Here's What's Been Going On...

Wow! What a whirlwind December! We had a great holiday (our first with two separate houses for the kids, which turned out surprisingly well). The kids left on Christmas day with Dr. Daddy and my brother to ski in Colorado. Apparently, they're naturals. Well, duh!
My family was here to visit, as was a special friend. We spent a week of pure bliss (although I'm sure many of my friends are wondering if I'm still alive). I managed to make the final decision to build rather than buy a home, and I've been working on growing my photography hobby/business and reinstating my nursing license. So...not busy AT ALL. He He.

A few of my faves from a recent twin shoot...







The home I've decided to build is in a neighborhood that has primarily crafstman style homes which is not a style I EVER thought I would embrace but I've fallen in love with. These are some initial concepts I have but I would LOVE to see any photos you have to offer!






My biggest issue now is whether to build on the more expensive lot at the top of the hill but sacrifice some of the details I LOVE, or to build down below at the bottom of the subdivision on a culdesac with less view but more special touches and upgrades. Thoughts, ideas?

Thanks again for all your kind words of support with the ongoing separation and divorce. It's going surprisingly well...I've insisted we have a meal once a week as a family and I think we're all settling in to the idea of the end of the marriage. It's like surviving when someone else has died...but I KNOW in the end that this is for the best and that my children will be happier in the end. Trying to do it right? That's a whole other story!

To add to my family's stress...my oldest little brother deployed to Iraq this month. He left behind his newly pregnant newlywed and a really WORRIED family! Please pray for him. You can track his progress at his wife's blog...The Sand is Different Here.

I look forward to hearing from all of you soon!

Mantle Madness

Loyal reader Sharon made my day by emailing and requesting holiday mantle ideas. Ah, so MANY ideas. She's hosting a dinner party this weekend and wants something woodsy and natural looking. So let's get started!

First, I love to start with a little (lot) of fresh greenery. The price is right (FREE if you can get it from your yard!) and I love the smell and natural element it adds. I also like to add a little eucalyptus berry from the market. And, you KNOW I'd be throwing in a few feathers here and there...




Next, why not add a little Baby Jesus? He is, after all, the reason for the season. And as Babygirl loves to point out..."he gets a birthday AGAIN this year?!". Funny girl. I LOVE this nativity set from Wisteria.



So, we've got our greenery, we've got Baby Jesus, now we need some stockings.
Ballard Designs never lets me down in the stocking department. I've had their polka dot stockings with leopard trim for years. This year, I especially love these adorable neutral stockings with a vintage look. Very chic and understated. Don't forget to "stuff" your stockings with some plastic grocery bags to give them a little body. I also like to have a little greenery hanging out the tops of the stockings to give them more life.



Now that we've addressed our staple items, it's time to have fun! Add some gorgeous candles such as these from Pottery Barn.



I also LOVE these crowns from Wisteria.


They would be adorable worked in amongst your greenery or even bunched on the ground in front of your fireplace. Have fun and be creative! And, don't forget the fire in the fireplace!



If you aren't loving the mess of a fire but still love the flames and the smell...add some lit candles to the fireplace and mix in one of the Slatkin & Co. "Winter" candles from Bath and Body Works. It is practically an exact replica of the old winter candles sold by Slatkin & Co. at Neiman Marcus for three times the price. You will not believe how wonderful your house smells!

Ghetto Thanksgiving

A few shots from today...and a funny story!






We were bored this afternoon. Seriously...who doesn't eat turkey until after 6pm? We aren't the Vanderbilt's for goodness sake!

So, we had an impromptu photo shoot. The above photos were the result.

Babygirl and I were discussing our upcoming trip to NYC to see the Rockettes, visit the American girl store for tea, carriage ride in central park, lunch at the top of Bergdorf's, etc. Babyboy was a bit put out that he was not invited. I said it was a girls' trip and he responded "well then why does Uncle Aaron get to go?"

Babygirl responded "because Uncle Aaron is ghetto?" like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Then I had to interject and say "ummm, you mean Uncle Aaron is GAY?" Yeah, she says, Uncle Aaron is gay with his friend Eric. "No", I respond, "Uncle Aaron is ghetto with his friend Eric. He's GAY with his friend Tobin"...

At which time I realize that my kids will either be the most culturally accepting and advanced kids on the block...or they'll be the most messed up confused kids around! Either way...I'm up for it!

What are you thankful for today?

XOXO Sippycups

New Beginnings!

Sorry for the tardy post. I've been busy with the Junior League bazaar fundraiser, kids school parties, moving, etc. I've also been trying to transition one of my passions into a growing "career". I've always loved photography and have taken photos of friends' kids forever. This year, I've been taking "sessions" and have sent all of my clients to Tiny Prints' website to view Tiny Prints 2009 Holiday Cards. They are awesome!

Here is what I chose for my card...


I love that it's neutral, classic and highlights the photo rather than a flashy card. That's what they're so great about ...they produce great cards that will enhance your photos.

Some other great samples...




Have you started your cards yet? If not, get to Tiny Prints now! They have GREAT deals and as an amateur photographer I can say that their reprints are very high quality and you won't be disappointed!

Happy shopping!

This one is for THE MAID

Lest I become irrelevant for lack of posting...Pete called...he said he wanted some schnookie...with a side of spratt.
XOXO Sippycups

All I Can Say Is...

WOW. Thank you so much for all your kind thoughts and comments. I honestly had no idea when I wrote my previous post what kind of can of worms I was opening. I thought surely I would have some negative comments, and steeled myself as best I could.
I have been so amazed by all your positive thoughts, comments, advice and inspiration. I have had NOT ONE negative comment.
Thank you all so much.
This process is incredibly painful and exhausting and yet a massive relief at the same time. It's so hard to know how you're "supposed" to feel. I'm taking it one day at a time and again, I appreciate all your support.
Cheers!

What Adorable Kids Those Are!

Oh, wait...they're my kids! How excited are we to be featured on Whitney English's Website? Too cute. Check out all of her photo and digital photo cards...I definitely know where I'll be getting MY cards this year!