Lights, Camera, Action...

Love the Christmas Season and all it brings. It makes me sad to take down the decorations at the end of the season. So, I like to put them up early, so I can enjoy them longer. The month goes by way too quickly.  With a daughter having surgery next week, I am glad it's pretty much done.

Was with a heavy heart I bought a smaller tree this year. My body is getting too tired to lug the other one in, string 1000 lights on it, and unwrap 300 Santa's,  and put them on the tree.  In total, it takes about 8 long hours. This took me all of two hours.  I can see this one from my bed, and my chair in the office, and living room. 

As long as we can afford it, we are having someone put up the lights.  They do an excellent job. I couldn't imagine scaling the 20 foot peak to put them up. I finally caught up with the yard art guy. I wanted to get a Santa for a long time.

Thank you little squirrels, for messing up the lights. I put them back up with nails today!

Only looped the stairs in the middle this year. A lot less stressful, and I like them. Plus only 3 bows, instead of 5.

Moved the "Ballard" library shelf to the study, for more room in the family room. It bring a festive touch, and I love my nutcrackers. Going to the ballet this week, can't wait! Grandchildren can sit and read books on the shelf.  Sometimes I actually get them to do it.

 Used my board from "Magnolia Market," to put candles on in dinning room.  Haven't touched the chandelier.

Talented daughter in law Elizabeth, did the chalk writing for me.  She is awesome sauce!

Elizabeth also did the ribbon in the garland.  Lucky, lucky, me.

Love my "Byers Choice" dolls.  My Auntie Jane had them, or something like them.  She had Scrooge and characters from a Christmas Carol.  I loved them!  I was so excited to find my own set.  Scrooge and company are on my mantle.

Had a bunch of Nativities, I had a thought to group them. I am pleased to see how they turned out.

One of my favorite Nativitys in the entry.

Still have a little tweaking but, whew, its almost completed.

Thankful for November...

Before Thanksgiving, we got to celebrate Gavin's Birthday. He wanted to have a "football drill party"! Becky was like really?  The kids loved it, including the girls!

Benson said he didn't want to do it, I looked up to see this! Go Benz.

Then it was inside for cake, and presents.

Think everyone slept well that night.

Thanksgiving was wonderful! Thanks to Becky and Jamie for hosting. We had so much left over food.  I made too much green bean casserole, Elizabeth made yams and the desserts were incredible!  Becky's first turkey was great. The stuffing and gravy, superb. We did not go hungry.

The kids had a great time. After being outside for a while, they came in to make gingerbread houses. They enjoyed being creative, and made turkey Oreos for a treat.

Then mean old grandma made them get in their Christmas Jammies, and take pictures. They cooperated mostly...

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, we did!

OCTOBER

I actually decorated in September but will post here.  Like I always say for reference only. Had big plans...

So glad I got this little library shelf from Ballard's a couple of years ago, just love it!

The spooky Village sat on the entertainment center up stairs.

Love my big cutting board from "Magnolia Farms". Perfect for setting out the fancy pumpkins.

Love me some stars from etsy.com. They are all over my house.

My Pumpkins seriously the cutest ever.  They make me smile every single time I put them out.

Now to keep on top of things. October found us celebrating Ike's 8th Birthday.  It is a special time for people of my faith, because we are baptized at that age. Ike was so excited, that his parents couldn't wait for this day to pass. He had been waking up at all kinds of crazy hours, with much anticipation. I forgot my camera that day, I felt so bad.

Cousins were all excited for Ike.

Then it was time for Zeke's big day.  We had a closing the pool for the winter party. We also celebrated Papa's Birthday. Valley Ranch and "Nothing Bundt Cake". I got three sizes so each of the October birthday boys could blow out the candles.

 Zeke didn't have to share he was so excited.

 Kids had crazy fun in the pool again.

Then it was Jacob's turn. They talked the kids out of parties by telling them they would go to Disney World. So small family celebrations it was. Cupcakes from "Treat."

Then it was off to finish up football, baseball, and soccer season.

Gavin's team made it to the finals in the playoffs. They didn't win the game, but Gavin won, in a big way.  He made it through a hot, miserable, hard working, season. I was so proud of him and his attitude at the end.

 Patriot Proud.

Our little princess Pip enjoyed the season. She did a pretty good job for 1st year.

Bay has been fortunate to have been on another talented team.  They nabbed first place again. It was her eye on the ball skills, that kept the game from going into overtime, for the win.

Love all my little athletes! I think basketball with the Stewart's is in our future.