Snapshot- 8 a.m.

The cute girls over at eighteen25 are having a fun linky party called "snapshots of life." They give you a time, and you take a picture of what you are doing at that time, then you post about it and link it up. I totally forgot last week, but I was determined not to forget this week. I almost missed it (and I'm not saying it was...but it MIGHT have been 8:20 when I actually took this picture.)
This is what I was doing at 8:00 a.m (ish). I was kneeling by my unmade bed, saying my prayers. I was mostly praying for my darling younger sister who was going into the hospital to have her third baby! (She had him this afternoon and they are both doing great- in fact I just got back from visiting them- LOVE brand-new/ not even a day old babies!)
Then I took a picture and hurried and made the bed so I could take another picture. (no judgement on those who choose to leave their beds unmade- I obviously choose to let my pictures hang crooked in my house- don't judge me either!) :)

Shutterfly Cards

I have an opportunity to earn some free Christmas cards from Sutterfly by telling you a little about their cards- and I couldn't be more excited!

Last year I recieved a certificate for some cards and prints from Sutterfly- it's the first time I have ever actually sent around pictures for the holidays. When they came in the mail I was so thrilled. The pictures and colors were beautiful! And it might seem like a silly thing- but the envelops were nice too! I was worried that they'd send those cheapy, fall apart, don't stick shut envelops. But, no need to worry- all I got was quality. So, when the chance came around again for me to get some more of these lovely cards- I had to jump at the opportunity!

I'm thinking I'll use this card. It has four spots for pictures, I have four children...seems like a perfect fit. I love that I can add little tidbits about what they're up to- the perfect "Christmas Spam"- a little info without being over-the-top obnoxious.

I also saw that you can find religious cards. I really like the simple sillouettes. The three wise men graphics, and the simple messages of Hope and Peace- well, maybe they'll make the cut instead.

As I was browsing around, I also saw that they have gift tags! How easy would that be to spiff up neighbor gifts with some of these lovely prints?

Like I said at the beginning- I am being compensated for this post. But, my opinions are sincere, and my experience with Shutterfly in the past is what made me decide to participate in the first place. I love their stuff!

A Harvest of Friendship

I wanted to really celebrate Thanksgiving this year. So, I thought about the things in my life that I am most thankful for. I am fortunate enough to have a group of the most amazing women living in my neighborhood. These darling women encourage, support, help and love me- and I wanted to tell them how much I appreciate all they do for me. Thus was born- the Harvest of Friendship Brunch.

I made these invitations and took them around last week. The pleating on the card was meant to mimic a little the pleating on the place mats I made to use for this occasion.

This is the table setting I decided on. Very similar to what I tried last week, but with a few minor changes. I knew we would have lots of little kiddos running around, so instead of a full tablecloth, I used a square topper in the center. Then I gathered up some oak leaves from my mom's back yard, and used them to fill in the empty spots between the pumpkins.
More leaves adorn the chandelier. I just tucked them in among the loops.

The menu for the event: Hash brown Casserole, pumpkin chocolate chip bread, banana bread, lemon poppy seed cake, cinnamon rolls, homemade applesauce and caramel sauce with apples. A couple friends also added to the festivities by bringing more cinnamon rolls and some cranberry, orange pull apart rolls. Everything was delicious and we enjoyed a great visit. These ladies are the best and I hope they know they are right there on the top of my list of things I'm grateful for!