Project Pillow Pet

So Payton really wanted a pillow pet for Christmas. Problem was after looking they were 1.expensive 2.ugly 3.not purple. I mean really who wants a neon colored unicorn for $20?
So I told her I would make her one.
Here the finished project, a whale (her choice) with fabric we picked out together. Notice the fuzzy purple.
I'm pleased and I think she is too- I had it made but not stuffed this morning and came down stairs to her cuddling the shell.

Grins

Here she is, my toothless wonder.

Looking like such a big girl with her long dark locks brushed so nice :)

Nothing big

So we had one of those weeks that everyday was full but nothing note/blog worthy. Payton had Girl Scouts on Monday and it was our cookie prep night. Keep her in mind if cookies are your guilty pleasure and contact us on or after the 27th. Chad had a boys game night Friday and I went crazy and cleaned the house for over 3 hours. It is amazing what I can do when I don't plan on it ;) Saturday we went to chick fil a with some friends for lunch and spent the afternoon tiling the shower (I feel good knowing we worked on it but bummed that it is still not done and probably won't be for another few weeks...maybe).
Payton lost another tooth *sigh* I think that is the last one for a few weeks. She only has 2 more that will fall out before we get a few years relief. I will have to catch a picture of her again- it feels like every other day I am updating her smile.
So I also read this great blog and I am going to try to change the way I think about my schedule.
It is about the idea of 'busy'. Here is a preview.
"Let's abolish the word busy. When you ask someone, “How have you been?” and they say, “Busy,” it doesn't mean anything. I’m sick of it. We all have the same 24 hours to fill. Everyone's are filled with something.

The difference is that the “busy” people feel frenetic during those hours. Those of you who walk around telling everyone how busy you are, get a grip. Make some tough choices and calm down. There’s a big difference between a busy day and a full day. The former is so frantic that you aren’t effective.

Don't tell me you can't help it. You can."

http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2003/10/23/dont-tell-me-youre-busy/

So yeah there you go- I'll let you know how my full and productive week goes.

Toothless

Payton lost ANOTHER tooth (we are at a total of 5). Tooth fairy didn't disappoint and another dollar was waiting for her the next morning :)
It has been freezing cold, little to no snow and lots of wind. Chad had the awesome opportunity to go to the broncos play off game with a buddy. It was -3 degrees and after 4 hours they lost in overtime. Big bummer :(
We are watching our friends bearded dragon while they are up in the mountains- Sonia is a friendly lizard and Payton is really enjoying it.

Happy 2013

I am back to work, Payton starts back to school tomorrow and Chad is busy preparing for the pinewood derby tomorrow. Our holiday vacation was great! We saw family and friends and were able to talk to those who couldn't make it home (Carlee who is on a mission in CA and Rachel who is living with her new husband in UT). Thank goodness for technology.
I think we have our holiday schedule down after 3 years of practice. We spent Christmas Eve at great grandma and grandpa Hammond's with all of the family. I was the proud mom of Mary and a wise women for the nativity. Christmas Day started early with Santa at our house and then going to grandma Hammond's for presents. We also got to Skype with Rachel and Andrew. We drove down to Grammie and Papas and aunt Wellie and uncle Jared brought their puppies. I was glad we managed to get Payton separated from her new BFF Beasley. It was also nice to get a call from Carlee who is loving her mission and currently serving in Fantana CA.
New Year's Eve we had bagels for lunch (Laney's favorite right now) and celebrated a New York time ball drop with our friends the Gunderson's and Hammond's. The girls had a great night despite being out numbered 3:1 by boys. We have a lot to be excited about this year and look forward to continuing to spend as much time as possible with our wonderful friends and family.