Picture Memories.

In honor of the season, here are two recent pictures that captivate my happiness.

tis the season.

We are about to enter into my absolutely favorite time of year.  Thanksgiving through New Year's compares to nothing else in my book (in terms of seasons and holidays).  Why do I love them you might ask?  Let's just take a look...

Food.  I like to eat and I like all the typical Thanksgiving/Christmas foods that are placed on tables every year.  Turkey, stuffing, potato filling, green bean casserole, pies, cookies, candy. etc.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it.  At the top of this list just might be my mother in law's Christmas cookies.  She bakes so many different kinds and I always look forward to the first time I see them sitting out around the holidays.  I easily inhale a couple dozen of these by myself.  

Family.  I am blessed with a huge (also read loud and slightly dysfunctional) family and gatherings are pretty ridiculous.  We barely fit in a house altogether anymore but without them, it just wouldn't be the same.  I'm doubly blessed to have married into a wonderful family and enjoy spending time with my in-laws every year.  They are slightly calmer than my side, but there are still a handful of kids to make things exciting.

Friends.  I consider myself fortunate to have so many people in my life that I truly consider "dear".  Some are from high school (technically, a few go way back to when we were only 7), some are college friends that I don't get to see but still correspond with, Bible study friends, work friends, internet friends and even some new friends.  I'm always able to squeeze in a few "secret Santa" exchanges and parties with them.     

Christmas decorations, music, movies and shopping.  I LOVE all things Christmas.  I love the atmosphere in stores as I try to buy gifts and that everywhere I turn I see garland, lights, and tinsel.  One of my favorite things to do every Thanksgiving weekend is transform our house into a temporary winter wonderland.  I make Scrooge (aka Seth) help set up our artificial tree (I have a knack for killing things so this seems more realistic) and decorate with me as we listen to Christmas songs and drink hot chocolate.  Setting out my Nativity scene has to be the highlight of decorating (yes, I even have highlights of highlights!).  I have the Willow Tree set and I carefully unwrap each piece and display it on our kitchen hutch just so.  I can't wait to share this tradition with Delia.  I will start watching Christmas movies tomorrow probably and the Christmas music was turned on today.  Favorites include (movies) The Santa Claus, Christmas Vacation and Miracle on 34th Street and (songs) The Little Drummer Boy and O Holy Night. 

Hallmark Ornaments.  Okay, so I'm not one of the crazy people who buy every single ornament that they like, but trust me, I'm tempted to.  I do pick out an ornament every year for Seth and myself though.  I've already bought his and Delia's but not mine yet.  I usually have a hard time deciding which one I want so I may take a few trips to the store to decide.

Christmas Cards.  Picking them out, signing them, addressing them, receiving them.  I am still a fan of the written word (surprise) and I actually enjoy snail mail.  Every year I've tried to convince Seth to send out a photo card and he is never on board with it.  I think he can be convinced this year though since we are about to have some family pictures taken and we have a baby.  Everyone loves to see a baby on a card, right?  I confess I've already chosen a few Shutterfly designs and all I'm waiting on is the picture!   

So I could probably continue on with this list for quite a bit longer but I don't want to make this into a book.  I think I've given you enough to realize that yes, I do really love this time of year.  It makes my heart happy just thinking about all that is to come and even better yet, this year I have a child to share it with.  What can beat that?

the materialistic side of me.

I have a thing for fashion...and bags...and shoes...and jewelry.  I'll be the first to admit that I like to be trendy and within reason, I try to keep up with the changes.  While shopping you can also get your daily cardio, spend time with friends and family and undergo therapy.  Accessories are where it's at though.  The right accessory can totally change the look and feel of an outfit.  A new piece of jewelry or scarf can take something old and make it new.

When it comes to bags, my first love is Vera Bradley.  Those close to me already know this.  A few short years ago my obsession would probably be considered unhealthy by most people's standards and my collection due to that is substantial.  Then I turned that obsession on to babies (and Delia came along) so while I'm still a self-titled "fashionista", I'm now a mom version.  Delia already has her first VB and I look forward to when she can actually carry it.  I did have to cheat a little when I knew I was pregnant though and I begged for a Coach diaper bag.  I had yet to join the world of Coach and being the wonderful man that he is, Seth bought it for me last Christmas.  While I still love my Vera, I haven't regretted this decision.  :)

Moving on to shoes.  I've always loved shoes.  I'm more likely to spend less on a pair and get more pairs than to only aim for the pricey brands with one exception.  I love my Uggs.  I have bought 4 pairs so far, currently own 3 and I'm already eying up some new ones for this winter.  I still enjoy a nice pair of heels, but since my job is super casual and I'm now lugging around a baby carrier every day, I tend to stick to flats or wedges on occasion.  I love shoes.  Love, love, love them.

Jewelry.  Up until a few years ago, this one fell last on my list.  I stuck to the same basic pieces.  Then I discovered Premier Designs.  Affordable and well made, they finish off most of my outfits.  I have a "jewelry lady" that's awesome and through my parties and those of my family, I continue to grow my collection.  They have a lot of statement pieces but also simple designs for the less daring.  My wish list is pretty long.  Oh yeah, and I'm having a party this Monday at my house at 7.  There's my shameless plug.  Would love to see you there! 

poor baby.

This morning I took my sweet daughter to the pediatrician for what seems to be the 3rd (or 4th?) week in a row.  She's been battling double ear infections and recently ended the second round of her antibiotics.  She's just been off lately which could be attributed to teething, a growth spurt or ears.  Not wanting to risk it (and since her 9 month appointment isn't until next Tuesday) I wanted to be safe.  The doctor checked her right ear first which is better - yay.  Next the left ear - ugh, not better.  Really?  This is her 3rd infection back to back so that makes her a candidate for the Ear, Nose and Throat specialist.  She has an appointment with them on Friday and most likely they will want to put tubes in her ears.  I have to admit, as routine and common as the surgery is, I didn't really expect to have it done to my baby.  Just another reminder that I am never in control. 

"happy" halloween.

Yesterday was Halloween.  I'll openly admit, it's not my favorite "holiday" and the reason it's in quotations is because I don't exactly feel it holds Holiday (with an upper case H) value.  I never celebrated October 31st as a child other than the annual trip to Chuckie Cheese to avoid greeting trick or treaters that would inevitably stop by our house for candy.  Additionally, I'm not into ghosts and ghouls and all things scary.  I don't even like horror or slasher movies.  It's just not my thing.

That being said, I have no real qualms about letting my child(ren) dress up in costume and carry around a little pumpkin with which to collect pure sugar.  Delia was too young this year, for her first Halloween, to have any idea what was happening.  She's certainly too young for candy in my opinion, but we did dress her up anyway and walk to a few houses with our other nieces and nephews.  Ironically, her very first time trick or treating was also mine and it felt rather odd.

Here's a picture of my little lamb from the night.