Decorating the Tree

Christmas ornaments were a big deal in the family I grew up in. Every year my Aunt, grandmother, and various other relatives gave all the children in the family an ornament. Often they were collectible, based on a special memory, or found on a vacation during the previous year. They did this to build up a set of ornaments for each child when they were grown, and also because they loved Christmas.

Because of this family tradition (and because of other circumstances that I will explain later) I have a lot of ornaments. But, I am happy to have too many. It means I have been well loved through childhood and beyond.

I am so thankful for all the people the ornaments represent, but today I am particularly thankful for my grandmother. She made Christmas magical for me and today is her 83rd Birthday. I love you Granny!

Check out my 3 elves!

I will show you some of my favorite ornaments later.

The True Meaning of Christmas

Need a reminder? I certainly do.

Dare to Dream

Last night we went to watch Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream
with a group of friends.
It was awesome and the kids (and I) really enjoyed the show.

Here are a couple shots of the night...

The original Disney Dream Team.

A scene from "The Princess and the Frog".

Even though it was mostly Princess centered
(like much of Disney now - ugh!)-
even the boys were entertained and enjoyed the show.

This little lady certainly liked it the most.

My favorite part of the show was the "Tangled" segment. I love the movie and I loved it on ice. Above you can see Rapunzel and Flynn Rider flying through the air on Rapunzel's hair. It was incredible. They are not even "tied in" they are just holding on to the ribbons (hair).

Another favorite scene was the song "I've Got a Dream!" from Tangled.

Need some cheering up? Watch the original song clip from the movie...

Fun with Friends.

Two handsome boys.

And I leave you today with this quote...

I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing —
that it was all started by a mouse.- Walt Disney

Don't get me wrong- I love a princess, especially Cinderella with her good attitude and Rapunzel with her dreams and cheerful spirit. But, I wish we could go back to basics a little and remember the mouse! Next year I want to see "Back to our Roots- The Mouse Years on Ice"!

21 Boxes

I am sorry for the lack of posts this fall and I am determined to do better this December. How could I not, with so many opportunities to document the craziness and merriment that is Christmas!

As for this week... I will be using every free second I possess to decorate our house.

We like Christmas a lot around here - so much that we have 21 boxes of Christmas "stuff"in the attic. yes, 21. Does that seem like a lot? It does to me. How many boxes do you have? I don't think my house looks overly decorated - do you??

But, you name it... if they make a Christmas version of something we are likely to have it... nativity sets, ornaments, Jesse Tree (more to come on that), stockings, tree skirt, snow globes, tablecloths, place mats, toys, dishes, books, pillows, family heirlooms, small trees, jingle bells, snowmen, Santa Clauses, and even a Christmas Tea Set. See for yourself...

And, the sad thing is I got rid of a trunk full of Christmas stuff last year before we moved!

Hopefully you can see the decorations up and in use soon!

May the Force be With You

The kids had a blast on Halloween. They chose to be characters from StarWars this year... you can check it out yourself. But, for all you sci- fi fans out there - Isaac is Luke Skywalker - not Obi Wan. He just really wanted to wear the Jedi robe.

Our best Jack - O - Lanterns to date. A big thanks to my mom, for all her help.

Happy Halloween! Hope you enjoyed the costumes and candy as much as we did.

The Little Princess

Recently, Olivia has been invited to several "girly" birthday parties. This has opened Olivia's mind in a whole new world... you see she did not realize you could choose themes like "princess" or "pedicure" and have a party separate from your twin brother! So, thanks a lot friends, for opening her mind!
About 3 weeks ago Liv attended a Princess Party for her friend, Campbell. She has not stopped talking about the party since!

Liv wanted to go as Snow White- but refused to take the dwarfs!

Here are all the princesses.

A big surprise for the birthday girl and the attendees... Belle (from Beauty and the Beast) stopped by to celebrate. She told the girls her story, she taught them how to play instruments, she danced with the girls, and then she sang (beautifully) some songs.
Needless to say the girls were in awe... Belle was genuine, talented, and great with the little princesses. One funny thing about the party... the girls were obsessed with how Belle got to Campbell's house. Don't worry, she doesn't need magic, she informed us that the prince taught her how to drive a car!

Here is Livy twirling the golden lights from the story of Beauty and the Beast (when the beast turns back into a prince).

Here is Livy with Belle.

Want to check out this awesome idea for a birthday party?? Click Here- Princess Performances. Although I do know the Princess, she has no idea I am doing this, but she is incredibly talented and if you are looking for a princess you have found her. Seriously, I was convinced she was Belle.

After the party I asked Livy if she wanted to go with me to run errands or go home and see the boys. She said" I can't go to the store dressed up like Snow White". So, I told her " Of course you can everyone will think you look beautiful and will tell you how cute you are". And, Livy responded, "If people are going to tell me I am beautiful I will definitely go".
Ha! Don't we all like compliments?