Santa lives in a house made of candy.

If you've never decorated a gingerbread house I would highly recommend it.  We set out to conquer Santa's house last week (it was a kit that I ran across and let me just say the way to go, you get to jump straight into the fun part which is piling on the candy).  Getting started looked a little something like this...

We added a little coconut for a snowy effect...

And then it was time to bring on the candy...

A couple of Hershey kiss bushes on either side of our front door...

A roof adorned with icing swirls and the perfect mix of M & M's and gumballs...

It all came together quite nicely, except for one little icing drip that made our house look a little sad....

But not to worry, it is no doubt a happy place...

Complete with Rudolph the red nosed reindeer...

Santa is one lucky dude to get to live in such a fabulous house made of candy...

I've had a blast the past couple of weeks entertaining Carter with Christmas activities and enjoying the company we've had in our home.  I love this time of year!  Hope your holidays have been a happy one.  We're still soaking up all they have to offer and taking advantage of another week full of fun and family! Oh, and just in case you needed it here is a little random Emerson cuteness to get your day off on the right foot (her chubby cheeks have been getting lots of grandparent love this past week!)...

Joy to You

True Merriment

I'm a little overboard when it comes to Christmas.  My husband gives me a hard time all year about the amount of "Christmas tubs" that take up a large area of real estate in our garage.  But his teasing is more than worth it come December when I can drag out a few of my favorite things and deck the halls.  


I love Christmas (and I'm not the only one in my family with a passion for tinsel, you should see my brother's new digs!)  My mom instilled a love for overly decorating in us at an early age.  If anyone can give Martha a run for her money around Christmas it would be my momma'.


This year is extra special around our house because it's this little baby's first Christmas...

I've had more than a little fun decorating and making things merry for she and her big sister (and just between us I think their daddy actually really likes all my tinsel).  Speaking of tinsel and baby's first Christmas... 

Let me introduce you to our tree this year...

A little different than the "real" pine we've opted for in the past few years, but considering Emerson would be eating anything we put in arms reach we went with something that could be just out of her grasp.  I was actually pleasantly surprised and am kinda' digging our gold tinsel Charlie Brown tree...

And in lieu of a chimney our stocking are hung by the book case with care...

But we're pretty sure that won't keep St. Nick from finding them there...

There is plenty of Peace...

And Joy to go around...

No piece of furniture gets left out when it comes to spreading Christmas cheer.  Our entryway gets a little candy...

And a photo of the big fat man...

Ho Ho Ho...

The desk is now home to our advent calendar...

The source of Carter's daily dose of chocolate...

Speaking of Carter, her room gets a little dusting from the Christmas fairy too.  Her own sweet little pink tree...

With an ornament for each of her past 5 years...

And the newest addition...

She also has a few friendly snowmen to keep her company...

And her favorite elf Jingle is back (he's got his eye on her)...

And of course, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas if it wasn't for the birth of a sweet baby.  Our nativity found a special spot right inside our doorway...

Emerson is keeping a watchful eye on them...

I just love everything about Christmas.  It exudes home, warmth, family and love.  If you need us we'll be hanging out (possibly in our pj's) baking, crafting, and most likely singing along to some of our Christmas faves (think Bing Crosby).  I love my girls...

There's no place like home for the holidays...

Merry Christmas!

Monday Carter Edition #78~Pajama Party

My little Monday Carter is home from school for a couple of weeks of Christmas vacation!  I can't wait to spend a little extra time with her and we've got some fun activities planned (think Gingerbread House decorating and cookie making).  


Friday was her last day of school and I was very happy to receive an invitation to her classroom party.  It just so happened to be a pajama party.  She was decked out in her finest and excited to celebrate...

A quick jump over Emerson and we were out the door...

Oh, and I forgot to mention Carter wasn't the only one decked out in her PJ's (I decided a little matchy matchy was in order for the big day)...

Emme was happy to tag along...

And just when I think these two can't get any cuter...

It was a great morning.  I got to read books to her little class while they munched on Gingerbread men and we ended the day with a little dancing...

I had that moment where I realized I'm a full blown mom.  Attending a Pre-K Christmas party in your pajamas tends to have that effect on you.  Good thing I loved it, there's no turning back now!