"A gentleman caller, oh happy day mama!"

I love that movie. If you don't know the quote, it's from Easy A. Amazing movie. You must watch it. In fact, I just got it for Christmas. Come over and have a beer with me while we bask in its fantasticalness.

Oh wait, you can't come over. Because I'm going to Vegas for a few days. So no manicure post today (let's face it, was I really going to have time to do my nails ON Christmas?), but I'll have one for you when I come back.

In the meantime, I have three days of picture posts. So you can peek at my Christmas. Think lucky thoughts for me, not that I plan on gambling a bunch. But maybe a little bit.

I leave you with my tree skirt. Very Nightmare-ish. I hand-painted it. Want proof?

I enjoy painting. It's kinda relaxing. And I love my tree skirt.

Merry Christmas!

It's Here!

It's Christmas Eve! Presents are wrapped and cookies are almost done. As I sat on the couch with hubby this morning looking at the gifts under our tree I couldn't help but feel extremely blessed this year. We had a few instances of "conveniently timed money." And we were able to do a lot because of it. I know it wasn't random, and I'm thankful to God for blessing us in such ways as well as countless other ways this year and particularly this season.

I didn't really prep a special post, so I thought I'd share our Christmas card with you. Well, one side of it. Actually, one side of one of them. (Yes, we had two different ones. And they were both two-sided.)

 

Gotta love when your scanner goes out and you have to take a crappy webcam photo. All credit goes to the super awesome Mariano Friginal, our wedding photographer. Pics were taken in... August I think? When Sookie was a lot smaller and Greenlee was fresh from a haircut. :) I love my babies. 

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Christmas.

Monday...

And I'm recovering. I'm not going to detail the ups and downs of my health over the past two weeks, I'll just leave it at this. I was sick, started getting better, started getting worse, started getting better, got worse again, ended up in hubby's ER yesterday morning to find out what the HECK is wrong with me. Know what the doctor said?

German measles.

Ummmm, what? Who even gets that? Turns out people with really weak immune systems. And that would definitely fit a first year teacher who tried to cram way too much in these last couple weeks. I'm already recovering now. I think the fever is already gone, but Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were no bueno. :( It feels like every year hubby and I take turns being sick. Last year was his turn, so this year was mine. Next year I'm overloading us with vitamins so we might actually both enjoy the holidays.

Now I'm hoping to enjoy my last two weeks of vacation and get back to normal. Hope everyone else was able to have a great holiday weekend.

Merry Christmas

I'm about to head off to my grandma's for some tamales, but I had to take a minute to pop in and wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Whether you celebrate tonight, tomorrow, or both, be safe and have a wonderful one.

Wow

So while perusing Twitter I came across a link that Pioneer Woman tweeted. I clicked it thinking maybe it would take me to some amazing recipe, but what I got to was so so SO much better.

Click here and read. Now. Or if you don't have time now, let me give you the gist of it and you must read later. PROMISE me you will read.

Basically, a blogger wanted to give back. So she had some gift cards to the first twenty people who commented that they really need help this Christmas. The cards went fast because so many are out there hurting this year. But then people started coming out of the woodwork. Offering money and gift cards and asking to be matched up with someone who needed some help. After a few days of total strangers showing genuine care for their fellow man, more than $40,000 in donations has been sent out to total strangers to help them have a Christmas.

That right there made me cry a little. And I'm definitely feeling the Christmas spirit at the moment.

5 Things

I'm guessing most of you have a TON to do today. Me too. So that's the list...

5 Things That I Need to Do Today (In Addition to 100 Other Things)

1. Keep wrapping presents. I want to finish already.
2. Go buy some cardstock to make gift tags... yeah, this should have been done already.
3. Go visit my father-in-law. He had surgery yesterday, all went well.
4. Start baking. Ummm... meant to start last night, but Greenlee and I cuddled instead.
5. Find boxes that will fit a couple of the larger Christmas presents.

The list could go on. Easily. What do you have left to do to be ready for Christmas?

Friday Photo

Happy Friday!!! I should have a birthday post up, but I'm hoping to get a picture with the birthday man later so... check back.

For now, I just have to share my Christmas decorations with you. I've mentioned several times how excited I am to finally have a HOUSE to decorate instead of an apartment. We may have gone a little overboard though. What do you think?

Just call hubby Clark Griswold. And if you don't get that... I just don't know what to tell you.

Yeah, it's slightly obnoxious, but I figured since our neighborhood went all out for Halloween, maybe everyone goes all out for Christmas. We're totally winning brightest house at the moment. I defy a neighbor to outdo our display.

Be back later with a birthday post. For now, have a happy Friday!

5 Things

Hey there! It's Tuesday and it's going to be a busy one for me. Singing practice with my kids, I get to do my acting coach thing after school, then I have to come home and prep for cupcakes. Because I have some Glee themed cupcakes to do for one of my girls tomorrow.

Did I mention we got our Christmas tree last night?

Do you love it? In all it's Charlie Brown-ness?

Okay, so that's not our tree. Hubby made it for me while he was trimming the real one.

There's our real one! It's huge. I had to do huge, we're fortunate enough to have high ceilings at our house.

Just had to share the goodness with you. Let's get to our list today...

5 Things I Love About Christmas at Our House

1. Um, kinda mentioned it, but our high ceilings allow us to get a tall tree. Me likey.
2. I have a porch that's fun to decorate. I hung ornaments from the planter hooks. And filled a standing planter with lights and colored mesh.
   
3. Our mantle. It's way cute this year. I'll take pics at some point.
4. I'm not constantly afraid some ghetto person will come steal our wreath.
5. All our Nightmare Before Christmas decor. Ornaments, wreath, the man-eating wreath that's a work in progress, throw blanket, snow globe, dessert dishes... we have a lot. I love it to pieces.

So what do you love about your Christmas decorations?

Happy Tuesday!

Wednesday Gift List

I went a little crazy today. Because I decided that a list for the wee ones was in order. And I tend to get carried away when it comes to kid and baby stuff. So let's get started.

Tad actually has this shirt. It's getting a little too small, which makes me sad. But I'll keep it for my own child one day. Because it's just as adorable in person. (via DogboneArt)

I fell in love with this skirt. Isn't it cute? I want to find that whale fabric and make it for my niece. And every other little girl I know. (via kiddyup)

These are just awesome. Lego Man crayons???? Can I have some? (via LilDoodlers)

Can't remember if I posted one of these at some point last year. But I still love the idea. And I'm pretty sure if I'd just quit farting around I could make one of my own for each kid. Someday... for now I love this one with its cute fabric. (via HappyBabeeandBeeyond)

This little robot is darling. I think Tad would like him on his wall. I think any little guy would enjoy such a happy robot on his wall. (via icanfly)

Are these the coolest shoes ever? Possibly. Especially if you have a little girl around who wants to be a superhero. Go check out the whole shop. There's mucho cute stuff. (via smallfly)

This made me laugh. It just sounds like something a little boy would say. (via RockRiverTees)

I kind of love these in a big way. For a playroom? I would put these up in a second. Yeah it's a little bit like nagging, but I love them anyway. (via johnwgolden)

This isn't so much a toy. More of a cute, original gift for a new mom. Personalized with a little one's birth date and stats? Adorable. I might have to try my own version for a friend who's due soon. (via elephanttales)

I want a plain toy chest for Tad's room so badly. Something good that can be used for more than one kid. Of course if you go to big box stores you only get stuff with cartoon characters and the like. This one is infinitely better. I'll take it. (via natureinspiredcrafts)

Hopefully I gave you some good ideas. Of course, if you're anything like me, kids are the easiest to shop for and it can spiral out of control quickly. Like I may or may not have done on Scholastic's site last night... (book orders are trouble when you're a teacher!)

Happy Wednesday! Counting today you only have four Wednesdays until Christmas...

Monday Coolness

This is some of the coolest coolness I've seen in a LONG time. Some guy times his Christmas lights with a program to the song "Raining Blood" by Slayer.

Yeah, I like Slayer. Deal with it.

You don't even really have be a Slayer fan to appreciate how cool it is the way he pulled this off. It's flat out amazing. My jaw dropped the first time I watched it. I laughed at the coolness of it all. And I may or may not have watched it several times since Thursday night.

Witness the coolness for yourself.




Happy Monday!

Wednesday Gift List

Ohhhh I had fun with today's list. I could have added tons more things. But linking everything takes a lot of work so I decided to stop here.

Today I though I'd make a list for your girly girl. Your friend, niece, or sis who loves makeup and dressing up. (Hint hint: I'd gladly take any and all of these items under my tree.)

