Visions of Sugarplums...

Yup, I've got Christmas on the brain today. Could be because I just found a great deal in the $1 section at Target. Little red felt bags with tiny green checked bows - perfect for tucking in a little present or two for Grace's MDO teachers and even for holding homemade goodies for our neighbors. There were six left, so I grabbed them all (I think I even caught an ugly look from a fellow shopper, but hey, she was shopping the halloween stuff, so fair is fair!! :)

As I've mentioned, I've been on this baking frenzy here lately and it doesn't show signs of stopping anytime soon. On the plus side, once I've spent lots of time with a baking project, I have no desire to eat it, which is great for the waistline. I just stare at it in amazement for turning out so cute or in despair for being a big flop. Which brings me to this: I. NEED. THIS. APRON. Isn't it gorgeous??? And of course, the little pumpkin needs the matching one for all those Christmas cookies we'll soon be making. Are you listening, Santa? :)

Totally off the subject, but when I was little my mom used to sport that chic haircut the mom in the picture has and it just brought warm memories to my heart. I remember when we were dating, Lance seeing some pics of me when I was little and looking at the one of my mom and I on the first day of preschool (she was wearing a navy blue spaghetti strap dress with a white sailor pocket button and white strappy heels, had tanned skin, that sassy haircut, and the most beautiful, proud smile on her face) and saying, "You had a hot mom growing up!" He scored lots of points with that one because I, of course, think she's beautiful inside and out :) Now, if I could only get my scanner to work I could upload that photo for you to see. Note to self: work on scanner!!

I'm also excited about this: What is that, you ask. Well, I wish I could remember the source of the photo and I would definitely list it if I knew, but a couple of years back I stumbled upon this Christmas photo and fell in love with it right away. So this year, I decided to get all brave and photo-in-hand visit one of our local photographers and pitch my idea to them for Christmas photos. It took a little persuading, but they agreed to bring Santa in early and let me style this photo prop so I could get Grace's photo BAKING COOKIES WITH SANTA!!!! How perfect is that!!!! They even suggested a monogrammed apron for Santa - PERFECT! Now, I only have to convince the little pumpkin that Santa is an okay guy, no need for the major meltdown we had last year upon taking one look at the jolly old man. Man, oh, man am I excited!