Hello friends… as I type a space heater is warming my frozen toes and Justin’s working on a building a roaring fire. It’s cold here, but “cold” is very relative so I won’t tell you how cold. And, I come with more randomness. And anyone who might be wondering what Rover is doing while I type, he’s standing by my side digging through the garbage can!
First, I’ll offer a few sources from the last post. The Rover’s sweater romper was a gift from MommaSis {thanks, Sister!} from Old Navy. And Sloaney Bologna has it in pink. It seems to run true to size.
His leather shoes are from Target.
My sweater vest from the bruise picture is from Forever 21.
I love everything about it except for the fact that it’s acrylic. It will likely only last one season before pilling.
By the way, it’s very out of the ordinary for me to mention clothing or fashion. My sister is pretty much my sole provider of clothing and also any fashion advice. She should really be the one informing you of any “fashion sources” but I did manage to pick this sweater out by myself and she didn’t wear it first. 
I will also go ahead and tell you that I love Forever 21. A lot. I don’t necessarily like their rockstar corsets and other things of that nature but overall I really like their clothes. I think they’re fun, fashionable and I can actually afford to buy them which is the best part. The sad part is that there isn’t one within 100 miles of me. Mom and I hit it when we were in Chicago.
When I was looking for the sweater on their website I found this and really thought I “needed” it and then I realized I really just “wanted it” so I had a little self control… but don’t think it’s not in my favorites. It’s silk and only $27.80.
I’m going to be brave and tell you that I would pair it with skinny jeans and these boots {below}. Which, btw, I realized when I was in Chicago that I may be one of the last people on the planet in Chicago who still wears their jeans on the outside of their boots/shoes.
And now if there is someone reading this who has a great sense of fashion, would you tell me if that ensemble works or not? Justin would have to take me on a date or out to a fun party because if I wore it to preschool to pick up the girls people would likely stop me and ask where I was going. I got “dressed” and put on make up a few weeks ago and 2 people asked me where I was going. It still makes me laugh.
Before I change the subject, I’ll let you in on another Forever 21 secret, these long sleeved t-shirts {they have a little spandex so they actually hold their shape} for $5.50 each… I got three while I was there!
Subject change
The girls preschool pictures came in this week.
They pretty much make me laugh and cry at the same time, especially the Raiger. I tried to cheap out and not buy any but Justin said, “We had to!” They’re just one grade apart, look a like but are SO very different. Raiger looks a little sad and it’s likely she was scared of the camera man. She’s about as shy as they come, except at home. It’s December and she still cries when we drop her off at school {just 2 days a week}. There’s little doubt she’ll be the child that convinces me to home school.
The Raige also has an addiction problem. I asked Justin if he thought there was rehab center for 3 year olds who are addicted to pacifiers. He said, “Probably not!” I took problems into my own hands and took her pacis away yesterday. Really, I was scared to death. Scared to death. Scared to death. And I was convinced she’d never sleep again. We traded pacis for nail polish, eye shadow, shimmer cream, and lip gloss {because she wants to be a mommy} and I pray she never looks back! We’re about 36 hours in and she’s doing so much better than I ever thought she would. We have prayed and prayed for the Lord to help her not need it. I left her in her room yesterday for her nap, she came out 30 minutes later and told me in the sweetest & saddest voice that she had been praying to God but he didn’t bring her pacis back. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to cry for her or run to Target for more pacis. She didn’t nap but slept like a champ last night and napped today without her paci. I’m so proud of her!! Mothers of addicted children, you can do it! I promise thinking about taking them away is so much worse than actually doing it! A little incentive {make up, dolls, toys} goes a long way with children! I’m not a fan of bribing under normal circumstances but I love to be able to offer a reward for something as monumental as this! Go Raiger, you’re a big girl now!!
I’ve still yet to accomplish much Christmas-wise but I managed to crank out a pair of pants for Morgan this morning and I thought I’d offer a quick ruffle tip for anyone who sews. Under normal circumstances I only like to sew with 100% cotton fabric but for ruffles I like to make them with a poly/cotton blend. I actually take a long strip of fabric and fold it in half rather than hem it. The poly/cotton holds it’s shape so well and never needs to be ironed… and trust me, no one wants to iron a ruffle! Mary, thank you for our PRECIOUS shirts… we’ve got our outfits and now we just need to get a picture for our card!
Ok, I really must go… people I’ve never met before are coming to my house in less than 1 hour for dessert! I can’t wait to finally meet them but I’m a mess and so is my house!
Merry Christmas, friends! I know I said it last time but y’all really are so much fun… I sat in here and cried over my emails last night. I pray for y’all and thank God for the encouragement you give me!
Have fun with your guests. Can’t wait to see your tree when its’ up!!