I am in LOVE with this dress. I don't have anywhere to wear it at the moment, but it's just fabulous and begging to be worn by me. (via Ruche)

And this coat? With the giant buttons AND a bow on the collar? So super cute. (via Ruche)

These gloves are just pretty. I love their long length and their buttons. And they're red. Which is actually really pretty with just about everything. Including the lovely coat above. (via ModCloth)

These tights are pretty. I'm not 100% sure I would wear them. I almost wonder if I'm too old for them already. But I would definitely try. (via ModCloth)

This necklace would go with several things in my closet. Without even putting much effort I just planned a whole outfit around this necklace. I love it. (via ModCloth)

Now comes the dangerous part for me... makeup. Sephora has been tempting me with their holiday catalog and emails again...

This set would actually be pretty awesome. There's a TON in it. And it's a really good price (again, hint hint Santa).

I rarely wear lipstick because you need a mirror to put it on and it takes some precise application. Lip gloss? So much simpler. This set would do nicely.

And last year I wrote about some an Urban Decay eyeliner set that I was loving. Hubby bought it for me. It's pretty much my FAVORITE EYELINER EVER. So hopefully this set makes its way to my house this year. It would make my year.

So there you are. Some great gifts for your favorite girl. All three sites I shopped have a ton of stuff besides what I posted. So enjoy browsing.

Happy Wednesday!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Just a quick post for today. A couple videos to share with you. Because what's better on Christmas than a bunch of Kindergarten kids singing "Jingle Bells?"





And a little message from that same class. Complete with a little wave from my Tad.

Wow!

How about that? I found a minute to post! There are still piles of cookies to be frosted and presents to be wrapped, but I came across this and had to share. If you're a fan of Glee, then consider this my Christmas present to you.

Wish List Wednesday

I LOVE my wish list today. LOVE it. I was playing with the idea of posting holiday party dresses (that may still happen) when I decided to hit up the vintage section on Etsy.

Ohhhh dear.

I spotted a couple dresses that had to be posted. They scream something like "White Christmas" at me. Especially the red one.


Look at it. Red. Bows. Poofiness. Ruffles??? I would happily wear this dress... if I had an excuse.

Those ruffles in the back make me seriously happy.


Then there's this cute green one. This would make me happy too. I love the color.


Since I was stalking dresses I figured it would be a good idea to look for a cute coat. This white fur one is AWESOME!!! I'd wear it any chance I got. It could go with jeans, right?

And since the sleeves on that coat are a little short, I would need some cute gloves. These will work nicely, thanks.

There ya go. I'm going to go continue drooling over that coat.

What Have YOU Been Up To?

Oh look, a blog! It's been getting busier around here. Yesterday with some fabric cutting, laundry, and jiu jitsu (I don't actually participate, but if Tad is going I'll try to go and keep an eye on him). Today we picked the kids up like we normally do on Tuesdays and the kids got to make their teacher gifts! I used this idea from Bakerella and because I'm super lame, I forgot to take pictures. We swapped the pink M&Ms for Christmas colors of course. And they looked WAY cute. Oh well, I was pressed for time and that tends to make me forget pictures.

I cleaned this morning though and that means that tomorrow is the day we go get our Christmas tree!!! I MUST get some sewing done so I'll be doing some of that as well. I'm taking lots of pictures of the cuteness for the kids so that will be showing up at some point. Church tomorrow night, then maybe I'll decorate the tree during Glee. It's the fall season finale! What will I do without it??

Thursday morning I have an check up with the optometrist (he gave me a new type of contact so he wants to see me). And more sewing. And laundry. Because Friday at about 5:00 PM I'm out of here for the weekend. Then out of here for our big Tahoe trip as soon as I get back.

So, what have you been doing?

Let Me Help... With those Teenage Girls

Oh, teenage girls. *sigh* Aren't they delightful? Haha, NOT! I'll be the first to admit that I was a rotten teenager. And they can be super hard to shop for. I've noticed that their tastes are getting more and more expensive.

So today I bring you more fun. Focused on your precious angel teenage girls. They really shouldn't get coal in their stocking, as much as they're on your last nerve.

