I thought of doing Christmas cards about a month ago... then was like... no.... I am sending out a baby announcement this coming year - I will just wait. AND Then I got these (too late for Christmas cards - oh well)... HOLY CRAP, when does Hudson smile on command for the camera? Spencer's sister Rachael, does photography on the side - and is amazing at it. She is starting up her own business with it, and resides in MI, but if you wanted I am sure you could talk her into being flown out to have a little session with you or your family. She is so remarkable and has an eye of gold. She just "has" it. But I must admit, I think that photographing Hudson probably (when you can get his attention) is not the hardest little guy to get good pictures from. But the picture of Spencer and me turned out great, can I say that?! And that doesn't happen, not often that is, where both of us are happy with the end result. Especially when I feel like I am having mucho problems with my pregnant face and storing nuts for the winter.

To look at more of Rachael's work please click on her name, the link will take you to her blog. Have a good weekend everyone!

Recently Spencer went on a business retreat, only a night - but it was a nice deal. Relaxing. When he got home he told me that he wanted to send me somewhere alone. Somewhere I can completely relax and just enjoy the weekend. (So no where FAR away.) He asked me where I would like to go; he mentioned Hawaii. I was a little taken back, didn't really understand why I had to go alone. He said that I am never alone and should be able to enjoy a day or two just being with myself. With that said... I honestly have no idea where I want to go; or even if I want to go. I have been thinking about it for a good 3 weeks, and have no clue?! Maybe it is because I really don't care to go anywhere alone. I would rather go with him, my mom or a friend. In the end, I really don't have any idea and was wondering if there is anywhere you all have been that you have LOVED and would go back with a friend, spouse or just yourself for a relaxing night or two. Doesn't have to be "somewhere" far... maybe in the same city... or just a place where you are completely relaxed and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I could think of some placed that would cost me an arm and leg... a night that is. So just wanted your suggestions. Shoot 'em my way.

This is Hudson's favorite thing! Or I should say these are Hudson's favorite things... TRAINS. He loves them, like most kids his age. When in So. Cal at my parent's home, my mom had bought him a train set (Thomas the train, something or other) and it is all he wanted to do... train and then some more trains. His one liner is "choo-choo". He loves it. Seriously, rather would play then eat. It was so much watching him play and laugh at it. Thanks Mom and Dad for the entertainment!

The day we got back from Southern California (for Thanks Giving) we went and bought our Christmas Tree. Spencer this year was really excited, mostly because we are staying home for Christmas and he can't wait to start traditions. We both are excited for this. He has even said that he might attempt making omelettes for breakfast on Christmas morning. (His father makes these famous omelettes every Christmas, they are delicious!) I will let you know how that all goes. :)

Here are some pictures of us getting "the" tree. I love Christmas Time!!!

I was lucky enough, as most years, to be with family on my birthday. This is only because it, my birthday, is on or in the Thanks Giving week. I used to hate it when I was younger - everyone was gone and would forget. But as I have gotten older the more I really enjoy it. I love that every year so far I have been able to be with not only Spencer but ones that I love. Usually family. And we all know those with family make for the best kind of birthdays.


My day started out early and bright. For some reason Hudson (even though he sleeps in a BLACK/aka DARK room. That is a large closet.) he seems to know right when 6:30am hits. At home, in his own bed he sleeps until 7:30 - 8:30am. I don't know what it is, obviously it is the comfort of his own bed he misses, and I miss, at 6:30 in the morning... but when I get him out of bed he is ready to go. He is so excited to search Grandma and Grandpa's house yet another day. He will walk downstairs, find my mom reading the paper and exclaim "YAY", and then wants nothing to do with me... but he does make sure I am in the same room otherwise I would probably wonder upstairs to lay in bed for another 20 min. So I gave him breakfast and then sweet Spencer took over. That is for the rest of the day; majority of it. He never asked once for me to change a diaper and I let him do the dirt deed every time without any guilt. It was bliss. Hudson was dressed, fed and cleaned and I hadn't lifted a finger. That alone was the best gift. We hung out, spent the morning watching my mom cook a birthday meal and cake, again could be up there with best gift - not having to cook your dinner or cake! Spencer was excited to get the presents going and so had me open my gift from him. - I will back up a couple weeks or so... Spencer had me make my birthday/Christmas list. On this list I put down things I know I will probably not get (way too unrealistic), and things that should be easy to find. Anyway, so on my list - among the "probably not category"... I had listed a Helen Ficalora necklace. One which after hearing of and seeing online I have talked about - for every gift giving holiday. I love it. It is simple and meaningful. So, out comes this cute little pink bag with even a better box inside - YES he really ordered and overnighted this little gem to me. I was beyond excited. Who knew?!? But honestly - Spencer is really good at listening, or maybe I am really good at repeating things; either way ECSTATIC was my mood from there on out. I received a small gold chain with a gold flat round charm with a "H" imprinted on it. (Any guesses what the "H" is for) It is perfect. My mom was surprised to find that she too really enjoyed looking at this little piece of heaven on my neck; which was funny because she was thinking that I was crazy to get so "crazy" about this little thing (asking for it that is) before. Now she wants one (or rather 5 charms for each kid - good luck with that one). Spencer hit the jackpot, or rather I did.

Spencer and I got ready and headed out to the beach with Hudson, to have lunch. We ate at this little cafe... breakfast for lunch - always a treat. It was so yummy, and the atmosphere was honestly perfect. We then headed back home for dinner and a low active evening. It was such a relaxing and fun day. I am so grateful for this time I got to spend this year with Spencer, Hudson and my family. It was a really good day - a good start to another year.

Here are some more pictures from that day: