Early Baking and other fun Christmas-y Stuff!

I got a little head start on my Christmas baking this year thanks to my little helper! Although, she probably ate more batter than she rolled into snowmen! We had just as much fun decorating our snowmen as we did eating them!

Emma's new favorite thing to do is painting with water colors! I love it too b/c it's easy cleanup :0)

I remember painting with these when I was little. I enjoyed it just as much!

Yesterday we put Emma's tree up. She got to put on her ornaments wherever she saw fit. I think it's cute that most of them are on the upper left side of the tree.

Ta Da!

Happy 29th Michael!

My husband celebrated his 29th birthday on Saturday...........the day Auburn was victorious yet again over the Crimson Tide! I just had to add that :)

We celebrated Thanksgiving and Mike's birthday with family over the weekend. It was a very special time that reminded me just how blessed I am to be a part of such a loving and wonderful family and how blessed I am to have such a caring and loving husband. I'm so thankful that God brought Michael into my life. He has been such an awesome example of God's love to me and to our daughter. Here are some pictures taken over the past year that are really special to me.

This one was actually taken today, in his sister Amy's birthday gift... a North Face Fleece ! Thanks Amy, it's awesome!

I love this pic of us at Christie's wedding.

He's always so helpful with Emma. To let you in on a little secret, he knows how to sew! And I do not!!!! Anytime you need a button sewn on, he's your man! Here he is sewing a little loop around Emma's finger so that her hooves did not bother her. What a sweet dad! His talents sure come in handy :)

He always enjoys spending time with family and friends. That was one of the first things that I noticed about him when we first started dating.... he values relationships.

Here he's taking care of the flower girls, making sure they do not trip on their dresses while going down the stairs. What a sweetie, always thinking of others.

He's also a hard worker. A quality I really admire about him. As a second job, he caters with a close friend of ours and has done so since high school. He doesn't rest unless he knows we are cared for. I love that about him.

He just loves life and is thankful for the blessing of friendships God has brought his way!

Yummy Hot Chocolate Shots!

There's nothin better on a cold night.......

Hmmm.......

Ooohhhh.........

That's what I'm talkin' about!

Galaxy of Lights!

Last night, we took Emma to our Botanical Gardens Galaxy of Lights! It was a wonderful wintery night, just what we needed to get us in the Christmas spirit! Emma had lots of fun visiting her favorite animal..... the reindeer! But as for Santa, well, she definitely kept her distance. Not so sure we'll sit on Santa's lap this year!

All bundled up, ready for our walk through the Galaxy of Lights!

Made a little detour for some face painting and hot chocolate, yummy!

Emma and her reindeer!

Walking in a winter wonderland!

(she pulled a little stuffed puppy in this big 'ol wagon, too funny!)

Emma the snowgirl!

Thinking of Thankfulness

I just wanted to pass along this craft idea to do with your family. I came across it in Family Fun magazine and it has been a great teaching tool and reminder of this special time of year. Each night, after supper we sit together and talk about what we are thankful for. Then, I write each one of our answers on a leaf made of construction paper to put on our "Thankful Tree." It has really been a special time for us. Making the tree was alot of fun too. Emma helped me pick out a special branch, then she shovelled and filled our pot with dirt. She also likes to draw pictures on the backs of the leaves that we put on the tree. What an easy and fun way to ensure that we think about being thankful everyday!

"You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 118:28-29

War Eagle!!

Here are a few pics of our weekend in Auburn! Go Tigers!

This was Auburn Homecoming weekend. Mike and I had our first date on Auburn's homecoming in 1998!

Touchdown Auburn!

Emma and Chloe playing at Aunt Christie and Uncle Jamie's in Auburn!

They could be twins!

Emma brushing up on her scrabble skills so she can beat Grandma MaryAnn!

On our way back to Huntsville after a busy and fun filled weekend!

Thanks Christie and Jamie for being so hospitable and taking great care of us during the game! We had such a great time and are looking forward to Thanksgiving in Auburn!