Christmas Eve

Our Christmas Eve came a little early this year since we were leaving to go to the in-laws and my grandparent's/mom's house. After dinner and bath, Carson helped put out cookies and milk for Santa (but not before sampling the cookies for herself) and then was off to bed, excited and talking about "anta." She even woke up several mornings prior to this saying, "ho ho ho!" Chris and I just died laughing listening to her over the monitor. She looked so adorable in her I love Santa pajamas too!

Bineout!

Strange title, I know! Chris and I have heard this word frequently this week. It has been a couple of weeks since we've had to put Carson in timeout, but apparently it's importance and purpose is sinking in. In Carson talk, "bineout" is also "timeout!" She dutifully put herself in timeout the other night after she continued to do something I asked her not to do! She must have seen "the look" from me and then said, "Bineout Mommy" and walked downstairs to the bottom step. I went with the flow and let her sit and she even said, "yarry (sorry) mommy" when she stood up! It was so sweet and competely hilarious at the same time! Maybe we'll have a little rule follower?!
As a side note since writing this...nutcrackers, baby dolls, our dog, and many other items have gone to bineout too!

Christmas Cookies

MMM....Sprinkles!

While in Columbia last weekend for the Holiday Market, Carson was quite busy baking Christmas cookies with GiGi! What does any child do while making cookies? Turn the sprinkle bottle up and drink sprinkles, right??? Who cares about the cookie cutters! We're still eating yummy sugar cookies she made and can't wait to do it again!

A new Christmas Tradition

I found this adorable placement at Target this year. It's been fun counting down with Santa each morning at breakfast. We're excited for the holidays and hope you all are too!

Mommy Time!!!

Back view of the new "do"

Cheese!

Paula Deen's Peanut Butter Chocolate Trifle

First I should say, I have so much to update and not enough time. It has taken me about a week to write and include the Thanksgiving update, pathetic, I know! Here's a few things we've been up to (in list form):

1) Carson and I went back to Columbia this past weekend so I could go to the Holiday Market - one of my favorite Christmas traditions! The Junior League of Columbia does a great time putting this together and they always have cute things to see and buy. It's also fun to see old friends and catch up on things! My mom met me out there for a while and then went back home to keep Carson while I enjoyed some "mommy time." THANK YOU MOM!

2) After church on Sunday, Chris stayed with Carson the rest of the day so I could enjoy another day of "mommy time!" I wasn't quite sure what to do with myself! On a whim I decided to make some drastic hair changes and chopped my hair off for a new, more up-to-date look! I've never had my hair this short and it's fun, freeing, and much easier! Sometimes you just need a little change! I then met Lauren M. for dinner and shopping. It was fun to get away and chat -thanks Lauren!

3) Tuesday was Bunco night with some friends...do you see a pattern? More "Mommy time!" We changed things up a bit this month and did a Christmas ornament swap and Christmas games. Elizabeth found a cute Christmas lyric game on the internet -we had to fill in the blank with the missing word from the song. I certainly didn't win this one! We had a great time and the ornaments we swapped were SO cute! (will post pictures soon)!

4) We are having a week of snacks at work this week. Today was my groups turn to bring food. I decided to try a new Paula Deen recipe - Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownie Trifle. Yes, folks, your pants can get tighter just reading the recipe! My friend, Brooke, made it several weeks ago and said it was yummy so I thought I would give it a shot. It was quite good and not one ingredient is good for you - you should have guessed that when I said it was a Paula Deen recipe!

5) Chris finally has his "Daddy time" night tomorrow with friends from work - he completely deserves it after spoiling me with all of my "mommy time!"

Thanksgiving Days 3 & 4

We made it to little ol' Cameron, SC for Thanksgiving with Mimi and Papa! Our day began early with a yummy breakfast and lots of playtime with Carson. My Aunt Millie even stole some time to read Carson a book! The weather was perfect outside and we were able to take Jack (our Brittany Spaniel) outside to play too! My Aunt Pat prepared the entire meal for everyone including pumpkin pie, keylime cheesecake, and molten chocolate cakes for dessert -YUMMY!

Carson and I stayed in Cameron until Friday morning since daddy had to drive back for work. On our way home Friday we stopped back by Columbia and met my mom and brother for lunch at Grouchos - again...YUMMY! I think I need to change the title of this post to "Stuffed" because all it sounds like we did is eat, eat, eat!!!

After a good nap in the car, Carson made it back home and was excited to be back to toys and her dad! We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Thanksgiving Travels Day 1 & 2

Sharing a laugh with Uncle George during bath!

Sweet Baby Chase!

Our Thanksgiving was busy and packed full of visits with family! Tuesday afternoon we all headed to Columbia to visit with GiGi and Uncle George. I'm such a bad mom and took no pictures that day, but my mom came to the rescue and sent several bathtime photos from that night. On Wednesday, my mom, Carson and I visited Courtney Nelson and baby Chase before leaving for my grandmother's house. Carson had her first attempt at holding a "real" baby and didn't even get jealous when I hogged him for almost an hour! Chase is adorable and doing well! Our Columbia visit wasn't over until I headed over to Southern Children for their 40% off sale - I love a good deal! I bought several adorable smocked dresses for next summer and only wish my smocking abilities allowed me to create them as quickly as I can buy them! :)