Santa's Little Helper

Are you on the naughty list? Or have you been nice?? Just how does Santa get those daily updates?? At our house they come from the friendly, but slightly shy and very sly Elf on the Shelf named Frost. The Elf on the Shelf has become a fun holiday tradition for our family. He doesn't talk(Santa won't let him talk to humans), you can't touch him(it will take away his magic), but he flies back to the North Pole every night to report to Santa. The catch is that he hides someplace new each morning. It has become quite the motivation to jump up and find his new hiding place each morning-and a quick reminder that Frost might tell Santa-helps sometimes too.

A peak inside . . .

I love to decorate! Fall is my favorite, such a nice change after having the same stuff up for so long!! But, I also love the fun and excitement that come with decorating for Christmas. I have a thing for trees, big, little, hanging, standing, fat, skinny, I love them all!!! And I love trying to make things different from year to year. This was my first year with a new dining room, which proved to be super fun!! No more icky paneling, carpet, or room encompassing shelves!! Instead, fresh green paint, hardwood floors, and walls with simple furniture. Such a difference. Soo- I got to try some new color schemes and some VERY different things. I used only red, white, and silver in my dining room and I LOVE the way it turned out against the green. I also coordinated my paper and ribbon, I'm not usually matchy, matchy to this degree, but it was fun!! The only thing I don't like is the lack of crown molding in one corner, one of our MANY unfinished projects that loom over our heads. I didn't take pictures of everything, but here a few:

A shepherd

Our preschool children had the sweetest program at church last Sunday. Isaac was a shepherd and really enjoyed the chance to dress up-but quickly melted down by the time he was to sing. He went from happy to done, pretty quickly. (But he looked sooooo cute!!) It didn't bother Autumn's Alexa to be on stage-check her out in the 1st picture as Isaac is pouting!! I've got video of her dancing away on stage-I've got to see if I can download it!!

Christmas Photo Disaster

First, I get no smiles

Then I get, my personal favorite, eyes closed and tongue out.

And finally, tears and screaming!

This is what happens when you try to "plan" a nice family picture for Christmas cards with a 3 year old. Needless to say I don't have a picture to use. So, it will either be a picture of just Isaac, or we may give it one more shot, the jury is still out.

A Holiday Must-Freebies

If you have never tried VistaPrint, now is the time! They have great deals and lots of freebies. I just finished an order of 11 different items, my total b/f discounts was $212, but with the freebies and free shipping, I only spent $12.00. I got a personalized tshirt,hat, calendar, postcards, magnets, pen, the list goes on and on!! Go to VistaPrint and check it out! Side note, after trial and error, it will only let you get 10 free things at a time :)

Not tied up yet . . .

I never did have a chance to tie bows today, but I did shoot a few pics of the bounty!! FYI: If you haven't bought wrapping paper yet, you have to go to your local Costco or even Sams. I got this reversible 400 sq. ft. roll for (drum roll please) $8.99!! I was so thrilled!! Their ribbon is also $6.99 for 50 sq ft. and is wired-anyone can make a great bow with wired ribbon. My advice-go to costco and buy your paper and ribbon, by the time you buy all you need at someplace else you will have spent at least that much!! I would have only spent $16, but I splurged and got 2 rolls of ribbon, a pretty sheer green with red glitter and solid white with flocked snowflakes!! I plan to use some of both on my trees as well!

All Wrapped Up

I can't believe what I've done. You won't believe it either. Well, some of you will, because you know I like to get ahead of the game. I had already gotten my lists together, found my cards, bought my wrapping materials. But this year I was one step ahead of the game. I have spent most of the year scouring sales and searching for perfect gifts. So when I lugged all the bags and boxes out of our Guest bedroom I made an amazing discovery-I had gifts for EVERYONE on my list! Then last week Russell and I had some time together so minus one item we need to get we have finished Isaac shopping.

Then, last night after I cleaned the dining room, living room, playroom, kitchen, and Isaac's room, we ate supper and I moved on. I sat in the living room at the coffee table and got every one of the presents wrapped (not Isaac's). Now they sit waiting to be adorned with fun bows, that will be my task today after we vote. I have to post a picture. I am so glad to get over this hump!