bright spots

It's been grey here.  We've had an inversion.

There have been a few bright spots, however.

Ian loves playing in the sink. I love how it doubles for a bath and also allows me to get the dishes done.

I had a lovely time over-night shopping last weekend with my Aunt and cousins. (My cousin made me that photo wine bottle!!) More than anything I just really enjoyed the company and laughing a lot. ALOT. I have done the bulk of my buying online, however. In fact, just this evening I finished buying for the kids. Nothing beats bargin hunting (I'm not a good bargin hunter) in your slippers while sipping an irish creme on the rocks.

Our advent calendar is still not finished (um it's about 4 years old now). We run out of mittens on December 14th...but it is cheery to look at none-the-less. I just put candy in it this year. 

Also:

In a bold move I took down Ian's crib and set up his toddler bed. It was cold turkey, all-or-nothing. So far: success. He's gotten out of bed twice each time I've put him down, but after firmly telling him to "Get back in your bed!" He did. 

I made this recipe the other night and I totally expected it to bomb, but the kids devoured it and we ate it again for lunch the next day. (If you make it...don't use as much sauce as is called for. I used maybe a 1/2 of what was there.)

This is good too. (I used real bacon.)

These boots are coming our way. (Everyone picked their favorite color, green for Hannah). I was browsing on Zappos a few days ago and noticed I had a $207 credit. What?? I'm not sure where that came from...but I'll take it. 

We've attended 2 Christmas parties so far. I wore this hairstyle to one, and this to another. I just love all the merrymaking.

My paperwhites are coming up. 

Now all I need is some sun.