Ornament of the year!!!

My super creative, fun-mom, friend told me that each year she makes an ornament for each of her kids so that when they leave home they have a set of ornaments for their own tree... and a little love from their mother. I loved the idea so much I had to steal it. So this last week I made Benson and Shay their first ornament. A sweet little felt birdie.

That same crafty friend came up with this idea... so I copied it too! Aren't they just cute enough to eat.

And my sweet husband let me open my Christmas present just a little early this year.... I couldn't wait. I have been looking at, studying, needing, wanting this since April. I can't believe she's mine. THE SLICE!!! I only got to play around with it for one afternoon to make a few things Christmasy. But I think these festive flakes are adorable. And my Slice worked like a dream.

Sorry about the picture quality... I am having a heck of a time with my camera setting and tree and lights and flash and everything. I have had a great week with these little crafty/festive projects though. Hohoho!!!

The perfect tree...

The 1st Annual Leavitt Christmas Tree Hunt was held today, December 6. And what an event it was. Today will go down in history as one of those days that I never want to forget. It was so beautiful outside. December was definitely in the air, but the sun shined brightly all day. There was about 4 inches of snow dusting Red Lodge... perfect for a 2 year old to run and play. He RAN and giggled and threw snow all day long.

We kicked the day off with a big bowl of Ashli's chili and chips and hot cocoa, and we were ready for the hunt. The whole gang (our good friends the Trombley's were with us) plodded along and scoped out the greenery.
Despite AJ's fears that we would never find a tree good enough to meet my specifications, we did. Only about an hour into our journey.

He man-handled my tree and we tagged it and called it ours. I am tickled with it.


I strapped Shay into the baby back-pack and there she hung out, all bundled up all day. She seemed to enjoy the fresh air as much as we did.

It really was a great time. It was one of those days were I come home and instantly hit my knees to thank my Heavenly Father for the little things. AJ and I fell in love again today, Benson explored and ran and had fun, Shay was her sweet self... and the forest was so clean, crisp, and beautiful. It was a blessed day anyway you look at it...

A few more pictures

Saturday, in Cardston, I went on a hunt for a little white bow for Shay to were with her holiday dress. If you know me, you know that once I get a little, teeny, meaningless idea, I don't give up easily. Yes I did find a little white bow but I also HAD to get this hat for my baldy girl. I think it is so adorable!! I can't wait to get more big flowers for it, btw... a quick thank you to my Sis-in-law for the cute flowers and headbands Shaylee is always sporting. They make my girl stylin'.

From the moment I found out I was having a baby girl, I was just dying to do something feminine and pretty and ruffly. This is it. It took up a good portion of the last two visits to mom's house but it was so worth it to me. Mom, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for being the brains and perfectionist being the project. I know Shay and I will treasure it. Thanks for letting me show off just a little.

Thankful

We just spent the last week from one set of grandparents to the other. It was great to see both of our families. Each time we see them more memories are made and I see Benson bond with them a little more. He is still calling ME grandma. "Thank you, Grandma," he says when I get him something. I guess it could be worse... if I had to be called anything but momma I guess it would be that. Those two ladies love him almost as much as I do. We had a great time. Thanksgiving morning the boys played a little backyard football.

Dinner was great, although little Ben was not. It was naptime and he was grumpy. After dinner, some of us braved our swimming suits (I know, the after dinner belly bulge was definitely in attendance) and took a dip in the hot tub. The cabin is beautiful... for some reason we always have good conversation in there. Friday, AJ and I packed to leave but just as we should be pulling out, Travis called and said he had shot his elk. AJ just had to get in on that, so he drove up to the ranch with the 4-wheeler and helped them get the bloody carcass out. Another bonding experience I guess. So we got a late start but enjoyed our drive through the Flathead and up by Glacier, to another Grandmothers house we go. We didn't get to spend too much time with G-ma and G-pa Leavitt because of Luke's wedding but Benson LOVED grandmas collection of cars and had fun with them. The food, as always, the highlight. We can't wait for Christmas to be back up in Canada in their cozy home.

Can you believe we are into December already? I love it. I wait all year for the holiday season to roll around. I love that I am going to be with family, that everyone has a glow about them. Maybe it is the chill in their cheeks, but I believe it to be the Spirit of Christmas... the fact that we are thinking of others, and celebrating the birth of our Savior. Isn't it some coincidence that we kick off the season with a whole day to think of those things that we are thankful for. I hope we don't forget those things as the holidays get busy and we are rushing hear and there. I hope we remember, all year, but especially as we honor our Savior, that we have been given so much and have so much to be thankful for.