Monday Number 2

Today started out feeling like a Monday. We woke up on time, but there were so many disasters! I ended up having to clean up our Little Miss Sunshine this morning. Dogs are so much like babies! I was already dressed for work, and trying to be as careful as possible. If you know me, you know that just isn't possible. So there enters the wardrobe malfunction, my tank was on empty, and Baby Bear was Miss Attitude this morning so we left the house late, and I was a tad late to work. 30 minutes to be exact. So, since it's technically Monday (in my mind)It's never too late to give a weekend update, amiright?

 Last week was a blur for me. My last week of the class I was currently in, and I do not feel I did that well. You would think a communications class instructor would have the communication skills to make their intentions and/or expectations clear, but that was not the case in this class! Such a frustrating time was had by all. I'm just glad it is over, and I am on to the next one. Enough school talk.

My weekend was nothing all that lively. I ended up sick. What started off as a severe allergic reaction turned into a nasty sinus infection, and my body just cannot fight that stuff any longer. The joys of having a weak immune system these days. I missed my nephew turning 4, but made sure Baby Bear went. She stayed with  Poppy and Nanny while I got some much needed rest. At the end of the day I was notified that my wreath was ready! I was excited, but bummed at the same time because I was dreading having to get up the next morning feeling the way I did.

I was pleasantly surprised that I woke up Sunday feeling a little better and picked up my wreath in the morning. Mr A and I had breakfast, and finished our Christmas shopping. I simply cannot wait until Christmas. I love this time year, and being able to view it from the eyes of a child. The wonderment, hopes, and magic is just contagious!

Here is my Christmas wreath in all its glory. I absolutely LOVE it!

And here's the story: My favorite Christmas song was always "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" growing up. My parents bought me the button when I was pregnant with Baby Bear, and it is one of her favorite songs now, hence the hippo in the wreath.

If you are wanting something special, you should definitely shoot her an email or give her a call. She does all things crafty! juliedobbs@consolidated.net (Blessings by Jules)

She also sent me home with this little hippo, that is now resting in our tree! She was such a blessing, and wonderful to work with.

I hope you all have a great week!

They Aren't Welcome Here

I know some of you are  knee deep in your Elf on the shelf antics and dreaming up of crazy ideas that this mischievous guy or girl can do to get a rise out of your kids. I will start off by telling you that this is not the place to come, to get these ideas and plots for these elves.

First off, have you seen how genuinely creepy those faces are? I say give the elf a butcher knife with  and you have horror stories in the making.

The Bearded Iris

I understand this has been a huge success in households all over the world, but certainly not in this one. I am sure it is fun for you, but really, who wants to strategically place a DOLL at a crime scene, or make messes at night, that YOU have to clean up? That's some psychiatric material right there. "I didn't do it, it was the elf" uh huh, and dolls come to life..... Straight jacket for you! You might as well invite Chucky to play with your kids. He might be more effective.

I know many just do it for fun, but I have read so many status updates with people talking about how horrible their kids were acting and they should straighten up in X amount of days when the elf arrives..... Geez people! Why not a good old fashioned spanking, grounding, or punishment for their behavior instead of counting down the days when this creeper can show his or her face again to straighten them out. What DO you people do the rest of the year?

The premise of a tattle tale elf is just extreme for me, especially when some actually thinks he or she makes their children behave better because they report to the big guy every night.  Snitches get stitches. Just sayin'

Then we have the commercialization of Christmas that there are so many complaints about, so you are adding to the commercialization you loathe by adding this evil elf into your home. Makes perfect sense, doesn't it? Is the magic of Christmas and celebration of Christ not enough?  Do Santa and God not do enough to keep kids honest, so you obtain an object that magically makes them behave? Oh, I know! These elves MUST be enchanted. (refer back to the straight jacket)

I am already torn on the entire Santa thing because I feel bad lying to my child. So let's throw an elf in there, and make the guilt ten times worse!  That's an excellent idea.

I have reasoned with myself with the whole "Santa" thing because he is the magic of Christmas and I don't remember being shattered by finding out he wasn't real (except when I asked my Mother if he was real, and she lied and denied, denied, denied, but that's beside the point here). I do remember as soon as I knew it was a sham, that the magic and wonderment was gone. It is all about childhood memories and the hopes and joy the season brings, right?

