sweet idea

I love this idea from Eddie Ross. And I think my kids will too!

never enough glitter and sparkle

It used to be rather difficult to find silver and white glittered and sparkling ornaments for my tree (and a few antique gold crushed glass glitter because I love how it ages). I really had to look. Now they're everywhere and I am forced to be selective. I try (really, Clint!) to buy just a few each year.

This gorgeous snowflake is what I added this year--Caitlin brought me three of these beauties home from her trip to Gettysburg. Love them.

my holiday house

Every year I dread starting the whole decorating for Christmas project. It's huge (and just happens to unhappily coincide with my busiest time with my photography). Each year I promise myself not to do too much. Not to spend so much time. Not to buy any more stuff. (I make this last promise mostly for my very long-suffering husband.) And then every year I break these promises. I find something I just can't live without or a corner that needs a little something. Or a new idea that I must incorporate. Anyway, I had my fingers crossed when I made the promises--I can't help myself--I love having my house decorated for the holidays. I always wondered what to put on this fabulous tree until I saw this. Of course!

Glittered birds! What could go better on a Christmas tree?

On the right is my favorite tree: full of all my children's cute handmade decorations. I treasure these. On the left is a tree I put together when I decided that I needed more color and whimsy. My secret to having multiple trees: timers!

My family will always believe in Santa--no matter how old my kids get. They know better than to ever ask me if Santa is real. Of course, he is!

My ever-expanding collection of Santas. I love how different each one is.

My windows are draped with garlands--and words. Clint says our house is "closed captioned" at Christmas.

Everybody should have a mantle to decorate--and this is mine. I'll post my main tree tomorrow. My husband is waiting on me for our weekly Saturday night date...

the perfect glass

I don't remember much from the movie "Ghost Town" except that I became completely obsessed with the glasses that Ricky Gervais' character kept drinking from--so perfectly tall and thin. I've wanted them ever since. Caitlin's dinner party gave me the perfect excuse to buy a set and I'm so glad I did. Only $1.99 at Cost Plus. For the party, we made Italian sodas which have become a family favorite (thanks, Jake, for introducing them to us!) and are perfect for a party. Great mixer for those who don't drink alcohol and so easy to make: 2 parts club soda, 1 part half and half and 1 part fruit syrup (I buy mine at Smart & Final). Top with whipped cream--from the can. Delicious.

dinner at our house

Before their Winter Formal school dance last night, Caitlin, her date and 5 other couples had dinner at our house. Cait did a great job setting the tables--aren't the placecards so elegant? Our friends, Brent and Laura, catered the most delicious dinner and chaperoned (and served and cleaned up!) so Clint and I could run to our children's piano recital. Huge thanks to them--we owe you. The whole evening was lovely.

maddie's favorite school day

How Maddie and her friends celebrated crazy hair day this morning. I guess the crazy extended to more than just the hair.

the whole truth

I was talking to someone today who was complaining about blogs and the people who write them. She said things like they never really portray the truth and who would think their life was that interesting to publish it for everyone to see. I didn't try to argue with her--I wonder the same things sometimes. I was just glad that she didn't know about my little blog. And there was absolutely no way I was about to tell her. But I did want to put a little truth out there. This is a real picture of my kids--complete with crazy-just-out-of-the-shower hair and painted-on-moustaches. Bad lighting. Only a little photoshopping (I can't help myself!). Real kid-made graham cracker houses. This is my life.