Where's Waldo? Christmas Edition

The most oft repeated phrase in my house since the Precious Daughters return from college?

"Where is Baby Jesus??!!



"I SAID, WHERE IS BABY JESUS??!!"











Answer: Anywhere but in the manger. Sheesh.

Holiday Home Tour

Once again, many thanks to Jen for organizing what has become an annual event. It gets me motivated to get my decorating done. While I think my home looks nice I don’t know that I possess the same home décor gene that others seem to have. I am not, at my core, a very creative person. So with THOSE low expectations let’s take a look around shall we?

Technically, for Catholics, Christmas doesn’t begin until December 24th. We are now in the season of Advent. We celebrate each evening around our kitchen table by lighting the Advent Wreath.



I have things hidden in several nooks and crannies in the kitchen.





The living room is one of my favorite rooms. It seems to accept Christmas so gracefully.







Our traditional Frasier Fir.



For years the mantle hosted the Santa Collection



But take a closer look...



intermingling of the species!



A selection of some of my favorite children's Christmas books.





I had a small dinner last night. I took these when I was getting set up.



I should get something up abut that soon.



The family room historically hosted the Snowmen



But yes!



Look at me and the co-mingling!



This guy is new, a gift last year from a co-worker.



Hell, even the bathrooms get dolled up.



The sunroom looks pretty even at night.



Now I'm off to explore all the other Holiday Home Tours! Merry Christmas!!!!

Can I Just Say?

That among his many talents, The Saint makes one hell of a great Manhattan.



I'm just sayin'.

It's Beginning to Smell a lot Like Christmas

A few weekends ago I took a trip to one of my favorite nurseries. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable. The quality of the flowers, roses, bulbs, shrubs, trees - you name - it is second to none. And they have the most amazing home and garden decorative section with wonderful holiday and seasonal items.

Now, while they have many beautiful and unique items, I rarely purchase anything because they tend to be priced just beyond what I'm willing to pay for a wreath or garland or garden ornament or...well, you get the picture.

At any rate, while I was there I browsed through the home decor section. I spied a pretty scented candle and took a sniff. Heaven. I picked it up, and put back down, about half a dozen times. The fragrance was amazing but at $24.99 - yes, $24.99!!! it seemed an extravagant price for what was not an overly large candle.

Yet, as you might surmise for the photograph, I did indeed purchase the Thymes "Fasier Fir" scented candle. People you have no idea. It smells exactly like a freshly cut fir tree. Subtle, but distinct. A smell that says "Christmas" to me like none other.

What does your Christmas smell like?

Thanksgiving In Pictures, Part 2

Everything's More Fun with Babies!

My brother and his wife are very brave. They took a four hour plane ride to come for Thanksgiving with their two and a half year-old sons.





I got in a BUNCH of trouble for getting up from dinner to fix PB&J's,



but they didn't seem too interested in what WE were eating.



They are very energetic

and HIGHLY entertaining



The boys were very interested in the dog but a bit timid.



But once they go the hang of patting gently





Kisses were next!



Can I say borrowed babies are especially precious?

Thanksgiving in Pictures

Turkey with stuffing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes with gravy, cranberry sauce, creamed onions, brussel sprouts, FOUR kinds of pie. Marvelous.
We were twenty for dinner plus the twins. My sisters helped with prep


Sib #2 made forty eight crescent rolls fit on two pans. It is a talent I assure you.
Sib #3 helped me peel TEN FREAKING POUNDS of potatoes. We LOVE mashed potatoes!

He doesn't look like a twenty-two-pounder does he?

He got some help from an additional turkey breast and I spent a great deal of time looking for more dishes.

The Saint spent a great deal of time opening wine.




Everyone else?
Spent a great deal of time


Enjoying the wine!
All in all a very satisfactory meal!