Calder's First Christmas!

There is nothing like Christmas time—absolutely nothing! Everything about this time of year makes me so happy—and celebrating Calder's 1st Christmas was definitely not overrated!



Calder's big present from both sets of grandparents was her new swingset. Daddy put a lot of time and sweat into building it, and it was all worth it for sure. She LOVES it!!

Both of our families were in Mobile for Christmas and what a FUN time we had! My mother-in-law hosted everyone for a beautiful and delicious Christmas Eve dinner and we had everyone to our house for Christmas Day!

All dressed up after Christmas Eve service

Calder entertaining everyone with her funny noises!

Grandaddy is so silly!

Christmas morning was so fun!!!


Of course, I had to put some pink tennis balls in her stocking so she can someday follow in her mama's footsteps:) She does seem to love it already..hahaha



Riding around in her new Barbie car...

Enjoying all her new toys! This little girl sure racked up!


Uncle Jake and Aunt D are so fun! They gave Calder another "sporty" gift!

lots of cousin love

Getting some sugar from GiGi and JoJo...

And I'm ending with this pic because it might be my all-time-favorite.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, and please keep those affected by the tornado in your prayers! What a horrible storm it was, and so thankful no one was seriously hurt.

1st Birthday Parties

Right now, Christmas isn't the only thing on my mind! Calder's first birthday is January 5th and we've decided to throw her a little party at our house. It's going to be very small and laid back, but when I see ideas like this my head spins! Isn't this just precious? And the child's name is Hadley, so I thought I just had to blog about this:)

 

The party was put together by Elizabeth of Lovely Little Parties. Check out this blog post for more details...

Her theme "cute as a button" definitely turned out cute as a button!!

B E L I E V E

Here's our 2012 Christmas Card! I had so much designing this — and it was quite easy when you're working with such a sweet & scrumptious subject :) Chelsea Francis took the photo, and she did a wonderful job capturing our little Calder-bear!

I wanted to incorporate this card for one of my Wednesday Words of Wisdom posts because I love this verse on so many levels.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen,
but on what is unseen.
For what is seen is temporary,
but what is unseen is eternal.

Luke 2:14

Merry Christmas everyone!

watercolor love

I was at my neighbors house this weekend and noticed a beautiful watercolor portrait she had hanging on the wall of her two boys. I immediately asked who the artist was, and that's when I discovered the talented Susan Woodard. Isn't her work just beautiful? I love her subtle use of color and faceless portrait sytle.

I really want to hire her to do one of Calder—and then one day, have her do one of all the kiddos. I would hire her to do 100 for me if I could! 

 

She was formerly an adjunct professor at Ole Miss in 2004. I can't believe I missed her since I graduated in 2006!

I think her pricing is extremely reasonable, and seriously, can you think of a better gift to give someone?

 

I'm making a mental note about the watercolors above. Wouldn't that be the MOST special gift to give the grandparents one day—a watercolor of all the grandkids?

She even does weddings and animals. Again, GREAT gift ideas...

And finally, we've always said we wanted to get a drawing or watercolor done of every house we have lived in. These sure are making me tempted...

Check out her website. I just had to share this gem today!