Have a Jolly, Jolly Christmas!

It's the best time of the year!  Yes it is.  I have had such a wonderful day with my little family, opening gifts, watching T.V. and eating lots of food.  Watching children's faces open gifts is probably the best part of gift giving.   Pre-children it wasn't so important to have stockings filled, gifts underneath the tree, ginger bread houses to be made, cookies for jolly St. Nick and food for reindeer.  This year, I had all that and more.  As kids get older, there are different things I need to make sure I do and every year it just keeps getting better.  This year was a close one; I was busted by a little one, gifts were found and explanations were no where to be found.  It was like a deer in headlights.  

Don't worry, this is still a house that believes.  So much so, that this is what I woke up to this morning.  I missed the whole opening process ... I was exhausted this morning and slept through the unwrapping piece.  How I wish I would have captured the moment with a photo.  

There was something for everyone ....

Yes, he loved it!  He even had a stocking with goodies inside.  

And lastly, the aftermath of it all ....

I have everything I want so I didn't ask for any gifts this year.  This year has been a gift in itself.  So many changes and opportunities, we have truly been blessed.  I couldn't ask for anything more.  My sweetheart did have a nice little gift for me though ;) totally unexpected.

I hope everyone's holiday, regardless of what you celebrate, was joyful and surrounded by the loves in your life.  

Next on the calendar ... NEW YEAR!  

-Hizles

The Simple Things - A Train Ride to the North Pole

As a child I always wanted to have a train underneath my Christmas Tree.  What better excuse to get one  than having children myself.  Here it is ...

Our gifts seem to get in the way of our train, so for now they are will have a temporary home elsewhere.

I can't wait to see the rest of the entries at Simple As That ..... =)

Photo Contest at I Heart Faces - Pet Week

Here is a picture of what my mother seems to think is a perfect example of the ugliest dog in the world.  True, he has a flat nose, grunts quite often, and snores even when he's awake but that is what makes him so adorable and in my eyes, beautiful.  Though at times he wears my patience with his naughty behavior, I couldn't see this family complete without this furry beast.  It's true ... beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Wall-E

I am really  enjoying these challenges because it makes me want to have my camera with me at all times.  I love it ... can't wait to see what's in store for next week.

Join me for this week's challenge at I Heart Faces.

-Hizles

The Simple Things - The Baker

I have always been intimidated by the whole baking process, so this week I decided to just suck it up and go for it.  What's easy and can also put to good use those bananas that have over-rippen?  Banana bread!  That was the original plan but soon enough my little person thought muffins were a lot more enticing.  I was sold and I began to search for recipes online (being that I have never baked anything that wasn't out of a box).  This is what I came up with ....

I was pleased with my results.  Watching my little one enjoy this muffin, and the mashing that went on, put a sweet smile on both our faces.

Be a part of the Simple Things challenge or just stop by Rebecca's blog to look at all the other entries.  I will be doing both! 

With a belly full of banana muffins, 

Hizles

Embrace the Camera: December 9th

Today I embrace the love with embrace the camera.  This is a picture of my little person and me before our big move.  The quality of the photograph is not the best but it's one of my favorites of us.  We often have so many photos of us posing yet this one is just us sharing a kiss.  Now, it's not as easy to steal a kiss from those lips but this photo reminds me that once upon a time it was.

Take a look at the Anderson Crew ... as she weekly has new photos for the Embrace the Camera theme along with many others who participate.    

-Hizles

I Heart Faces Challenge: Self Portrait

I'm super excited about Mondays now.  I know! Who'da thought anyone in their right mind would say that ... especially after traveling and having 2 hours of sleep.  Well, it's a new week which means I Heart Faces is having a contest.  YAY! This week's challenge is a Self Portrait so here goes mine.

Good luck to all who enter!

Now off to bed.

-Hizles

My day in pictures

So here it is, as promised my pictures from L.A.  Not all but a few that I have so far.  I had such an amazing time with a friend at lunch followed by a mini shopping trip at the The Americana at Brand in Glendale.  I hope you enjoy it and feel festive after seeing all the Christmas decorations.  

Downtown L.A. ... hello there Santa Monica Freeway!

Downtown L.A. 

Grilled Chicken Tostada Salad at the Cheesecake Factory

Wish I could have shopped in there but I want to be able to fly back home ... so no Tiffany.

Fountain right outside Santa's cottage while in L.A.

Wish I could take that tree and put it outside my house!

Now time for bed, big day tomorrow!  Can't wait to share pictures of the event.  Ciao!

-Hizles

Animal Style!

Hizles is on the move ... going cross country to a seminar in Los Angeles ... YAY!  The flight to L.A. was the probably one of the longest and most uncomfortable ones I have been in awhile.  I had body parts in my face for most of the flight.  I suppose this is what you should expect if you are sitting in the aisle seat, next time it's back to the window for me.  But never mind the flight, let's get to my first order of business while in L.A.

Not sure why this person decided to walk directly in front of my camera ... :?

What better place to eat while in L.A. but at In-N-Out?  YUM! Prior to this trip I had made this stop a "must" on my list of things to do.  Animal style all the way, if you've had it, you know what I'm talkin' about.  However, a couple of hours later my tum tum is not so thrilled with my choices.  Oh dear! It's just one of those things that you regret doing but sure enjoy while doing it.  I could use an Alka-Setlzer right now ... oh! tummy I realize you are not as young as you once were, my tummy has caught up with my age.  hehehheh!

I will update later on my trip with photos and my day activities.  On tomorrows agenda ... a little shopping before the big day.

-Hizles 

Christmas Decorations

Operation "Christmas Decorations" is on its way ...

Did I mentioned I LOVE CHRISTMAS?  Well, I do!  And it's not because of the gifts, oh no.  It's the whole spirit of Christmas and what it does to people.  The smiles it puts on children's faces, the Christmas stories, Christmas Carollers, decorations, lights, candy, traditions and so much more.  

I have not purchased my tree yet but that pretty green tree will be up soon.  With this heat I wonder if it will hold up ... I suppose there is only one way to find out.  

Happy decorating!

-Hizles