Christmas Card

Today, while many of you were out fighting the black Friday crowds or working off that extra piece of pumpkin pie... I had one goal. I wanted to take  pictures of the girls for our Christmas card. This has been weighing on my mind for a while and I was excited to check it off my list. Maddie had so much fun putting on different outfits and helping get Claudia dressed up. Lucky for me I got some good shots early on because "diva Madeline" was pooped after her modeling shoot...

I have a tree in a bucket!!!

Shaun went to Lowe's the other day and purchased a bucket that fit the bottom of our tree PERFECTLY! I'm telling you it was a magical moment for me, as I've said I have been waiting for this bucket for years! Aaand I love it. We have our tree in the dining room this year instead of the kitchen and I am very happy with it. We moved the bigger table into the kitchen and I love it there. Now I just have to find a bigger table for the dining room once the holidays are over.

Coincidentally, Heather brought me a bucket the same day! For years I had no bucket and then in one day I had two! Instead we are going to try to make Heather a tree for her place in the bucket she brought me. As if it weren't sweet enough that Shaun found me a bucket.... but guess what came as a surprise in the mail for me today? The Country Living Christmas issue!!! Shaun was not expecting my reaction, he thought I was joking. What a sweetheart....major brownie points Shaun!

She said yes!

It is finally no longer a secret! My big brother Matt popped the question to the girl of his dreams, Lindsey this morning. And guess what? She said yes. They are an awesome couple and we are very excited for the both of them. A few years ago I took a photography class that was way over my head. Then I started having babies and am more than a bit rusty with my camera. I have really been itching to get back into it and am hoping to do some engagement shots for Matt and Lindsey. They are both beautiful and very photogenic so I'm hoping it will be impossible to mess up. I wanted to share with you some pictures I took of Matt two years ago at my favorite park.

 Congratulations Matt and Lindsey, I am beyond happy for you both!

Help! I need a bucket.

I have had my Christmas tree since 2007 and every year I search for a tree skirt that is to my taste and affordable. The two somehow do not seem to go hand in hand. So last year I decided that I want to put my tree in a bucket instead. I looooooove that idea so much better than a tree skirt. I have a galvanized bucket that would be perfect, but it is a tad too small. This IS the year though! I will find my bucket. For now here are some 'trees in a bucket that I love.'

 

        

    

This is cute too....a tree in a basket...

Hopefully I will find something suitable soon because the tree is already up! Yay!