All I want for Christmas...

All he wants for Christmas is his two front teeth!...

Ok, not really...

He would actually like quite a few things, as Santa found out yesterday at the annual pancake breakfast!

It's a tradition we enjoy every year...

And lucky for us we have lots of friends who enjoy he same tradition...

Standing in line waiting for Santa isn't boring when you are surrounded by friends...

And if you can be surrounded by friends AND wear your pajamas, so much the better!

Some might say that moms who take too many pictures detracts a bit from the fun, but to that I say...

PFFFFT!

Remember, children, Santa listens to moms!!!

Now everyone smile nicely for our annual attempt to take a family picture...

We will stand here all day if necessary...

Ok, not really, we've learned to accept that...

 Sometimes, you get what you get and you don't throw a fit!

I Think I Need a Cookie...

Today we celebrated our annual cookie day...

It's a day that is assembly line sweat shop style labor camouflaged as a festive holiday baking tradition...

 with endless hours of mixing, rolling, cutting, baking, and finally...

decorating!

Don't get me wrong, there is also copious amounts of laughing, chatting, tasting, teasing, and general merriment as well!

I love cookie day, it's exhausting, fun and delicious!

 And it's generally a full day event all by itself, but today was capped off by Gigi's special dance recital performance!

She took part in a two performance show, the first act featuring herself and several other enthusiastic 3 year olds dancing ballet...

And I cannot tell you just how much pride, love, and absolute awe ran through me when the curtains opened and Gigi looked out into the audience and waved enthusiastically at me!

but I think the best moment was backstage when we were about to change costumes for her second number, and she said, "I just wuv to dance!"

The jazzy Rudolph tap number was next...

And again I received a happy wave from the stage...

She's just growing up too fast...

They both are...sniff...

I think I need a cookie!

Yep, moments like this definitely call for sprinkles!

Dear Santa...

I never believed in Santa...it's not a sad thing for me, I was mostly creeped out by the idea of a stranger sneaking into my house in the middle of the night, and no amount of presents dispelled the discomfort of that concept.

So, I never intended to play the Santa card with my kids, I wasn't against it exactly, I just figured I wouldn't make a big deal of it, wouldn't stand in line for him, wouldn't create traditions around him, and I certainly wouldn't give him credit for the excellent gifts that I purchased for my little ones...

My kids have taught me that my "no-santa" attitude was, to sum up in one word...

Lame...

So now, we make our lists...

and mail our letters to the North pole...

And we even sit on Santa's lap...

Sometimes, it's good to be wrong...

And I love that I learn so much from my kids...

That through them everything becomes new again...

But, as much as I appreciate the fun that others seem to have with him, I will never be able to get on board with elf on the shelf!  Santa?  Yes... Sneaky Santa Elf spies that come to life while you're not looking?  Nope!

Condensed Countdown! (Otherwise known as where the heck did this week go?!)

So last weekend's event was a success!

Phew!

Now it's on to the next, the Englewood High School craft fair which is tomorrow from 9:30-3!

I fully intended to continue my nightly countdown this week, but between workouts, sewing, fevers, and grocery shopping, I blinked and it was already Friday!

So instead, brace yourself for one long shameless display of fabulous gift ideas that will hopefully entice you who are able to come see me tomorrow at EHS!

Lets start with my diaper and wipes pouches, which are not only handy for mommies, but also for organizing your suitcase when you pack, as I mentioned in THIS POST you can put your socks and undies in the pouch and never lose them among all of your travel flotsam again!

And I have lots to choose from!

Next in line is a favorite from last year, the chap stick cozy!

Never lose your chap stick again!  It the perfect stocking stuffer!

Another fan favorite is the car trash bag, and although I sold out of these babies last week, I managed to create a few more for this weekend's sale!

This car trash bag can hang anywhere in your car, it's easy to clean, attractive, and it will never tip over!

And best of all, they are lined with fused grocery bags which make them earth friendly, and SEW UNIQUE!  (I had to go there, had to,,,)

Ok, now on to a personal favorite of mine, and new to the shop this year...

It's the wine tote bag!!!

Tis the season to bring wine...

And with this snazzy little secret pocket, you won;t forget the corkscrew!

The color combinations are stylish and unique, making this the perfect wine accessory gift for your hostess, your best friend, or even for yourself!!

And finally, do you want to know what the very best teacher gift is?  (besides the wine tote bag which is the perfect gift for almost anyone!)

It the hot/cold pack!

Good for anything from a stiff neck to a bum knee, to cold toes, these pouches are filled with rice which emits a soft toasty scent when warmed.

These babies are a life saver, and are guaranteed to be appreciated by anyone!

Whew!

So there you have it, just a few tantalizing glimpses of what you will find if you stop by my table tomorrow between 9:30 and 3 at the Englewood High School craft sale!

Remember, there are only 4 more Fridays until Christmas!!!!