Favrotie thing #17...Crafting with Friends.

Karina and I have always loved crafting together. From back in the days of scrap booking until the wee hours of the morning to attempting to make seasonal home decor. This craft went very well for her....not so much for me. I said this a long time ago, but ever since I got preggers with Oliver, I have lost my craft touch. Instead, I distracted her and of course, had a little fun with the camera.

Our (and by ours I really mean my) wreath turned out to be a cylinder of matted yarn and no accents that never got hung up. I have plans for another wreath that may be more fool proof...I hope.

Favorite thing #16...Baker Christmas Party.

I counted 37 people all packed in my parents living that night fot the party. It was our biggest turn out yet and it was awesome! We ate, opened White Elephant gifts and finished with a little Karaoke {courtesy of Mario and Dora}.

It was fun to see what the kids came up with for their White Elephant gift and it was entertaining to see the adults battle it our for the "good stuff".

And of course the karaoke. Who doesn't like a little off key/high pitched/mono toned/terrible singing with your family? As always, Mario does an awesome job getting the rest of us to get into it.

Next year, we may have to get a bigger venue to hold the growing number of this favorite traditional Christmas party.

Favorite thing #15...Family pictures!

I thought I had things under control this year with getting my house decorated early, getting all my shopping done before the week of, and planning the eve of and the day of activities...NOPE! I totally forgot about our Christmas cards. Oops. So on one of my sick days, I forced myself to get out of bed, showered and got ready as best as I could along with make-up and clean clothes, to snap a quick family picture for our Christmas cards.

P.S. Yours should be on it's way and that's not the picture we used just in case your wondering.

Not a favorite thing...Being sick

Ever felt like this? It sucks!

Favorite Thing #13...Wrapping Presents!

This year I found the perfect wrapping paper to go along with my tree and holiday decor. Maybe that was my motivation to get all my shopping done early this year. And last night I was able to wrap and get gifts ready for the big day. I didn't like the big mess that I ended up making, but the end result was great! Happy wrapping everyone.

Favorite thing #12....Hot Chocolate.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I love hot chocolate. Stephens hot cocoa with marshmallows made with milk and not water is simply the best holiday treat. Last month at book club we had a hot cocoa bar and I was in heaven. Ever since, I've been thinking about it and have been trying to come up with an excuse/party so that I can do one myself. Yum!

Favorite Thing #11...Helpers

Tonight I played the role of Santa and I have the cutest little elves to help me in my workshop. I had to assemble around 30 little treat bags and I had the best help from Oakley, Paige, Morgan and Oliver....well sort of Oliver. He just {again} wanted to eat all the treats. It probably took me twice as long to put all these bags together than it would if I were doing it on my own, but I'm so happy I had help from some of my absolute favorite kids. I think they were pretty happy about helping too.