Christmas Tree

We set up our Christmas tree early this year in time for our holiday party last Saturday. Amber & I had fun decorating it together. We just love having the tree up, makes our home very cozy. I thought I'd also share some of my favorite ornaments...that bring back special memories!

Up and at 'em

Today I was up early and got a head start on the day...something that rarely happens since our children are up frequently throughout the night and I usually sleep in a bit later.

But today I rose at an early 5:45am. I was able to:
- sort & load laundry
- see my dh Cory off to work
- sorted recycling that was piled up in the house
- download more photos to Costco to get printed
- brew myself a pot of Starbucks Christmas blend coffee
- have a peaceful breakfast

The kids woke up at 8:30 and we're are now ready to start our day. I love getting a head start on things...I could get used to this. I had better run, Ace has requested bacon for breakfast.

Mommy's Little Helper

This is Ace's absolute favorite thing to do these days...he is so excited when we tell him he can vacuum!

Visiting with Great Grandparents

We enjoyed a great dinner with Cory's Grandparents on Sunday evening. Scarlett tasted her first roast & mashed potatoes and loved it.

Scarlett's New Dress

Auntie Amber bought this dress for Scarlett some time ago. Isn't it cute!

Mercer Holiday Party

Good times, good people! (part 1)
We held our 1st annual Christmas Party on Saturday evening and had a merry ol' time with all our guests. It went really well, we loved having everyone over for some holiday cheer!




Starr & Cory
Tom & Kelly
Jack, Janet & Rod
Chuck & Linda
Mike & Tobi
Cindy & Taylor
Taylor & Kim
Jenny & Adam

Good times, good people! (part 2)




Chantel & Scott
Jon & Marcia
Party guests mingling
View of the 'tree'
Scarlett & Jack...kiss, kiss
Starr & Scarlett (she wanted to join the party and was in a great mood all night)
Kim & Starr with Christmas martinis
Linda & Scarlett

These are the give-aways we handed out as guests left the party. A Christmas ornament, hopefully a tradition we can keep up as we throw this annual event.

Leslie C's Workshop

Last Sunday I had the pleasure of demonstrating at Leslie C's Stampin' Up! workshop. It was great to meet all the new stampers and their daughters. Here are the projects from that event:

Spruce Meadows Christmas Market

Kim, Taylor & I attended the second Christmas market of the season...Spruce Meadows. We were very impressed with the shopping this year & had a really nice time.

Heidi Swapp's Class

This is such a great class offered by Heidi Swapp...scrapbooker extrodinaire. Click here to view the demo. I'd love to take it to get my butt in gear working on my scrapbook pages, but it's a bit expensive! We'll have to see...click here to view the classes.

Bad Blogger

Sorry I haven't posted in over a week! We were busy with the whole family (except me) getting the flu. And my laptop was in getting maintenance done.

We finished with our holiday party last night and are having a relaxing Sunday, so I should be able to do some updating soon...stay tuned.

Here's a cute photo from this morning when I came across the guys hanging out together...Cory thought Ace was giving him a back scratch...until I let him know it was a permanent blue marker!

Recipe Tin

Don't you just love the new home for all my recipes! I made it in a class at Scrapbookers Bliss last week. My friend Dee-Ann also took the class...her favorite part is tying all the ribbon to the handle. I loved this class so much, I'll be offering another version of it in the new year.

SIMPLY SENT Card Kits from Stampin' Up!

These 6 beautiful kits were just released by Stampin' Up! They are amazing...what a great gift idea. I think some of my friends & family members will be delighted to receive these in their stocking this Christmas. If you're interested in purchasing any of these sets, feel free to email me.

Country Living Magazine Offer

Country Living magazine has issued a special subscription rate to Stampin' Up! customers. Please feel free to use this offer to subscribe to the magazine for $28/year by clicking here.

This coincides with Stampin' Up!'s Country Blessings stamp set promotion offered until November 30th. You can purchase the kit from Stampin' Up! through me for $68.95. This includes: the exclusive stamp set, coordinating cardstock & stampin' spots inks, chocolate grosgrain ribbon, naturals hemp twine, mini glue dots, antique brass hodgepodge hardware pieces, small watercolor brush, 12 x 12 craft keeper, extra large stampin' supply box & instruction sheet. Great for gifts!

Email me if you are interested in viewing the exclusive 7-piece stamp set that was used to make these projects: