Too Tired!

Is anyone else EXHAUSTED from Christmas???  The Holidays with two little ones and a huge family in town is busy to say the least.  No complaints here though!  We are so blessed to have everyone so close.
We had a fabulous month long celebration of Jesus' birth, but now I am ready for a month of low key family time and scaling back. 
I am too tired to post Christmas pictures right now, so I guess I'll go watch Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, for the 6th time this week=) hehe.  Thanks Trey!  I'll probably do a Christmas post in a few days and then take a break from the blog/facebook for the rest of January though!  I'll miss you guys, but sometimes it's good for me to "Back away from the computer!"

Tacky Christmas

Trey and I had our First Annual Warren Tacky Christmas Party last night!  I called it the "first annual" in case we decide to make it a tradition every year.  I have to say, it was very fun and easy to roll with the tacky theme. 
To plan your own Tacky Christmas Party, you need to first watch Christmas Vacation a few times. 
Then you need to raid parents/grandparents closets and possibly make a trip to the thrift store to get you and outfit that's "real nice."  We spent about $10 at the thrift store and my sweater is a donation from my mil as well as my snowman earrings. 
Then you need to think of ideas to make your gathering extra tacky. 
Lastly, you need to take lots of pictures!  Hope you enjoy!

We got out all our extra colored lights and hung them loosely around the house.

I found this awesome "fireplace scene" on a dvd at target for $1.  We had the "fire" roaring the whole party=).

Of course, Frosty had to be front and center on the mantle.  Everybody needs a styrofoam snowman, right?

No Tacky Christmas Party can occur without some delicious Easy Cheez!

An assortment of mismatched glasses along with some fine "paperware" will help your guests feel classy.

Red dickie, white vneck sweater and seafoam green pants that are too short will help your hubby get in the spirit=).

Pigs in a blanket, always delicious.

My wreath wraped in colored lights and hung so beautifully.  Be sure not to hide any cords or plugs or tags.

Placemats with the tags hanging out, a centerpiece to die for, crockpot with rotel, finger sandwiches, more colored lights... need i say more?

Gotta serve the chips in the bag too!

Trey displayed the crackers for the easy cheese so artfully and elegantly.

Every tacky Christmas party needs a grown man in a santa suit.  Baby Wyatt also wore his Santa suit!

Colored lights add such ambience to your room.

A man in a reindeer shirt or a turtleneck will always fit in.

I love that all our friends were good sports and brought out their finest attire as well!

My centerpiece for the food table. 

I hope everybody is having a very Merry Christmas!  Hopefully we'll have a bigger house next year and we can invite lots more people to our Tacky party, so if you get a really "awesome" santa sweater this year, don't donate it to goodwill!  Hang onto it by all means!

My Christmas List

I don't think my husband has read my blog but maybe once, but I thought I'd post a Christmas list anyway!  I've already told him a few things I wanted for Christmas, but when I started telling him about this lens, he got that "deer in the headlights" look and basically told me there was no way he'd get it right.  So, in attempts to make it easier on him... Here you go sweetie!
Now, I still do not expect that I'll actually get this, because I do know it would be hard, especially since it's so close to Christmas... but it sure would be a great surprise! 

Another little item that I've been wanting for years, but I can never find them on sale, and I just can't justify spending the money....

Then there's the taboo "cleaning item" that you should never get a woman for a gift...

But, I still want one.  It doesn't matter that I only have 3 small areas of linoleum to "steam." 

I have been in the market for one of these, but after Target had their black friday deal of $49 on a regularly $119 steam mop(which I did not get), I just can't spend over $50 on one. 

My name is Abby and I am a dealaholic.  I can't pay full price for anything and if I ever buy something and then see if for cheaper, I feel sick!

Honestly though, I am so excited about what my kiddos are getting for Christmas, I don't really care if I get anything.  Christmas with little ones is the best!

Fake Smile

Alright, here it is!  This is my very own signature "fake smile."  I'm not sure how long I hung onto this gem, but I remember it driving my mom crazy.  Why didn't I just stop?  Why couldn't I just smile normally?  I am not sure... But, it must be genetic because Sophie apparently inherited it from me, she just put her own spin on it.  Oh well, maybe by the time she takes her high school graduation pictures, she'll have outgrown it!

Abby - upper lip tuck smile

Sophie - lazy eye, don't show your teeth smile=)

Picture of me at 4

Wow, so I stole this picture from Elaine's blog. I am on the right and Elaine is on the left.  I am guessing she is one and I am four.  That would make me the same age as Sophie is right now!  I am not seeing too much resemblance except in the eyes.   And for those of you who read my previous post where I whined about my kids not cooperating and smiling for the camera, the word payback comes to mind.  I'll have to find a picture of me doing my very own unique fake smile that I always did where I curled my upper lip under.  My mom LOVED that.  Imagine a world without digital cameras... I wouldn't have a single decent picture of my kids.  Thank Goodness for Digital!

Great Last Minute Deal on Christmas Cards!!

