Christmas Blessings….

We started the day sharing a few gifts that weren’t opened the night before.

Ok, so I didn’t quite take the time to get these on straight before shooting… hehehe. Aren’t they fun?

Gavin had some fun hiding toys for the pups to find.

And they had just as much fun finding them.

Then it was over the freeway and through the hood to grandmother’s house we went, and she was waiting with goodies fresh from the oven.

Oh and there was entertainment too. My niece Mia preformed sign language to the song ‘Grown Up Christmas List’  beeeeeeeautiful!

Of course there was gift exchange fun too…We draw names and each Secret Santa must wear the hat.

Babies first.

Pretty girls.

Goofy Boys.

One of each.

My lovely (wacky) sister in law.

Grandma and Aunt Renee went in together on Gavin’s gifts. He was VERY happy…He was hoping for the video cam Airhog, but he also received some much appreciated cash. He has a million things he’s saving for….and no, I’m not exaggerating….  A MILLION!

Oh Grandma…. How cute is she?

Brighton bags don’t always contain Brighton jewelry.

We finally gave in and let the games begin.

Hope your holidays were filled with family, love and loads of laughter.

Happy B-day to my brother in law Neil

Feeling a little frazzled after the Holidays?

Me too! and though prayer and meditation are huge in my "recoverey" from the end of the year madness, here are a few practicle steps to feeling in control again. Susan Lagarde is a mom-mentor and life coach and these simple little tips have really helped me this last week. I hope they get the ball rolling for you too.

"While motherhood is undeniably amazing, every mom can utilize the following steps to enhance or regain a life of self-fulfillment and balance.

Moms, life is give and take, have you remembered to take anything for yourself lately? The key to being a great mom is your ability to not only give quality care and attention to your family, but to yourself as well. While trying to be the best mom ever is very commendable, you mustn't lose yourself in the process.

• To become in touch with your emotions or desires... journal, whether it is a sentence or pages, write it down!
• To feel more organized... make your bed first thing in the morning, this gives a powerful beginning to your day.
• To get a handle on your time... make a list each night for the following day. Begin listing everything and then gradually pare down. Write it down so that it happens. Be realistic, you do not have to be superwoman no matter what anyone says.
• To feel accomplished... check things off of your list when completed. This is very empowering. If you don't complete something, no sweat, make it the first item on your next day's list.
• To feel beautiful... take a moment and put some effort into your hair and makeup even if minimal. Everyone loves to look and feel good. It is such a self-esteem booster.
• To feel alive... show up and smile. Showing up is half the battle!
• To feel love... give love. I mean honest, genuine, "I'm glad you are in my life" love.
• To feel balanced... take time for yourself. Five minutes behind a locked bathroom door does count, although that my friend needs improvement!
• To keep romance alive... slip a note in your significant other's wallet or bag. If you promise something you MUST deliver, so perhaps start with an I love you or you're the best.
• To re-kindle or feed a friendship... send a short text or email simply stating you are thinking of them. Make a tea/coffee date. Chances are your friend is feeling a bit lonely too.
• If something is not working... find it within yourself to change it. You have amazing inner strength.
• If something is working... embrace it, and then tell everyone.
• To feel like the world's best mom... look at your child's beautiful smile."

Happy Birthday Jonah!

17 already? Wow!
You're really getting up there (pun intended ;)
Can't wait for you guys to come back out.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!