Happy New Year!

I've been home from Mexico for a while now, but with all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, I decided to take a break from blogging and just enjoy my family.  Now that 2012 is upon us, however, it's time to kick things back into high gear, and get blogging again!  Woohoo!

While I contemplate the direction I'd like my blog to go in the coming year, I'll just end this year by saying THANK YOU to all of my faithful readers, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!  May it be filled with the Lord's blessings, peace, love and joy.

with love,

Nona - and my family (Dave, Samantha, Ruby, Baby, and Harley)

I was bound for Mexico..

I'm leaving momentarily for a week in Mexcio - WOOHOO!!!

I had hoped to predate a few entries to post while I was away, but alas - time got away from me.  Instead, check out a few of my favorite reads...  I have them listed along the right side of my blog.

Have a great week!  See ya'll later.  :)

Funny

I'm working a big show this whole weekend, so not much time to blog, but I HAD to share this...

My favorite Knitting Blogger - the Yarn Harlot (aka Stephanie McPhee) has been posting a shopping guide for knitters geared toward the Non-Knitters in their lives.

Day 1 is HILARIOUS and can be read HERE.

And also, her suggestions for gifts are dead on.  So far this one is my favorite: (Click photo to go to the etsy site)

Oh... and these are some mittens she knitted for her daughter recently that I absolutely love, and find pretty stinkin' cute...

Normal cute mittens - right?

Wrong!  Instant antlers!!!

Find the pattern HERE

My Birthday Week

For all the crazy busy activities crammed into this week, I have to say it's been pretty amazing.  I've felt so blessed by my friends, my family, and most importantly, my sweet husband.  And really, turning 30 has not been nearly as traumatic as I thought it would be.

My birthday week began on Thanksgiving, when we celebrated with family.  My father-in-law's birthday was on Thanksgiving day this year (and my SIL's was just the week before), so we all shared one delicious cake and birthday song.  Notice the 3 sets of candles.  My mom is just so creative (she made the cake).

 Our celebrating continued  Tuesday, when Dave took me out for a fantastic dinner at Demitris, this great Tapas Bar in downtown Edmonds.  We were joined by my closest friends, and ate and laughed the evening away.  I took a few pictures before we left the house...

(Here's a mandatory 6 months preggo shot)

Of course, as we were leaving for the restaurant, Dave and I had our obligatory "should we bring the nice camera or rely on the iPhone camera" conversation.  He won this time with his "why would you take pictures at your own party" defense, and wouldn't you know, all of the iPhone pictures were dark and blurry.  So, those two shots are what we've got.  Haha... But we had a really nice time, and it was fun having an evening out with our friends.

My actual birthday (Nov 30) was spent quietly with just our immediate family.  I was showered with amazing gifts, and then we had dinner at my favorite sushi place.  Don't worry - I only ate cooked dishes!  

My girls helped me open gifts...

 This one was my definite favorite - and quite timely...

...because last night, Dave took me to my very first NFL game!  It was SOOO much fun, and probably the best game of the entire season.  My beloved Seahawks totally smashed the Eagles and it was incredible to see it all live.  I have brag on "my man" - Marshawn Lynch did his job well - 2 touchdowns!  The whole team played incredibly well, and I can't wait to see them play again soon.

And I'll brag on my other man - my REAL man.  Dave, you outdid yourself this year sweetheart!  I had a fantastic birthday, and I owe it all to you for being best hubby on the planet.  :)