All Aboard!

My husband's niece, Anna, stayed overnight with us this weekend and it helped to get me a little more in the Christmas spirit. Oh, to be 14 again! She helped the girls make a gingerbread sleigh.

Sydney and Natalie loved having their cousin all to themselves!

I knew they would be sad when she had to go back home so we finally took them on the Mountaineer Express, our version of the Polar Express. They were all set to go to sleep when they pulled back their covers and found their tickets to go see the Christmas lights. I got the idea from Sandy Toes who has an awesome blog. She is such a fun mom and comes up with the greatest ideas! Thanks Sandy Toes. My girls loved every minute of it! Natalie even said it was the best day of her life;)

Here are the boarding tickets. For some reason the picture is sideways. The tickets say: All aboard the Mountaineer Express. This ticket entitles you to one free round trip to see the Christmas lights, one yummy hot chocolate, and a cup of fluffy marshmallows. Please enjoy the ride!

Waiting to board with their tickets.

We go to this neighborhood every year. Every house on one whole street participates. There are lights galore and Santa and Mrs. Clause are there waiting, handing out candy canes. So fun! This year this street is featured in a book called The Best Christmas Decorations in ChicagoLand, by Mary Edse. I tried to take a few pictures but they didn't turn out the greatest.

Look at poor Santa!

This was taken in a different neighborhood. These two house really go crazy! Can't imagine their electric bill!

And because this time of year is all about giving! I'm being generous in sharing MY Rob Pattinson! It just doesn't get any better than that:) Unless one were lucky enough to be that thumb!!

♥Merry Christmas♥

Don't be jealous!!!

Try to control yourself!! Check out that fine specimen in the background!


Behold the leg lamp!

A Christmas Story has been one of my favorite movies since the day I saw it in 1983. And yes I remember that day. We went for my friend Debbie's birthday party:)

Every year about this time we start saying Fragile. A lot. And it must be said in your best Darren McGavin voice!

Two years ago when all of my husband's family was here for Christmas, I was was sent on a scavengers hunt with clues by my sister in law Rita and her husband Tony. In my own house. For every clue I found, another would send me to a different part of the house. From all the way upstairs to all the way back down in the basement. Back and Forth. I was sweating. And it was all caught on video. I think there was something like 17 clues. The last one found was the actual prize winner notification like in the movie and a clue to look on the front porch. It was there that I found the huge wrapped box. Once opened, the box read, "Fragile." The laughter erupted. From everyone except Sydney! She.was.mortified. Especially when her dad claimed the front window as the spot to showcase the lamp. Poor kid was afraid of what the neighbors would think. Even though my husband would love to keep her out in full view year around, she has to say in the basement family room. (Now I'm calling the lamp "she??) I sometimes feel the need to put her away until the next Christmas since she doesn't really fit with my decor. But then I'm reminded of how much joy she brings-like when we had the hunky men from the fire department here. Twice. They saw her beauty too. And shared our sense of humor.

And in case you've forgotten, click here and read #4 for proof of my Christmas Story devotion, or ignorance. Whatever you want to call it:)

May you find some humor in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season:)

Christmas Traditions

It has become a tradition on my husband's side of the family that all the grandkids get together and bake cookies with their Grandma. These pictures each tell a story. This was 2003. Natalie's 1st Christmas.

2004

We try to get them to stand in the same position as they did the year before. I think we average taking about 10 pictures each before we can get them all looking at the camera. Natalie was watching for Grandpa coming down the hall.

When he finally got in the picture she was kissing Louis and Sydney had perfected the head to the shoulder pose:)
No tradition for 2005. Bill's dad had just passed away. The Christmas spirit was hard to find.

2006

2007

The baking process was moved to Bill's sister Rita's house. We usually bake over 700 cookies. Her double oven comes in handy.

2008

I love these pictures. Baking in Rita's remodeled kitchen was such luxury! When we called the kids to get ready for the picture, Bill's 16 yr. old nephew, Louis walked in with nothing but Christmas boxers and a Santa hat. You can see the girls' reaction. Abby is waving her hand in front of her nose as if she could smell his armpits.

Gina and Anna tried to escape.

And the final result. 456 poses later! And well over 700 cookies this year!