Scott Turned 26

December 20th Scott turned 26. After the Christmas play, family came over to eat cake and open his birthday presents. His birthday sometimes gets overlooked due to it being so close to Christmas, so we also celebrated his birthday during Sunday school the morning of the 20th with a birthday breakfast.

A Night In Bethlehem

Last night, our church had our Christmas play. The lobby of our church was set up like the town of Bethlehem. You could visit different stores like the carpentry shop, jewelry shop, bake shop, etc. You were given baked goods, necklaces, and a drink as you visited through the town. When you registered for the "census" at the front door, you were given a bag with gold coins. While walking through the town, people were asked to pay taxes and you could give to the beggar on the corner. Scott and I (aka Joseph and Mary) walked through the town and told visitors of our long journey. After a while, all guest were told by the Roman soldiers to enter the sanctuary where the singing and play would begin. I had to hold a baby during the first part of the play and toddler Jesus during the second part. Both kids were excellent and so well behaved. It's amazing what a Gerber teething biscuit and a vanilla wafer will do!! My MIL forgot her camera and my mom's pictures did not turn out very good. The only two pictures I have are from my FIL's blackberry, so the quality is a little fuzzy. The first picture is of Mary and Joseph hanging out in Bethlehem. I think I rubbed my belly the whole time. Oops. I did get a lot of compliments that pregnancy really suits me. I also heard the church rumor from many members....whatever couple plays Mary and Joseph ends up pregnant. I was more than enthused. Scott was less than enthused. I didn't mention it again.

After the play, we left the sanctuary with Levi (aka toddler Jesus).

December Favorites

I'm not a huge perfume wearer due mostly to getting sinus headaches from weird smells, but the Bath & Body candle in Spiced Cider scent is to die for. My house smells so good and cozy. I keep this candle lit not only at Christmas time, but practically whenever we are at home.

Have you had Bear Creek soups?? I have been buying them for a while, and cold winter nights seem so much better with a bowl of soup. The mixes are prepared with either milk or water. THEY ARE SO EASY!! I have a pot of soup and grilled cheese sandwiches made for dinner in less that 15 minutes. I have had "soup nights" twice this week already. Scott thinks that nobody should ever eat soup, sandwiches, salads, or cereal for dinner, but he even ate the potato soup Sunday night. Now, here's the secret. Walmart sales the soup, but I was wondering around Big Lots the other night and found them for $3.00 per mix. I made a 1/2 gallon of broccoli and cheese soup last night for $3.00, and it was really good. I'm eating leftovers for lunch.

How cute are these owl labels?? I ordered them from Etsy. They are perfect around the holidays to put on gifts of food or dishes that are going places other than home. I think they are great gifts for newlyweds or just about anybody!!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas....

But not at the Partain house. I didn't put up a Christmas tree this year. Gasp!!??!! I know. I know. I didn't do much decoration at all actually. We hung a Santa flag on the outside of the house, put out some Christmas dishes, hung our Christmas calendar, and framed a picture of Junior with Santa. It snowed last Saturday and left a dusting on the ground. They are predicting snow again for this weekend and O-M-G possibly the week of Christmas!!




Last weekend, Scott's parents treated us to dinner and a trip to see the Alabama symphony perform Led Zeppelin music at the Alabama Theatre. Scott and I weren't sure what to expect, but it was absolutely fabulous!!

Dear Santa

I know it's short notice, but I've been a really sweet girl this year. I cook, take care of Junior & Scott, and keep the house very tidy. I was browsing online and fell in love with a gift wrapping organizer from Pottery Barn. It's the perfect gift for a crazy organized girl. I can already in vision turning the walk-in closet into gift wrapping central. I can also in vision the perfectly, beautifully wrapped gifts. How can I be so giddy?? I know $200 is a lot for a gift that is not a necessity, so I understand. Maybe next year, right??