merry christmas darling

One of my very favorite things about Christmas is Christmas Cards.

I can remember being a little girl making the mental note...when I'm a grown-up I am going to send our Christmas Cards!

I love papers, I love pictures, and I LOVE real mail...and I LOVE Christmas what a better combination?!? I love getting them, I love sending them I love everything about them.

I got nostalgic revising my Christmas card list...the list! Oh, I even love the list! As scattered as I typically seem, I do have a very fine appreciation for an organized, color coded, check mark box included list!

It is so amazing to me to see what a difference a year can make. My Christmas card list is another reminder...

I changed addresses of friends who were so excited to move in to a new home this year, I was sad to change some addresses as their exciting new homes meant homes further away. I added new friends many who seem like we have been friends for a lifetime. Hard to believe I didn't even know them to add them to the list previous years. I was sad as I remove loved ones who have past away. Excited changing the last names of friends who got married this year and started their life together as a couple..what a difference a year.

One little difference for me this year was finding "Lettergirl" on Etsy, who also seems to share my love of all things paper. Gina is the owner and she was truly a joy to work with! If any of you share my love be sure to visit Gina's store. I had her make us this stamp


if John were to sit still long enough I would probably stamp him too...I LOVE it! Thank you Lettergirl!(not that she will ever read this!)

I hope all of the "differences" for you this year, both little and big are everything you dreamed they would be.

Here's to all next year will bring.

California dreamin'

...on such a winter's day!

We loaded up on a cold morning and drove to Atlanta, dreaming of victory and the chance to head to California!

...And for Alabama our "California dreams" came true!

me, Sarah Beth (and Addie Grace), and Leslie getting ready for the game

my pre-game nerves made me just a little frisky with my shaker!

Saturday I had the honor of witnessing first hand The University of Alabama WIN the SEC Championship game against Florida!! What an INCREDIBLE game! I was honored to be there, and so PROUD of Alabama!

For probably the first time since before my collegiate career, I was able to sing Rammer Jammer and actually mean it!!

Hey gators...we did ACTUALLY beat the hell out of you!

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!

Savanah & Payton

What a wonderful weekend! Savanah and Payton made the first of hopefully many visits to their Aunt Laura and Uncle John's house! We SO enjoyed spending much needed time with these super fun girls and of course Aly and Pat!

We didn't have a thing planned, so we...

dressed up like fairies

watched out the window and waited for trick or treaters

played in the Halloween candy

took Barley for a "walk" on his leash

looked at the babies in the mirror

played on our bed

...a lot!!

played in the boxes

shared a bottle of water with Uncle John

"loved" on Barley

wore funny "ball hats"

and completely wore ourselves out!

It was by far the best weekend of Barley's life! ...and we had a blast too! We are so thankful they made the trip to see us and hope they all come back again soon!

Mission accomplished

Cooking does not come naturally to me. AT ALL. I think of myself as a fairly creative person, but for some reason I lose all creative ability when it comes to the art of food. This presents quite a problem. I LOVE to entertain. I LOVE to eat. I LOVE food. But I have such a hard time even thinking of what to make. I don't have the ability to improvise, and I honestly have little confidence even following a recipe.

I am envious of my dear friends who when given a random list of pantry findings can come up with a delicious feast fit for a king. Those who cook with little to no effort, who find cooking a stress reliever, hardly glancing at a cookbook.

One of the many reasons I love blogs is to not only see what people are up to, but also what people are eating! I love the ideas, the recipes and especially the pictures! After recently reading my friend Dorothy's blog, one of the most gifted "kitchen naturals" I know, I knew I at least had to give this yummy fall dish a try.

Chicken Corn Soup



I was craving something warm and yummy with all the comforts of fall... mission accomplished! Thank you Dorothy for the great recipes and for making it all look so easy! What a gift you have!

it's back....

Treat!

...no tricks about it! Such a treat these two fairies (and of course their super mom and dad) are coming to spend the weekend with us!

fruit and flowers

Four years ago today it all began....here's to hoping it never ends


When you give each other everything, it becomes an even trade.
Each wins all.
Lois McMaster Bujold, A Civil Campaign

Happy Anniversary...the best trade I've ever made.