My gingerbread-man.

 I'm pretty sure his rolls have rolls.

Deck my halls.

This is the first year J & I have ever had a tree.  I must say it suites us quite well.  However, we didn't have a proper tree topper.  I was using a makeshift star ornament that was fine but, I wasn't in love if ya know what I mean...   Well, Laila just happened to come home from MOPS on Tuesday with the PERFECT topper for us this year.  (Que proud mama: "It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen!" with tears welling up in my eyes...) 

Now the tree is perfect. 

I've enjoyed having other "Kiss-a-me" (L's "Christmas") reminders around the house too:  

(Special ornament bought in Bruge, Belguim... sigh...)

I'm pretty sure all our neighbors think we're Jewish but, one can never have too many winter Scandinavian window candles... 

First for Lai, first for A.

Today was Lai's first concert!  The Moppet's leaders surprised us with the kids joining us in the main room & the kids sang "Away in the Manger" (twice!) for us.  I melted (along with every other mom in the room).  It was beyond sweet.  I only wish her daddy could have been there too.

Later that day we went to Costco & Ax took his very first ride in a cart.  He did so well & L loved the company.

The germ-a-phobe in me made sure to keep his pacifier in the entire time so he wouldn't be tempted to suck on the handle or something gross like that... worked like a charm!  

Cooking class.

My work treated us to a holiday cooking class this year for our annual Christmas party.  After a light lunch we made cinnamon rolls, truffles & gingerbread cookies.  It was a great way to get to know co-workers outside of the office as well as learn how to make these delicious treats.  Unfortunately, I failed to get shots of the truffles & cinnamon rolls...

It was not only a fun class but, it was really fun being down in my old stomping grounds.  Our condo was just across the lake.  

I do miss this view...

The BEST apple cider EVER???

I stumbled across this blog & this post caught my eye: "Best apple cider ever."  Really?  Well, let's give it a whirl...

Conclusion:  it was delish but, I personally liked it best watered down a bit...

Warm Beach wasn't warm & there wasn't a beach but, it sure was fun!

I've always wanted to check out the Warm Beach Lights of Christmas so, we pointed our car north & took a little road trip.  6 others from J's fam joined in on the fun & we had ourselves a gay old time...

 L with Great Aunt Joan

 L loved Bruce, the talking Xmas tree...

MOvember is MOver!

December 1st has been a long time coming.  Movember is over so we celebrated before making daddy shave.  He was a sport and raised over $300 for the cause.  I for one am excited to kiss a clean shaven face!  

World AIDS Day.

Click here to get involved.