Shabby Chic!

So today we all headed out to the mall to spend Christmas money & giftcards. We have a signature Shabby Chic boutique that opened here in Atlanta just a few weeks ago!!!

Oh happy day!

I think I could have just sat there & soaked it all in for quite a long time

( they even had corinne bailey ray playing)....life is good!

Enjoy some eye candy....sorry these all turned out so goldy yellow

After a run to Anthropologie to spend my giftcard ( that sweet man!), a quick ride on Macy's Pink Pig, way too many other shops , & a yummy lunch at Crescent Moon-we called it a day!

A great day with everyone.


I told my sweetie that I felt this had been an all around wonderful Christmas season. Even though things were a little busy with all the ballet everything really fell miraculously into place. No one was sick, no goofy family crisis, a great Christmas Eve program at our church & just several super events together as a family. We don't spend ( nor do we have ) loads & loads of money at Christmas. Santa just fills the stockings & we try to get each of the girls a "wow" gift ( wow to them anyway) and few other goodies that they've asked for. I felt like they were all really happy with their treasures.

We are blessed & I don't take any of those blessings for granted.

~~Happy New Year~~

Her prayer last night.........

dear jesus

thank you for this day & for this food

we are so excited that it's almost Christmas

& that means its almost your birthday!

hope you have a great day in heaven

amen

I have just a couple random things to share...there is a great shop in Virginia Highlands

( a fun & funky little area located in downtown Atlanta) named Mooncake

... this was their Christmas open house flyer

.... isn't it just precious!a few weeks ago I found these

fun old mercury glass little votives

~ i placed a couple here and there~

they are so pretty , all twinkley in the candlelight.

My oldest three girls all attended the same preschool. Each Christmas the 4 year old class made these adorable painted hand wreaths...they place them on a little dowel to be hung. I had my mother in law make them into little pillows.

Honestly, any hand print painting of those baby girls is a priceless little treasure.

now -on a completely light & embarassingly material note....( see i even used the smallest font!)

Last year my bible study had an ornament swap. If you've purchased anything from Mackenzie childs than you are familiar with their signature black & white checked ribbon & cream gorgeous giftboxes. Well, my girfriend began to open this little number--as soon as I saw the checkered tissue & ribbon I started flipping out--i think i stopped breathing...no way did someone bring this ornament to a swap! My girlfriend had no idea what was inside. Before she even finished opening it she sooooooooooooo sweetly & generoulsy said, "i think you need to take this home".

I'm certain I heard the hallelujah chorus in the background! My precious friend that had brought it to the swap shares the same affection for MC as I do & knew it would magically end up in a home that would treasure it! oh happy day!

I feel sorta guilty sharing that with you on the same post as my little one's heart felt prayer....but we all have our weakness right?

I also want to thank Carolyn Peeler for the sweet blog love today! I have been a fan of hers for some time & am honored to be included in her post! Thank you sweet Carolyn!

Lastly I'd like to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas!!

(thank you kristin & tracy....xo!)

Wrapping it up....

Braved the mall yesterday to pick up a few more items I was afraid might sell out....thank goodness all but one thing was found. Had to run into Antrhopologie ( of course) & found they were giving out super cute package toppers. Last year they gave yarn balls with felt snowflakes...precious.

This year ~ white yarn fluff pictured below.

Tried to add some color to this years wrapping. Never found exactly what I wanted as far as wrapping paper but love the red poka dot with Martha Stewarts yummy tiffany blue ribbon. The rest I used all whites with gold & silver. Last year I wrapped everything in white paper....again , a big snoozer for the kids!

Found these little boxwood wreaths on sale at Ballards & I may have to keep these up past the 25th ! Put a couple in the kitchen...

& a couple in our master bedroom.
Would love one of Cody Fosters glittered homes ( find those cuties at room service home or christmas traditions) but they are $$$.

Found this little cutie at marshalls for $6--fit the budget for sure!
Know you're tired of the mantel & the white frames...& yes its been redone a few times.

Ended up with some fresh garland & I'm happy now.

Found one of charlotte lyons ornaments the other day...her line is so cute.

Decided to frame it in my favorite old ceiling tile frame in front of sheet music I used when I was little.

This is the last weekend for Madison's performances. Each show this weekend will have a live orchestra & is sold out! Precious memories for sure.

Have a blessed day!

Please note--last photo used by permission richard calmes

Feels like yesterday....

Second to our beach pictures....pictures of the girls during the holidays are some of my most treasured images! Love to pull these out each year & just smile.

For several years we went over to a tree farm to chop down our tree. Here is a fave of mine--Caroline waiting for her hay ride & licking a peppermint stick
( peprint stick as she called it).
Too bad they didn't make that fab coat for moms!
Loved that little number!

The tree farm has precious little red wagons to pull the girls in...
& a great sleigh too!
Oldies of little Emi~~

Yes, you can tell we got our money's worth from that Gap hat!

Ahhh....the days of matching dresses.
& Savannah~~I'm so sorry about that crazy big hair bow
---(I think she actually loved it though)---shhhhh!

Caroline's first Christmas.

Moments before Santa....

I know I've said this before, but don't we all LOVE these shots with Santa! People passing by thinking what a cruel parent you are....you know the feeling!
Sweet Madison with the worlds largest blue eyes & my favorite smocked Santa dress!


Ok, enough walking down memory lane.

Off to have lunch with three of my favorite girlfriends!

Waltz

Tomorrow she will have danced 12 performances in 10 days. Next weekend 4 more & then time to rest.

What a privilege for me .....last year she performed with the Atlanta Ballet...no pictures allowed ( guess something to do with their union contracts). But this year I have been fortunate to volunteer backstage & take pictures until my heart is content!!

I love it...not only are the costumes exquisite but ballerinas are so beautiful to photograph. Since I'm not allowed to use my flash during the show I can't exactly capture the "in the wings" shots that I love....the silhouette of the sugarplum fairy as she waits to make her dramatic entrance....well , one day.

But for now I treasure these shots & the priceless time with my sweet girl.