Beginnings of Christmas!

Christmas is in full swing around here - that is not to say that the house is all decorated, we have lights up, and that it is clean and smells like delicious biscuits.

In fact, that is absolutely NOT THE CASE. SO maybe we're not in full swing, but we're trying!

I wanted to share a family tradition that I love - Brian's maternal grandmother makes handmade cross-stitched stockings for the kids. Brian's Grammy made me mine and I love it:

I had a picture of it and decided to post it. Michael should be getting his from his Grammy soon too.

A tradition we're going to do is The Chopping Down of a Live Christmas tree tradition. I imagine we'll do this until we are tired of cleaning up the dying tree and can't saw a tree anymore. But we ran off in pretty cold weather, climbed aboard a wagon ride and snapped some fun pictures of Brian and Michael - who were thrilled to see each other after Brian's week in Paris:
I love this proud papa picture. I am so blessed to have a great husband who is a great father too:
They dropped us off in the middle of nowhere and expected us to find a tree:

After much searching, we found one that suited our fancy in shape, size, and color:

Michael was not a discerning tree picker outer. He was happy with all of them and wanted to bring home the first one he saw.

Anyhow, first up, a saw lesson for Michael:
Resulting in a strong stance with your new sharp weapon:
We started sawing our beloved tree:
And then, Brian got a nosebleed:
But father and son prevailed:
And we carted our tree off to be thrown in the stack of trees to be brought back to our car:
We followed this by buying their surprisingly delicious kettle corn and free hot chocolate! Yummm...we had a great time and am hoping this is a continued family tradition!

Last night, Michael started his Dear Santa letter:
He doesn't have his father's penmenship, but he is only 4.
Daddy helped a lot and Michael was glad to spend some time with his Dad. After this, it was back to destroying things as he made a huge mess painting.

Next up on things to do for Christmas:

• Need to make my lit garlands with red/silver ornaments. Glue gun - prepare thyself.
• Need to figure out how to hang up these garlands.
• Need to string up the rest of the lights on our Christmas tree, water it, and hang up ornaments.
• Need to buy a Christmas flag for my garden flag stand.
• Clean something. Anything.

Next week, we are hosting stuff. Lots of ladies stuff! So I am excited, but feeling the need to get things ready!

ANd then there's the getting the presents in the mail in time! And shopping for the presents that go in this box in time!

Glad our Christmas cards are done at least!