A Few of My Favorite Things 3.0

I can't remember if I've ever been SO excited for Christmas SO early.  I mean, can't you feel it?  I try not to listen to Christmas music or get out any decorations before Thanksgiving, but I just don't know if I can help myself!  We are celebrating Christmas with Chad's extended family (We can't wait, Laughlins!) over Thanksgiving, so maybe that's why?  Who knows!  All I know is that some of my favorite things involve the holidays, so don't hate.  Here we go:

#1- If you can't enjoy the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte', then I've got the next best thing for YOU!  This creamer really does come close to the real thing.  My initial thoughts: Pumpkin flavor + coffee flavor = scary.  My current thoughts: pumpkin spice goodness + coffee flavor = pure delight.  Seriously, Coffee-mate should hire me to be a spokesperson.  If you aren't into pumpkin, Chad likes the eggnog creamer.  

#2- This is a GREAT holiday compilation album.  I secretly listened to it on Monday.  I know it's a bit early, so don't tell anyone I did.  It features lovely ladies like Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, Brandi Carlile, KT Tunstall, Fiona Apple, Colbie Caillat, and more!  Get it on iTunes for Christmas.  I promise you won't regret it!

#3- What did mothers do before Mylicon/Simethicone/Gas Drops?  I am proud to say that we have never had a "colicky" or fussy baby.  You would think that at least one of the three would be, right?  NOPE!  Chad and I (with our parental intuition) think we owe it all to these magical drops.  They are miraculous.  Marce' Hennigan told us about these things many moons ago, and now we should own stock in them.  If Sam's or Costco sold them in bulk, we would buy them.  Moms-to-be or moms with fussy babies- pump them full of these little drops!

#4- We are suckers for holiday decor.  I would say that I alone am the sucker, but Chad would easily confess that he shares this burden.  In our Atmore house, we had a tree (of some shape or size) in every room.  Some were mini, some were medium, and two of them were large.  Unfortunately, our current house will NOT allow for all of our trees.  Nor will our current house allow for stockings hung on a mantle.  I know, I might shed a tear too!  Anyhow, we will trudge on and enjoy Christmas and all of its decor to the fullest extent.  Seriously, what is more fun than watching two little girls and a baby boy enjoy this blessed holiday with such awe and childlike innocence?  I can't wait!

#5- Chad recently purchased these fun do-it-yourself crafty books for me.  I have read them.  I haven't tried any of their projects . . . but I'm excited to try them some day.  They are really cute and have inspired me to start getting crafty!  Isn't that what stay-at-home moms do?

#6- Harper has "school time" every morning.  I have been really surprised by her motor skills and progress.  I am no elementary education major (thankfully my sister is!), but I'm trying to teach her to write her name, learn her letters, and color inside the lines.  She is doing great.  I particularly like her use of color!  I love keeping samples of her writing and coloring.

#7-I can't resist this face.  Enough said.