Lilla Rose- We met John Dorsey!

About a year and a half ago, I signed up as a Lilla Rose Stylist, but not for me....for Nicole.  She had been wanting a business, but none of her ideas were things we could do.  We found out about Lilla Rose from my good buddy, Teri, and quickly signed up.  Nicole and I have had fun working at Farmer's Markets, doing in home Style Boutiques, and sharing these beautiful hair accessories with our friends, and their friends!  Nicole has learned communication skills, marketing, budgeting, business, finances, and more.  It's been a terrific way to spend time and learn together.  www.lillarose.biz/GulfCoast

Teri has worked her way up in the company, rather quickly.  She has a team of more than 100 stylists under her.  She decided to throw a party for her Lilla Rose team.  We were excited to attend and celebrate our success with the other stylists in our area.

Nicole made this adorable fruit tray Flexi clip- Florida style.  Can you see the flexi clip, with the palm tree in the middle?

She also made cute Flexi  Clip earrings out of perler beads for the occasion.

 As the party was just getting started, we were surprised by the appearance of John Dorsey, the Creator of Flexi Clips and Owner of Lilla Rose!  I'm pretty sure a house full of "star struck women" ensued.  We could not believe he had just walked in the house.  I'm a dork and had tears in my eyes!

We were stunned!  This man is so kind and humble.  He was genuine and it was a true pleasure to meet him.  I can't believe Teri kept this surprise from all of us!

Nicole is posing with her sweet friends, Madelyn and Angelina, who also sell Lilla Rose with their mom....and of course, sister Hannah :)  Madelyn and Angelina had met John Dorsey earlier in the day when he surprised them at their market.

John kindly listened to Nicole share her ideas of future clips, and the fun she has with Lilla Rose.

My buddy Teri and I....she's pretty great!

 It was such a fun evening, and even Jeremy got to be there to meet Mr. Dorsey.  How cool is that?

Christmas 2016

As the kids are getting older, I am realizing that I have less and less time with them because they are getting older and older.  I am working toward being more purposeful in the free time I spend with the kids and creating memories during special occasions, like Christmas.  This was a sweet year!

 The kids and I put our massive counter top to great use by having several baking and cooking days.

When I designed this kitchen a few months ago...these were the moments I envisioned.

We got Yaya in on the cookie decorating action as well.  

I just like being silly with my kids!

The kids also made their home made Christmas ornaments. 

We had a friend host a very fun Ginger Bread House decorating party.  With homemade Gingerbread, shaped into little manger scenes.  It was so fun, and smelled yummy!

We were all geared up and ready for Christmas day after all those fun festivities.

 Christmas Day was wonderful.  I couldn't have asked for anything better!

 We had a fantastic morning, just the 5 of us with a custom planned and cooked breakfast by Nicole.

 I LOVE that our kids were more excited about Nicole's breakfast than about presents.  Nicole thought and planned for a week, typed a menu, and did almost all of the work herself.

 She took orders, delivered our food, and even helped clean up.

Once breakfast was over, we had a fun time opening gifts.  Again, I love how excited the kids are to think about, plan, budget for, purchase or make the gifts they give.  They are just best and sweetest kids ever!

Fun with stockings

Hannah made me a hand sewn wallet

Nicole is SO excited about a bucket of buttons!

I was so excited to give the girls these presents.  Hannah got a pair of rollerskates, and Nicole got a pair of rollerblades.  They have both really enjoyed them, and I've enjoy watching them.  I loved skating when I was their age.

Yaya, Papa, and Uncle Justin came over for the afternoon once we were done.  We had a great time with them.  We ate an amazing steak dinner together.

Filet Mignon with Boursin cheese and home made onion strings, apple cider salad, twice baked mini potatoes, steamed green beans with bacon, and honey butter bread.  Mmmmmm

After dinner, we played some fun games like Shut your Mouth and Pie Face.  Many pictures to follow.

This might me my all time favorite picture of Hannah and papa.

This is exactly what I hoped for on Christmas Day.  Special time in the morning with the kids and then allowing them time to just rest and play.  Great food and lots of laughter with extended family.  It was perfect :)

Merry Christmas!