10 Things to Smile About..

November... (in no particular order)

1. Being married to the love of my life for SIX years.
2. Having a wonderful trip to Vegas to celebrate.
3. Laughing with my Sisters on Thanksgiving.
4. My Family on Thanksgiving.
5. Nightly Family 'Thankfuls'.
6. Sunday Funday (Football for the boys, Shopping and lunch for the girls)
7. Beauty & The Beast musical and watching Isabella's face.
8. Anticipation of the Christmas season. Having a lot of my shopping done plus decorating done and looking forward to enjoying this special month with the kids.
9. My first Parent-Teacher Conference of Isabella's school career.
10.My kids cuddling together and watching Scooby-Doo. What could be more precious?

Beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

We decorated everything we could besides our big tree this weekend. Since we get a live tree, we don't want to get it too early! Chris even got the lights up on the house. I didn't put out my nativity this year because I didn't want more pieces to get "accidentally broken". Toodles also made a return visit and Isabella is so enthralled with the magic of it all this year. I love it!

Wait a second, this is not Vince! Isabella took a picture with his birthday crown on because we all know Vincent doesn't do anything unless it is HIS idea! He is warming up to the crown though and hopefully will wear it on Friday!

Christmas Pictures

I went early this year to get Christmas pictures done by Kiddie Kandids. One, because of the 2 week wait and Two, because they also serve as Vincent's 2 year old pictures. This was my first attempt at Kiddie Kandids since they reopened. I don't think I will be going back because all of my favorite girls are gone, they are rather expensive now, and I might as well just go down the street to JCP rather than to Brea. But, I do think the pictures came out rather cute and I am also happy to have these up as I am decorating for Christmas today!

Kid's Tree + Random News

After I picked up Bella from her sleepover at Gram and Pop's house this afternoon, she wanted to decorate her tree that she 'shares with Bubby'. The kids had a wonderful time hanging the ornaments. Vincent did a great job and there is only one ornament that might need to be put away until next year (because he thinks it is a car to play with).

In other news:

1.  We were planning on having our wood flooring put in before Christmas time, per my Dad who wanted us to enjoy it through the Holidays. BUT, did you know this is the busiest time for wood floor installers? They will be starving in January (so several mentioned). That being said, we will be waiting until January to get our new flooring. Heck, I waited 6 years. I think I can wait 1 more month, right?

2. Back to 20lbs to loose. Darn it! :( I don't know how that 5lbs came on so fast. Lord, help me through Christmas!

3. I didn't do any Black Friday shopping...did you? I really was not willing to fight all those shoppers. Plus, I have a good portion of my shopping done.

4. Did you notice it is Christmas time at {Shop} Rebecca Calagna? I wanted to extend the offer to any friends who would like me to create Christmas cards for them (digital format, not the layer and ribbon kind) that I would be glad to offer them for cost, as long as I can put my website on the back for advertisement. I am trying to switch the shop over to a Handmade type shop. I have already offered this to Holly and I can't wait to create hers!! I want to do envelope liners and labels, cupcake tags, etc to make everything more special. Please let me know. I will also be adding my new Holiday Baking Party handmade invitation, recipe cards and jar tags tomorrow :)

Thanksgiving Day

So THANKFUL for the wonderful family time we had yesterday! A perfect start to the Holiday season!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Isabella and I spent this afternoon baking. We made our first attempt at CakePops (turkeys) and covered marshmallows. We also made our traditional Cranberry mold for tomorrow.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my family and friends. Love to you all. Remember how blessed we are to be in this world and to have our families - enjoy the day!!

Christmas Cards

I just completed these Christmas cards for this beautiful family...Thank you Brenna...You guys are awesome!

May I take your order?

Beauty and the Beast - On Stage!

Last night, my Mom, Camryn, Isabella and I went to see the Beauty and the Beast musical at OCPAC. My Mom and I saw the musical back when I was a teenager with my Dad and sister. We loved it then and didn't want to miss the opportunity for Bella to see it. I sat there and enjoyed Bella looking through the program, binoculars, and holding her Belle doll. And I thought of how much fun she and I are going to have over the years (and have already had) enjoying the 'arts' (as I have with my Parents).

Nie Nie's Tamaron Giveaway

I am a follower of NieNie Dialogue's blog because she is quite inspirational! She loves to take pictures of her kids {almost} as much as I do. Ha Ha.

Anyhow, BlogHer, Tamaron and NieNie are hosting a contest and giving away this AWESOME 18-270 zoom lens that would go perfect with my Nikon and make traveling with my camera so much easier {no stopping to change lens}!

NieNie's blog post {here}! Maybe for once, I will be super lucky!!

Viva Las Vegas!

We had a fun "anniversary" weekend in Vegas! I did my share of shopping and even finished some Christmas presents; Chris did his share of gambling but didn't win much although we have fun stories of some very wealthy men next to us; and we did our share of eating, drinking and walking. We are blessed to have such supportive parents who love to watch our children so we can spend some time away together. Last night we saw Viva Elvis and LOVED it! Bianca, the Sangria picture is for you. And I just love that my husband orders Martinis (the Drunken Pumpkin was so good that I need to make those on Thanksgiving)!

Thankful

In our house, it is very important to count our blessings. Chris and I want to instill in our children how lucky they truly are for everything they have. They are so fortunate...not only for material things, but for Faith, God, Family and so forth. So every night at dinner (for the month of November) we say one thing we are thankful for. I write it on the card for that day and hang it on the rope. We also make up things that Vincent would say he is Thankful for (that is fun!).

Anniversary Dinner

Yesterday evening Chris and I had a wonderful dinner at Mastro's Steakhouse. It was nice and relaxing...good wine, great food, great love. This was only the second time in 6 years we have been home on our Anniversary (the first time was because I was pregnant with Vincent). It worked out that Chris gets Thursday and Friday off next week, so we are going to Vegas for a long weekend to celebrate more. I'm really looking forward to that!

Isabella stayed up an hour past her bedtime to decorate this leftover bag. You can't tell much, but she patterned all the letters and cut a pattern out of the top. That girl doesn't stop crafting!

Feels Like Yesterday!

6 years ago! I can't say it any better than I did last year on this blog, but I love him more today than ever! Happy Anniversary to my everything!

PS...I am not the Hot Mama like I was hoping and planning on being this anniversary. As you can see by my ticker, I still have 14lbs to go! I have been struggling a lot with it emotionally lately. But I know, it is a lifestyle change and I will get there eventually.

Congrats Big Brother

So, I was meaning to comment to you all who asked...No, my Brother did not get the Arizona hitting coach job. However, my Mom had prayed about it and she knew something better was awaiting him. He is now the Hitting Instructor for the LA Dodgers! (there is a coach in front of him who is going to retire in a year). It will be so much fun to see him in a Dodger uniform again! Congrats David and we are super proud of you!

OOPS...

Were markers suppose to go on the paper, ONLY?!

Sweet Baby Taylor

Today after school we went to visit Holly and sweet little baby boy Taylor! I love him so much! Bella loved holding him and he is just too precious. Hall, you look awesome and thank you so much for letting my kids ransack your house. I never thought I would be the Mom with the O.O.C. kids, but when it comes 3 o'clock every day, that is me!!! And now we know for sure, Vincent will have to be at least 3 when another comes along. Haha! Love you girl! Taylor is so loved!

Future Republican

I helped Mommy vote today and I got my very own sticker!

Oh What Fun

Making cupcakes + Carving Pumpkins 

+ Gathering Together

+ The 'Beastly' meltdown

+  Trick or Treating

+ Smiling Faces

= a great night had by all!!

10 Things To Smile About

OCTOBER...
(again, in no particular order)

1. Pumpkin Spice coffee in my Witch coffee mug.
2. Pictures of baby Carter - A little brother for two sisters!
3. Holding baby Taylor + welcoming my dear friend Holly to Motherhood!
4. Halloween decorations.
5. Watching my kids faces as they were Trick or Treating, baking cupcakes and carving pumpkins.
6. Vincent coloring (scribbling) me a picture and running over to say, "Look Mama!"
7. Isabella saying, "Umm, Mom...I just wanted to say, I love you!"
8. Beautiful Roses blooming on my bushes.
9. Hocus Pocus + other Halloween movies and watching them with my big girl.
10. Leaving our windows open at night and covering up with blankets.

Happy November Friends!