Christmas morning (better late than never!)

Christmas Eve was very relaxing, we all stayed home, made homemade pizza, and were cleaning the house for Santa. Sometime during the evening, Scout (our elf on a shelf) left some PJ's for the girls and a note saying he headed home to help Santa prepare for the big night, but to be good because he was always watching. He said he'd be back next year, they were sad to see him go, but really enjoyed having him! Let's hope the message sticks!!

The girls created a quick plate of cookies for Santa, and happily went to bed, hoping they'd hear him during the night. Tad and I finally were in bed around midnight after 'helping' Santa! The next morning, Tad and I were awake early for some reason, and waited to hear the girls excitement. We heard the pitter-patter of little feet and then a BUNCH of giggling with glee! Soon Emery came into our room to Daddy's side and said while jumping up and down 'Daddy get up, get up, get up, Santa's been here and he left us a bear'. She then ran out of the room, but came back soon 'Daddy, get up, get up!' Tad teased her and said he wasn't getting out of bed if there was a bear in the house, it might eat him and that we wanted to sleep a bit longer. She calmly replied 'it's not real, and let me check with Ella', but soon they were both back in our room asking to play with the bear. We decided not to delay them any longer, and got up to enjoy the morning. We took a couple of pics with the girls, the bear, and the tree/presents before waking up Evie. Evie had a pony tail in her hair the day before, so she enjoyed Christmas morning with a nice mohawk!!

Here are the pics of our morning!! Enjoy!!

Etsy store

Ok- before I forget, I wanted to let you all know I finally opened an Etsy store in which to sell hats, cocoons, and dresses. So far I only have hats in there, but hope to add more soon. The link is:

www.etsy.com/shop/bestillbreathe

If you know of anyone interested, please send them my way!!

Here are the latest!!

Loves of my Life!!!

Ok- so I'm totally posting pics out of order now, but I don't really care. This one spoke to me, so I had to share it sooner rather than later.

About a week ago we were invited to a neighborhood party. Of course we were the only ones under the age of 50, and the only ones with kiddos. The hosts were gracious and included them, even had Mary Poppins and Annie movies on hand, and spoiled them with snacks and drinks. The girls, especially Evie, were the hit of the party. We had a lot of fun and met a lot of interesting people from all over the northwest, including one man who helped clean up after 9/11.

Anyway, the girls wanted to wear their 'party dresses' to the party. They got all gussied up and I have to say looked GORGEOUS!! So, I asked if I could take their picture real quick. I literally only got to take 2 pictures before my batteries in my camera died! BUT- the girls are natural posers and this is what I got. Three beautiful darling girls, and one rocking hot amazing husband- the complete loves of my life.

Hope you all are safe, WARM, and happy!! Miss and love you all!!

Peppermint addiction

I admit, we have a peppermint addiction in this house. Anything peppermint, and we probably have it. Ice cream- we search for at Christmas time and buy as many as will fit in the freezer, Andes mint cookies are a staple in the house, the new candy cane hershey kisses are AMAZING, peppermint bark, hershey's little mint minis, and of course candy canes.

So, it was no surprise when we discovered that Evie too has an affection for this flavor. Emery came home on her last day of preschool in Dec, and opened one she got a school. She of coursse shared with Evie- it was cute. So, when I saw this occurring- I snatched my camera. Ella comes home on her last day of school and also had gotten one from her teachers. She asked if she could have it after dinner, and I agreed.

While cleaning up dinner, I noticed that she was 'sharing' her candy cane with Evie, who was seated patiently helping Ella. Then Evie broke off a piece and it was like she had gone to heaven. She was so giddy with excitement over her own piece of candy cane. We let her have her fun before we finally took it away and had to stick her in the tub- and 'stick' is not an accidental word of choice! :)

New Hats!

Well, I haven't made it through all the Christmas pics, and pics of Casey. It's been a rough few days as many of you know. But- on the other hand, I've had lots of requests for pictures of my most recent hats. I've sold quite a few via this blog. If you know anyone who is interested, just have them e-mail me!! They are made with 100% organic cotton yarn, very soft to the touch!


I had a model for a few of these, she even knows how to say 'cheese'! Ha ha!! This first one sold before I got an updated pic with tassles on the bottom, but you get the idea! :)

Christmas pics, pics of Evie, and more to come later! Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and a Happy New Year!!

Lunch with Santa

Yesterday was a big day for the girls. They got to see Santa and sit on his lap and then we had lunch and made some Christmas crafts. This was a fundraiser for Emery's preschool, along with a golf tournament. Tad played in the tournament, so I got all 3 girls ready and to the luncheon on my own. I dressed them in their matching dresses I had just finished making on Friday, and Evie's new hat I made her the night before. Needless to say, they stole the show. I had numerous moms approach me to make their children hats or dresses, and I got some contacts for the store. Tad met some really nice guys golfing, including the head pro at 2 local golf courses!! It was a good day. Here are some pics of the girls with Santa! Isn't Ev a crack? Oh, they make me smile, I'm truly blessed!

Today I worked on making some aprons for teacher Christmas gifts, and took the big girls to see The Princess and the Frog. I loved it, but it was a little scary for Emery on the big screen. I think she'll like it on DVD, but it was a little intimidating for her. Ella liked it though! Loved all the jazz music and the feature of New Orleans! Great movie. Now they want to see Alvin and the Chipmunks that's coming out soon, thanks to the 30 minutes of previews before the movie started!

Hope you all had a good weekend! Hope to talk to you all soon!

Busy busy busy

Wow- this time of year just flies by doesn't it? I can't believe it's been a month since I posted. As I'm sure with your lives, ours have been quite busy. But- I won't bore you with the details. Here are some of the highlights though.

1. I finished my sewing 101 crazy and have gone a little beserk in that department. I'm making the girls their second set of matchy-ish dresses, and have made myself a few things too. Made some of my girlfriends keychains, and I have plans for a whole lot more of my crazy ideas.

2. Both Ella and Emery finished their swimming lessons in fabulous shape. Emery graduated from the 'toddler' classes onto the big kid classes and will resume in January. Ella graduated to level 3/4, but is most likely joining the swim team in January. She likes to race! :)

3. Evie's finally walking!! Did I mention that before? We got these shoes that squeak when she walks, and she has taken off. She's close to running now. And of course she can open every door in the house, including the one to the garage. She also can climb on the chair in front of the computer and wreak havoc. Evie can climb just about anything- it's amazing to watch.

4. We had a great Thanksgiving- I cooked a turkey. That's worth repeating- I COOKED A TURKEY!!! Ha ha! I made a whole meal, including a pie. The girls looked at me in a whole new light! ;) And we discovered that Evie likes to eat off of other's plates when she's not in her highchair instead of her own plate, and that she LOVES corn on the cob- pics below for proof!

Look at the lips on this one!!


5. Nana and Papa T came in town for Emery's 4th birthday. Good gracious where has the time gone? My baby is 4? This is crazy! She had a great time, although she did not enjoy the 4 yr old shots we had to get earlier this week. She had to get 5, plus her finger pricked, and a full workup. Yes, I'm a cruel mother- but we got it all over at once.

Don't you just love her hair ? Ha ha- courtesy of big sister Ella- school of hair design. Emery wouldn't let me touch it all day she kept saying, 'but Ella already did my hair'. Oh well, I tried. And yes, we went out in public like this, to her favorite restaurant Applebee's. Want to know why it's her favorite? Because it has steamed broccoli- yep that's right, this kiddo loves her broccoli!!

6. Now we are prepping for our first Christmas in the south. Our elf on the shelf- Scout- came and the girls are totally enthralled with him. He's been great for the attitudes, sharing, and general overall behaviour at our house! LOVE HIM!!

7. I made a baby hat for a friend, and now it has exploded. This friend owns a retail store in town and has asked me to make hats to sell at her store. I gave her 5 a week ago, and one sold within 24 hours of them putting it out, and a custom order for another one. I have 8 more hats to give her today. Here they are! If you want one or know of anyone that wants one, let me know!!

Hope all is well where you are!!