This Unfamiliar Road

I just love a recap post, don't you? Here is our year of 2013!

We rang in the New Year with this party animal. She made it until 8pm.

 We went on two road trips in January- Chattanooga & Tampa

Our nieces, Lily & Lacy

Our new friend, Wells

Our nephew, Xavier

I have found myself to be incredibly busy this Christmas season! I can't believe it will be here in 5 (FIVE!) days.

This year has been extra fun with Peyton. Although she doesn't fully "get it" she is certainly in awe of all things this season.

We had fun at the Christmas tree farm, but P didn't understand why we had a tree inside!



We ran into Santa at my work Christmas party :) She was all about talking to him, but wasn't a fan of sitting in his lap



And of course, we had to make time to go to North Point Mall to see the real Santa. I'm serious y'all. This guy has been around since I was a little kid, and he hasn't aged. He is all things Christmas spirit.

They all warned me. They told me this would happen.
"Time flies by"
"Enjoy her now-it goes by fast"

I listened, but was never able to fully realize just how fast time goes by until I was living in it. I blinked and my newborn is 18 months old. Seriously, how did that happen?!


 Day to Day:
Peyton sleeps about 7:30pm-7:30am with one (~2 hour) nap during the day. She is still a great eater, although I am having to get a little creative with veggies. I can always sneak them in with mac n cheese, or give her a chicken pot pie to eat :)
Our Junebug has 11 (almost 12) teeth to chew all that food!


Favorites:
Oh goodness-our girl just LOVES technology. She can easily navigate my iPhone and enjoys playing games and looking at pictures (of herself of course).
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse has become a new favorite (like, this week) and I love that it can buy me at least 20 minutes.
Peyton is ready to read a book all the time, and loves blocks, shape sorter, legos and anything she can open/close or put a lid on/off.


 Skills:
Time for me to brag on my child. She is one smart cookie.
Peyton can identify 20+ letters...I mean everywhere we go, she is pointing out letters she recognizes. She loves it.
Little Miss can recite her numbers (in order) 1-10 and actually understands when there are 2 objects.  "BOOKS! Yonnn, Twoo"
She knows most of her colors (and her favorite is purple)
We have to really watch what we say because Peyton has become a parrot-repeating everything  (and quite articulate too!).
It's amazing what she picks up by watching us/listening to us talk!

Don't worry...it's an empty container!

Peyton is really turning into an affectionate and nurturing toddler. She gives kisses and hugs freely and exclaims "BESS YOU!" to anyone who sneezes.
Oh Peyton Caroline,
What a blessing you are to us! Your spunky & goofy personality is so entertaining and you surprise us with something new every single day. Your gentle, kind heart and genuine concern for others makes us so proud. You will make a wonderful big sister (or nurse!) one day. Keep smiling sweet girl. We love you!

Mommy & Daddy

Well friends it's been a busy week! Unfortunately, I have not been busy celebrating Thanksgiving or enjoying the season with the family...I've been working. A LOT. Ohhh the life of a nurse :)



I am back with the last installment of this super fun series- A Few of My Favorite Things: Gifts Under $100.
I have loved these weekly posts, and they have certainly put me in the Christmas shopping mood!






ONE A point & shoot camera. This Nikon Coolpix is a great little camera with all the bells & whistles. If you are not a professional photographer, this is perfect to catch all of life's little moments!

TWO KitchenAid Hand Mixer Let's be honest- we all want that $400 KitchenAid stand mixer. It's pretty. But unless you bake frequently, do you really need that? This hand mixer is brought to you by the same company and it's a great tool for the more "infrequent" baker. These range in price from $50-$99.

THREE Start or add to a collection! A china collection can be costly, but what a great gift to start or add to an existing collection for someone! (Obviously, this can apply to any collection).

FOUR Cufflinks.Monogrammed cufflinks. Such a personal gift for the man in your life, and these have quite a price range (even as low as $20!).

FIVE For the baby or kiddo on your list, you can't go wrong with a cute set of PJ's. Add a monogram and you are all set :)
This set comes from my favorite embroidery shop-Southern Stamp Embroidery. (Shop local, friends!)

SIX You can't go wrong with gift cards. Although I used to think these were a little impersonal, now I see so many varieties of gift cards! Is your recipient a coffee lover? Or a movie guru? A bargain shopper? You can find a card for anyone and make it personal.

Well, that wraps up (haha...get it? "wraps up") our Favorite Things Christmas series. We will be back to our regularly scheduled blogging soon!

Don't forget to link up :)

I am back for the second installment of the Christmas linkup! This week, our focus is Favorite Things: stocking stuffers. So much fun!

Stocking stuffers are my fave because these gifts are typically inexpensive (typically) but require some thought and creativity!


ONE. I am a sucker for Aveda products. These trial sized lotions and lip balm are perfect for dropping in a stocking!

TWO. Am I the only one who struggles with the 4 inches of iPhone cord? I think anyone with an iPhone could use an extra charger...with some extra cord!

THREE. Ok, if you are looking for a nicer gift for the stocking, you can't go wrong with James Avery jewelry. It's unique, well crafted, and won't break the bank!

FOUR. Magazines!! These can be such a fun and personal gift. You can find any topic, too: Southern Living, trashy gossip, fashion, fitness, food & crafts. Tie 'em up with a ribbon and you've got a great stocking stuffer!

FIVE. Did anyone else know you can buy OPI minis? I've just discovered these...so exciting! You can purchase a sampler pack and give someone a variety of colors!

SIX. Infinity. Scarf. Add a monogram for a personal touch! Perfect for cold weather :)

Hope you're feeling inspired by this list. Remember to link up!

Great friends. Great food. Great wine. All the ingredients necessary for another successful "Ciwcle" Thanksgiving party.
To top if off, we had a fire pit, some 90's tunes, and a fun card game.

{here's last year's party}

This year, it was a good old fashioned BBQ and my husband, the grill master, did NOT disappoint!

What I just love about this group of friends is the authenticity. We've been a group for quite a while, so it's a comfortable place to be. I hope everyone has some friends you feel you can just be yourself with.

Guess what? I was too busy enjoying my night to capture any of it. Managed to gather everyone for one group photo :)


'Tis the Season for great friends, great food, and great wine!