This ring is little and sweet. I would have worn it in high school. Heck, I'd wear it now! (via miasophia)

This necklace is SUPER cute. I can totally see one of my 16-year-old cousins rockin' it. The black chain keeps it from being too pretty. And I LOVE the little bow. (via Invidia)

Plaid is still big this year. Especially this buffalo plaid. And especially in cute colors. I wouldn't mind this cute laptop bag for myself. And if your precious angel doesn't carry her laptop around, it would still totally work for school books. (via SarahJaneMark)

Okay, not to encourage the carrying around of an mp3 player, but this little cozy is too cute. I actually hate that the majority of teenagers walk around with their stupid earbuds in place. It's rude. But I'm not here to rant like an old woman. I'm here to tell you that this ipod/iphone cozy is way too cute for it's own good. There's even a spot for the earbuds on the back. (via curiouspug)

Bows are another big thing still. Especially bows on headbands. I'm far too old for the trend, but I want someone I know to buy this and wear it with pride. It's cute. Cute beyond words. (via chicpeagoods)

Hair pins are cute. And they keep emo hair out of teenage faces. So buy these for your girl. And make her pin her emo bangs back. (via AvenueB)

I would be totally off the mark if I didn't include some Twilight goodness. We all know that girls are RABID for the series (and okay, some women as well... maybe myself included). Get your fan a necklace proclaiming her love for Edward (woooo!) or Jacob (nah). (via WhimsyatHandmade)

Girls like makeup. I still like makeup. And these are a good deal. And so many colors to choose from! I would have been in heaven in high school with some of these shadows. (via theallnaturalface)

And a girl should have makeup brushes. When she has makeup brushes, she needs a nice way to store and transport them. Cue this adorable makeup brush roll. LOVE the damask. (via asoftblackstar)

So there's part two of my lists. I really don't know how long I'll go on with this. If you have any requests let me know and I'll try to find some cuteness for you. Computer nerd brother? Sports-loving boyfriend? An aunt who LOVES Christmas decor? Hit me up in the comments or the email.

Let Me Help... With the Dudes

Hello all! A lot of blogs this time of year post gift guides. A collection of things ideal for a certain group/type you may be shopping for. It always looks fun to me, so I thought I'd give it a shot this year.

And today I'm starting with one of the most difficult groups there is: the dudes.

I hate shopping for the men in my life (well, the ones over twelve years old anyway). Gift cards aren't exciting for the giver. Clothes aren't exciting for the recipient. Movies are old news (unless it's one they're really dying for). So I headed on over to my favorite place on the interwebz (hello there, Etsy my love) and found some fun things that could work for the men in your life. Or maybe that's just my life. Because when I was looking at this stuff I totally had hubby, brother, and dad in mind.


Hubby and I love Aqua Teen Hunger Force. So does my brother. There's a chance you know someone who feels the same. So give them this clock, and wait for the laughter to begin. (via ComicMadness)


I don't know anyone who uses a money clip, but I'd like to think that one this cool could convert some guys from their wallets they still have from high school (I'm talking to you, my dear husband). (via CosmicFirefly)

Now, THIS I can see hubby wearing. He's a steak man. And this shirt would crack him up. I'm sure you know some men that would enjoy wearing some tasty mean on their shirt. (via variousandsundry)

These are sweet. Do you recognize them? They're totally Invisibility Stars from Super Mario Brothers! Guys don't like sweet and sappy ornaments. They want something that is totally them. And if you know a guy who loved Nintendo, he'll dig putting these up on his tree. (via Livethislife777)

Okay, to be fair, there are a good amount of female fans of Lost as well as males. But again, I can't help but picture these on your college brother's fridge. Aren't they perfect and just geeky enough? (via Slevin11)

Maybe it's just my husband, but he LOVES bottled root beer. The good stuff. So these glasses made from actual IBC bottles (his favorite brand) would be super cool. If you look at the seller's other items you'll see some glasses made from beer bottles too. Just cool. (via YAVAglass)

I saw this and thought of my buddy Steven. He was the photographer for my sissy. And he helped me out with a photo shoot that shall not be revealed because it's being used for Christmas. It may not be a camera bag, but it's still fun! The color isn't girly, and the picture isn't either. I like it. A lot. (via happyfamily)

Haha, I can't tell you who I'm thinking of getting this for, but just know that I have someone in mind. Isn't it fun? It would be extra fun packaged with the DVD for one of your favorite guys. (via SerendipityEight)

I love Blue Moon. It makes me happy (I happen to have some of their winter brew in my fridge right now). This soap is just cool. And totally manly, right? (via dennisanderson)

And finally, I bring you this. Coffee sleeves. With the caffeine molecule embroidered on them. LOVE it! But I'm kind of a science nerd (I actually ended up enjoying chemistry the second time around...). Fun for your science nerd. Or smart guy. Or just a guy that would appreciate the humor. (via ragnazldnar)

There you go! My first gift guide! I prefer my title over "gift guide" though. And now I'm off to scour the web for my next category. Don't be surprised if it's full of Etsy goodness as well.

