My first GIVEAWAY!: $45 to CSN Stores

I am ridiculously excited about this! I have always longed to be fancy enough to hold a real giveaway on my little blog.

I mean, I've debated about giving away random artwork from my kids or the endless Pizza Hut coupons I get in the mail, but THIS seems much more appealing.

CSN has over 200 stores and you will get $45 to spend however you like!
Just in time for Christmas (or to sock away for a rainy day).
Need an idea? How about looking through some flat screen TV stands and give your other half the nudge they need to get a bigger TV to watch Glee on! Not that I am hinting to mine or anything...

Ok, the entries:
1. Become a follower of my blog and tell me what you want Santa to bring you for Christmas!
2. For 5 Entries purchase a toy for the Jack Malia Fund Toy Drive and leave me a comment saying what you bought. This drive is for special needs children staying in a hospital at Christmas. A worthy cause!

Thanks for enteringI I will be drawing a winner on Monday, Dec. 6th at 7PM (Pacific)

It's Beginning to...

look a little like Christmas!

Got our tree and began some decorating this weekend! So much fun!











Gracie asked me last night, "What you want for Christmas, Mama? A truck?!" I told her I'd like a pretty sweater instead.
Then she asked if daddy would like a vacuum cleaner, like her.
I said,"Yes he would honey, very much."

Slightly Belated...

Hope you counted your blessings and felt love and gratitude!

Now ON to CHRISTMAS!

Snow Day!

In Pictures...









We only lasted about 45 min outside with friends. It was about 20 degrees in Seattle today! All that was left to do was have chicken noodle soup, hot cocoa and a long short winter's nap.

Snow and Conversation

We have around 4 inches of snow (so far) today in Seattle, and they predicted 0-2 in. max. So exciting because I love snow and we didn't get a single flake last year. My kids have yet to play in the snow!
My camera was dead (figures) but I did manage a few blurry phone pics that I won't bother with here.
Just imagine the little brother from A Christmas Story who can't put his arms down, and multiply times three.

Some fun conversation bits for me to remember:

Tate cried when we got home and didn't want to get snow on his new snow boots. Gracie was distracted by how pretty her new boots are.

G and T wanted to watch Happy Feet and wouldn't go outside to play until I told them that the snow might run away while they are sleeping tonight. Then they couldn't get out the door fast enough and Tate kept yelling down the street to the snow "NO RUN AWAY!!!"

After we brushed our teeth Tate and I said goodnight to the snow. It was dark inside and a sweet, quiet moment. "Ni, Night snow...See you tomorrow..." Then he said we had to say the same to the back yard snow. I love this boy.

Putting the kids in bed Gracie said "I love you daddy" (without being prompted, I swear). Then "I love you mommy" and I said I love you too, then she said "I love bed. I love sleep." A girl after my own heart.

Also completely random, Benny walked on Saturday! His first 3 steps at 15 months old! (That's 2 months after Tate and one before Grace did).

I feel like if I blink lately I am going to miss something sweet or priceless. I think this is the bitter sweet process of parenting that simultaneously fills and breaks your heart.

Two Things

that make me think Christmas is going to be amazing this year:

Yesterday in the car Jingle Bells on the radio
(We are trying to get them to memorize it so we can give our family dvd's of them singing carols for Christmas gifts!)

G: "Mommy, My yike Jingle bells!"
T: "My yike jingle bells, too!"
G: "My yike jingle bells all day long!"
B: "Cracker!"


Last weekend at the mall we walked by to check out Santa at his post. As we got close enough to see him, Tate whispered with the wonder and awe that only a child can "Santa..."

*sigh* I've been waiting for this.

Pretty Much

sums up what we did this weekend:


a little music


a lot little movie watchin'


and a little online shopping.