Today we had one of Emma’s classmates over for a playdate after preschool.  I think Rachel’s mom & I can appreciate this photo since we both know our girls are not super smiley and oftentimes quite shy.  However, when you get them together, they talk, laugh, smile, & play non-stop!  Thanks for coming over today, Rachel!  The quiet house I now have is in part thanks to you!

*sigh* I just love my little ones!  Emma invited me to her Mother’s Day Tea at preschool today.  Josh said I got more dolled up for her tea than I do for a date with him…somewhat true, but I had a whole hour to myself to get ready.  I did my hair, put on mascara, make up, eye shadow, and even lip gloss!  I was just really excited to be able to share this time with Emma at her preschool.  Here’s a little of the day…

Today was Rodeo Day at Emma & Brooke’s preschool.  They walked into a dude ranch setting with paper cacti along the walls, boots, cowboys, cowgirls, and all kinds of fun stuff adorning the hallways.  They got to ride a pony, wear bandanas & cowgirl hats, and even make a stick pony!  I was in the room with the stick pony craft.  And yes, I was the slowest pony assembler. I guess my days at a sweatshop factory are over, but dang it, my ponies looked good!

This is Emma wearing all of her garb from the day.  She added the rainbow belt and the water gun on her own.  Very inventive!  Love you Emma girl!

Now I don’t hate snow, I just don’t love it.  Today we awoke to our second snow of the season, first of 2010.  And of course, since public school are on a delay, that means preschool is canceled for my girls.  That always seems to happen on the days I have plans….oh well!  And although this snow is less in overall volume than the last one, it’s definitely more slippery!  Please be careful!

This photo is one I quickly snapped this morning (before the sun made the snow a hazard for my eyes) of my Japanese Holly bush.  My grandparents bought me this plant (along with others) for my birthday a few years ago.  And my neighbor Laura will tell you that I’m always butchering the poor thing!  I just don’t want it to get unruly & uneven….which is just how I make it look after it’s “haircut.”  This was the first year I actually saw a berry on it & I was so excited!  I hope this poor little berry can withstand the cold – good luck little guy!

On a strange side note, I was watching my CNN app on my phone, and did you know that these extreme & unusual cold spells that are reaching Florida are causing Iguanas to go in to a comatose state while in trees?  Yes-huh!  Go check it out! They are sleeping in trees, then the temperatures drop & they kinda just freeze & fall out of their trees!  It’s so odd!

Today’s photos I’m looking at:  Cuppa Photography.  I just met Cindy last night at the Spread the Love tour in DC & I’m already blog stalking her!  I love her business name – “Cuppa.”  Apparently she’s a coffee junkie & on her site she asks you to grab a “cuppa” something warm & snuggle in to view her FABULOUS work!  Wow!  She is stunningly good, & such a sweet gal (or so I gathered in the 5 hours I sat next to her).  Thanks for making me feel like I wasn’t a total loner yesterday, Cindy!

I met Adele through our daughters’ preschool.  We are working on a special project for Asbury’s upcoming fundraiser & I got the priviledge of working with her.  And I’ll even credit her with turning our family on to Deer Park bottled water delivery!

Adele asked if I’d be able to come out to her house & get some quick photos of her family in time for their Christmas cards.  I said, “Uh, yeah!”  They have such a lovely, warm home.  Not only is it decorated so elegantly, but it just makes you feel right at home when you walk in.  Adele just has a way of making you feel welcome from the start!

Thanks so much for inviting me in to your home & letting me get to know your family better.  I had a great time and you can feel free to invite me back any time!  (*wink wink*).  Have a wonderful Christmas!