Sweet Friday

Dear Friday:

Thank you, thank you for getting here so swiftly, I am badly in need of a few days off
from work so as to continue my Christmas preparation frenzy!  We have many fun
things planned for this weekend, most importantly the Holiday Light Safari at our local zoo.
I have been ingesting echinacea and Emergen-C in monstrous doses as I attempt to ward
off the cold Isabelle and Brees are now over.  So far, I have managed to escape with only
a Marge Simpson sounding hoarse voice which makes everyone wince every time I speak.
No Christmas carols for this broad.  Please ask all of my patients to try REALLY hard not
to have any crises today, I would like to get off work early.
Please and thank you.

A few links for you, dear friends, on this very welcomed Friday!

Does your family have an Elf on the Shelf?  Check out this contest for the most
inappropriate elf.  I laughed hysterically as I scrolled through these.

I've loved looking at all my favorite bloggers' Christmas wish lists.  Randalin is one of the
most thoughtful mamas and I am constantly inspired by her parenting.  Her list for
Kale provided me with some great ideas!!

Have you ever tried RadLab?  It is an amazing way to get your Photoshop feet wet and
 take your photos up a notch.  I purchased this amazing product on Black Friday and
am super pumped about all the amazing features.  Try their 30 free trial, you won't
be sorry!!

Two of my favorite mamas just made big announcements, here and here.  What an
amazing gift for this holiday season!

Shiny ornament self portraits?  Yes, please!  Summer gives tips for the perfect shot
here.  Love this festive memento for this year's scrapbook.

Our DVR is currently storing a very special episode of Sesame Street starring
Louisiana's pride and joy!  Since we don't watch much TV during the week, I can NOT
wait for Saturday morning to curl up with the girls and watch Drew Brees hanging out with
Elmo.  I've already taken a peak and hearing Elmo say, "Get outta town Mista Drew"
is enough to make me giggle.

Deanna posted a very real and honest account of the challenges of a toddler.  I
remember those days with Belle vividly, definitely one of the hardest stages of parenting
so far.  But reading the experiences of others is always encouraging because it assures us
we are NOT alone, this is the reality of motherhood.
And, yes, this too shall pass.

Who doesn't love giggling over sweet babies and their Santa photos?  The good, the
crying, the "Get me the heck out of here!!" photos.  Check out this collection of
Santa babies.

This post made my heart swell and represents the true meaning of family and love.
I can't imagine a greater gift than what this beautiful family is giving this
holiday season.

This week, I was able to wear my beloved pea coat for the first time, a very exciting
moment as winter is officially upon us.  As I reached into my pockets to warm my hands,
I was surprised to pull out a couple of doubloons from last year's Mardi Gras.  Is it
normal to reach into your pockets and find tokens from Fat Tueday?  In Louisiana,
the answer is YES.  Always yes.

It was a lovely reminder that once Christmas is over, the celebrations will continue
far into the spring for us Cajuns.  Laissez les bon temps rouler!!