Christmas 2013 hath come and gone and I'm sad.  In the weeks to come, decorations will come down (my house won't look as festive and cheerful) and the winter yuckies will set in.  Since winter came earlier than usual this year, I have a sneaking suspicion that it will linger WAY into April.  Let's clarify:  I lerv winter and snow and cold..... but I don't love it at the end of March.

Beau didn't really get a handle on Santa Claus, so maybe next year he will grasp the concept.  I can confirm however, that he LOVES sparkles and all things that fill the holiday shelves at Hobby Lobby.  The sparklier the better.  Look out Liberace.


New Years resolutions:  Make them?  Does a clean slate really exist at the turn of the calendar?  Perhaps I should renew the yearly vow to stop swearing.  I usually fail within 2 hours.  I have succeeded in 2 resolutions....... I stopped biting my nails and drinking pop; two very difficult habits.

We find out what we are having on January 2nd.  That day can't come fast enough.  Girl?  Boy?  NO CLUE.

My friend KKR refers to her brain as mush since having her first--- she has two kids now.  I can totally relate, though I only have one child.  Since undertaking care for a newborn (plus Beau), my brain is mushier than ever.  I literally don't have one moment to sit down.  If I'm not folding laundry, loading the dishwasher, making a meal/cleaning up a meal, I am most likely pulling Shep off of something he isn't suppose to climb on (i.e. Christmas presents).  The benefit of all this activity is that I don't feel as guilty snacking all throughout the day....... and lately the snacking is ALOT.  I'm not using pregnancy this time around to eat whatever I want.  60 pounds is hard to lose, let me tell ya.

Christmas is almost upon us and I couldn't be happier.  Thankfully, the Lord above has blessed Chicagoans with some snow pre-December 25th.  I love snow, I love winter.  I love Christmas lights covered in snow and wearing my Sorel boots everywhere.  I've been following the weather each day and POSSIBLY, there may be a CHANCE of a winter storm later this week.  Fingers crossed.  LOVE.

I still need to find a few more gifts-- one of which I'm waiting for in the mail.  Until then, all of Shep's presents are neatly tucked away in the master bathroom shower.

MUCH NEEDED:
-a mani/pedi
-a haircut..... but mostly some new hair color action.  this chic needs a change
-a date with my husband
-a master bathroom shower that has been renovated
-a day with my dog at Petsmart getting her nails did and a bathies
-a carwash (inside and out)
-a Budget rental truck to move all of our guest bedroom furniture to my sister's house


An update on Mason's momma:

No significant changes however, baby steps in a forward direction.  She is working with a speech therapist daily and making great strides in swallowing and trying to speak (making some noise).  Thanks for all those praying for her on the regular.  Now is the time for a Christmas miracle.  That mom needs to wake up and hold her baby as soon as possible.

Some housekeeping:

Beau got his first real picture taken today.  I found the photog on Facebook (some friends had used her) and decided this would be an ideal gift for his grandparents.  We dressed him in a white button down and khakis.  Too bad his haircut sucks-- and thank God the lady had a cute "newsie" style hat for him to cover the hack job.  So, donned in a cute hate and some suspenders, Beau looked like a little porkie fat cutie pie.  He smiled and was SOOOO cute.  Hopefully the pics will turn out.

Its snowing here.  Finally.  I'm praying for a crazy winter of snow.  I don't want our snowmobiles to sit in our garage and gather dust.

Christmas decorations are up.  I need to finish the lights outside/the entryway.  The tree looks awesome, the manger looks amaze balls and I have my winter candles going (see below).

THE ONLY candles to burn in the winter:

Bath and Body Works Chestnut and Clove
Bath and Body Works Winter

I'm trying to teach Beau about Santa but he really only grasps the idea of sparkly ornaments.  Baby steps I guess.

Shep went for his 15 month shots and guess what..... ANOTHER freakin' ear infection.  I see tubes in the near future.  With that being said, I'm beginning to think his ears may be chalked full of fluid.  I dont think he can hear very well.  He won't respond to any voice if he is in another room-- he only responds when you are speaking in front of him.  Thoughts?