Christmas cards are starting to arrive :)  most of them are the flat picture cards that can't stand on their own so I had to put on my thinking cap and figure out a way to display them...here's what I came up with...

xo,

mar

The countdown to christmas is well underway...we are counting down three ways...{yes I said 3}.  

First we have the advent calendar from Ballard {always a favorite...I put chocolates and candy canes in the cubbies and I noticed my mom sneaking piggy bank money in there too :).  Second the hanging paper chain that bird made at preschool {beanie did this the last two years when she was in preschool...they loved ripping the paper off each day!} and lastly I wrapped 24 holiday books {thanks mom for finding most of these!} and each night before bed they will take turns picking out a "present" to unwrap then we cozy up in mommy and daddy's bed and read our christmas book.  This is the first year doing the book countdown and it was a complete hit tonight! 

{my pictures decided to not go in the order I wanted...sorry}

xo, 

mar

These pictures make me laugh for a few different reasons...one...I remember lining up with my cousins in front of the fire place and having our pictures taken...{it takes me back}!  Two... all of these pictures show the personality of each child so well...Bird and Luke are kind of a spaz and can't stay still for too long {you can tell by the blurriness of their hands} and then there is Beanie{aka lil' mama} who is so patient, calm, and sweet!  

And of course because Luke doesn't care too much for Lucy...this makes her even more fascinated with him and she is trying to give his iron man mask a kiss {second pic}...hilarious!  

great memories...thanks for getting these pictures of the kids Heather!

Hope you had a great Halloween!

xo, mar

Busy Weekend...

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days...we have had a busy weekend!  My husband had two of his childhood buddies in town from North Carolina and they ended up staying the night {it's funny to watch your husband act like he's 19 again..haaahaa} It was great to see them!  We love and miss you Mike and Brian!!!

Saturday went like a flash recovering from a few to many glasses of wine/beer the night before {goes back to the acting like you are 19 then realizing the next morning that you are actually in your 30's} and running errands.

Today was spent with the little ones making valentines for school and crafting while hubby was at a union meeting. My oldest made all 18 of her valentines this year {they turned out fab!} Then my wonderful sis n law, her hubby, and handsome nephew came over for dinner.  What a great weekend!  Here are a few pics...

~Mar

 Brian, Mike, and Cute Hubby

 Hundreds of heart stickers :)

 Starting to get tired...

Love the cute tape!

 Made this last minute v ~day banner out of paper and rick rack...

 They love these mailboxes!  All of their valentine's fit in these...score!

 Perfect height for them to get into

 sorry... posted twice and can't figure out how to remove