Raising a Glass (or a plastic tea cup)

Well, I managed to let the very last Monday of 2008 pass me by without posting My Best Shot. Heavy Sigh.

My husband and I took a few days off without kids or computers (very late notice) and Monday came and went while I was gone. It wasn't until the long drive home that it dawned on me. I totally missed it. I apologize! But, alas, I will not let the end of this year pass without taking notice. And so, I am considering this a kind My Best Shot as we give a farewell toast the year that is almost behind us and a welcome toast to 2009.




It's a big deal to wrap up the year. And it feels particularly good to have a fresh start come Thursday. I want to honor both the coming and the going. Please feel free to join me.

If you've got a shot you'd like to share (something you had ready for Monday or something new) please leave your links.

Farewell to all that 2008 was and Cheers to all that 2009 will be.

The Inside Scoop

I am pleased to announce that I am now contributing over at LA Moms Blogs. I've got my first post up today. If you want to get the inside scoop on one of the Clark family's underlying stories of the season, be sure to click over and read all about it.

The Morning Of

I hope you got all that you wished for this holiday! I know a few little girls that did.

Happy Holidays!

Happenings

Around here we are spending time at home, avoiding the crowds, keeping warm, maintaining perspective and being mindful of what is important. At least that's the goal. But perhaps more than anything I'm trying really hard to not focus on the fact that my husband has the flu and that Christmas is a few days away and let's see, the incubation period for the flu is usually a few days and, well, you know...
Did I say maintaining perspective?

What kinds of things are happening around your house these days?

Speaking of happenings, a little bird told me that Shutter Sisters is giving away a sweet snaptotes bag . You know, the kind that you can create with your own photo? Way cool ladies! Right up your alley.

So Many Things

I have been meaning to post this week about so many things...

Last minute gift ideas (in the video game genre), places to visit to help get you into the holiday spirit, DIY gifts to make for the grandparents, the list goes on and on.

But, I have a stack of holiday cards with no addresses on them and I am pretty sure they aren't going to address themselves, darn it. You'd think with technology these days, there'd be a way. I digress.

My intention for these next few days is remain grounded, centered and mindful not allowing the chaos of the world around me to distract me from enjoying this time of year. Are you keeping your head and heart in a sacred, nurturing place these days? I'd love to hear how you're keeping yourself sane amidst it all.

Warm Feet, Happy Heart

Yet another gentle reminder to slow down and enjoy the season. I'm finding that I'm getting as much done in slipper mode as I would be getting done in walking shoe mode. I encourage you to try it and see. Besides, nothing beats being loafing around in slippers when the weather outside is frightful.

What kinds of photo tracks are you making these days?

Hey Best Shot Monday mavens, go leave a comment at Shutter Sisters to get into the drawing for an HP Compact Photo Printer. If anyone could put it to good use, it's one of you ladies.

Giveaway City

-photo taken with my Lensbaby (pretty, ain't it?)

Not only is Shutter Sisters giving away a Lensbaby today (omg!) but Design Mom is hosting a 12 Days of Christmas at her blog where there's a Shutter Sisters necklace up for grabs as well as an HP All in One Printer. Among 11 other yum yum items.

Go. Click. And. Comment. Now.

Catching up on Gratitude

I know Thanksgiving is long gone and Christmas is soon approaching but I'm not sure I'm done with the giving thanks part. These photos (my best shots for today) were captured on Thanksgiving day and show a glimpse into what I am grateful for. It was the kind of day dreams are made of. A quiet morning, puttering over food and tiny details....taking time to relax and enjoy the day. And an evening of just being together...no agenda, no drama, no rush.

As the holidays draw near, I will take a lesson from my Thanksgiving and try to do the same thing all over again. The hustle of it all just doesn't serve me I've decided. And so, I choose to linger and savor time as it passes. You'll hold me to that won't you? I just might need your help on this one. Who's with me?

What we're there moments you captured this week that had you savoring the season?

Cute Girl Stuff

My daughters have every little tiny girl toy known to the Universe. I’ve noticed that beyond an occasional Barbie boot or Polly Pocket accessory, most of their toys of choice are the non-human kind. If it’s not a Pretty Pony or Littlest Pet Shop, then it’s some sort of stuffed animal (beanie baby, Webkinz, whatevs. They’re not picky).

When I found out from The Parent Blogger Network that EA was coming out with the Littlest Pet Shop games for both the Nintendo Wii and the Nintendo DS Lite I was super-stoaked. That alone proves that I too am infatuated by all things Littlest Pet Shop. No, I’m not kidding. Those things are adorable! I would have LOVED this stuff as a kid just as I did all the little Hello Kitty loot I collected. Not much has changed. The tiny trinkets my girls love remind me of those days. It’s amazing that this many years later (I won’t give you specific years here) that this is still what many girls gravitate to. Now, toss in a little gaming action (the latest rage for girls) and you’ve got yourself a hit.

In other words, the girls love Littlest Pet Shop gone video game. We have both the DS Lite version for my 5 year old and the Wii for my 11 year old. You can never get enough, “Ah, look at how cuuuuuute!” delivered in high pitched squeal. I think it’s been really fun to see their furry little friends come to life and explore their happy little virtual homes. And I like kidding myself into thinking that maybe they won’t keep asking for a puppy for Christmas since they’ve got one on the TV. A mom can dream can’t she?

Click

You are not going to want to miss a single day of this action!

Happy Holidays!