Show and Tell Tuesday: Christmas Home Tour Edition

What a year of Show and Tell Tuesdays it has been!  I have had so much fun linking up with Andrea.  I hope she continues this for years to come!

In January, I talked Steals and Splurges HERE 

In February, I introduced you to my LOVES HERE 

In March, I shared my favorite Kid Parties HERE and my most embarrassing moments HERE 

and my 5 Favorite Pictures HERE

In April, I talked Prom HERE 

and in May, I went down Memory Lane HERE

and talked Travelogues HERE

In June, I talked "The Struggle Is Real" HERE and shared a Home Tour HERE

In July, I shared my Best Recipes HERE and What's On My Phone HERE

and in August, I talked BEST DAY EVER HERE 

In September, I shared What's In My Bag HERE 

and my Reverse Bucket List HERE 

In October, I shared A Day In The Life HERE 

and talked about my FAVE holiday HERE 

In November, I shared how we Serve Others HERE and talked Want, Need, Wear, Read HERE

and now, in December, we are talking about our Christmas Decorations and doing a Christmas Home Tour.  Linking up with Andrea HERE

So...not much has changed from last year so I am linking up to last year's post HERE 

You can see how we decorate in the link above...everything looks mostly the same this year!

 

These are my must haves in my home each Christmas Season:

2 Christmas Trees on the first floor

1 Christmas Tree on the second floor

Live Greenery and candles in our kitchen

"Relph" The Elf hiding out in different places!

Christmas trees with lights and live greenery with lights out in our yard

Christmas Eve Yankee Candle burning in the kitchen and my office so we can smell the magic and

Hallmark Romance Christmas Movies on TV !

Check, check, check! Can't wait to see how you decorate :)

Show and Tell Tuesday: Want, Need, Wear, Read Edition

It's time for another fun linkup with Andrea.  Linking up HERE

It is fun to play along this week, as we talk about our Christmas list.  We started following this concept last year and it is called "Four Gifts."  Everyone gets...

Something They Want

Something They Need

Something To Wear and

Something to Read....

We really just follow this for the kiddos and I am glad we do....

This list, for me, is just a fantasy because we do not exchange gifts....and especially this year....

so let's have some fun...here it goes....

Something I Want

A Family Vacation..with just my mini fam...the years are going by so fast and we always try to include everyone in our plans so we don't hurt anyone's feelings but for once, I would love to just take off for a warm place and relax with my hubby and littles...in the sun....on the beach...with a great book and not have to worry about anything...even for a few days...that sounds like heaven to me :)

Something I Need

A Window Washer...we need our windows washed...we have so many and some are pretty high...yes that is what I would pick for a need

Something To Wear

Ummm....anything Lilly...shocker right?

Something To Read

Anything by Elin Hilderbrand or Jennifer Weiner...that is, anything I haven't read of theirs yet!  (and Side Note: I met Elin Hilderbrand last night and it was amazing!  Stay tuned for a separate post this week!)

Wow...that was fun...can't wait to see your lists!

Show and Tell Tuesday: Serving Others Edition

It is time for another Show and Tell Tuesday with Andrea.  Linking up HERE

Today we are talking about how we serve others.  This is a tough one to talk/write about....agreeing with Andrea, it can feel kind of braggy...but I thought I would share just a few ways that we give back as a family in hopes of inspiring someone else...the way you always inspire me to do more good.

Here goes nothing.....

Making Meals

I love cooking for others...whether it is a family in mourning...for a patient going through chemo treatments or a friend who could just use a little pick me up, this is my/our favorite way to show our love and support.  To that end, you will find us making meals for people not only at the holidays but all year long and more often than not, there is a Chicken, Ziti and Broccoli involved :)

Windham Helping Hands

We are incredibly fortunate to have this amazing group in town.  It is a non-profit organization that was started several years ago to help those in need within our very own community.  We get involved as much as we can each year.  We help to sort backpacks and supplies before each school year for those children in need.  We make meals for families affected by fires and other home damage.  We donate gifts at the holidays and make sure we hit some wish list items so every child in our town has a Merry Christmas.  We have also participated in the Annual Walkathon that raises money for the hungry.  What I love about this organization is that we can get involved as a family and show our girls how important it is to think of others.

Our Church

We love our church, St. Matthews in Windham.  They offer many ways for us to get involved and give back.  Our favorite thing to do is participate in the Giving Tree each Christmas Season.  We pick a mitten off the tree and choose a family with different needs.  We help to get their wish list items whether it is a toy or game or even a warm winter coat.  The girls get so excited to pick the mitten off the tree each year. 

