the Life of Olena

In my opinion these are some of the best pictures she has ever taken.  They are by far, my favorite.  She is just radiating joy and pure happiness.  I love when she is like this.  OK....I also understand that I have been seriously slacking again in my blogging but in my defense, we have family staying with us and my computer is in the guest room.  So I am limited in my time, but I promise to update before the Holiday.  BUT, I had to sneak in and get these posted because they are just too cute to wait!

Sorry I didn't get pictures of everything but trying to remember to grab the camera or phone everytime is a bit of a challenge.    Day 3: 300 piece Christmas jigsaw puzzle. Olena is a puzzle lover! however she never wants to do more than the 100 piece.  But those are so easy for her she completes them in 30 minutes. I told her she needed to complete this one for Santa to see so she was determined.  Sat there for about 3 hours straight until she finally completed it.      Day 4 A wood Christmas tree that she had to paint and decorate.  She thought is would make the perfect accessory behind our angel in the Nativity Scene.  Day 5 Chocolate Santa Bar which she kindly shared with her cousin!  Day 6 She hasn't completed it yet, but she got a xmas craft hopefully I can get her to do it today:) It is a winter scene snowglobe. Day 7 Chocolate Christmas coins. Day 8 Rudolph Pez Dispenser

I love doing Advent calendars :) I have tried in the past to be successful in making and sticking with the full 25 days and making it a lot of fun....sad to say but that has been an epic fail up until this year!!!  YAY! I actually had it done, all presents/activities/goodies bought and planned and my mom helped me get it all set up and ready. The odd days she gets a small gift.  Most are xmas activities or crafts but there are a few small misc gifts and the even days are small treats or trinkets that fit into the pockets. Here is the one I am using this year.  We bought it at our annual trip to Bronners Christmas store...a must see in Michigan I might add.  It was only $11.  I thought that was a steal.  It is felt with number little pockets that velcro shut.  I have it draped along the bay window in our dining room. Day 1 were these Xmas clothes pins.  I got them from Hobby Lobby...my favorite place! for HALF off! and there are 3 of each kind for only $1.50 She didn'

This year was the first time I didn't spend it with Jason and Olena, but instead just my parents.  It was low key and relaxing.  J and O took a trip to Ohio with his dad to visit that side of the family.  With all of our dogs, my schedule and the fact that my house needed a massive over haul cleaning, it was best that I stayed home.   While I did miss them, it was nice to get so much work done around the house.  God Bless the fact that I have an amazing mother who busts her butt from dawn til dusk helping me get the job done.  My house it now shiny and beautiful...at least for a few weeks.  SIGH!  4 dogs, 3 adults and a kid can be quite a mess I have come to learn.  I have a lot to be thankful for this year! I hope you all do too :) Happy Thanksgiving.