Meet Floyd...

He's a grumpy 12 year old mini dauschund.  Tipping the scales at 18 lb's, I think the "mini" part might be a stretch.  His weight fluctuates more than Oprah's.  
He doesn't like most kids, strangers, the vacuum, rain, cold, etc. etc. etc(list is so long).  


He's not especially cute. In fact, lets be honest pictures don't lie, with out the Christmas tree hat, he's on the ugly side.  


BUT... he has character and that goes a very long way!

We got Floyd over 12 years ago and he had it good.  REAL GOOD!!!  He slept in our bed, was toted around like one of Paris Hiltons dogs, fed organic food, and was walked all the time.

That all changed when kids came along(3 kids in 4 plus years).  He was demoted and he was not happy! In fact he was probably a good candidate for puppy prozac. 
BUT as the years have gone by he's forgiven us and lightened up, a bit.  He sleeps more, bites less and rarely leaves "surprises on the floor".  


He's getting pretty old and we're realizing his days are numbered. 

So, lately we've been spoiling him, All 5 of us.  He's been getting tons of treats and lots of love, and this year he may even find a thing or two in his stocking. 

Lucky dog, we love you!!!

This holiday remember.......

Source

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones, furry ones too!

xoxo

Megan

The tree & more...

Every year I pretend that it's a family project to decorate the tree and every year I take over.  Sure, I'll let the girls put the ornaments on here and there, but as soon as they're off to bed I "tweak" it to how I want it to look.  

NOT THIS YEAR!!!  This year I let the kids decorate the tree, right down to that fu fu angel on top (hubby did the lights).  Not bad if I do say so.  They had so much fun!   I really wanted to put our star on top instead of the angel but I was out voted 3 to 1.  So there she sits in all her glory.  I smile every time I walk by it!  Letting go feels good.  

My daughters "Santa" portrait

I'll show you mine if you show me yours......

I've been working on holiday decorating and gifts for teachers, family and friends.  I'm lovin' the amazing ideas I've seen on so many of your blogs.  It seems these days we're all getting more creative and resourceful, especially when it comes to gifting. I thought I'd show you a few things I've been working on. 

Ornaments

Natural Linen Euro Pillow Shams

Holiday cards

Garland

festive window boxes

mercury ornaments & my sea shells, in perfect harmony

My Jack in the bean stock amaryllis(stop growing already and bloom!)

Ok...I showed you mine, now you show me yours!!!

Paper Whites.....

I just love paper whites, simple, cheep, and cheery. Happy Tuesday.

Sweet surprises....

The other night I was being picked up by a friend to go to a Christmas dinner. My little one, Molly(6),was "helping" me get ready and she was playing dress up right along side me, waiting for her usual lipstick and blush application.

The door bell rang, the dog was barking, I was giving last minute instructions to my hubby about homework and bedtimes. In all the commotion I forgot to say "good bye". Within minutes I got a teary phone call from Molly, I felt sooooooo bad. I assured her that when I came home I'd make sure to give her lots of kiss and hugs even though she would be sleeping. That's just what I did!

But the best part of my night was when I went into my room to get ready for bed and I saw my PJ's set out. I looked a little closer and there was a note saying, "ME, MoLLy SEt it OuT". Could she have been any sweeter?

advent calendar.....

Every year on November 30th it hits me, "Oh no! Tomorrow it's Dec 1st". So I sit down and write 24 bible verses, questions, or short story's that have to do with the true meaning of Christmas. Then, I roll each one into a small scroll, tie it with a ribbon and I place them in an antique wooden Pepsi crate(exactly 24 slots)that my mom gave me.

Each night before bed, in front of the tree, the kids alternate taking turns reading one of the notes. They LOVE it because it prolongs bed time and allows for a few extra minutes of snuggling. It's fun for my husband and I because it encourages conversation and reminds us all that Christmas is so much more than just receiving gifts.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas......