Wednesday Whereabouts: Where's the Elf?

We began The Elf on the Shelf tradition last night, with a mystery knock on the door, followed by noticing a wrapped box at our door, the girls wildly opening it, and discovering their new elf.  Let's just say W was more than a little excited that she got her very own elf - "Like in the movie, Mama!"

For those interested in starting the tradition with your family, here's how it works, if you're explaining it to your children...

The elf comes to live with you until Christmas.  You name him, and learn all the rules about your new elf friend, by reading the book.  Your elf watches you all day long, wherever you are, and at night he flies back to Santa and reports whether or not you've been naughty or nice that day.  And when you wake up each morning, the game is find where the elf has landed for the day, after he's visited Santa during the night.  Here are some other rules, that you'll learn by reading the book: You can't touch him, or he may lose his magic, and may not have enough flying power to make it back to report to Santa that night.  He only listens and watches you, because Santa says he's not allowed to talk to you, he's only sent to observe your behavior.  And on Christmas Eve, after your elf hears Santa's bells coming, he goes back to live with Santa until the next Christmas season.  And if your elf has reported to Santa that you've been a good girl or boy, Santa will bring you presents.

Hope that helps!

W named our elf, Snowflake.  At first, she wanted to name him Boozer, after our dog, but I told her to think of a new name, and that he may get confused if we are talking to our dog, Boozer.  Well, she looked at E's pajamas (that had snowflakes all over them), and said "Let's call him Snowflake!"  Works for me.  This morning, W was so excited to look for him, and as soon as she came into the den, she noticed him right away.  His spry little self was perched on one of our picture frames.  This tradition, should be fun...that's if we remember to move him EVERY night!

Here's Snowflake's first hiding place for this year...such a sneaky guy!

_______________________________________________________________________________

After decorating our house for Christmas this past weekend, I was so excited to get the Holiday Nest Candle for the season.  If you haven't smelled it yet, you NEED it in your life.  It's by far my favorite smelling candle for Christmas time.  It's already been lit on our mantle every night...

_______________________________________________________________________________

I know many of you start an advent calendar tomorrow, we'll be doing the same.  Here's our Nutcracker Advent Calendar....

Little E snuck into the shot this morning

...saying, "Say Cheese, Mama!" - in other words, "Take MY picture, Mama!"

Took her to the doc this morning, poor girl has a double ear infection.

In each door, I'm going to place a typed bible verse and four Smarties candies (two for each girl, each day).  Growing up, we always each had our own, where we'd get a piece of chocolate everyday...but seriously, y'all, my children don't need that kind of caffeine yet.  If you're interested in typing up your own bible verses for your advent calendar, click here for a variety of "children-related" verses to choose from. Or if you'd like a list of 25 verses I've chosen for our advent calendar, click here or click on the candles image, on my sidebar.
_______________________________________________________________________________

Alright, one more thing before I head off to type up those bible verses, just wanted to let you know I've added some things to my blog sale.  And remember, I ship for FREE!  Click here to check it out.  Here's a sneak peak...

Happy Hump Day!

Tuesday Trends: Thanksgiving Re-Cap

Happy Tuesday, Y'all!  It's freezing cold and rainy here today.  The kids are all napping, so I'm using the time to wrap some presents and do some laundry...with maybe a glass of wine...oops, did I actually just type that??  Have any of y'all heard of The Elf on the Shelf?  This is our first year doing it with the girls.  Should be a lot of fun!  W watched the movie the other night, and it was a hit, so we figured it was time to start the tradition.  If you've never heard of Elf on the Shelf before, I'll post more details later this week.

Did anyone do any cyber-Monday shopping?  I was super busy yesterday, cleaning and organizing around here, but I did manage to get on last night and shop around.  What did I get?  I was a good girl, just some more Emi-Jay hairbands...because they had free shipping, yesterday only.  Here are two packs that I own.

I seriously only wear this kind of hairband now, and I love how they brighten up my usual blah pony tail.  If you haven't tried them yet, you should!  They give a portion of the proceeds to Locks of Love, and they stand by their commitment that they never leave a dent in your hand.  I'm one to prove it!  They also look cute as a bracelet...I'm sure you've noticed them on my wrists in photos...I've always got one on hand, in case I need it!  When you have time, check them out!  I was going to post the free shipping promo yesterday, but my computer wasn't cooperating, so I apologize!

As for this past weekend, as promised, here are some photos of Thanksgiving in Cheraw, at my aunt and uncle's pig picking.  The weather was beautiful, and so much of our extended family on my dad's side came!  Almost all of my cousins were there, and we had the best time hanging out!  The apple doesn't fall far...my dad comes from a large family too.  He has four brothers and a sister.  So minus the six of us sisters, we have eighteen cousins on one side, ranging in age from the youngest in junior high to 32 years old, and about 15 of them were there on Saturday!  Needless to say, W, E and L were in heaven with all the attention.

My beautiful cousin (we're three months apart!) and her sweet daughter, holding L.

You'd like to think W is an angel all the time, from all the lovely photos I take of her...

but my friends, this isn't always true.  Here she is refusing to get in the photo.

One of my dad's brothers (the one who hosted the party).

My sister's boyfriend, loving the land.  He fits right into our family, doesn't he?  ;)

Y'all, E found this Elmo inner tube, and wouldn't take it off the ENTIRE time we were there.

I'm serious.

The yummy pig!

The hostest with the mostest having a grand ole time!

Here are a few that my cousin tagged of me on Facebook, from the last two weeks.

Me, in my element...

 ...one from two weekends ago, at the end of E's party.

Hope y'all have a wonderful rest of your Tuesday!

Photo Credit: 1, 2

Weekend Inspiration: Psalm 100:4-5

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:4-5

Photo Credit: 1

Fashion Friday: Black Friday

Happy Black Friday!  We're at home, decorating the house for Christmas!  While the kids nap this afternoon, is when I plan to check out all the online Black Friday sales.  Did anyone brave the crowds, and get a special item on their wish list, for a great price?  I'd love to know!!  My sister (#4 of the 6) showed up to our Thanksgiving lunch yesterday wearing an item I'd love to own...may need to add it to my Christmas list!  In other news, my sister (#2 of the 6) went into labor early this morning, and had her baby at 7:14am.  We're thrilled, and cannot wait to meet her!  I guess all the excitement of seeing all her sisters yesterday, caused her to go into labor.  ;)

Sisters ( L to R: #3, #5, and #4). #4 is wearing the dress I want!  Love it on her!

My cousin and our grandfather.

My dad and L

Before gathering the rest of the family, for the blessing.

Mama and L

E with Sister #5 of the 6

So excited to meet Baby E!  Little did I know she'd be arriving sooner that we all thought!

Sister #5 with W (Sister #2's son)

Sister #6 with L

All of us! From left to right: #3, #4, #1, #2, #5, and #6)

On the way home...the girls were wiped out!

Hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!

GO TIGERS!! Clemson Tigers, that is!

Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Today, I'm in Greenville, South Carolina - celebrating Thanksgiving with lots of family!  Every year, we have it at my aunt and uncle's house, and everyone from my mom's side travels there.  Congrats to all who guessed it correctly.  It was a bit tricky to those of you not from around here, but if you ever travel this way, Greenville is a beautiful place to visit - especially downtown Greenville!

Here's what I'll be wearing...

Vineyard Vines Jacqueline Top

Yes, I LOVE this top!

I'll be pairing it with tan shorts (can't believe I'm wearing shorts on Thanksgiving!) and my tan TB Revas.

On Saturday, we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving in Cheraw, South Carolina, with my dad's side of the family.  It should be grand old time, with a pig pickin' and the USC vs. Clemson game that night.  Definitely an all day fun event on my aunt and uncle's land.  I know the girls will want to jump in their pool - as they won't understand that it's too cold outside, but I'm sure there will many distractions to keep them busy.  And it's a pretty split fan base, so there will be Tigers and Gamecocks trash talking all day.

I know many of y'all will be shopping the deals on Black Friday.  If you can get one thing, for a great price, it's this top!

Old Navy Pintucked Top

I just got it in the mail yesterday, and love it.  It looks expensive, and I got it for 35% off.  It reminds me of Lilly Pulitzer's Elsa top, but at a much cheaper price.  I'm sure Old Navy will have it marked down even more tomorrow.  Grab it while it lasts!  You can wear it with jeans, or dress is up with black slacks.  Happy shopping tomorrow!  Good luck to those of you braving the crowds!!

Gobble!  Gobble!

Y'all!

Photo Credit: 1
Photo Credit from Yesterday's Post: 1, 2, 3

Wednesday Whereabouts

Can you guess the city where I'll be enjoying Thanksgiving this year?

Happy Wednesday!

Tuesday Trends: FREE Bella Baby Prints

Happy Tuesday, Y'all!  After bearing temperatures in the low 30s last week, would you believe it was in the 70s, yesterday?  After the girls' naps and the hubs got home, we made the most of it and went on a wagon ride in E's new Radio Flyer wagon she got for her birthday.  We also took wine in plastic cups, a "Sip and Stroll," as I've always called it.  A perfect evening for it!

______________________________________________________________________________

So my friends Tony and Katie just recently had a baby, and being the graphics designer that he is, Tony came up with these simple prints, while designing their daughter's nursery...

Baby in Mountains, in Autumn

Baby at Beach

Baby with Dog

Aren't they cute?  The best part is that he'll customize the print however you'd like: the baby, scene and even add a dog if you'd like.  Basically, think of a special place or occasion you look forward to spending with your baby, and he'll create it.  I'm thinking of getting him to make three, for each of the kiddos.  One of W, at the beach, one of E, in front of our home, and one with Baby L, sitting with Boozer (our Boston Terrier), at the Old Well.  I'm thinking these would make great, personalized baby gifts too!

Alright, onto the free stuff...Tony hasn't created a way for you to order these yet, but he wants to start building an inventory.  So, the first TEN readers who email me at sweetsouthernprep@gmail.com, will get their very own Bella Baby Print FREE!  I'll let you know when the maximum number of replyers has been reached.  Good luck!

This promotion has ended.  The recipients have been notified.

_____________________________________________________________________________

P.S. I may be the only Hart of Dixie viewer still out there.  Y'all, I actually really like it!  Anyway, if you did catch it last night, did y'all see that the mayor was wearing a Panthers jersey in that one scene?  It's set in Bluebell, Alabama, and he wore a Carolina Panthers jersey.  GO PANTHERS!

After typing this, I just realized WHY he was probably wearing the jersey...Cam Newton (the #1 NFL draft pick), played at Auburn (they won the championship this year, by the way), and now he's the quarterback for the Panthers.  Still cool though!

Photo Credit: 1

Monday Manners: Dance Like No One's Watching

My husband sent me this article this morning, from someone he works with...

DANCE LIKE NO ONE’S WATCHING

We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then we are frustrated that the kids aren’t old enough and we’ll be more content when they are. After that we’re frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a new car, when we move into a bigger house, are able to go on a nice vacation, when we retire.

The truth is, there’s no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when?  Your life will always be filled with challenges. It’s best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway. One of my favorite quotes comes from Alfred D. Souza. He said, “For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin – real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.” This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So treasure every moment that you have. And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend time...and remember that time waits for no one.

So stop waiting till you finish school, until you go back to school, until you lose ten pounds, until you gain ten pounds, until you get married, until you get divorced, until you have kids, until then kids leave the house, until you start work, until you retire, until Friday night, until Sunday morning, until you get a new car or home, until the new car or home is paid off, until spring, until summer, until fall, until winter, until the first of the month, until the end of the month, until your song comes on, until you’ve had a drink, until you’ve sobered up, until you die, until tomorrow to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy... Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

Thus the thought for the day:

Work like you don’t need the money,

Love like you’ve never been hurt,

And Dance Like No One’s Watching.

And here's an excerpt of the hubs' response to me...and it's so true.

"Even though I didn’t feel great, and I know E and W didn’t either, this weekend was awesome.  A wholesaler sent this to me today, as a Thanksgiving week thought.  It reeks of a forward (maybe one you have even read before), but I enjoyed it.  I remember thinking Saturday when we were making waffles, running errands with W, hosting the birthday party, then relaxing at a clean home watching football and eating comfort food together, that we will look back at days like Saturday and say that they were the best, despite our small house, colds, etc."
______________________________________________________________________________

E's birthday week was a success!  Everyone had a great time on Saturday, and the rest of the day, we all got some much needed rest.

Celebrating E on her actual birthday, last Wednesday.

At E's Thanksgiving Feast, last Thursday.

Ready for her birthday party!

Literally drooling on her cake, when she tried to blow out the candle.

I wore the Vineyard Vines Jacqueline Shirt in Woodstock plaid, that I featured here.  Loved it.

I was even able to play on all the bouncy houses and slides, and it was still comfortable.

Attacking her Dora and Diego cake!

All the party-goers' shoes.  Can you spot W and E's??

Even W got a little something special, for being such a great big sister that day.

On Sunday, I went and visited my friends at the hospital.  She just had her sweet baby boy this past Friday.  I still can't get over how quickly they grow, even L at 9 weeks is HUGE compared to a tiny newborn.

Hope y'all have a wonderful week!

Prayers headed your way, for those of y'all traveling over the holidays!