Let the Cookie Baking Begin!

Today the kitchen is going to be filled with the smells of Christmas Cookies! Each year, each of the children gets to pick a cookie that they want made for the holidays, so that gives me about 5 or 6 different types of cookies since Dad votes too. So, that's what I'm up to this fine Saturday!

Welcome to the Saturday Morning Chat Group!

Welcome everyone to the Saturday Morning Chat Group! I have to finish decorating the house today and get started on my Christmas cookies. I love holiday baking. I also have a lot of presents to wrap. What are your plans?

Thanks for a great chat everyone! Talk with you next Saturday AM!

Some Birthday Photos...

We just had a small family party for Eli. We are so overwhelmed with all of the toys he has right now that we can't imagine how we can hold much more. So, we kept it just us and had a great time. Here is Eli with his Spiderman cake. We all know he LOVES Spiderman!

Oh yes, for all of you ladies who have cute little ladybug and princess cakes, here is what I have...Spiderman. I must say though that this cake is better looking than the Incredible Hulk one that Tyler had a few years back.


Here is Eli cheesing it up with Kate, Tyler and Zach. He got some transformers, so big brother helped him put them together. We also put our tree up since we were all together. When you have a blended family, sometimes it's hard to get everything done together for the holidays.

The birthday was a success last night. I even managed to get everyone to pitch in with the rest of the house decorating. I will post some photos tomorrow~ Have a wonderful Friday everyone!

Happy Birthday Punk!

Today is little Elijah's 3rd Birthday. Happy Birthday my precious baby boy! I call him my punk, and if you knew him, you would understand. Punk, Punky and Punka Punk. In his little pocket he carries his precious rocks and sticks and his Momma's heart. I love you my sweet boy.
I bought a cake pan at Williams Sonoma, you make little individual car cakes with it. So, I sent enough little cars with him to childcare today along with icing, sprinkles in all colors, piping icing and chocolate and butterscotch chips to decorate them. Tonight we're having a small family party.

Hallmark Ornament...

I found this ornament at the Hallmark store last weekend. I think it is darling. It is from their Joy Around the World Collection. I think I'll get one for my secret buddy for this month.

50,000 Hits...

Today the blog should reach 50,000 hits. If you are the 50,000th person, I'd love to know who you are. Thanks to everyone who drops by and keeps me company on this journey. You mean a lot to me.

Please Help to Bring Paisley Home...

Please join in helping the Hoppes family bring their newest addition, Paisley home. I took the post below directly from their blog 'The Happy Hoppes'. Anyone who would like to help by doing a post, it would be greatly appreciated. A special thank you to Verna the Blogfairy for this wonderful graphic.

doing what we can to bring Paisley home!


Mike and I really enjoyed the iPod fundraiser we had last time, we were able to raise over $400 after expenses (which doesn't sound like a lot but every penny helps). So in light of the Holiday season and the fact that (RED) is a wonderful cause we are having another go! This time...we will sell only 100 tickets for $10 each. We will donate $2 from each ticket to (RED). This iPod Nano is the new generation and is valued at $200!



One lucky runner up will get this beautiful book of portraits. Mei Mei ~aptly named 'little sister'

To buy tickets please click on the Paisley's Hope Chipin in the side bar and pay through paypal. We are going to try to sell 100 tickets this time so your chances are good!!. I will email you with your numbers and draw the winner on December 18th. The iPod will ship directly to the lucky person!

Mike and I are overjoyed to tell you all about Paisley, her special need has some possible long term implications and we will need as much support not only to bring her home, but long after. We are dedicated to fundraising not only to bring our beautiful daughter home, but to raise money in the future for those who were left behind. Please follow us on our journey.

from Shoaey & Dot, a book about adoption

"There's a cry that's the saddest of all.
In fact it's unlike any other.
It comes from a deep, empty place in your heart
That can only be filled by a mother
And after today, I will never again
Hear that sad song coming from you
You're getting adopted, you're getting a mother,
And you're getting a family too!"

Paisley we are coming!

Sunday...