Fancy Nancy comes to Texas

Jennifer found the Fancy Nancy books and instantly thought of Rachel! So when she heard that we were going for Mommy/Rachel manicures today, she told me to open that present and read the book to Rachel. Well Rachel LOVED it ... and said:"Well mommy ... we are going for manicures today - that's fancy for nail painting" She is just too darn cute.

We headed over to the salon at about 9:45 this morning and Rachel sat up in the big chairs in the waiting room. Then Kate came and told us that she would be right with us. While we waited we chose our nail polish colours - Rachel chose a pretty (and sparkly) mauve and chose a sparkly reddish colour for me. The girls were all unable to get the bottle of polish for Rachel's nails open. They took it to one of the men having his haircut and asked him to open it. Rachel was so darn cute she had everyone wrapped around her little finger. I snapped this picture of Rachel and Kate - aren't they so cute?!

A fun afternoon

Yesterday was the last day of school for this calendar year and was an early release day so I wanted to do something special in the afternoon. I picked up this Gingerbread House kit so we sent to working on it together to surprise Daddy when he returned from Nebraska. It was a silly, sticky, and super fun project. I think Kaden ate more than he contributed to the house, but that's Kaden for you! I stressed a bit about the lack of any design qualities, but it all went away when Kenny said, "Mom, this is awesome!"

Here is our house and the proud builders:

This Year's Boots (part 2)

So it's cold here in the central valley... I know, I know. Not like the rest of the country, but still cold enough and this flipflop-wearing girl needs something a little more substantial on her feet these days, even if it does cover up her much needed and loved pedicure from Saturday afternoon. So I have been bugging Ken for a few days (yes, just days b/c it doesn't take much to convince him of what I need) that I wanted UGG's for Christmas.

Yes, you read that right.

Those trendy and not all that attractive boots that are all around town.

On Tuesday night after calling every retailer in the city to find the one and only pair in the color, style and size I needed - my dear husband brought these home to me as an early Christmas gift. I am in boot/slipper/shoe heaven!

I honestly never want to take them off (ok, that's a stretch, but I did almost wear them to bed they are so cozy)

So. Big girls get new boots for Christmas too. ;)

xo, Jen

This Year's Boots

The Christmas that Rachel was 3, my mother bought her cowboy boots. Rachel was insisted that they be purple. Who knew they had purple boots?? Well last year she had finally outgrown the purple boots and so my mom wanted to buy Rachel's new boots ... some may remember those - the 3 kinds of pink leather, the gem stones ... yes they were lovely - at least she is still little so they are cute!

Well we went out to buy this year's boots this past week - thanks mom! There were no discussions as to what the colour of this year's boots would be - please let her think brown SOMEDAY. We went to Wood's boots - and I have to say I am not sure that I have ever seen that many blingy things all together in one place! WOW. My spirits were lifted when Rachel took a look at a pair of brown boots - even with the embroidered flowers on the upper part of the boots - they were quite normal looking. But then she saw these ....

.... and let me tell you it was LOVE at first sight. We tried on one pair - too small, tried on the next - too big. And the size in the middle was nowhere to be found. She wandered around and looked at other boots, but her heart was set on the pink and white ones. All hail the sales clerk who took apart the store room to locate the perfect size for our girl. So here she is in the 2008 boots! Can you see the pink blingy belt there too?? Yup gems all around - she is SUCH a girl!

Also had to share this photo ... these houses are across the street from each other. Hopefully they are not too bitter in their rivalry ... only in Texas!!

xo Amy (if you are wondering where in the world my co-blogger is ... she is still Facebook-ing - go look her up - heehee)

12 Days of Christmas ...

Did you know that there was more meaning behind this song than just the silly words? I learned something new yesterday and I thought I would share ...

I found the following explanation HERE and of course there is a disclaimer that says there is a controversy disputing the authenticity of this interpretation - but I like this one so I am sharing ...

Catholics in England during the period 1558 to 1829 were prohibited by law to practice their faith either in public or private. "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was written as a "catechism song" to help young Catholics learn the basics of their faith.

"True love" refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person.

The partridge in a pear tree is Christ Jesus upon the Cross.
The two turtle doves refers to the Old and New Testaments.
The three French hens stand for faith, hope and love—the three gifts of the Spirit that abide (1 Corinthians 13).
The four calling birds refers to the four gospels in the Bible — Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
The five golden rings represents the first five books of the Bible, also called the Jewish Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
The six geese a-laying is the six days of creation.
The seven swans a-swimming refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.
The eight maids a milking reminded children of the eight beatitudes listed in the Sermon on the Mount.
The nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.
The ten lords a-leaping represents the Ten Commandments
The eleven pipers piping refers to the eleven faithful apostles.
The twelve drummers drumming were the twelve points of belief expressed in the Apostles’ Creed: belief in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, that Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, made man, crucified, died and arose on the third day, that he sits at the right hand of the father and will come again, the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting.

Anyway I thought this was totally cool and wanted to share!

Have a great day
Amy

This is for you Jackson!!!

How do you Follow ....

a blog entry like that one from Jennifer???

You add some fun Christmas music - my friend sent me this link and I just LOVE these guys!!



While you are listening to that fun Christmas medley ... head on over to Scrappin Mojo and check out everything going on there. There are challenges, daily project prompts as well as a kick-butt guest design team contest. The January Sponsor ROCKS - so come on throw your layout/project into the ring!!

Dear Blog,

I haven't forgotten you, I PROMISE. Really! I even gave you a new look this afternoon to show you just how important you are to me. I will try harder to at least check in here each day and see what you have been up to. You have been a great source of communication with the outside world this past year and I totally appreciate it. And Amy has been here the whole time keeping you company. She even wrote a post with all those great links. Lots of places to click.

What did you say?

Where have I been lately?

Well...Um...Awww....I can explain...



Look me up if you are there too ;)

xo, Jen

Guest Design Team Contest

ScrappinMojo are kicking off our guest designer contest this month! And it's going to be a good one! Make sure you check out the rules and responsiblities associated with this contest before you apply. All the guidelines must be followed, no exceptions. If you are chosen as our first ever guest designer you will receive your goodies shortly after Christmas.

Now for the contest: With Thanksgiving just past us and lots of opportunities for family, friends, and fellowship in the month of December, here is your challenge - Use this quotation by W.S. Gilbert as the inspiration for your page - It's not so much what's on the table that matters, as what's on the chairs. The quotation is not required on your layout, however you can include it if you wish. We are super excited about this new aspect of our site and can't wait to see what you create!

Please upload you layout or project to our gallery and link it to the contest thread no later than December 20 midnight PST. We will announce our winner by December 25. GOOD LUCK - we hope that lots of you submit a layout for this!!!