Family Tree

Since I was able to get a new Christmas tree this year my poor little 'old' tree was sitting lonely and untouched in the basement. So, yesterday after seeing this adorable idea online I had the urge to put up a second Christmas tree. It only cost me $10 to put this tree together because I had all the other supplies already. First I bought $5 worth of ribbon at Wal-Mart and draped it down the tree top to bottom.

Then I spent another $5 at Real Deals and got these cute star pillows for my tree topper.

I copied several random family photos in black and white, matted them on black cardstock and randomly stuck them throughout the tree.

It really looks adorable and was cheap and easy peasy!

Nestled next to the tree is this family heirloom old rocking chair. My Grandmother was rocked in this chair when she was a baby. I love things with a history.

I hope all my friends an family have a very Merry Christmas! I will enjoy the next two days making cookies, preparing my home for the upcoming festivities, and sipping hot cocoa by the tree.

Christmas Q&A

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?

How do you pass up chocolate!?! As for Egg Nog....I just can't get past the name. 2. Does Santa wrap the presents or just sit them by the tree?

He wraps them for sure. Opening them is half the fun! I don't put any of my kids presents out until Christmas Eve....bigger impact that way.

3. Colored lights on a tree or white?

I like white. But someday when I do my "CANDY" themed tree I will use colored.

4. Do you hang a mistletoe?

I don't need to, I get plenty of kisses without it.

5. When do you put up your decorations?

The day after Thanksgiving but it is soooo hard to wait.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish?

I really don't have one. Hot Chocolate and Toast I guess.

7. Favorite holiday memory.

Being pulled on a sled behind my Uncle Bob's jeep. So Fun!

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?

In third grade Mrs. Kotromanes (spelling?) told us the tooth fairy wasn't real so I assumed the same about Santa. My mom was not happy.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?

We open pajamas from both grandma's.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?

Traditional, red and green, a little bit country.

11. Snow. Love it or dread it?

Love it when I'm inside with nothing to do but watch it fall. Dread it when I'm driving.

12. Can you ice skate?

Yes, I even sneak in a twirl or two.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?

Michael Jackson History CD. I even let out a scream.

14. What's the most important thing about the holidays to you?

Starting our own traditions with my little family.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?

Sugar Cookies! I can't stop eating them. It's a good thing they take a lot of work or I'd be in trouble.

16. What tops your tree?

A star. But it's red, Rocky said it should be yellow.

17. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving?

Giving, I wish I could give more.

18. What is your favorite Christmas song?

"The Christmas Song" (chestnuts roasting) by Nat King Cole.

19. Candy Canes. Yuck or Yum?

Yum!

20. Favorite Christmas show?

"Ernest Saves Christmas" I love it!

21. Saddest Christmas song?

"Christmas Shoes" of course.

If you post a Q&A of your own let me know. I will stop by and read it.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

The stockings are hung. Why are there four you ask? There is not another baby...I bought the stockings when I was pregnant with Rocky. We were planning on having two kids at the time and then....SUPRISE!!! Sawyer came along and I wouldn't trade him for the world. The fourth stocking is either mine and Robbie's to share or the dog's, we haven't decided yet. The piano is decorated. Someday I will have a child who can play it much better than his mother...I hope.

The centerpiece is festive. Read the tile without crying, I dare you. I bought it the same day I was complaining about wiping walls.

Shopping is done. Except for my mama. We like to shop together so it's hard to sneak her a gift when she's with me.

Tree is up. My new tree I must say. I love it. It came equipped with lights, twigs, and berries. I tied the bows for it myself and bought a few new decorations to make it complete. I was really proud of it until I seen Kari's tree...hers belongs in a window display.

Now I've got a yummy candle lit, banana bread baking with chocolate chips for Robbie, and Christmas music in the background. It's a wonderful life.

There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million.

I just love this time of year. I love the lights, the smells, the music. Even among all of the hustle and bustle, the long lists of things to do, the draining of my bank account...can't forget that, I am still left with a gratedful heart this time of year. Maybe that is because of the miracle this holiday represents. The humble birth of our precious Savior. I am reminded of a book I read a couple of years ago. I found it in a box, I believe it belonged to my dear Aunt Beverly...who always made Christmas extra special, I will never forget. The book is called "Two From Galilee-The Story of Mary and Joseph." 'This is the story of two real people whose lives were touched by God: two people chosen by God to provide and earthly home for His Son.' I think I might pull this book out and read it again this season.

So to kick off the season I loaded my clan and took them uptown to see the Santa Claus parade. This happened a couple of weeks ago but posting it now is better than never, right? One thing that I have noticed as I've loaded pictures for my blog is that as the designated camera woman there are rarely any pictures of me so I'm making a mental note to get Robbie to take the reigns once in a while.

I can't help but shed a tear whenever I stand to salute a flag. Ball games, parades, or at school. I tear up every time. I am just incredibly grateful to live in this country and I am so proud to be an American.

The streets were almost bare for the parade but that allowed us to get some personal attention from good old St. Nick. Lucky us, Mrs. Claus was there too.

What a great Santa he was too. Real beard and everything. When we got home there was another Santa standing across the street waving at cars, he wasn't nearly as believable. Canyon was a bit confused, we had just seen Santa, so I told him it was an imposter.

These are a few of my favorite things....

1. Listening to my children's prayers.

2. A home cooked meal.

3. Watching my boys play pretend.

4. Miniature peanut butter cups....the perfect balance of peanut butter and
chocolate.

5. A long soak in the tub.

6. Scented candles....especially the one's that make it smell like I've been baking.

7. Hugs from Robbie.

8. Old time music....like from the 40's.

9. Being a mommy.

10. CHRISTMAS!