It’s a new week {and we are getting closer to christmas!}

hello watching our favorite holiday movie–elf, charlie brown christmas, love actually and little women

hello fireplace and clam chowder with these crunched up and sprinkled on top. yum.

hello carols and christmas music playing throughout the house and in the car {especially this album}

hello getting warm clothes for a trip to omaha to see cousins–we can’t wait!

hello complete lack of self-control when it comes to all the desserts and candy around me.

hello more christmas shopping to be done. are you done yet?

hello healthy. right now we are all cold and flu–for the first time in a month.

hello monday–it’s going to be a great week!

link up in the comments or just leave a note–and let us know what you’re saying hello to today!

i hope your day is filled with family, friends, turkey and lots of time to relax.

time to recap the week with instagram! i’m linking up with jeannett at life rearranged. so fun!

1. i woke up in seattle last weekend. so good to get away!

2. our new play every day necklace

3. ice cold sodas for a BBQ

4. flying back from seattle i took a pic of morro rock through the plane propellor

5. out for a late breakfast with my sweetie

6. stacked up fiestaware plates

7. the stacks in morro bay {david was home sick, so we went for a drive}

8. fresh flowers, a gift from my friend katie

it’s friday–and we are ready for the weekend! what are your weekend plans?

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1. these shoes look stylish and comfortable. and they’re on sale.

2. this engagement session is pure magic

3. love the aqua wall with the yellow buffet. happy!

4. wood letters on canvas then spray painted. genius.

5. i want to make desserts in a jar this summer.

what’s inspiring you today?

so, i subconsciously stole ali’s word.  i guess it’s such a lovely, insightful word, that after she shared it with me, i accidentally made it mine, too.  thanks for sharing your word, ali!  i love hearing what your words are for 2010–if you haven’t shared yet, please do!  happy new year’s eve!

we are thrilled to be collaborating with ali edwards again for her word of the year project.

you can read more about the project here.

i love this idea.  and this year we have a super simple, organic design to help you connect with your word every day.

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our new necklace for this year is a thick, 3/4″ sterling washer, hand-cast with an organic feel.  customize with your own word or phrase-up to 15 characters!  it’s absolutely stunning and simple enough for everyday.

you’ll find it here.

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my word this year is ‘story’.  i feel like every day, as steve and i nurture our boys, work, play, see friends and dream, our story unfolds.  i want to play an active role in the story, and not let it happen without my notice.  i want to be present in our story–not just physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  i want to be focused.  so i chose the word ‘story’ to help me remember to be present, and to watch with contentment while our story unfolds.

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journey. dream. imagine. fulfill.  what’s your word for 2010?

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we had such a relaxing trip to omaha.  the snow slowed us down–which was fine with me!  for two days, all did we relax.  wonderful!

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video games, snoozing, reading magazines, watching movies, sipping hot chocolate, you get the idea.

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i think it’s safe to say, matthias looooved the snow.  it was a completely different experience from the coast of california.  wading through knee deep snow kept him very happy.

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steve’s family is british, so that means mince pies, crackers (the rolled up tubes filled with goodies) and roasted potatoes.

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these pics above were taken right after i told matthias to be careful, then he fell in the snow.  it was hilarious.

i’m heartless, i know.

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a highlight of our trip was meeting staci, jim, vinny and leo.  staci is an online friend and vinny (pictured above with david) was also born with cdls.  we met for pie and immediately connected.  it’s crazy how similar our experiences have been.  when you meet another family with cdls, it’s like meeting extended family.  we could have talked all night. you can get to know staci and vinny here.

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they have a 5 year old (Leo) and he and Matty had a blast eating ice cream, playing superheros, and coloring.

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Vinny is sooo darling.  I completely fell in love.  Oh, he is so charming.  I could go on and on…

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We loved our snowy trip to Omaha.  Please tell me about your holiday!!

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we’ve been cozy and relaxed with family in nebraska.  this is our first white christmas–and it’s been very, very white.  we were snowed in for two days, which was fine with me.  lots of food, video games, magazines and naps.  it’s so good to be together, but i’ve also been finding little moments to sneak away and be alone–that’s how i recharge.

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how do you recharge-by being with people or by finding time alone?

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we’re closing out the year with some amazing deals.  four of our faves are reduced just for a couple days!

the petite crest

leaf ornament

baby spoon

and

laundry line

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hope your christmas was wonderful.

we’re off to doing some shopping and maybe see the zoo.

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sending warm christmas wishes to you.

i hope your day is warm, cozy and blessed.

merry christmas!!