Tuesday, December 31, 2013

One Little Word 2014- Brave

My one little word for 2014 is brave.


 I already feel the power behind this word. I'll be asking myself what does it mean to me, how will I empower myself, and what extraordinary challenges will I accept with the strength and bravery that I'll show? 



Last year my word change was so true to how 2013 turned out. I began the beginning of the year unknowing of what lay ahead and what changes would become by the end.. I'll tell you I don't regret any of the changes that were made. The first one and biggest life event was when we purchased our new home in January. We then followed through with making all kinds of improvements to our home, life, and careers. You hit some huge milestones like turning 3, starting preschool, and potty training. 

What will being brave this year mean to me? What brave things will I accomplish?? I'm looking forward to the woman I'll be in the end and the strength and courage I'll obtain from taking new risks and achieving the goals I set out.

Ill head into 2014 with bold intentions and strong commitments. 

It will be an amazing journey and here I officially welcome you 2014!

I'll be joining the very inspiring and amazing Ali Edwards as she makes the same journey and inspires us all through her 2014 One Little Word workshop

Currently- December

Whew that's on crazy month behind us!! December was full of hectic holiday nonsense. I've officially vowed to leave retail for good!! The unbelievable rudeness that people have possessed this holiday season was unreal! With the stressful annoying stuff forgotten about I want to focus on one of the biggest accomplishments this month (shoot I would say year) was that you are officially potty trained!!!! 

Let's scream it from the rooftops! 

Dad and I thought these last 2 weeks would be a perfect time to try since you were on winter break from preschool. We had a few accidents in the beginning but we went all in and are leaving the end of winter break a girl free of diapers rocking some super awesome panties! Way to go littles. 

Here are some photo highlights-
Started out this month getting the tree up
Then attempted this crazy elf on the shelf 
Got some awesome mom gifts
And dad gifts
Then done some major Christmas shopping
Got our party on
Kept the December daily going
Then we had Christmas #1
Christmas #2
And Christmas #3

December 12-25 elf on the shelf

Yep let's just throw this out there... I totally sucked at elf on the shelf. I started out strong and then the reality of being a store manager during the holiday season, the everyday commitment of it, and the long hours at work made Lola take a vacation. She still hung around on the shelf and she even brought a hot chocolate bar but that was the extent of it. 

Saturday, December 14, 2013

December 5-11 elf on the shelf mess, book, pink milk, tee, puzzle,coloring, and cookies.

So I've been slacking both on my posts here and now even on doing the elf on the shelf. I totally call it that I suck tho.  



Thursday, December 5, 2013

December 4 elf on the shelf- note to see lights

For tonight you found Lola with a note telling us to go see the Christmas lights which you loved btw!! "Cool" "awe" "awesome" and "good job" quoting you... You absolutely love them... We will have to borrow dad's truck and do it again


December 3 elf on the shelf- e.l.fudge cookies

So tonight Lola dug into the cookies!! She decided to be a little extra naughty!!


Tuesday, December 3, 2013

December 2- elf on the shelf- bad gift wrapper

Day two Lola brought you a new gift!! She apparently can't wrap that well... But that's ok you take a pony anyway you can get them

Sunday, December 1, 2013

December 1- elf on the shelf advent calendar

Day 1- Lola brought you a calendar to countdown all the days to Christmas. This was also my photo of the day-


December 2013 intro to elf on the shelf

This month will be filled with all kinds of holiday fun. We will be doing December daily, elf on the shelf, a Christmas countdown/advent calender, and you'll be getting daily gifts. So I know we are all ready for an amazing 25 day countdown til Christmas. 

Meeting Lola and pre countdown gift in the stocking- 


Here is the "plan" it can be altered and then will be update as needed- 

December Daily- December 1st-25th

using project life sunshine kit + studio calico cuppa November kit 

downloads from life love paper, miss tinna, paislee press, and ali edwards.

December countdown
Photo a day lists
Elf on the shelf
Activities
Daily life
Trips
Preschool
Holiday decor/shopping/life stuff

Elf on the shelf (Lola)/advent calendar/(photo of the day)/ note/ activity
Nov- put up tree/stocking/decorate!
Nov 30 - meet Lola she brings a skirt and a m&ms bar
Day 1- (advent calendar), she brings advent calendar. Penguin countdown
Day2-  (winter clothes) Lola brings new gift (pajamas) easy spot
Day3- (outdoors) Lola plays with pony new pony gift
Day4- Lola brings out the kiwi crate
Day5- put up stocking (warm) Lola hiding out in new stocking. Stocking stuffer gift
Day6- (busy) calendar. Lola with kiss wrappers ate them left some for em
Day7- (happy) Lola makes a mess! Snow angel
Day8- go to Brady and Evans party. Funny Lola moment. Lola brings cute hair accessory for the party and a new shirt. 
Day9- (family) Lola brings crayons and coloring book 
Day10- (cards) Lola shows off our Christmas ecard! 
Day11- (cold) Lola is wearing new gloves and hat 
Day12- (bokeh) Lola is hiding out in the tree look at Christmas lights 
Day13- (read) Lola brings a new book
Day14- (jump) Lola was watching vine while snacking on fruit snacks
Day15- go see Santa (rest) Lola passes out on Ted 
Day16- (through the window) Lola is watching what's going on outside
Day17- (self timer) wrapping presents Lola brings gift supplies and makes a mess!
Day18- (sign) lola brings gift to donate gifts to charity. 
Day19- (decor) give preschool gift
Day20- (red/green) Lola make a craft 
Day21-(weather)
Day22- make Christmas cookies (cookies) Lola brings the supplies for cookies 
Day23- (excited) Lola bring hot cocoa and cookies
Day24- (tree) Christmas Eve traveling 
Day25- Christmas Day (love) at grandmas gift opening

1.Advent calendar 2. Pajamas 3. Pony 4. Kiwi crate 5. Stocking 6. Hershey kiss 7. Candy 8. Party 9. Crayons and coloring book 10. ECard 11. Gloves + hat 12. Note look at lights 13. Book 14. Fruit snacks 15. Christmas outfit 16. Candy 17. Small gift 18. Note donate 19. Note Preschool gift 20. Crafts 21. 22. Note Cookie decor supplies 23. Note Cocoa and cookies 24. Note travel to grandmas 25. Presents 

Currently- November

So to put an end to another month. I've been embracing all the changes and been dealing with all the stress of working the holiday season in retail. It's always best when I get to come home to you and dad.

 I'm very thankful this year. I have the most amazing family, the hardest working team at work, the best friends, a beautiful home, and I have an amazing husband taking care of my daughter, taking care of me, and he makes such a sacrifice to give us what we have. I also have one of the sweetest most amazing little girls and I get to spend every moment with her.

Here are some highlights from the month



On thanksgiving we decorated the tree



We also decorated trees outside. We officially have 3 trees


We had our own little thanksgiving


We got in your kiwi crate kit!! Super exciting crafts enclosed. 


We picked up and adopted Lola your elf on the shelf

I had to prepare and survive Black Friday 


We did some gift Shopping you love boy toys! 



We had thanksgiving at Aunt Shannon's. 


I got in my studio calico cuppa kit! So excited about this. 


We had thanksgiving at grandmas house


We spent the rest of the beginning of the month doing everyday stuff like cleaning (yeah you dusted the toilet wierdo)


You went to preschool 4 times a week every week... You are learning so much there and you freaking love it!!

You had dad time
And mom time... And you are always on the move!!!
And then mom celebrated her 27th bday!!!

Another fabulous month down now let's bring on December.

Thanksgiving dad's side

We had our second thanksgiving and it was another great one spent with amazing family.


Always love catching photos of you two. You love hanging with your cousin


Group shot of us relaxing after dinner


You reading aunt Shannon's bible. You always find a way to keep yourself entertained 

Another great year spent with family.