It's hard to believe...

that one year ago today I discovered this:



and now I have this:



What an incredible year it's been!

Snickerdoodles

Question: What is your favorite kind of cookie?

My Answer: Snickerdoodles.

I am just not that fond of chocolate (sorry, Ruth!) and as such have a hard time with cookies. Most everyone else on this planet can't get enough of chocolate, or nuts for that matter, and proceed to put them in anything they bake, including cookies.

If you are like me and would rather pass on the chocolate, but would still like to have a good cookie - I suggest you try these!

Nick over at Macheesmo posted a recipe for snickerdoodles back in November and I have been itching to try them ever since.



Eric, Lexi and I went to a Christmas Eve get-together with BJ and Amy this year and I made some. They were a big hit!



I will definitely be making them again!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas morning my family came over and we had a big Christmas breakfast and opened gifts.

Alexis had a mountain of presents surrounding her by the time everything had been passed out.



(Also, don't you love the hat Santa brought her?)



Eric and I got Alexis this book, which I love.



Afterward, we headed to Knoxville where we celebrated with Eric's family.

Here is a shot of Lexi and Annie, Eric's mother.



And Eric took this one of me and my little baby.



Once we finally got back home on Sunday, we started taking down all of the Christmas stuff. Lexi wanted to sit up and watch so we put her in her Bumbo.

Apparently, the busy weekend caught up with her.



I hope everyone had a marvelous holiday!!

Chistmas Survey

Survey stolen from Manda.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
I do love me a good gift bag, but for Christmas I like to use wrapping paper. Although I don't like to find boxes, so most things are just wrapped as is. Makes for some interestingly shaped presents.

2. Real tree or artificial?
Growing up we always had an artificial tree so I have no problems with them. But this year we got a real tree and I absolutely love it.

3. When do you put up the tree?
A couple of weeks before Christmas. Three at the most. And I always take it down in the days following Christmas. There's nothing sadder than a Christmas tree after Christmas.

4. Do you like eggnog?
I do, yes. Yum!



5. Favorite gift received as a child?
Hmm... that's tough. Honestly, I think I would say the videotape of Disney's Cinderella I got when I was little. I remember watching that movie so much.

6. Do you have a nativity scene?
I don't. I don't like a lot of the ones I see. Too cheesey. Although I have seen some that are just beautiful.

7. Hardest person to buy for?
My uncle, David. Definitely.

8. Easiest person to buy for?
Depends on the year, but my mom and aunt are pretty easy to buy for.



9. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail. At least I do when I get the cards in time.

10. Favorite Christmas movie?
Too many to name. Home Alone, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Santa Clause, et al.

11. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
I almost always start on Black Friday.

12. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Christmas breakfast. Eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits, gravy, juice... Love it!



13. Clear lights or colored lights on the tree?
This year we had clear lights, but Eric wants colored for next year. I'll let you know which I like better.

14. Favorite Christmas song?
Sleigh ride. I love to listen to it, I love to sing it, and I loved to play it back when I actually played my sax.

15. Travel or stay at home for Christmas?
Both. Now that we have Alexis, I want to be home on Christmas morning. But I also want to travel so we can see all of the family.

16. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen.

And Rudolph.



17. Angel on tree top or star?
I'm open to both.

18. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Christmas morning. Although opening one present on Christmas Eve is nice

19. The most annoying thing this time of year?.
Commercials. Thank goodness for DVR.

20. What do you love most about Christmas?
I love spending time with my family and giving gifts.

Hurricane Doyle

This past Friday I went out to the 5 Spot in East Nashville to see/shoot a band named Hurricane Doyle.
The band is headed up by this guy:





Lair is a really great song writer / guitar player / vocalist.





I had a great time and can't wait to see another show!





Oh, and did I mention that it was Lair's birthday?



Happy Birthday, Lair!

Reid

I took some photos of little Reid the other day.



I also got some with his mother.


And his father.

Santa Baby

She's sick with a runny nose and coughs constantly, but is still so smiley.

Evelyn

This little cutie arrived about 3 weeks after these were taken.

A baby tree for Baby

I saw where one of my virtual friends put up a small tree for her 2 year old in addition to their big family tree. I thought it was such a great idea and decided to get Alexis her very own tree too.



I'm very glad I did, she loves looking at the lights.

I need some title suggestions.

Snow Family

Smile!

I finally got a good photo of Lexi smiling!

Saturday Fun

We went out this past Saturday with BJ and Amy to get our Christmas trees!



Amy holding a bundled Lexi.



BJ hefting his tree.



When we got home, we set up our tree and then went over to BJ and Amy's house to set up theirs and have dinner. I sat Alexis up on the couch for a second and turned around to find her asleep!



Also, on Saturday I did a 12-hour photo project. One photo every hour for 12 hours.



Time on the play mat
Shower
Getting ready to go to the grocery store
Unload groceries and bebe from truck
Wash dishes/bottles
Sonic lunch in the car
Christmas tree farm! (with BJ and Amy)
Home Depot for lights and such
Setting up our tree
Setting up BJ and Amy's tree
Baked Potato Soup for dinner
Help decorate BJ and Amy's house for Christmas

Frosty Rose

Santa and Baby

Alexis went to see Santa yesterday.