Bode Kisses

My Bode is definitely learning how to work the system:

Bode: Mom, can I play on the computer?

Me: Well, I don't know.

Bode: How about if I give you a kiss?

**Who could say no to that?! Of course, I let him play, but after two kisses :)

Christmas Tree Decorating

This year we let the kids decorate the tree on their own. Outside of me hanging a few of the more fragile ornaments and helping Ian with the star, the boys hung them all by themselves. I tried to encourage them to not put everything on the lower-hanging branches and not bunch them together too much, but otherwise they directed themselves. It was cute to watch them eagerly place everything. At first I'd planned on rearranging the ornaments after they went to bed so things would be more evenly spaced out. After further reflection, we decided to leave it as is. The boys did a great job and I think their tree is perfect the way it is. It's the so-called imperfections that make our tree that much more special and perfect for us. The tree is also heavy in Alice in Wonderland decorations, which is fun for me :)

Here are the boys hard at work:

Our cute boys and our finished tree (except we forgot to turn the lights on):

Merry Christmas to all!

Stiefvater Book Signing

I just realized that I never posted pictures from this amazing book signing that Ian and I attended on October 21st. Maggie Steifvater is an amazing writer. I've read all of her books except the newest one, which is waiting for me on my bookshelf (can't wait to get to it).

I've read and own: Lament, Ballad, Shiver, Linger, and Forever.

I own and will read soon: Scorpio Races

She's not only a great writer, but also a great speaker. She kept us thoroughly entertained with her energy and enthusiasm. She also gave great writing tips which Ian wrote down for future reference. Even though Ian hasn't read any of her books, he was very inspired by her as a speaker giving vision to future writers. Ian is my new book signing partner and wants to attend them all with me. It's fun to have a partner in crime :)



Maggie thoroughly entertaining us :)

Maggie and Me

Can't wait to read it! (check out the horse doodle)



More books signed :)



Ian's list of writing tips from Maggie