12 Days of Christmas!!

Last night we got a fun surprise! Our doorbell rang and we found this beautiful gift basket on our doorstep. It is the 12 Days of Christmas, with a small gift and a story for last night and the next 11, ending on Christmas eve! We are so excited to open them all and see what is in store for us, and so touched that someone thought enough of our family to go to all this work!

Keeping Busy

NINE MORE DAYS UNTIL WE FLY "HOME" FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!
I am excited and somtimes overwhelmed with the thought of all that I still need to accomplish before then, but we are keeping busy and having fun this December.

Here are the tins of magnets that are ready to be delivered to a few neighbors and friends in the ward. Each tin is wrapped in a paper band that is secured with one of the magnets. I love the way they turned out!

Here is the inside -- I couldn't get a great picture, because there is not enough light in our house to get a good close-up. This gives a general idea, though. I think the magnets turned out great! I made a set for myself because they were too cute not to keep some!

In the past week, I have also: crocheted a hat, 2 purses, and 2 scarves. Made cookies for an enrichment cookie exchange activity. Taught a mini-class on time-management for the same activity. Attended book club. Attended a holiday get-together at the home of some ward friends (appetizer in tow). Given Hadley a haircut (sooo cute). Gone visiting-teaching. Gone shopping for those last minute stocking stuffers & out to dinner with Alan. Began crocheting a surprise gift for each child (not sure if these will be finished before we leave!)

I still need to: Make 3 dozen rolls for the ward Christmas party on Saturday. Make a crocheted, felted purse for a gift exchange next week. Deliver the little magnet tins. Finish doing the laundry (does this ever really get "finished?"). Make a list, check it twice and pack, pack, pack! Run errands to the bank, Target, and Barnes & Noble. Re-charge the portable DVD player and get movies for the kids to take on the plane. Find some cute black jeans. Clean the bathrooms.

I'm sure there's more, but I need to refer to my master list...

Needless to say, we've all been exhausted! Here's a shot Alan snapped last Friday when I got home from teaching my weekly yoga class...

Nothing better than snuggle time on the couch! But, it could lead to this...

Come to think of it, I could use a nap about NOW! Mom, if you are reading this, all I want for Christmas is to sleep in for a day or two!

Finally, in the latest Peck Family news, Alan accepted a new job working as the web Art Director for Bare Necessities! (they sell underwear. :) ) We are so relieved to be able to have stable, predictable employment again! HOORAY! Thanks to everyone for all of your thoughts and prayers. We hope to see you all soon!

xoxox, candace

My munchkins!

Here is Princess Hadley. She was wearing her pink princess dress all day, so we had to give her princess hair to match. She insisted on wearing it to the bus stop to pick up "brubber", so we added a purple sweater -- truly princess-like.

I finally managed to get a decent photo of the kids together. Yes, Hadley IS wearing the same sweater! Now I need to get busy on one for Alexander -- it's just that tiny things are easier and less time-consuming. :)