First off, I just really need you to see this hair-bow. I mean, seriously. Do you even believe it? I almost don't, and um, hello, she's my niece, she lives with me, and I was doing her Christmas photoshoot. She's just too cute.
Secondly, I'm really proud of my wrapping. I followed the tutorials I linked to on Friday.
My sister and I spend all day making these pom-poms and cupcake flowers, because they were just so adorable.
Did you try them?
Thirdly, this is what we did at
the Nielson's house Christmas Eve:
- First we had to "sing for our dinner." The table was set with regular plate and "special plates" with one of the verses from the 12 Days of Christmas. If you sit somewhere with the "special plate" you have to sing when your verse is up. It's Nielson Tradition.
- After dinner there was a talent show and a Luke 2:/Nativity Reenactment. The Bagley's always do this too. It's a good way to remind the kids what Christmas is all about.
- The little blonde girl, Lucia, is part of a Swedish tradition that I want in the Marcus & Ashley Family someday. It's so cute, you should look it up.
Fourth, I wish cops didn't have to work on Christmas. My brother spent the whole day working. Lame. But I took this picture because it reminded me of him. I love it. I must start my nutcracker collection!
Fifth, I love Mrs. Ted Brimley aka BusyBeeLauren. Care to know why this time? She sent me a package one day and what did I find? Oh, just a perfect vintage Christmas dress. That's all. No big deal... I felt like such a lady in it. Thanks girl! Lastly, can we just talk about this book? I mean seriously I've read it at least 6 times today and cried. each. and every time. I even cried once just watching my sister read it.
So here's the backstory: My brother, Andrew, and sister-in-law, Reachel couldn't get pregnant. Basically everything else in their lives could not be more picture perfect, but no matter what they tried, no baby developed. Finally one day, a sweet young lady called and told them she had a baby for them. Our lives have never been the same since baby Coco came to us from California. We all love that bundle of chub and curls too much!
Reachel wrote this book and had it illustrated by her friend Beth as a VERY special surprise for my brother, my parents, and Coco's birthmother. I'm pretty sure it takes the cake for best gift of the day! Oh my, I wish you could read it.
Here's another little inside scoop. This year, Reachel DID get pregnant and is IN LABOR RIGHT NOW!!! Little Coco is asleep in my house and we're all waiting for her new little brother to enter our family :) SOOO EXCITED <3
Oh, and yes, she was wearing these shoes when
she dropped off Coco:
She's in labor and she's wearing these!!! haha
I may or may not have drooled a little bit on those precious peddles...
Thanks for Sharing Your Family Traditions With Me! I Loved Hearing Them.
Was Your Day Merry & Bright?
What Do You Have Planned For the Rest of the Year?