Wishing You and Yours

WIWW, Take 8

Hooray!  School's out today and I couldn't be more excited.  We've got a house full of family coming and a whole lot of fun to be had.  Today I wanted to me comfortable and colorful.  I reached for a few things in the closet that I never wear (read: insanely bright cardi) but I have to say, it's left me feeling festive. 

Jeggings:  Kohls

 Boots, Cardi and Sparkle Tank: Old Navy

Scarf:  Made by me 

Peony Poppy that you can hardly see: FVL 

Boot socks: Abercrombie hand me downs

Merry Christmas friends!  I hope you have lots of holiday fun heading your way. 

Linking up here. 

Not Your Mama's Hot Chocolate

9 days til Christmas kids!  Who's ready?  

I'm feeling pretty good about my preparations for the big day and am so excited about what's making it's way under our tree.  I know, I know, Christmas has gotten way too commercial blah, blah, blah, but I still love seeing my kid's faces when Santa surprises them.  My parents did the most amazing job of making everything special at the holidays and we love creating that for our own kids. 

Whether you're busy finishing up your own plans this weekend or staying in and staying warm, make a batch of this amazing hot chocolate.  It is rich and hearty and completely delicious.  I served some at our Christmas Give Back Monday night paired with these bad boys and it was a hit.  I can't wait to mix up some more this weekend!

While you're waiting for your hot chocolate to simmer up to perfection this weekend, do me a favor and stop by my original BFF's blog and wish her a happy birthday.  She has a VERY special birthday coming up this weekend (rhymes with FORTY) and it's killing me not to be with her.  I'm lucky enough to have known her for 33 of her 40 years and she is the best friend a girl could have.  She is hilarious and loyal, kind and compassionate and she knows all my stories and loves me still.  She's created the best family for herself and I love her dearly.  Happy Birthday dear friend.  I heart you. 

Merry Christmas friends!

WIWW, Take 7

This is my outfit from family pictures which my awesome brother-in-law took last week.  Having a professional photographer in the family is one of the best things I can think of.  Right up there with having a hair stylist and personal trainer.  His pictures are amazing and I'm excited about the Christmas cards we've sent out using his beautiful images.  

We have a large photo gallery in our living room so the colors in our clothing had to reflect the room's surroundings (you do that too, right?)  In trying to get away from using so much red, we went with a more neutral pallet of greens, greys and creams. I heart them. Can't wait to see them hanging in my living room (hint, hint.)

 

Green Cardi & Boots:  Old Navy

Grey Lace Tunic: INC

Skinnies & Boot Socks:  Kohls

Belt & Necklace:  Target 

Bracelet: Macy's 

Linking up! 

Pretty Please, One More Time

Well kids, my cup runneth over.  I'm so grateful for all the families that braved the cold last night and came and donated to our little family service project.  It always amazes me that when my friends give, they give BIG and I just love that.  We have so many coats & blankets & food to give away to those in need and it makes me feel so good. I wish I could do it every day.  

Check this out.  

The best babysitter ever, the amazing Carra, seriously saved my bacon yesterday and while she was here, she told me of a customer that came into the store earlier that day.  (She works at a local grocer.)  He bought $1000 worth of gift cards to give away to random people that he came across in the next few weeks.  How cool is that? Someday, I'm gonna get there and do the same thing but until then, I'll keep relying on the kindness of my friends to make a little difference.  Thanks guys, really and truly, it means so much to me.  

Now I just need one more thing from you....

My inspiring friend Marilyn is throwing another amazing concert this Saturday and could use our help.  Ticket sales have been a little slower than she anticipated and while she is carrying on with her head held high, I know we can help her out.  And this is a total win-win for you because you'll get to spend an evening with the enchanting Mindy Gledhill.  Her Christmas album is so refreshing and light and we love listening to it at our house.  Tickets are more than reasonable so please, PLEASE, grab your honey for a date or take the whole family and fill up on Christmas spirit.  I've seen Mindy before and loved every second.  Mindy is worth it and so is Marilyn so please spread the word and create a beautiful night for your family. 

 

I promise I'll stop asking you for stuff now but I can't help it when it's important to me or important to my friends.  Grab your tickets today and spread the word!

Pretty Please?

Hey you!

Yes, you. 

With the mile long to-do list and the presents to wrap and the dinner to make and the stuff to get done.  Don't you wish you didn't have to think about planning a meaningful FHE tonight?

Well, you don't.

And you're welcome.

Come by our house for yummy treats, good friends, and a reminder of what Christmas is all about.  I've got a big goal in mind for what I'm hoping to collect tonight and I could use your help. 

FOURTH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS GIVE BACK

6:30-8:30

OUR HOUSE

CANNED FOOD & GENTLY WORN WINTER CLOTHES

HAPPILY ACCTEPTED

You know you've always wanted to come and I can tell, this is your year.  Come join us and surprise me.  I promise I'll be so hapy to see you!

I Love Me A Tradition

I know it's getting late in the day but I wanted to make sure I sent out this little reminder:  This Monday, December 12th will officially be.....

The Fourth Annual Christmas Give Back!

You know the drill.  

You and your sweet family bring us either canned goods or gently used winter clothing

which will be donated to those in need. 

We give you yummy treats and heartfelt thanks.

 6:30-8:30 (or whenever, if that won't work for you)

Our House

We LOVE this little tradition around these parts and would love to see you and your family.  My kids marvel at how much stuff we collect (so do I!) and it is a great reminder of what this season is all about.   Please spread the word.  I'd love to surpass what we collected last year and see many new faces this year.  See you Monday!

She Can Do Hard Things

Saturday was a doozy of a day.  One of those days where I found myself bursting with pride for my daughter who has worked extremely hard.  I got to watch her revel in all that hard work and feel good about her accomplishments and know, without a doubt, that she can do hard things.

The morning began with a fa-reezing cold 5K run with one of her besties by her side.  After completing 12 weeks of training and learning how to be a girl who can, Hannah competed with her fellow Girls on The Run teammates in the Jingle Bell Dash.  I was lucky enough to run along side her and watch her go through the process of doing something hard.  I know that the lessons she learned on Saturday while running along a cold stretch of the Columbia River will stay with her for a lifetime.  I'm so glad I was there to see it.  

My favorite part of the whole experience was watching Hannah and Nadia work together to complete the race.  Their friendship is rock solid and I loved how committed they were to staying together and finishing side by side.  Melanie and I were choked up on more than one occasion as one of the girls would encourage the other.  They alternated back and forth and cheered each other on the whole way.  I love that they have found that strong of a friendship so early in life.  They will serve each other well for years to come and I'm so incredibly thankful for that.  

 Ready to run!

Melanie & I with our incredible girls 

Another fantastic friend to Hannah, Might Meredith & her amazing running buddy Summer

Noni & Hanners, Girls who CAN!

The last picture makes me cry.  Cry because I know what it's like to have a friend who has your back no matter what. Cry because I'm so proud of those two and the rest of my team.  Cry because I'm in love with the program behind Girls On The Run and am so grateful for the lessons it's taught my daughter. 

Thanks Melanie for raising an incredible daughter.  Thanks to Hannah for doing something hard.  I can't wait until next season.