Christmas Part II

Justin's family joined us the Friday after Christmas. We celebrated with lots of food. Justin's mom is the dessert Queen. I know that I gain weight--I skipped weigh-in this week. After a tasty brunch we opened gifts. Justin's family has a special tradition when opening gifts...each person takes a turn, opening one gift at a time. Whether the consider it a tradition or not, I'm not sure, but I do. It allows you to get a good look at all the gifts and the joy that comes with each opening. It was good to have all of Justin's family. Kama and Stew even made it this time! We got to play a lot of games during our time together, which is so fun. Mr. Sidney and I didn't even trash talk once!!

Here are a few pictures from our Christmas...

No place like home for the holidays

Justin and I were excited to spend our first Christmas at home this year! My parents, sister and cousin Rachel all spent it together. It was a leisurely day. We spent most of it in our PJs!! We opened presents at our house and then strolled down to Leigh's for Christmas brunch. We played Beyond Balderdash (which I received for Christmas) for a few hours, forgetting what time it was. So we ended up eating a late supper. Here are some pictures from the weekend.

BTW- if you know how to create a collage, please let me know...even if I don't know who you are. It would save me a lot of time! Thanks!

Oh, yes, this was Lucy's first Christmas too! She loved her stocking full of goodies. She pulled out all her toys and goodies and lined them up in the living room. It was hilarious! She hasn't stopped playing with all her toys since.

my cherry pie...isn't it cute!

Birthday Boy

During all the craziness of the Christmas House Tour Justin celebrated his 26th birthday. Unfortunately I was not able to devote the amount of attention to the festivity that I normally do and did not make a cake. Instead, he had a cake from a local caterer that my sister one at the Church Christmas party. It was perfect timing. I got Justin a hammock he wanted. It's made of parachute material and meant to be used while you are hiking/camping wherever you would like it to go, such as over a cliff. Here we are trying it out. We weren't scared...we're pretty adventurous when it comes to outdoor activities...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Our dearest and best friends found out they were having a baby! So I just wanted to give a shout out to Audra & Andrew! We are praying for a perfect baby!!!

Proud Mommy- and Daddy-to-be!

(this maybe old news to a few, but I didn't have an opportunity to publish my congrats)

I'm Back!!!

I think...

Justin bought me an early Christmas present...an internet card! It's a little slow, so I don't know if we'll keep it. But at least for the month of January we'll have internet at home! It's great, but I'm really nervous that we'll waste a lot of time on the internet. It can be just like TV...a misuse of time.

Anywhoo, last weekend the Christmas tour of homes went really well. We've heard that somewhere between 150-250 people toured our home. Everyone was really nice and very complimentary.

Leigh and I were on the local news advertising the tour. It was funny to have people come into the house and say, "HEY! You were on TV!" People at church and work have also commented on our appearance. We're famous now...Want my autograph? ;)


Here is the TV spot (click on #3) and we were also in the Montgomery Advertiser, but the article has expired and their archives doesn't work...sorry. I'll try to post some pictures from the tour later.

Deck the halls!

So the garland is up and I like it all! I wasn't sure about adding the red garland and the stars to the sunroom garland, but I really like it. I love the sparkle of the holiday season! I tried to get a good angle of the sparkle the red garland adds. The last of the decorating won't be completed until next week. I have to set the table for the tour, but since we have to eat on it, I'll have to wait. Justin and I are hoping that we can live somewhere else next week, so our house will remain neat and tidy. Which the neat and tidy part will come this weekend. Justin will be glad when I don't have weekend projects for him. He did get some shooting in last weekend, so it's not all bad.

This last picture is an experiment. Let me know what you think about it. I hung garland above our bed, but I'm not sure about it. Either it's too skimpy and weird floating in space or it's okay.

"The stockings were hung by the chimney with care..."

St. Nick's festive spirit has certainly made an appreance at our house! In preparation for the Christmas tour and hosting my family for Christmas, I've done a few more decorations than usual. Our stockings are ready to be stuffed!

Not only is the fireside decorated, it also has wonderful light! Daddy and Justin installed some track lighting above the fireplace to illuminate it and the shelves. It makes a huge difference! The lights are also on a dimmer, so I can set the mood! I am so blessed to have such a talented family! Justin=jack-of-all-trades, Daddy=electrician, Mr. Sidney=workworker.

Justin and I are thrilled to be staying home; this is the first Christmas we haven't had to travel. Mama, Daddy, Leigh and my cousin, Rachel, will all be part of the festivities on the 25th.