Want Something for Free?

I remember once that Oprah did a episode about the odd and unusual things that people would take if you offered it to them for free. Oprah is known for giving away cars and vacations, but on that particular episode she gave away shoes without a match, used make up and stacks of used printer paper and amazingly people took them.

I am all about the free but . . . . .used printer paper? Seriously?!? Lucky for all of us Shutterfly is offering all of us something really useful . . . . . 50 Free holiday cards!!

(Click here to check to learn more about this opportuniuty.)

I have used Shutterfly in years past to create our holiday cards and I love that their selection of card choices goes on and on and on. No matter what kind of card you are looking for . . . . classic, contemporary, fun - loving . . . . . they have it. You can click
here to view their selection of holiday cards.

Here are a few of my favorites for this year's card:

I really like how the brown looks with the red and the green snowflakes.

I think the pictures inside of the ornaments are so cute and I like that there is enough space to write an actual message.

I like this choice because I don't have to just pick one or two photos, there is room for all of my favorites!

The other reason I LOVE Shutterfly this time of year is because you can also create personalized calendars . Each year the grandparents recieve an "Eliza" calendar that I have easily created thanks to Shutterfly.

You can also find stationery, wall art and invitations at Shutterfly.

If you haven't done so already . . . .take a few minutes to check out this site. You won't be sorry!

Trtick or Treat

Eliza was very excited about the idea of going out in the neighborhood to get candy, however she was not very excited about posing for pictures first.

I think I took at least 40 pictures of her and in 90% of them, she is looking away.

In August, when Eliza decided that she would be Snow White, she also decided that her Daddy would be "the monster". Luckily she has a Dad that is willing to do just about anything for his girl.

Our sweet next door neighbor was dressed as a fairy and Eliza kept saying, "Her wings are butiful Mommy!" In case you are wondering why Eliza's mouth looks slightly blue, it is because she had already started eating the candy that her Aunt Kristin brought her.

Eliza really enjoyed trick or treating but she wanted me to go to the door with her - she wasn't quite brave enough to go it alone - maybe next year.

This picture makes me laugh because the nicest couple live in this house but their blow ups and scary music were enough to send this princess running for her mom and dad.

Pumpkin Painting

Artificial Pumpkin . . . . . . on sale half price at Michael's for $2.99

Paint and paint brushes . . . . . Free - luckily we already had plenty of paint to select from in the craft box

Disney Princess Stickers (applied after the pumpkin dried) . . . . . . . $1.99 from Michael's

A beautiful afternoon spent on the patio painting with my little Picasso . . . . . priceless!

Halloween Parade

Last Friday, Eliza's daycare held their Halloween parties and parade of costumes. Eliza was so excited about having the opportunity to wear her costume to school - she talked about it all week long. Since this was her first Halloween party (her day care only allows those two and older to have parties), I decided to take a personal day so I could be there.

Snow White was excited and ready for the parade to begin.

Each class had the opportunity to walk around the school and show off their costumes to the other classes. I was amazed at how well all of the kids in Eliza's class behaved. The lined up with ease and followed all directions to perfection. I have always liked Eliza's teacher, Miss Dina, but I now realize that this woman really does have the patience of a saint. Eliza's class has 17 kids in it, only 4 of which are girls . . . She is my new hero!

Apparently Disney characters are big with the two year old crowd. . . two of Eliza's buddies were Minnie Mouse and Tinkerbell.

I think the Cat in the Hat was my favorite costume - truly precious.

After the parade was over, it was time for a fun lunch and treats. I guess parade walking makes you very hungry because these kids chowed down.

I know Eliza had a great time because she keeps asking me when she gets to wear her costume to school again . . . . only 363 days to go . . . Let the countdown begin!

A Girl and Her Bob

A Song in Her Heart

As I have mentioned before, Eliza LOVES to sing and does so throughout the day. This is the concert she performed for us recently.

**Note of Disclosure** I will admit to being the parent that listens to and exposes our child to the songs of Lady Gaga, however I am NOT the parent who taught Eliza the lyrics to "My Humps".

Perfect Sunday

The weather was pretty brutal this summer, so we are supper grateful to see the return of cooler temperatures. Recently Eliza and I took advantage of the beautiful weather and walked down to the duck pond and park located at the entrance of our subdivision.

We took some stale hamburger buns and feed them to the ducks. Eliza was having a great time feeding the ducks until a super aggressive mean duck grabbed the bread right out of her hand. After that we decided that we should probably head over to the playground.

Eliza had a great time on the playground and the mean duck stayed away.

More Birthday Fun

Recently one of Eliza's sweet friends from school invited us to her third birthday party. A's parents had her party at a really fun bouncy house place called Pump It Up.

In the beginning, Eliza was very intimidated and she just wanted to watch the other kids. Eventually she warmed up to the idea and enjoyed bouncing around.

After about an hour an half of bouncing fun, it was time for pizza and cupcakes. This was the FIRST time Eliza had ever eaten pizza! We had offered her pizza in the past but she had always turned her nose up at it. However when she saw all of buddies from school eating it - she chowed down!

Unfortunately I never got a picture of Eliza and the birthday girl by themselves, but I thought this one of her little gang of friends turned out pretty cute.

Birthday Party Fun

A few weekends ago, Eliza and I road tripped to the other side of town for our friend Greer's 4th birthday party. Greer had a Snow White themed party at The Little Gym.

After attending a party for Greer's younger sister, Harper, at The Little Gym last year, we enrolled Eliza in gymnastics classes at The Little Gym in our neighborhood, so I think she felt right at home. She had a great time running around the gym, climbing over things, and exploring all of the cool things this gym has to offer.



The Little Gym is a great place to have a party, as they keep the kids constantly entertained, but Eliza's favorite activity was by far the parachute. . . this is her favorite during her classes as well.



The adorable birthday girl got to ride in the middle of the parachute as we all sang "Happy Birthday".

Eliza was in awe of the cake, and told me at least a dozen times that Snow White was so "bootiful". She also told anyone who would listen that she is going to be Snow White for Halloween.

Happy Birthday Greer. . . . thanks for inviting us to your party!

A Few Words From Eliza