The excitement is building

as the countdown continues.

23 days until Christmas

Today's little surprise

***

In 23 days

wouldn't it be great

to receive some Legos

for this base plate.

***

The boys love to build their creations on Lego base plates

and this was their fun after school activity.

I'm dreaming . . .

of the most wonderful time of the year and

a fun and different way to countdown to Christmas.

My homemade advent calendar.

***

So as the boys returned home from school

***

this was waiting for them . . .

I'm dreaming of some
white ping-pong balls
just like the ones
we use at Pa's
***
We don't have a ping-pong table but Kobe asked the other day
if he could get his own paddle and ping-pong balls
to try to break his bouncing record of 384 he set playing at Pa's house.
***
And so everyday
{may be morning, afternoon or night}
the boys will get a little surprise
or invitation for something fun to do

Then the boys and I packed up Mark's gift
***

and made him Christmas cards

and off it went to Africa
and I will pray that it gets there.
{it should arrive in eight days}
***
It is recommended to send money
which we did, but I couldn't
resist sending some toy airplanes.
He's five years old and wants to be a pilot someday.

***
Jonny also went to his room and returned with two of his airplanes
that he wanted him to have. He did this all on his own.
Proud Mommy moment.
On his Christmas card he drew an airplane that was labeled
Mark Airways. Very cute.
***
Many thanks to my parents
and my very thoughtful friend Julie for
donating to Mark and his family this Christmas.
Much love to you!

Holiday Fashion Show

Tomorrow night is the Victoria's Secret holiday fashion show.

One of my favorite stores and shows.

I have always loved high fashion

and think every girl should have her own wings.

***

Enjoy the show!

Falcons in motion

Jonny & Jase

***

highlights from this morning's practice

***

nice form {and calves} Kobe

coach teaching the guards to sneak around their defender

***
good tight footwork Jonny
***

Tate & Kobe in a one-on-one game

Jonny and Tate in motion
and Jonny looks like he means business

and the winner of last week's
photo of the practice
went to Jaxon Potter
***
Congratulations Jaxon!

Pink Friday

my name for the busiest shopping day of the year

While I'm not one to get out with the crowds

me and my Mom did meet in the morning at Dear Lizzie

our favorite.

***

We were happy to see that Dear Lizzie now carries Juicy Couture.

My Mom and I both found a little something from this table.

Including a little pink bird under a glass dome and

the most beautiful plush velvet stockings that my Mom took home.

***

We both also fell in love with these white trees.

It's perfect in my white kitchen.

Excited to see where she puts hers.
***

We can't leave without a stop by the cafe
for diet cokes on crushed ice.
***
Thanks for a fun morning Mom and getting me out.
***
{FYI: We never plan to match or buy the same things.
It just happens that way. Something in our genes I guess.}
***
My Grandma would have adored this shop too.
Her favorite color was always pink.
***
p.s.
***
The Captain called me while I was out and said,
"Step away from the sparkles."
How did he know?

Thanksgiving Dinner

Today we had Thanksgiving dinner at my parents' home

which was beautifully decked out for the holidays.

vintage Santa photo

from Just a Bed of Roses

***

My Mom and Dad

***

Me and my sister
***
I loved this little bird my Mom had displayed
{from www.prettypetalsboutique.com}
***

My parents must still believe
because they have hung their stockings.
***
{pre-turkey}
Kobe plays ping pong while he awaits turkey.

{post turkey}

just like the couch . . . stuffed
***
We hope that your Thanksgiving was wonderful!

So very thankful

for the beauty found in every day

***

Cayman sunset
{taken from the Captain's iphone}

***

Unfortunately the Captain is away this holiday

but thankfully he left me two

of the cutest replicas in his place.

Happy Thanksgiving Captain!

We love you!

***The boys and I will be going to my parents' home

this afternoon for dinner and maybe I'll be able to share

a little holiday home tour with you.

***

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!