A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

Have you ever looked at a picture and died laughing? Okay not actually died but you get what I’m saying.
I am a picture taking fanatic. I would like to think that maybe if worst case scenario I was to lose my memory that my millions of pictures might be able to shed some light on my past life. Kind of like the Notebook?

Sometimes at just the right moment I capture priceless moments.

Over the last couple of days, I filled my camera with family photos, snapshots of our Christmas celebration and unique moments such as these.

My adorable niece. Still can't believe how grown up she is becoming

My brother in law must have found a present he wanted?

I am still hovered over laughing at some of the pictures. Madison cracks me up and if you were only there in person to experience all of the million other facial expressions that she shares, you too would laugh your butt off. It makes me smile knowing I was blessed with such an amazing family and a daughter as great as Madison.

I'm off to complete the last day of the work week and enjoy two more fun filled days of laughter, snapshots and relaxation! 

Do you have a once in a lifetime photo you have taken? A priceless moment you have chosen to hold onto forever?

All Aboard The Polar Express

Do you remember the movie or story of the Polar Express? It is a great story filled with magic and love in the eyes of a child. If you haven’t seen the movie I highly recommend that you do. While it is geared towards children, I find myself glued to the television anytime it is on. I even purchased the book as a gift for Madison this Christmas.

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As the excitement grew with every viewing of the movie I began to do a little research to see if there were any “real life” Polar Express themed events.This is when I stumbled upon the Polar Bear Express. 

Since 1995, the Polar Bear Express has taken off from the Fishers area here in Indiana chauffeuring children and adults to the “North Pole”. With only four weekends available to enjoy this fascinating event the tickets sell out pretty quickly. I got lucky and found the event before the tickets went on sale so I planned accordingly and bought them the morning they became available. We didn’t really know what to expect but had high hopes. The trip was an hour and fifteen minutes long and surprisingly went by rather fast. I guess time flies when you are having fun!

When we arrived at the museum where the train takes off we went to the will call office to pick up our tickets. This was when we were greeted by the Polar Bear himself. We got a few photos, picked up our tickets and headed for the train. 

We stood in a line according to the train cart we had reserved until the conductor yelled the famous line “All Aboard!” We boarded the train and within a few minutes were off and rolling! 

One of the hosts of the train began the trip with an interactive story about how the Polar Bear Express was named. We all yelled out sound effects as he told the story. It was fun for the kiddos to act like polar bears.

Next the “elves” or helpers passed out cookies and hot chocolate to everyone. I was really surprised because by the itinerary it sounded like only the kids would be receiving the treats. Anyone who knows me knows I love sweets!

The movement of the train caused some fuzzy pictures, blah

Then Mrs. Claus arrived to greet all of the passengers. Accompanying her was the conductor who sat at each end of the train cart with his guitar and sang Christmas carols. Letting the kids pick out the songs and then letting them sing along. It was great to see all of their smiling faces.

At last we reached the “North Pole”. A little house decorated with Christmas lights and surrounded by outdoor Christmas displays. 

A few moments later the big guy himself, Santa hopped on board. Madison was ecstatic and Lucy seemed to be thinking "OMG HE IS HERE!" . The look on Madison's face and the excitement was priceless. 

Santa passed out miniature stuffed polar bears and took a few pictures with each child. He patted Madison on the head and said “I love you, you are such a sweet girl.” The rest of the night she ran around saying “You know mom, I’m a sweet girl.” I laughed so hard every time I heard her say this.

He made his rounds to each child and then said his goodbyes. We spent the rest of the trip waving at the waiting cars at each railroad crossing and snapping shots of the lit displays along the way. We were stuffed from all of the goodies and ready for some shut eye!

I absolutely love Christmas and all the wonderful events that we take part of during this time of the year. I am forever grateful that I am able to provide Madison with such great experiences!

Have you booked your reservation to the Polar Express in your area?

That Kinda Crazy

Once again a weekend came and went faster than I could say the word weekend. 

Although it went by quickly I achieved my main goal and that was to get all of my indoor Christmas decorations out and displayed. 

I usually cram the indoor and outdoor decorating all into one weekend but this year I wanted to break apart the two and enjoy it for as long as possible.

I am one of those crazy Christmas obsessed people. 

I love everything Christmas. 

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The holiday puts a burning fire in my heart and fuels my happiness. 

It is even better now that I have a little one to share the joyous moments with.

I went out for a little window shopping and ended up picking up some of the cutest things!

So needless to say my house puked Christmas this weekend!

It may be early, it may seem like a special kinda crazy but I anytime you find a little piece of happiness, love and desire in your life....enjoy every second of it!

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Office Santa Mission

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With Halloween over and the month of November in full force all my mind can think about now is Christmas!

I do love Thanksgiving but Christmas really steals my heart!

I use all of November to plan. I make notes in my phone and on my laptop to create Christmas lists for my family and friends. I start following the weather forecast very closely so I know which weekend is the best to put up outdoor decorations. Last but not least I begin using Pinterest to come up with my office gift for work. 

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For the past three years I joined in on the gift giving at work. I have worked at my company for eight years and have become very close to my colleagues. With a department full of women it seems very easy to come up with something each and every year making it super easy for me!

Pinterest has always been my main source at finding which gifts I decide on except my gifts have a little twist. 

Some of the girls give out candles and lotion, others give out candy and edible items but where I try and stand out....gag gifts!

I love to make people laugh and smile. With the every day "get down to business" attitude that looms around the office I like to shake things up a bit.

I surprisingly failed to take pictures of my own creations but with the help of Google, you will get the idea of what has been given out so far:

Year One: Snowman Poop

Materials:

Mini marshmallows

Sandwich bag

Snowman label that reads the following: 

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Year Two: Jingle Balls

Materials:

Malted milk balls in red, green and silver wrappers

Sandwich Bag

Jingle Bells

String

I simply took the sandwich bag and wrote "Jingle Balls" on the outside, filled the bag with the candy and tied the bells around the top and Voila!

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Year Three: Washer and Dryer

Materials:

A dish towel and washcloth

String

A label or card that reads:

This Christmas you deserve the best...

...a present unlike all the rest.

We considered a new car or exotic cruise,

but decided on something you could really use!

Finally we found a gift to admire,

we hope you like your new washer and dryer!

Happy Holidays!

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So, now I am on the hunt for this years gift! I love more than anything to see the reaction each and every year once everyone receives their gift. I love to keep the environment lighthearted and to make people smile. I am definitely a giver that keeps on giving! 

Do you participate in office gift giving? Secret Santa? Etc? 

I would love to hear your ideas!