Another thing, do you know my child? If you do not, she is the queen of pranks, and our own little comedian. Anything for a laugh with this girl. Could you imagine what she could possibly make this elf do in the years to come?

Click here for more like this

Last but not least, I have a hard enough time keeping up with what I already have going on. I know, that I would forget to move this elf, and of course, if he/she/it didn't move, that could only mean the dog is dead!

You can get this shirt here

Maybe I just don't get the premise behind this "Elf" idea because the only elf I know is Buddy. He is the only one that really matters anyway, right? I mean, who doesn't start the season without ELF (the real one)?

Not by placing creepy stalkers in your home.

Hey Y'all......

So many NEW and exciting things are happening around here! Someone got a visit from the tooth fairy. She was SUCH a trooper too!

I would post the video, but I did not get the actual tooth pulling, all I got was the crying after! The best part, right?

Oh, and this just happened with one of the best couples on the face of the planet.

Best.engagement.ever. (so maybe I'm a little bias)

She was soo bummed my Christmas was already up, and she was dying to decorate early this year too. He would not allow it until after Thanksgiving and was so adamant about it. Gotta pick your battles, right? Little did we know.....

There are so many engagements flying around here lately.

I am SO excited for them, Congrats guys!

Erin Condren Life Planner, Groopdealz & Starbuck's Giveaway

The New Year is just around the corner, so we are giving away an Erin Condren Life Planner to start 2014 off right! If you have never heard of Erin Condren's Life Planners, you do not know what you are missing. I can't imagine my life without mine and I take it with me everywhere!  It's so useful, plus you get to personalize and design the planner yourself. There are tons of available options, ensuring you will get a planner that represents your personal style. You also have a chance to win a $25 gift card for Groopdealz, (one of my favorite online boutiques), and a $10 gift card to Starbuck's! So be sure to enter below to win one of the great prizes below from Rebekah's Ramblings and friends! Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and Good Luck!

Rebekah's Ramblings / A Beautiful Exchange / Sprinkles & Sundresses / The Florkens

Life After Athens / Health, Love & Fire / Dancin' With A Dolly / Two Miracles

My Safe Havens / Two Places at Once / The Art of Balance / ANNiEMAYZiNG

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holy December!

Can you believe it is DECEMBER already? I cannot! Where has the time gone? Most of you already know I had my tree up in November and gave me flack for it. I didn't skip over Thanksgiving, I more than made up for it!

I made my little harvest centerpiece, and hung a Happy Thanksgiving sign on my tree. If you follow me on instagram you can see it here


I did some baking for Thanksgiving and with the idea from a coworker made s'more brownies, yum! So many people asked for this recipe so here goes. Anyone can do it!

First, you go to the store and buy your favorite brownie mix (I used Krusteaz, it is amazing) you must have the ingredients the box calls for too.
Graham Crackers
Ginormous marshmallows (s'mores or campfire, both work well)
8x8 pan

First, layer graham crackers in the bottom of the pan like this

Then make your brownies according to the directions

Pour the mix over the graham crackers, and bake according to the directions on the box.

For the last 10-12 minutes, you are going to want to layer the marshmallows on top of the brownies and bake for the remaining time.

Campfire Marshmallows

S'more Marshmallows

Finished product w/ Campfire marshmallows

And the S'more marshmallows

These are really best served hot because the marshmallow will become a hot mess if you do not.

I also made my notorious pumpkin pies. 3 of those bad boys, with the most beautiful crusts I have ever laid eyes on. I was SO proud of myself.

It is all in the foil. You must always have foil.

I spent a whole lot of time with family and friends, and really, what is a gathering without a little drama? Good times were really had by all, and I cannot wait to see what December brings.



I just ordered my wreath, and I am SO excited and cannot wait to share it with you guys!

Oh, and that little Elf on the Shelf, I'll be giving you my take on those little elves this week too!

Please excuse the non-edited pictures and lack of information. I just finished my third paper and my brain is done. Bye bye social life for the next 2 years!