Toddler Madness

We finally enrolled Harrison in a Gymboree class and he's already made quite a few little buddies. This was the calmest part of the evening . . . imagine 10 toddlers running crazy while trying to teach the concept of push and pull.

Christmas Mantel

The mantel is almost complete. This is the first place I've lived that actually has a fireplace (however it does not work). I tried to go with a "natural" theme. Pine cones from the neighborhood sprayed with snow and red berries from the front yard. My favorite part is the "ho" coming from the steam of the snowman's pipe.

O' Tree

This tree has been with me over a decade. I know it's small but that's part of what makes it so perfect. Maybe someday we'll get a bigger one or start a tradition of finding a Christmas tree farm. I have fond memories of those cold, Nebraska December days hunting for the biggest tree. When you're little, you don't realize it's 20 degrees with a wind chill in the single digits.

I've been collecting a new Santa ornament every year since Ryan and I met in 2001. I haven't found one yet this year but I still have time.

Craft Friday

Yes, it's Friday and it's craft time. After a long week of a lingering cold, it felt good to sit on the couch and finish decorating the mantel. I found this idea on Design Sponge.

Grateful Days Ahead

I purchased this piece before Christmas last year at Target. I was pretty pumped to unpack it this year. I've put Jolly Ranchers candies behind each door but in order to get one, Ryan or I must write down something we're grateful for. I read ours from last year and apparently we were pretty cold and we're thankful for warm sheets (this was mentioned more than once).

Craig's List

For those of you who don't know, Craig's List is awesome for selling junk and finding bargains. We sold half a dozen items before we moved. They sold within a day of listing. I found this hickory cabinet at an awesome price. Ryan said it was the heaviest piece of furniture he's ever carried and I'm stuck with him when he has a broken back. Note - there are some crazies on Craig's List so don't give out too much information :)

Fu Man

Fu Manchu - Signs of Infinite Power, that's the first site that pulled up when I was trying to check my spelling. This extra growth lasted approximately one day. Harrison kept bringing Ryan the razor and pointing to his face saying "no, no, no". Little man always gets his way.