I am just sitting here at my in-laws enjoying the smell of fresh baked "Monster Cookies" that my husband is making - a great recipe from Paula Deen. Finished making some peanut butter bars and a broccoli salad a little while ago. I have been having such a problem lately going to sleep with all of the things that I wanted to get done for Christmas. I know most all of us are cutting back this year on what we spend, so I decided to make a lot of my gifts. I made Christmas ornaments, aprons for the girls, dresses and candy. I didn't plan on still working on all of it this close to Christmas...because I am usually not a procrastinator. And really I am still not...I was just working on those dresses from the craft fair. I made 20 pillowcase dresses for the sale, sold 12 of those and had to make 22 more. Needless to say, I didn't have time to do very much. I was also working on a quilt for my aunt cut from squares from old ties. She was paying me to make it for her mother-in-law. I had never made a quilt before so I had no idea just how time consuming it was. It took me probably 2-3 months to make it...and I am not totally finished. I have done the top in time to give it to her for Christmas and then I'll get it back to put the batting and back on. I am actually really excited about it because my grandmother is going to show me how to "hand tie" a quilt and we are going to do it together. She is 88 years old and lives in Iowa, and I only see her 1-2 times a year. I am excited to learn from her and work on this project together.
Thinking of spending time with my grandmother has made me think about just how much family means to me. I am so blessed to have the most wonderful mother-in-law and sister-in-law in the world. There are so many friends of mine who just dread going to their in-laws' house. I get excited! I feel pampered every time I go up there. And it is only a little over an hour away. My in-laws keep one of the girls every month or so for the weekend to stay close with them and of course they spoil them rotten. Most holidays, my parents join us and everyone all gets along so well. Strange huh? Family is so important! I have a wonderful mother also. She is my best friend. Most often if you see us around town, we are together.
I am also thankful for my wonderful husband and my children. They are finally getting to an age where they are playing together and enjoying each other's company. Now, don't get me wrong, they fight. Oh, DO THEY FIGHT! But as they get older, I know that will change. And my husband is such a blessing. He helps me out so much, gives me time with my friends for a break from the girls, and he loves me. He really loves me! And I know it. He makes sure that I know it. How blessed I am to have the family that I have, the family I married into, and the family that we are making.
Thank you Lord for all of the many blessings that you bestow upon my life. Thank you for sending your son as a little baby to live among us and to die for us. Because of you, we have hope, grace and love. Amen
Several of my "blog buddies" have given a Christmas home tour to show off their beautiful decorating and the neat traditions that they have in their homes. I thought I would do the same for those of you who cannot visit us during Christmas.
Brian and I love to decorate for Christmas. It is so neat to open the boxes of ornaments and as you are hanging them on the tree, to remember when you purchased or received it as a gift, your child made it, maybe you made it as a child, or whatever the reason may be.
In years past, I have put up 4-5 medium/big trees. Yes, I am crazy!! But since we now have two toddlers in our home, that has significantly decreased...primarily because I don't want broken ornaments!! One tree I don't have up is a 6 1/2 ft with about 100 clown ornaments. I have collected clowns since I was very young. Maybe in 5 years or so, that one will come back out of the attic.
Here is our main tree that has a variety of ornaments from one the girls have made at school, to a waterford ornament collection I have to ones that I had when I was little. That is something special that my mother gave me when I got married...all of my ornaments that she had saved.
I started putting all of our Christmas cards across the piano, but I have run out of room. I need one of those neat card holders.
I love these stockings that I got last year from Pottery Barn. Notice that the two on each end are the same...one for Macy and one for Molly. I was trying to think ahead and avoid the "I like that one... I wish that one was mine!" You can't really see them, but on the two trees and through the garland are my "12 Days of Christmas" ornaments that my mom gave me last year. They are hand made and hand painted. I love them!
Brian did this last year across the top of our armoire and it looked so good that we did it again this year.
This is my main nativity that I got the year Brian and I were married. I just love how different and unique it is. I am starting to get a few pieces of the "Willow Tree" nativity this year. I have wanted it for years.
Here is the girl's nativity. No home with young children is complete without the "Little People Nativity." Macy has actually played with this throughout the year since we got it last Christmas. I am still wondering why a dog is part of the set though?!?!
Entry way.
This little tree is in my kitchen next to the sink. I also have the picture of Macy and Santa sitting there. I was so excited that she went to see him this year.
We have a little tree on the dresser in our bedroom. I told you that I loved Christmas... I have a tree in almost every room.
This tree is in Molly's room. I didn't put any ornaments on it, only ribbon. Wasn't sure about a not quite 2 year old in a room by herself with a tree. But I also wanted a good sized tree to show through the window.
This small tree is in Macy's room. I know it looks a little strange, but it is very special because her daddy helped her make everything on that tree. The angel on the top is made from a paper plate and the ornaments are snowflakes cut out of construction paper. One other thing that is so special to me is the tree skirt. My grandmother made that just before she passed away 13 years ago.
Yesterday, Macy decided that she wanted to go see Santa Clause. My in-laws had already tried this a couple of weeks ago and when she saw Santa, she totally freaked out. So, we really weren't expecting it to happen. We waited in line for about 20 minutes...meanwhile Brian is walking Macy around pointing at Santa, talking about him...trying to get her excited. So, we get up to Santa and Macy was a little scared, but sat next to him on the chair and let him put his arm around her. Molly, who I wasn't really worried about, completely freaked out. So, we only got Macy with Santa. Then, since they were dressed so cute, I thought I would try to make their "yearly Christmas card picture." If you are a parent, you know that this is not a fun experience...for anyone involved. ESPECIALLY with TWO children. See what I mean...
Take #5 - Macy laughing, Molly ok
Take #7 - Molly not smiling, Macy picking her nose (lovely)
Take #12 - Macy cute, Molly yawning
Take #14 - Molly not looking, Macy silly smile
Take #16 - Macy giggling, Molly looking at her
Take #20 - Good Enough
I NEVER LOOK FORWARD TO THIS!!! THANK GOODNESS IT IS ANOTHER YEAR BEFORE I HAVE TO DO AGAIN!
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