxo

Downtown Holiday Jacket and Pant GIVEAWAY!!!!

So I just recently caught word of this insanely talented woman who loves to make extravagant children's clothing and then. . . . give them away???? How cool is that! This is the first "drawing" I've entered in blogland, but I'm kinda likin it so I'm sure it won't be the last. Check out the link Downtown Holiday Jacket and Pant GIVEAWAY!!!! xoxo

goodies galore

Today we had the joy of celebrating little Mia's 3rd birthday. Just look at all these scrumptious treats! Mia's parents filled our bellies with every edible treasure under the sun. And since Andi is such an amazing baker ~ she made not only a delish marzipan cake, not just a yummy banana layer cake, but gave us the whole "shock and awe" syndrome when she unveiled the chocolate and vanilla cupcakes for decorating madness. The wee ones made wands embellished with streamers, ribbon, tulle, and butterflies to parade around the park before tearing into the delicious desserts. It was a day to remember for sure...what a spread.

happy birthday sweet one