A Whole Lotta Christmas Fun!

Miles set up this little tree in his room. He did a lot of other rearranging to prepare for Santa as well! AND he decorated his tree...

...all by himself! Very proud!

James and Grandma Mary. His baby, which he has named "Grandpa Paul baby," and Miles' guitar, which James has taken over.

Miles got these great blocks. He loves them, builds garages for his police trucks!

We got an amazing amount of snow over Christmas! The heavy wet stuff. So James and I made a snowman!

Unfortunately the snow was a little too wet and he fell over. So he became a little shorter!

Miles made some reindeer food in preschool, so he sprinkled it out back so they would know to stop here!

Milk and cookies for Santa.

A carrot for the reindeer (there was food outside so one would do).

And some truffles for Mrs. Claus!!!

After Santa arrived!

I informed the boys Santa wouldn't come until they were REALLY asleep. Miles decided he didn't want a bath, he just wanted to go to sleep!

The next morning he forgot all about Santa.

He came into our room to snuggle with his mama until I said, "Merry Christmas Miles." Then snuggling was over and he went down to see his presents. All was quiet until he got to the bottom of the stairs and peaked in the living room.

"WOW!"

And back up the stairs he ran to wake his brother!

I think James was a little disappointed Santa ate all the cookies!

Oh and I here's a picture of the quilt I made my mom!

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!!!

Slow Christmas

In past decorating was completed in a day or two. This year we're moving a little slow.

Tuesday the Christmas tree was set up.

Wednesday we took a break.

Thursday 4 ornaments made it on the tree, a tree skirt was added, and the mantle was decorated.

Friday we took a break.

Today I wrapped some presents and packed away the rest of the fall decor.

I love that it looks like the boys are laughing at the Christmas balls!

At this rate we'll complete decorating just in time to take it down!

The day after Thanksgiving we went downtown Minneapolis to the Macy's, Day in the Life of an Elf. The boys walked through in awe! James was a little scared of the reindeer trying to get out of the barn and Miles started crying when we got in line to meet Santa. He was upset because he didn't see the elves making any fire trucks! Didn't know he was being that observant! So we explained if he asked Santa then the elves would make one for him.

Miles asked for, "4 things. A cup, and a matching bowl." I could hardly hold in my laughter, I don't think Santa heard that one yet. And, "a firetruck and ambulance so I don't have to share with my brother." At least he's honest!

James asked for a teddy bear. Miles suggested something else, but James just wants a bear!

They "wrote/drew" letters for Santa, donated some money to Make a Wish, and surprisingly didn't ask for a thing from the gift shop or cookie counter. I was stunned!

I'll post a photo of the tree once we add a few more ornaments... maybe around New Years!

Guest Room

We've slowly been working on guest room, previous dumping ground of all that didn't belong... The HUGE closet is where my crafty/sewing mess is. I fell in love with Anna Maria's fabric's, so pretty. Decided to frame them! The dresser was James', it was too small for his clothes, to now it'll house crafty bits.
As of now this is my little work table. See anything missing?? No chair or stool. Needless to say I haven't actually been using this space yet. Too messy! Once I'm organized, then I'll get myself in gear.

Guest bed.

Nice and cozy...

I framed this card from my Grandma. It means so much to me, it's going next to my work table, to remind me to believe in myself, be creative, and just enjoy my life.

And this is in the guest room as well. My Grandma Riddle made it. I've had it for as long as I can remember. I love surrounding myself with sentimental and meaningful things.

So the guest room is ready for guests! Stop on by!!

New Home and a Swim Band

We have been working on settling into our new home. Here are some shots of the more finished rooms. One half of the living room...

The other half...

Play room/office (there is a desk in here).

Our lovely kitchen!

And a bunch of clutter on the counters already!!

Yep, summer's here and if James is going to go swimming he needs to wear ear plugs now that he has ear tubes. So to keep him from picking at the ear plugs we got him an swimming band!

And somehow, we got lucky and he actually likes it! AMAZING!!

More soon! VERY soon!!

Copy Cat!

I stole an idea, that was borrowed from another, and this it what I came up with for James' room. I did them during a scrapbooking weekend. It was nice to have something else to work on when I got in a rut.

This picture makes me smile everytime!
And the whale paper is so yummy! Not sure where I found it, just wish I had gotten more of it.

This is our only family photo. We are WAY overdue for another!!

Today

Well, I had BIG productive plans for today, then last night Miles said his throat was hurting. This from the boy that gets sick once/ year. So I took a peek and sure enough, red!

This morning I asked how he was feeling and he said better...

...off to daycare. As soon as I got his coat off he clung to me and started crying. Huh? Not at all like him. Then he told me he wanted a nap!!!!

An hour after he woke up!

So, is he sick?

Or enjoying a day with mom??
Hmmm...



On another note, I took a few photos of some of my favorite Christmas decorations!
This little snowman had me laughing to the point of tears when I bought him a few years ago.
The ladies at the store probably thought I was insane, but I still get a giggle and think he looks like my cold despising husband!

My Grandma's old red skates hang on the door...

And my first ornament from Miles. Well, from daycare, of his hand print. I also have one of James' hand print.

And finally, I did manage to scratch one thing off my list of things to do today!

Finish hanging these shatter-proof bulbs.

Our rental has this header that runs in the middle of our vaulted ceiling, so bulbs, ribbon, and push pins, and wa-la!

Miles' face after his nap was great. He truly loves all the decorations. He suggested we buy more and hang them all over the ceilings in every room. I can only imagine what his house will look like someday on Christmas!

Oh Christmas Tree...

After Thanksgiving we finally got to decorating for the holidays!

Miles was quite excited to help!

James on the other hand, just wanted to spend time in his crib with his plug. He's only allowed to have it if he's in his crib, so he likes to frequent his crib whenever he gets frustrated.

But eventually he came out and fell in love with the tree! And all the ornaments. He often pulls them off the tree!

And finally, the star fot the top of the tree!

Our TREE (pre-star)!

And with all the Christmas music, I had a great time decorating also!

Gold glittery snow flakes all over the walls.

And our mistle-toe ball!

Miles REALLY got a kick out of this! I almost got knocked off the chair I was standing on to hang it, when he ran over, grabbed my legs and gave me a kiss!

And more snow flakes in the dining room!

Let it snow, I LOVE snow for the holidays!

And one last SWEET photo of James on our way home from Thanksgiving in the cities. It was an exciting, busy, and long weekend, and boy was he tired!

Hope everyone else has been having a great time shopping and decorating!!