Better Late Than Never!

I'm supposed to be cleaning and organizing all the new Christmas gifts so what better time to blog?

Here is a look at our Christmas decorations...just in time for me to put them away!

This is the tree in the girls' bathroom. It was in their room last year but we have redone their room and they had space for something bigger so we thought we'd have a little cheer in this very important room too!
This is the "kid tree" in the den. It has homemade ornaments, boy themed ornaments and character ornaments like Winnie the Pooh and Dora.
This is what I did with the Christmas cards this year to keep Little Man from tearing them up. I swagged both sides of the doorway and taped the picture cards to the door frame. I think we all liked it and it might be a new tradition.

This is our Santa key. It lets Santa in our front door because we don't have a fireplace. The girls LOVE this tradition. We hang it from our door wreath last thing before they go to bed Christmas Eve. It hangs in the Christmas tree all season soaking up Christmas Magic, according to the Princess.

This is our main tree in the dining room. It looks a litte different this year because of Little Man. I bought new shatter proof ornaments and didn't use any of my collection of blown glass ornaments. Also, over time the decorations seem to have crept up the tree, right about girl height. Hmmm?
This is our Advent Wreath, complete with crooked candles courtesy of Little Man. We light this on our table every time we eat a meal together during Advent. The girls love to be the one to blow out the candles. One candle is lit during each week of Advent so you can see this was taken right before Christmas as all four are lit.

There are a couple more pics to add but I am getting "The Look" from DH because he is working hard and I am hardly working!

Sidelined

Well, here I sit, in my bed with the door closed, cut off from my family. Somehow, I have pneumonia. The doctor is letting me stay home, instead of in the hospital, as long as I don't get around the kids, for their sake and mine. I said I needed a rest and I guess I got it! As they say, "Be careful what you wish for!" I guess we'll find out what is really important in our Christmas celebrations because I am expected to be out of commission for around three weeks. I am so thankful that I plan ahead. Maybe now I won't be made fun of for being such a planner! Christmas shopping is almost taken care of, Christmas cards are ready and will go out today. DH is going to get a turn at Christmas cookies with the kids this year but since he worked at The Cookie Company during college, I think he can handle it! I'm missing four Christmas parties this week and I am REALLY MISSING my kids! But, I am finding a greater appreciation for my life and family and I betcha' they are finding a greater appreciation for me! There is always a silver lining!

A Christmas Meme

I got this from Nancy at ZimmerZoo. I thought it was fun. Feel free to copy. It is a quick, easy post for these busy days.


1.Wrapping paper or gift bags? Paper if possible. It's more fun to unwrap that way
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial because of allergies but I really miss the smell of a real tree in the house
3. When do you put up the tree? The weekend after Thanksgiving. I think it is too much work for just a couple of weeks
4. When do you take the tree down? Between New Year's Day and Epiphany depending on our schedule
5. Do you like eggnog? NO!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Anything Barbie
7. Hardest person to buy for? My godfather, he never asks for anything and can buy himself whatever he wants
8. Easiest person(s) to buy for? My oldest daughter, she is very
vocal about her wants!
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Several, scattered around the house. The kids love to play with them.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Pretty much anything from my paternal grandparents, including bird feeders and bird themed decorations when I am terrified of birds! Whatever!
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The Christmas Story
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? October
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't think so, except for above mentioned bird stuff at a White Elephant
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? homemade cranberry sauce
16. Lights on the tree? white for my tree, color for the kids'
17. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? stay home
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? both, two trees
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? both
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year. Too many have-to's with not enough time for want-to's
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Santa blown glass ornaments
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Ham with my family, steak with his
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? For my kids to have a blast and make amazing memories

No Blogging Here

Blogging will resume after all sickness is out of our house! Much to say not much time. Wish us luck that we get to use our Nutcracker tickets. I think we are going even if we are all miserable!