I've been back and forth on whether or not to do Christmas Cards this year.  Mainly because we just don't have a great family picture to use.  I know, I know.  I've taken no less than 10,000 pictures of my kids this year, but somehow Trey and I managed to be in about 5 total.  In those 5 pictures, someone's either picking their nose, screaming, fake smiling or looking lazy eyed.  I'll have to post a few of my recent attempts to at least get a picture of the girls together.  Pretty funny.  Too bad you can't see the steam coming out of my ears as I was trying to take these pictures.  Trying to get a "wild woman" 15 month old and a "fake smiler" 4 year old to sit still and smile beautifully is pretty much impossible especially when you are alone!

So, rather than buy the cards where you just stick a picture on with tape and voila, I had to use shutterfly.com to create a card with multiple pictures, since I only had good individual shots. 

So Here's the DEAL!

Holiday cards are 20% off anyway right now, so I chose to buy 50 of the 5x7 photocards.

First - HOLIDAY30 to get free shipping on an order of $30 +.

Then - I used a coupon code from a home mailer, but I just found one even better - "fifteenoff" to give you $15 off your total order.

Last - BORDERSOFFERPP will give you 25 free 4x6 prints with your order!

Not too shabby.

I got 50 Christmas cards with 4 photos on the card and 25 prints for a grand total of $23.

Here's a few bloopers from my latest picture of the girls together.

This is the classic "lazy eye, fake smile" that Sophie does when she's trying real hard, topped off with a little "blank stare" from Selah.

While this one is cute of Sophie, Selah seems to be eating my lens cap and refuses to sit down.

This was actually cute.  I told them to look for Santa. 

I think Selah is just going "hot, hot, hot!" looking at the fireplace.

This picture all around just did not work. 

I guess Selah was letting Sophie know to back away from the rocking horse!

After much frustration, Selah all out tackled Sophie who was lying limp with picture exhaustion on the hearth.

If you know my kids, then you know the little one is the fiesty one.

This too was sweet!  Selah taking a time out to give mommy a "kiss."

Watch out though!

Sometimes she'll throw in a little drool or surprise you with an open mouth kiss at the last second!

These are actually much funnier now when I am not behind the camera foaming at the mouth, bribing them with treats and then begging them to sit down and smile.  Gosh, with that scenario, I am shocked we didn't get a keeper.  Note to self:  next time, fewer props, more candy and lots of helpers!  Better yet, just let someone else take the pictures!

New Favorite Site!

I may be the last one to find out about this site, but if you haven't been on it, then you are missing out!
It's Hip To Save! is a fabulous website jam packed with amazing in store and online deals.  I've already bought some leapster games and some smashbox make up today for great deals.  Check it out!

Holiday Barter

If anyone is interested in doing a cyber barter where you barter online through email or an in person barter before Christmas, let me know.  I am trying to get one together so we can all get some last minute Christmas gifts for all those special little ones and big ones too!  Here's a sample of my HAVES to barter and WANTS list below.  This is a really neat way to see God meet needs in a powerful way!
Email me at abbytwarren@yahoo.com to get the full list and to be added to the official email list for the barter!  Blessings!


Abby's HAVES:


POT RACK - this is a shelf like pot rack that is made of wood and metal with metal hooks. would need to be mounted on a wall, not ceiling.

LIGHT FIXTURES (i think one small and one large dome light - white)

KNITTING SUPPLIES (several colors of yarn and knitting needles)

METAL SPICE RACK (wall mountable)

MICROWAVE (large white microwave barely used

FLAT SCREEN COMPUTER MONITOR (not sure what size but i'd say it's small/medium)

QUEEN SIZE METAL BED FRAME

SINGLE JOGGING STROLLER (i bartered for it last year and have not used it because i bought a double jogger)

HOTPINK GIRAFFE PRINT DIAPER BAG WITH ACCESSORIES (great condition)

DALE CARNEGIE BOOK ON CD- HOW TO WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE

DRIVEN BY ETERNITY SERIES - TEACHING SET (never used, can be used to lead small group)

PREGNANCY LUMBAR SUPPORT PILLOW (from physical therapist)

MY FIRST STORY READER WITH 3 BOOKS (slightly used condition)

MY FIRST TEA PARTY - SOFT TEA SET FOR SMALL CHILDREN

SANDISK 1.0 GB MEMORY CARD (MEMORY STICK PRO DUO) brand new in package

3-6 MONTH HALLOWEEN PEA IN THE POD OUTFIT

ASSORTED MENS/WOMENS SCRUBS

TRICYCLE (RED AND BLUE FROM TARGET)

2 BEDSIDE TABLE LAMPS FROM TARGET, IRON WITH WHITE/CREAM SHADES(I WOULD TRADE THESE FOR MOUNTABLE WALL SCONCES)

3 BR 2 1/2 BATH TOWNHOME IN HOOVER AREA (WOULD TRADE FOR SLIGHTLY LARGER HOUSE WITH YARD IN BIRMINGHAM AREA) - HEY, YOU NEVER KNOW!!