That's just a snippet of ways we give back...there is so much more we can do....and I am looking forward to the end of cheer season so I can dedicate more time helping those in need...Can't wait to see all the ways you give back...love being inspired by all of your kindness.

Show and Tell Tuesday: Favorite Holiday Edition

It is time for another fun Show and Tell Tuesday.

Linking up with Andrea HERE

This week, we are talking about our FAVORITE HOLIDAY and WHY!!  

HOW FUN!!!

I love holidays and any reason to celebrate with my family and friends BUT I have to say, my favorite holiday all year is 4th of July or Independence Day.

I guess it is for a few reasons.  One, it happens to fall during my favorite season of the year- SUMMER.

Two, it symbolizes our freedom and the beauty of living in this country.

Three, for us, it means the beach, the water, fireworks, cookouts and being with our fam and friends! (My Happy Place)

We always celebrate by either going to a local beach town, finding parades and fireworks and just being with our peeps.  In the last few years, we have celebrated in Kennebunkport, ME, Portland, ME, Portsmouth NH and at home in Windham, NH :)

Did I also mention that lobster is at its peak in these parts?  Oh yes...grab your lobster and "steamahs" and settle in for a warm and blissful holiday in New England....if you decide to make the trip here, I can personally plan your trip so that you catch all of the must sees and experience the beauty of our home!

What is your favorite holiday?  I don't know about you but I am already counting down the days to next summer!

Show and Tell Tuesday: A Day In the Life Edition

It is time for another Show and Tell Tuesday!

Linking up with the Andreas today!  Linking with Andrea at Momfessionals  HERE 

and linking up with Andrea at Living On Cloud Nine HERE

Although yesterday was a little out of the ordinary as it was Columbus Day, many things throughout the day were routine but it was one of those days that I felt truly "balanced."  Not overworked- not running around- just got it all done because I did not stress.  It was not technically a holiday at our firm but everyone and their brother was out of the office.  That can be frustrating but I got so much done AND was able to get to the gym AND spend lots of time with the fam.  One of those days when I go to bed and feel accomplished!  Here is what it looked like....

 Early morning prayers, devotionals and blogging.....

and then got some work in!

 While everyone was still sleeping, I snuck out to the gym!  It was a great class because three of my besties were there so we could be "tortured" together ;)

Back home, it was time to refresh my coffee and get into more work- everyone was still sleeping!

It was a Rainy Columbus Day so I made sure I took a few shots to share with you- when I take a moment to look out at the yard or the kitchen window...this is what I see...don't you love our scary window peeper?  :)

Once the littles were up, Robby B got them some breakfast while I was working...then it was time for coziness...it was just one of those days

I snuck meal planning in for the week and Rob did the groceries on his lunch. Then I fed the girls lunch and did the dishes.

A part of my Halloween costume came in for the Gala at the Castle...bet you can't guess who I am going to be.....

I pulled out this journal to share with Diana.  I bought it when she was two I think.  I feel it is time.  She asked me if we could go grab sushi together and talk.  She was really challenging this weekend and she knew it so she apologized and then she just wanted to talk about some choices she is struggling with associated with her extracurricular activities.  I was nervous but so happy that she came to me.  The journal got us off to a great start.....

and then we enjoyed sushi and lots of talking....so good for the soul...

When we came home, we all watched an episode of Glee together and called it a day....and it was a GREAT one!

Show and Tell Tuesday: Reverse Bucket List Edition

It is time for another Show and Tell Tuesday!  Linking up with Andrea HERE

Today we are sharing our "Reverse Bucket Lists" and Andrea was right.  This one takes thinking.  It is SO EASY to write down our dreams and wants and Bucket Lists BUT you really have to stop, think and be grateful.

 When I started this blog 10 years ago, I came up with a bucket list of things I wanted to achieve in my lifetime.  I sometimes will look back at the list.  There is so much I would like to do and hope I will get to it.

Here are some things that I have accomplished that I always dreamed about and wished for.....

Marrying my soul mate and best friend

Always so grateful for Robby B

Having healthy happy children.  Was blessed with two of my own and three stepchildren.  As I always say, kids keep you young!

Buying our dream home in a great neighborhood!

We were able to do this 5 years ago and I never take it for granted.

Go to college and while doing so, be on stage and getting my dream parts

Coaching my daughter's cheer team

Building strong relationships and having a tribe to count on....Friends like Family

Having a successful career and loving what I do

Keeping the family unit strong

Getting into shape

 Three Words- Work In Progress!

 Keeping God at the core of all that I do and remembering to live with love, forgiveness and faith

Can't wait to read your lists....