the tapper nackle choir

fa la la la la......la la la la

in my efforts to simplify;
we only decorated one tree this year.
usually i put one in the family room and another in the basement.

this Christmas, our only tree went in the family room.




kitchen:





family room:



library:



basement:


let's talk tree.

i am not happy with our tree.
i had issues with it's sloppiness,
i had issues with the lights,
issues with time, stress and a late start.
i gotta say, this tree, it just ain't workin' for me.
so, in place of the big "tA Da", and grand presentation of 'the tree',
how about, instead, i share a few lovely ornaments:




and,

our tree in the distance...

it really can not compare to this:

our beautifully decorated tree
from last year:

anyway,

i am done decorating,
the house smells good.
ma will be here this week.
we will bake
and sing,
do things in the cold,
wrap,
and we will love....

ugly tree and all!

my favorite nativity

shop shop

gift idea's for those 18-30-
married, single or just looking for trouble.

this is where things get tricky

home made gift idea's
via
here here and here

“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other”

last week-end we went to our favorite place to pick out our family christmas tree.

this year i really wanted a skinny tree with firm branches,

instead we bought the kind we get every year;
the kind to which the kids are accustomed; TRADITION!
big, full and floppy.

maybe next year.

after the tree fun
we were cOLd & rosy....
got word we could find, just down the way,
THE best hot-chocolate served by the cutest, most friendly hostess in all the town!
and, you know what?
the word was true!

what kind of real tree do you like best?

fluffy & floppy
skinny & firm
charlie brown
or
giant?

sTylE

i have a friend with a talent of seeing the potential in people, animals and older homes.
she has a knack for updating with style.


not too long ago, when i went into her home, i found myself wanting to stay, visit and never leave.
it was that comfortable!
she and her husband have updated their older home, branding it with their unique style, and ending up with a place that is both cozy and inviting.

she is currently posting before and afters of some of the changes they've made.

yesterday

woke up
threw on a pair of sweats and an old cotton black shirt
pulled on my uggs (ahhh, worth every penny)
threw my hair in a pony, brushed my teeth
donned a hat

out the door for an 8:20am awards assembly - yay, for boo!

spent a lot of time on the phone with dr's - sadie has an issue with her hand and arm -
while on hold, read a few blogs
commented on a few
checked e-mail

stocked up on a slew of pre-prepared meals from harmons;
also in the cart:
cookies
milk
and bread

sarah palin was in town
- really wanted to go-
didn't happen

filled prescriptions-sadie again -
drove my car through the wash

worked on some last minute gifts
filled up the gas tank
ran kids around. for hours

8:00 p.m.
still in the same outfit
the shower never happened
haven't worked out in weeks

i'm thirsty.

tried to figure out who my 10 most fascinating would be. (lady gaga, beck, palin - i would agree. tyler perry- sure. i enjoyed the words he spoke of his mother, but was so sad to hear today, that ironically, she passed away last night at the young age of 64.
- jenny sanford- totally dig how she has maintained her value and self worth despite her husbands stupidity. what an outstanding example for other women in similar situations.
but, the rest of B. WaWa's choices.....BORING!)

helped boo update ipod- she needed some christmas tunes- it took longer than i thought- maybe because i accidentally erased everything she had...oops.

did some cleaning around the house till 11:30 p.m.

today....


i did shower.

wordless wednesday