Today I Entered A Giveaway (and you should too).

Quick!  Quick!  This giveaway ends tonight!  Not that I want any competition, but if it were my blog I'd like excited people to spread the word.  :D 

My sister has decided to get back into her blogging and is starting up again with a bang.  She makes the BEST lipsticks/lipgloss.  All natural ingredients and moisturize and feel like a dream.  I totally hope that I win this fabulous beige stick.  Though, if one of my bloggy friends were to win, I'd be happy too - like a good friend.  :P

The Prize.

So run over to Improvised Living and enter before you miss out!

Today I Froze My Butt Off.

Sorry, I could probably find a way to say that in a more refined manner.  Haha!  Nonetheless, it is true.  Tonight was our community's holiday kick-off with open houses for all the merchants in town, bell choirs, HS band tooting Christmas carols, Santa Claus visited (though, we aren't into the st. nick thing) and the big tree was lit (which was the main reason I had for going).  And it was windy and freezing!  It was fun to say hi to a bunch of friends I hadn't seen for a while.  But, I forgot mittens for Ash and Britt kept kicking off her socks, so we were all pretty done after 45 minutes.  Hubster was a trooper, despite not dressing for the weather (he met us in town since he was coming from work).  What did your town/city do to herald the Christmas season?  Did you participate?  Why or why not?

Ash, telling me she wants out of the stroller.

Flower Child. 

Showing off the cute beanie my maternal grandmother sent her. 

Britt received two. 

Thanks Grandma!

Poor Britt.  She was grumpy starting out because she and I had a knock-down, drag-out fight over her wearing her hat.  She screamed at the top of her lungs for a good 10 minutes.  I'm learning to pick my battles with her, but this was one argument I was determined to win!  And I did.  And she sulked for a bit.  Then Daddy showed up and carried her around so she perked up.

I totally forgot to take a picture of the ginormous lit tree, but here's one of a fire engine all decked out.

Today I Went To A Whine & Chocolate Party.

Basically just a girls night out to sit around and eat, laugh, and talk.  We each brought a chocolate dessert or candy and chatted for three hours.  It was fun.  Now I'm tired and going to bed!  :)

I took chocolate covered donuts. 

I gave them away afterwards though. 

I did NOT need that temptation following me home! 

**laugh**

Today I Welcomed My Brother Back Home.

My brother Jacob got back from his 2 year mission to Concepcion, Chile today!  Woot!  He's got a little bit of an accent, but it's cute.  We had a belated birthday party for him.  Pizza.  Root Beer (something they don't have in Chile, he said).  And chocolate cake!  It's good to have him back.  He's a lot of fun and I'm hoping he helps me brush up on my Spanish.  If you're curious to know what I'm talking about when I say "mission," or why he would go and spend 2 years serving in that way, click here.  Much better explanation than I could come up with.  :)  It explains why our church has missionaries, what they do, where they go, and what they teach.  If you have any other questions that the link doesn't answer, feel free to send me a message! 

Blowing out the 5 candles on his cake.  Mom decided to go easy on him and leave the other 16 candles off.

Sporting the two hats he received as gifts.  The top one Tony got for him because it's a Seahawks beanie and they're both big time fans. 

Welcome Home Jacob!!!

Today I'm Wanting To Count Down Til Christmas.

Ok.  So - I've been working on this advent for two years now. 

(source)

Last year I embroidered for two months.  This year I only embroidered for two weeks.  I'd be done by now if I hadn't decided to make three.  I know.  I'm insane.  **sighs**  When I get them all done two lucky families will be getting an AWESOME advent calendar.  I need to just do one square a week and I'll be finished well before next Christmas.

But I was thinking (last minute, of course) that it would be nice to come up with a fun little advent calendar to have this year.  Surely someone has come up with a cheap, fast, but still fun count down calendar, right? 

Here are the ones I've found that I like.  Now I just have to choose.  What do you think? 

Easy Christmas Advent Calendar

Christmas Tree Decorating Calendar

Envelope Activity Advent (similar to first)

Cookie Pan Countdown

Stocking Advent Calendar

Do you have an ideas?  Let me know!  Obviously I'm gonna have to whip something together tomorrow.  Better late than never, I guess!  Haha!  Life is always crazy and interesting around here!

Today I Was Reminded Of Some Very Important Things.

I read this post of Amy's, at My Infernal Journal, a couple weeks ago.  I read it again today.  It's perfect for the Thanksgiving and gratitude focus we've all had recently.  I just think having this kind of positive, upbeat, and faithful attitude will take us far.  Especially when we're going through some heavy trials or scary times, like Amy. 

Thank you Ames!  In my opinion, you're a wonderful example.  And I needed to read your words. 

Snow Baby has nothing to do with this post.  I just like pictures.  This was taken during the Snowpocalypse (last week) here in the Seattle area.  Ash is going through a fun anti-camera phase and refuses to look at the camera.  Grrr.

Today I Did The Black Friday Thing.

And it was fun.  I did stand in a couple of crazy, long lines.  I'm not sure I'll do it again.  It IS a really nice feeling to know that I'm 80% done with Christmas and even some upcoming birthdays.

Britt was an ANGEL! 

Ash stayed home with Daddy.

My feet are killing me.

And now for the Squeal Giveaway winner.  Meant to announce this on Tuesday, but yeah - the power outage and Thanksgiving kinda took precedence. 

Haha!  What a good sport!  I had him draw a name out of his new Black Friday beanie.

Ash of the pASHin takes it away!  Will be e-mailing you shortly!  Congrats!  I hope B loves it! 

Thanks to everyone for playing!