Four...

Days until Christmas! Buddy the Elf decided to help with the countdown this morning.

Buddy the Elf - Part II

Buddy has been up to more trouble at our house. I thought I'd share some more of his tricks. 

He hides in the Christmas decorations.

He found the mustache props left over from the Mustache Bash.

We found him upside-down in a wreath one morning.

He hung out in Neely's stocking for a day.

He made a zip-line in the breakfast area.

He made a mess using peppermints as blocks.

He perched on a Christmas tree branch.

He drew the kids a picture.

He found a girlfriend in Neely's room.

Remember ball pits? The gumball jar must have looked like one to Buddy.

This is today. Buddy fashioned himself a fishing pole out of a pencil, some twine, and an ornament hook. He was fishing for goldfish crackers.

All that traveling must make Buddy hungry.

Thermal Totes for Tyson

Beginning December 13^th is Thirty-One Gifts’ annual thermal tote sale. In conjunction with this sale, I am setting up a special fundraiser on my Thirty-One website to raise money for a family in need. They are the Wohlford family, whose baby, Tyson, is diagnosed with Shone’s Complex. You can read about there story on their website, Help Tyson Fight. I will donate my entire commission from this sale to the Wohlford family. Please take a moment and help a family in need this holiday season.

To link directly to this event, click here: http://www.mythirtyone.com/shop/catalog.aspx?eventId=E1325569&from=DIRECTLINK

You may order anything you like from the sale. However, thermal totes are on sale for just $10 and $15. They are handy for carrying snacks and lunches, and a thermal tote makes a great gift if you want to purchase one and save it for later. I will be closing this sale on December 31^st, so please do not expect to receive your order before Christmas. Also, please select to have your order delivered directly to you. If you choose “deliver to hostess,” it will come to me, and if you live out of state, this will present a challenge.

I would also greatly appreciate it if you can help me spread the word about this fundraiser.

Buddy, the Elf on the Shelf

Last year, we started our Elf on the Shelf tradition. The kids love it! It's fun to see where Buddy hides each day. Here have been a few of his hiding places thus far...

The soda crates.

The nativity.

One night, Buddy even sneaked a bite of chocolate from Aidan's advent calendar.

He still had chocolate all over his face. Silly elf. :)

Family Photos - Thanksgiving Edition

Thansgiving

We spent Thanksgiving in the woods again this year. My grandparents were unable to make the trip this time, so this time, there was no paranormal activity to speak of. We were, however, relatively technology-free and had a great time playing outside, eating, spending time with family, eating, reading, eating, playing games, and of course, eating. I actually had a food hangover on Friday. My blood sugar was so out of whack from Thanksgiving, that I felt awful all day! Note to self:  Do not repeat this experience at Christmas. Here are my favorite photos from the trip.

Dad carved some Thansgiving pumpkins. He had to add the "K" to the back of the second pumpkin. I'm ashamed to admit that I'm pretty sure I was the last one to notice...after someone pointed it out to me. And I'd been taking all kinds of photos of it!

Sweet, smiley Levi.

John, Aidan, and Levi playing Angry Birds, or Tiny Wings, or Battleship, or something.

Neely Bug. She was so cute with her ponytail, turkey shirt, jeggings, and pink cowgirl boots. It's too bad you can hardly see any of that in the photo.

Food prep. That's a lot of garlic! Mmm...

Some of the line-up.

Uncle Jopey, working for his supper.

Maggie and Levi.

Turkey time!

Gathered to eat.

Family Photos - Preview

Over the holiday, I took some family photos of the crowd at Jasmine Hill. They're downloaded to the computer, waiting to be edited, but I wanted to share one of my favorites. Isn't he sweet with his lil' snowman tie? Courtesy of Auntie Audra, of course. ;)

Lil' Turkey

Three years ago, I made Neely Bug her first lil' turkey shirt...using Stitch Witchery and fabric paint. Thank goodness my t-shirt making skills have improved. Here she is wearing the latest...and her best "cheese" face.

The Mustache Bash - Baby Shower

Last weekend, I helped throw a baby shower for my sister-in-law. It was a mustache bash, and I loved it. I'll let the photos speak for themselves.

Little man onesies.

A photo booth - complete with ties and mustache props.

My sideboard all decked out.

Mustache soap party favors. Need some? Visit Mel's Fun Suds.

Diaper thoughts. I wish I'd taken photos of some of the things the guests came up with. They were hilarious.

We did something serious for Mama to keep in her baby book, too.

Kristen's lovely banner. Thank goodness. I am not skilled with paper.

Another shot of the fireplace as gifts began to accumulate. I love that they're color-coordinated. I'm a nerd.

Veggie cups. Of course, they have mustaches, too.

Homemade cake balls.

Limey green punch.

Mustache cookies courtesy of my friend Helene. If you need cookies and live in my area, I'll give you her number! They are awesome.

More food.

A photo booth shot...

...or two...

...or three...

...or four. I'm nearly done. I promise!

Mama and her fu manchu.

Mama in her screen printed mustache maternity shirt. This was my first attempt at screen printing. It turned out pretty well, I think.

Neely Bug had to get in on the mustache action, too. 

There you have it! It's been a while, but I still know how to throw a baby shower!