2 PR BLACK RIDING BOOTS (ACTUAL RIDING BOOTS) ONE PAIR DRESS BOOTS AND ONE PAIR FIELD BOOTS - WOULD BE HARD TO PART WITH, BUT FOR THE RIGHT THING I MIGHT COULD LET THEM GO

POTTERY BARN COFFEE TABLE - I LIKE IT BUT I'D TRADE FOR THE RIGHT ITEM=)

SEVERAL! $5 OFF BRUNOS COUPONS THAT EXPIRE DEC31, 2009


ABBY'S WANTS LIST-

4T OR 5T CHRISTMAS DRESS - PREFERABLY RED
matching 18 mo Christmas dress too if possible

VEGGIE TALES OR CHRISTIAN DVDS

LITTLE GIRLS RIDING HELMET, RIDING PANTS AND BOOTS

MONOGRAMMING FOR CHILDRENS CLOTHES

3 OR 4 YARDS OF BLACKOUT FABRIC FOR CURTAINS

LARGE PHOTO ALBUMS

4T OR 5T PINK LONG SLEEVED LEOTARD AND PINK TIGHTS - PREFERABLY NEW

MRS GOODBEE ACCESSORIES - ALREADY HAVE THE DOLL HOUSE

toys for 15 month old girl and 4 year old girl

SMALL TODDLER PLAYSET INDOOR/OUTDOOR

SMALL TODDLER SLIDE THAT COULD BE USED INDOORS

PICTURE FRAMES FOR WALL- 10 X 20 OR 8 X 10 MAINLY

KOALA LOU BOOK GOOD CONDITION

SIZE 4 OR 5 DIAPERS

TODDLER TOYS IN GOOD CONDITION

TRICYCLE OR RIDING TOY THAT CAN BE PUSHED BY PARENT

ANY OUTDOOR PLAY TOYS

JAR SPAGHETTI SAUCE

CAMCORDER - DIGITAL

ROSE PETAL COTTAGE OR SOMETHING SIMILAR

LEAPFROG LEAPSTER GAMES FOR GIRLS

Merry Christmas!

Is everybody else getting really excited about Christmas!!!  I am trying to soak it all in because every year it's over too fast. 

Top 10 things I am excited about this Christmas in no particular order.

1.  Brunch with my family Christmas day.  Can anybody say "Christmas Casserole!"  As Dora says, "Delicioso!"
2.  Watching Elf, Christmas Vacation and Christmas Story over and over again.
3.  Church of the Highlands Christmas Eve Service.
4.  Helping Sophie learn Luke 2:10-14 and hearing her recite it at her Christmas Program.
5.  Taking Sophie to the Nutcracker Ballet for the first time.
6.  Trey has vacation the week of Christmas!  Woo hoo!
7.  Christmas Eve at Mimi and PopPop's.  I am thinking we need a revival of Captain Nemo...  Lindsay and Elaine know what I mean ;)
8.  Talking with Sophie about the real meaning of Christmas and knowing she really does understand (on a 4 year old level).  Today I asked her what Christmas was really about and she enthusiastically replied, "Sss... Jesus' Birthday!"  Good save baby=)
9.  Turkey dinner with the Warrens'  Yummy!  You can never get enough turkey and dressing!
10.  Seeing my girls' faces on Christmas morning when they see their presents!

Check it out!

I think all of you should check out my fantastically creative and talented sister's website.  She has been working for Southern Progress with http://www.myhomeideas.com/ and also All You magazine which I know a lot of you are familiar with because of their great coupons. 
It's http://www.rileytant.com/ and you can find really cute things on there including unique printable holiday gift tags designed by Riley(located under design work)!
Check it out!  She is fab!

Merry Christmas to all!

Step 2 Woodland Climber

Does anyone out there have one of these that they'd like to sell or barter for? 

We are trying to help Santa find a good deal on this for Christmas this year. 

Thanksgiving cookies and Fall beauty

I haven't posted in a while and don't know where to start, so I'll just start with some cute pictures!

Here's one I snapped of Sophie and Selah holding hands in the car while Selah is waving out the window.

(Don't worry, I pulled over in my mom's neighborhood to take it)

We tried to get some sweet pictures of Selah wearing her little coat and hat.  She actually didn't mind it which was surprising because Sophie had a fit every time we tried to put this on her as a baby!

Turkey dresses from Nana=)

We made cookies at YaYa's for Thanksgiving and Selah helped by doing a little taste testing!

She also did a little coloring=)

Sophie and Luke were a little more helpful in the cookie making.

We got the idea from my sweet friend Leisha's blog. 

Not sure if ours were as cute as hers but they sure did taste great!

Sophie enjoyed some clementines as well , if you can't tell, that's what is stuffed in her mouth.

Then she opted to turn back to cookies and icing.

After cookies, we went to take some pictures for Aunt RiRi's new website. 

Sophie wanted to join us and actually begged to get in the pictures which was a first for sure!

Mommy even got to get in a few pics.  Too bad Daddy and Selah weren't there, 

These could've been Christmas card worthy. 

Love it when you can catch a real laugh or smile from kids. 

This little girl lights up my world with her grin!

Goodbye Fall, Hello Christmas!