Happy 2008 Everyone!

We hope you all had a safe and fun New Year. Ours was quiet, as usual. Neither Tim and I are big New Year's Eve fans. We had a nice family dinner at Tim's aunt's on the 1st. Now we are settling back into our normal routines. The kids almost didn't have school as we got hit with some ice and snow, but it wasn't enough.

Well, when I logged in today I realized I needed to update my music, so I decided on songs my parents used to play when I was very young. Hope you enjoy the travel back in time as we move forward to 2008!!

Tag Your It

Well since I did the "Chickin Turkee" with Taylor for Thanksgiving, I thought it would be nice for Tim to help Caleb with his Christmas Tree. I think they did a really good job considering Caleb didn't have the desire to "decorate" his homework. After the tree sat on the counter for a few days, white and naked as a Jay-Bird, he walked past, slapped a gift bow in the middle of it and declared it "Done!" Needless to say, I'm glad Dad gave a helping hand!

Rockin' Rover

Went shopping with Aunt Pat today and look what I HAD to have at Walgreen's!





This little guy is the cutest thing ever. He plays "Jingle Bells" and rocks back and forth on his sled. Originally for $5.99, I got him today for $3.99. Cute last minute gift. Also they have a Christmas CD for $2.00 with the "oldtime" Christmas songs from Perry Como, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Boston Pops, etc. I love it!

Christmas Home Tour

I know I am late but I so wanted to join BooMama's Christmas Tour of Homes. I have been glued to my computer viewing all the beautifully decorated homes that have taken part. Here is our humble little home, dressed in all its spendor for Christmas.

The outside of the house which my husband so lovingly decorates. He wants to add more lights every year and next year he is planning a complete redo. Can you say Clark Griswold?

This little guy welcomes you at the back door. I love snowmen (don't like Santas, sorry!) so I have many in the house.

Here is my eclectic collection on my hutch in the kitchen. It contains some things that hold great memories. My mom made the wooden train on the top shelf and since she is celebrating here Christmas with Jesus, this is special to me. The middle shelf has a ceremic snowman couple on a swing that my dad painted, beside the picture of my son.

This is the area where I have pictures of Christmases past. The rag tree I made several years ago and I still like it!

This is the kids' Christmas artwork. I love to display the items they make.

No house is complete without a fiber optic snowman! Actually this was a gift to my daughter and I basically took it!

I love this little guy's face. He makes me smile!

This is our fireplace. I love the stone and I think it looks its prettiest at Christmas. We picked up the Nativity Village at Kmart several years ago for 75% off. I love it because it looks like an ancient town. It has little pots, hammers, animals, and people. I really enjoy putting it out every year.

Here is the Nativity. LOVE IT!

This is one of my MOST treasured decorations. We call him "Sleepy Santa" and he is the only Santa I have. My mother purchased this for my brother when he was born in Dec. 1965 and an angel for me from the hospital gift cart. My brother died 36 hours later. It is the only thing I have to remind me of him. Sleepy Santa was almost eaten by my dog several years ago and since then has resided in my china closet. I bring him out for Christmas and nestle him in the hay next to the main Treasure of Christmas, Baby Jesus.

This is the tree that is one the hearth by the fireplace. The kids make ornaments and decorate this one.

This is another Nativity on the piano. The Wise Men must travel from way over on the other side of the piano, cross the lamp in the middle, to get to the Little One. The shepherd made better time.

Our cozy (a polite word for SMALL) living room which is made even cozier (actually meaning cozier here!) with our Christmas tree in it. I love our tree. It has so many special ornaments on it and my husband does a fantastic job of putting lights on it. I actually hate to take it down when Christmas is over.

My last memory to share with you is the other MOST treasured Christmas decoration, my stocking that I have had since I was born. I was born on Dec. 13th and my mom purchased this for me that first Christmas. Every year she would fill it with little trinkets, always an apple and an orange, and loose change. She did it even after I married. For some reason I always looked forward to my sock. The tree would have presents under it but I just wanted my sock. It hasn't been filled since she died and it holds a very special place in my heart which reminds me of Mom and all the wonderful Christmas memories she created for me. (I need to get a Kleenex, now!)

Well, thanks for coming to our home! From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday, Jesus!!

Teacher Gifts

I was able to have some time in my nice clean room to work on some teacher gifts for the kids. I decided to make a Scrapbook-In-A-Box for each of their school teachers and for their Sunday School teachers.

This was the first time I made something like this. They were really fun to do after Tim figured all the right measurements!! It really pays to be married to a math teacher!!! :) See math actually does come in handy! Well, I hope the teachers like them.

Christmas Cards - 2007

This year I decided that I was not going to make just one style of card. I chose 4 different designs (2 of which were scraplifted but I can't remember from who, sorry!), now I just have to decide who gets which card. It may have been easier to make all of the same one!!!


I love this paper from Michael's. The stamp is from The Angel Company.


This one was scraplifted. I like the monotone color but it is so different for a Christmas card. The paper is Karen Foster and the stamps are The Angel Company.


I had this holly and ivy paper forever! This design is scraplifted also. It's simple but I like it.


I love this elf paper. I think it came in a paper pack from Joann's. They remind me of the little elves from "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" and of course, they have red hair. The stamps are from The Angel Company and I traced over the words with a gel sparkle pen. I also added sparkle to the girl's dress and hat but that really didn't show up.

The Battle's Won

Well, many of you probably have forgotten that I have been in the midst of a battle with my scrap room. I am happy to say it is finally over! It has taken me forever to get this mess organized. There are a few small things I still need to do but they will have to wait until after Christmas. So here are the before and after pics.





Before



After



Before



After



This is where some of my leftovers have stacked up - I will deal with them later!

I have gone through all the drawers, cupboards, and closet. I have dragged out so much stuff that I don't use and stockpiled "just in case" I may need it, it was ridiculous. I also removed some very large pieces of furniture so now I have more room. I love it!!