Thanksgiving Morning Football!

Our ward plays football in the morning, and Shane had a ton of fun, until he tweaked his knee. It was cold, but Emma and I were prepared with blankets and hot chocolate. A fun way to start off the day! Now we're off to spend the day with family!

Beautiful Sunday

We had warm, beautiful weather today...Is it really the end of November? So we took pictures outside after church today. Emma's wearing her Christmas dress, because I feel like she never gets to wear it enough before the holidays. This year we're starting early. Tonight, I put up my Christmas village, and a few other decorations. I got my whole Christmas village on clearance last year at the end of the year, so I've never put it up before. I think it looks so cute, and I was excited to see how it would turn out. I love shopping clearance. :)

Science Center

Last week, we went to the Science Center with the cousins to celebrate Elizabeth's birthday. It was fun.




Here are the "floating girls"...




We went into the Butterfly exhibit, and Shane immediately said, "I'll just meet you guys outside, it's too hot." But, when he turned to leave he had a butterfly land on his arm, and wouldn't get off. So he walked around with us for, while everyone pointed and laughed. It was really cute. After 15 minutes, he finally asked one of the volunteers to brush it off with a feather duster. It was cute. :)

FINALLY!

Oh my goodness, after 3 years, hours of work and tears...I found out this morning that I certified. What a relief! :) I am now a National Board Certified Teacher in Spanish! :) Woo-hoo!

Emma's masterpiece!

Emma was drawing tonight, and called to me from the table. "Look Mom, he's happy!" So I came over and this cute thing is what I saw! It's her first drawing with any kind of face, arms & feet. I just think it's so cute. Then she told me, "It's a happy poop", which I responded to with a "What?" And she said, "Yeah, it's a happy poop, and that's a poop right there, too." Other than it being gross, I also thought it was quite hilarious. Can you tell we're potty training right now? She also told me the other day that "poop is pretty." I've told her we shouldn't talk about poop when we're not in the bathroom. I guess this is breaking my own rule.

Look how cute!

I found this adorable advent calendar at Pottery Barn Kids, but alas...it is already sold out. I might try to make it! :)

Christmas Crafts

So, I've been inspired by my more crafty & organized friends in the past (Leslie, you're at the top of my list), and am going to get a head start this year. Shane and I sat down tonight and planned out our December, so that we can make sure we actually do all the things we would like to this Christmas season. Also, this is going to be Emma's first totally aware Christmas, and I want to make it both fun and meaningful. Here's what's on my list:



Sock advent calendar: I want to put a scripture or Christmas story for 24 days in each sock and hang this on my mantle...I thought it was so cute. And one of my goals is to have a spiritual thought each day for the family to read together, and thought this would be such a cute way to organize it. I found this great blog, with a scripture, carol and story for each day in December. Very helpful!



Pipe-cleaner snowflakes: This will be one I can do with Emma easily, and she'll feel like she's really helping with the tree!



Fleece stockings. I want to get creative this year... In the past we've only had the classic red/white stockings you buy at the store..these look super easy and very adorable.



Finally, this no-knit scarf! So cute! I'm hoping to do some of these for my friends. All of these are thanks to Martha Stewart. Click here to find them. Instructions are all simple.

I'm looking for a cute classic advent calendar, has anyone seen a cute easy to do kit or DIY project? Let me know. :)

Photo tag...

I've been tagged to take the 4th picture from the 4th folder on my computer. Here it is! From our wedding.



We found we took WAY too many photos on our wedding day, and was late to our wedding lunch because we spent too long taking photos. They ended up starting without us because everyone was so hungry. We, of course, got teased that we weren't taking photos, there was another reason we were late. But, we really were taking pictures at the temple! I have proof! :)

I tag Amy, Sunny & Jen, and anyone else who wants to go for it! :)

Daddy Daughter time...

After church yesterday, I was in the kitchen getting dinner ready and I glanced over to the couch, and this is what I saw...



I'm so glad that Shane is the sweet man that he is, and I'm so glad that Emma has a Daddy willing to read her princess stories like Beauty and the Beast. After dinner, I curled up next to them on the couch, and Shane finished the book for us all. I love Sundays, and that we actually have down-time to sit and be together. If only everyday could be like this! :)

Getting Ready!

I know it's early, but I am not going to miss the chance to see some Olympics in my lifetime. The ticket requesting phase ends today! So if you have time and the desire...look into it! :) Click here to request tickets.

Shane and I are going to try and go for one day and hit 2 different speed skating events. I'm so excited and it's still a couple of years away! :)

City of Ember

So a few years ago, I read this book with my 6th graders. Very fun read...an different kind of adventure book. If you have kids, or just like fun reads, this is a great one. They made a movie, and I'm making Shane take me tonight for our date night. Can't wait, it has Bill Murray & Tim Robbins. I'll let you know if the movie is as fun as the book was.