I'll be home for Christmas

And I'm not dreaming! We will be in MI for the holidays for the first time since 2005. We're really excited to see all the family and especially our friends that we missed for our southern style thanksgiving. We were originally planning on staying at home to celebrate our first Christmas as home owners, but then it clicked, the kids don't know what "day" Christmas is so we celebrated on the 20th and had the kids open presents then. They loved it and have no idea what they're in for when the 25th comes! We are enjoying a super nice hotel room courtesy of the reward points Paul has earned from his constant travels. We'll be rolling in tomorrow on HANNAH'S 2ND BIRTHDAY!!! It's also grandma's birthday so what a gift for each of them!!!
Can't wait to get there!!!

- Posted from my iPhone

Merry Christmas!

TOYS!

I got a new toy the other day!!!!! Thank you Santa!!!Singer SES-1000 Sewing/Embroidery/Serger!!!

He packed it with a toy for everyone else!!!

Christmas time is here....

ok, look up to the sky, shape your mouth like the letter 'O' and start singing like the PEANUTS! Cause it's that time of year!!! YAY!

I have to say, I love the fall, when sweater season approaches I get all giddy inside, but there is something even more cozy about setting up that tree and sitting in all it's twinkling glory while sipping on hot apple cider. (yeah, I've done it.)

It's great though. And you know what's even better? Actually enjoying putting the tree up and seeing your little children decide where to put the ornaments. Not worrying about perfection, just sitting back and watching him go. Trying to explain that if too many ornaments are on one branch, it might be too heavy. Watching his face while he figures out what you just said. And then seeing him carefully remove each ornament and find a new "perfect" home on another branch. Warm fuzzies abound! :) I'm lame, I know. But seriously. Previous years, I was so stressed out that an ornament might break, the tree wouldn't look perfect, I wouldn't get it up in time, etc.  All of that is gone, and I have to tell you, I couldn't be happier with our hodge- podge, non-symmetrical tree.

Here are some pics of our evening. "Tradition" was the day after thanksgiving, but the timing just wasn't right, so, I waited until the next day, when Ethan could help, and I'm so glad I did.

This was cute, everything that had a hole in it went on the tree...