It's December!!!

Okay, for me it's acceptable to bust out the Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving. No sooner than that. And seeing as how it's officially the month of Christmas, I thought I'd share some of my faves with you.

1. Little Drummer Boy - Bing Crosby and David Bowie I got the appreciation for this one from my mommy. I was raised on White Christmas so I had a love for Bing at an early age (no, not a crush, just LOVED listening to him sing). This is just a great song. Bing and David sound spectacular together.

2. White Christmas - Bing Crosby This is pretty much the only acceptable version of this song for me. Once again, raised on the movie. The scene at the beginning, when he sings it in the army... I love that.

3. Christmastime is Here - Vince Guaraldi (Charlie Brown Christmas) Only one of my favorite Christmas movies. This song is even a ringtone on my phone right now.

4. Baby It's Cold Outside - Leon Redbone and Zooey Deschanel My love for this song isn't only because of my massive girl crush on Miss Zooey. It's just perfect. I loved her little version in Elf. Turn this one up.

5. Santa Baby - Pussycat Dolls Hey, if you're going to market yourselves as a skanky girl group you have to do this song. And I love their showy version. It's fun.

6. My Grown Up Christmas List - Kelly Clarkson Okay, I actually wanted the Michael Buble version of this one, but couldn't find it. Regardless, this is a beautiful song. I remember mom cried the first time she heard it (back in the day, the Amy Grant version).

7. O Holy Night - Martina McBride I was hesitant to put a live version on the playlist, but Martina ROCKS this song. This is another song that can't be messed with. You have to do it right for me to like it. It could possibly be my favorite.

8. What Child Is This? - Third Day Third Day is one of the few Christian groups I would actually like to see. They sing some of my favorite worship songs. And every Christmas song they sing is pretty high up on my scale.

9. Happy Christmas - John Lennon I remember liking this one when I was little. And I still do.

10. Christmas Song - Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds I remember hearing this in high school and LOVING it. I love Dave anyway, this song just solidified it.

11. Born on Christmas Day - Brad Paisley I got chills the first time I heard this, mainly because he wrote it when he was so young! The man is talented. And apparently has been for a little while.

12. Kung Pao Buckaroo Holiday - Brad Paisley and the Kung Pao Buckaroos (George Jones, Little Jimmy Dickens, Bill Anderson, Bill Engvall) If you've listened to a Brad Paisley CD, you know who the Kung Pao Buckaroos are. If not... well, you just won't get it. But I promise it's funny. This one is the best with it's mocking of political correctness. I think I cried laughing the first time I heard it. Because political correctness is such a joke. Seriously, just give it a shot and listen. You'll laugh.

13. Wonderful Christmas Time - Demi Lovato I'm not usually one for stuff that "the kids" are into. But I heard this on a Target commercial... last year maybe? And I like her version.

14. Oi! To The World - No Doubt Dude, this is when No Doubt was totally ska. And it's so awesome! This was one of my favorites in high school.

15. Funky Funky Christmas - New Kids on the Block That's right. Die laughing right now. While looking for other songs I got the bright idea to search for this song. It is so fabulously cheesy. And I still know all the words. I may put it on a CD and torture hubby with its awesome badness.

So enjoy some Christmas music today! We only have 25 days to do so!

**EDIT**

Sorry. Apparently MixPod is determined to be a massive jerkface and say it's empty when I post it. So here's a link to all the fun stuff. I'll keep working on trying to embed it.

Christmas music

Time to Shop!

Well, hopefully most of you have at least started Christmas shopping. Hubby and I are going to get some stuff for the kids today. I'm way excited about Tad's present. He's apparently been asking for it for awhile.

But actually, today is about a little event coming up in town. I MUST go. If any of you enjoy my wish lists that come from Etsy, you should probably go too.

I got this from a friend a couple weeks ago. He knew I'd be interested. I'm assuming you can read, but just in case you haven't figured it out, it's essentially a craft fair.

I'm going. If you want to come with, hit me up. And if you want to share this with everyone in your address book, feel free.

Here's the blog I got it from in the first place.