{spoiled rotten}

and just as he should be...

{Merry Christmas}

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ~Isaiah 9:6

{photo by Richard Suter & ornament card from Tiny Prints}

{looking back}

Some of my favorite Christmas memories were made at my Grandmother's house.  We would make the two day drive from Texas and later Tennessee to Illinois and once we arrived  it was like we had stepped into a winter wonderland. It was nothing short of magical to two young girls like my sister and I who didn't get to see much snow living in the south.  I absolutely adored our trips there and getting to spend time with my Grandmother.  Every time we went there it felt like going home.

I remember bunking up in her room for the night, smelling her cold cream, watching Johnny Carson and hearing the whistle of the nearby train while falling asleep.  I'd dress up in her clothes and play with her Avon makeup.  We'd eat until we were stuffed, play cards while sipping tea and explore her snow covered farm.  My sister and I would get to open our matching nightgowns and robes that she had lovingly made for us for Christmas. Those were happy memories indeed.  Now every Christmas my mom, sister and I put out this picture of her house and look back fondly on the memories that we share. 

{all I want for Christmas...}

I know it might be a little early still to think about my Christmas wish list but I can't help it. Christmas seems to be everywhere already (no complaints though) and I may or may not have Sarah McLachlan's Holiday on Pandora right now as I type this....
So want to know what is on my wish list this year?  It's pretty simple I'm feeling very content and blessed these days...all I want is a new monogrammed necklace with both my sweet babes on it.  Two years ago  my dear hubby gave me one with Bishop's name on it and I wear it all the time but now that Lyric will be joining our family right after the holidays I feel it's only fair to get a new necklace with both of them on it.  I don't want to play favorites!
There are so many great ones out there to choose from but here are my top picks from my favorite designer, Lisa Leonard. Take note my love if you're reading...

{key to my heart necklace}

{dewdrops necklace}

*my #1 pick if anyone is wondering ;)

{captured heart necklace}

a snow storm (Tennessee style)

This is what a snow storm looks like in Tennessee.  It closed down schools, sold out supermarkets and kept us cooped up in the house for two days all for about a half inch of snow!  Ok...so really this post was just an excuse to show off the new rain boots I got for Christmas.  Aren't they adorable?!

He asked...

and I said it's about freaking time YES!!!  That's right on Christmas day my sweetie got down on one knee wearing a santa hat and proposed.  Bishop was in on it too, he was wearing my ring around his neck!  I couldn't be happier...I'm feeling so blessed. 

Happy Birthday Jesus!

      For to us a child is born, 

       to us a son is given, 

       and the government will be on his shoulders. 

       And he will be called 

       Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 

       Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

~Isaiah 9:6

Have a very Merry Christmas!

*Card by 4108 Designs and photography by yours truly.

Oh Christmas Tree...

Oh Chrismas Tree...Oh Christmas Tree...How Lovely Are Your Lead Filled Branches...


The last layer of our pre-lit  tree was assembled and of course the lights didn't work so Jeremy took out the instructions (no, he's not too prideful to read the instructions, I know he's in a dying breed) to see how to solve the problem.  I hear him say to me "Hey did you know this tree has lead in it?" I respond franticly calmly "No what are you talking about...lead?!" He brings the instructions over and I read it for myself.
 WARNING: This product contains chemicals, including lead, known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.  
Here's an idea for General Electric just pack a courtesy pair of  gloves for people to wear while hanging their ornaments!


So needless to say the Christmas tree is not welcome in this house anymore and a beautiful real tree will soon take it's place.  Some people might not mind a little bit of lead during the holiday season but a chemical phoebe like me is not going to be able to get past it easily. I'm having a hard time understanding why manufactures are  allowed to produce and sell products they know are dangerous?  I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I knew the skin care products I make cause birth defects and reproductive harm.  I can't even bring myself to package them in plastic even though it costs a fraction of what glass bottles do. Hopefully one day all companies will be forced to make products with our health and safety in mind not just their bank accounts.

*Update: General Electric said that the lead is in the wired lights and you would have to wrap yourself in them for 70 years before it becomes toxic.  I'm not sure if this has been tested but I'm still suspicious.

My Christmas Wish List

Here's just a couple of modest gifts I'd love to see under my tree this Christmas.

Stackable diamond ring from Anatra Jewel.

A BOB Stroller like Jennifer Garner's.  I'll take her body too!

An organic Ergo Baby carrier.  I don't think you can ever have too many baby carriers.

Two tickets to Italy.  
Wait...did I say modest gifts?  Oh well, a girl can dream can't she?

Affordable Christmas Cards

This year I'm going to print my own Christmas cards to save money and I'm seriously considering picking the one pictured above. I found it on Etsy. Isn't it adorable?!  I have the perfect picture of Bishop mid-temper tantrum to use too!


There are so many great graphic designers on Etsy who will sell you the JPEG image of the Christmas card you choose  for anywhere from $10-$15 dollars.


All you have to do is.... 
~email the designer the picture or pictures that you want used
~include what you would like your card to say 
~save your customized card image to your computer
~print them at home onto photo paper or get them printed from somewhere else


*ColorInc. is offering 25 free 4x6 pictures with the promocode tmc09. Snapfish also has a free prints offer and Kodak is giving away a $15 off gift code!

Gift Idea!

Need a gift idea for Christmas? Yes, I know Halloween was just here but it's never to early to get your Christmas shopping out of the way and I don't know who wouldn't love to get a personalized gift from Lisa Leonard Designs. 


I gave this leather cuff to Jeremy on first father's day. He loves it and wears it almost everyday. 


She has some beautiful necklaces that you can also customize. Sign up for Lisa's newsletter and you can get 15% off your purchase.  While you're over there check out her blog.  I love the photography and she has a great giveaway going on right now.