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.