I cry the day that I take the tree down...

Today is cleaning day. Time to move on to a clutter free (that is funny) and evergreen free house. It makes me sad. I will miss the holiday smell (wassail) in my house. I will miss the glow of the Christmas tree. Most of all I will miss the spirit of Christmas in my house.

I am sure that will be one of my New Year resolutions, to have the Christmas spirit in my heart throughout the year. But that is another blog. Today is cleaning day! (I almost feel like taking before and after pictures, so I did.)

While you are waiting(you don't have to wait anymore!) for my before and after pictures, here are my new favorite parenting blogs. Ask Miss Angie and Tangled and True. Enjoy!

If you want to stick with the theme of the day, cleaning, check out my favorite system here. Looking at these before and after pictures makes me realize that my house will never be "clutter free", but at least it was clean for a few hours today.

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE!

P.S. Happy Birthday, Steve! (my father-in-law)

Look Mom! 2 wheels!

Old bike, new skill. He will have to grow into the new bike.
He didn't need much help.
Dad got his exercise in for the month.
Dad and his buddy.

Notice the shorts and sandals. Are you jealous of our beautiful weather yet?

You could always come here for Christmas.

Red Headed Monster got this ball for Christmas and he loves it.

Miss Debi has one at pre-school. I am hoping this will get out some energy!

10 months today

I may be dirty, but I sure am cute!

She can crawl, sit, stand, say da-da, say uh-oh, and walk!
Way to go, baby!
You are growing up way too fast!

Reason for the Season

The magic of the glowing Christmas tree made me think about Christmas and all of OUR reasons for this special season.

My mother made this beautiful felt advent calendar this year.

The pictures don't do it justice, but it is wonderful.

It has a scripture that goes along with each figure.

This is the reason for the season.

Family and friends that we keep in touch with is also the reason for the season.

Dreaming in Arizona is also very seasonal.

Calling Grandma and Grandpa is also a great part of the season.

A baby's first Christmas is also a joyous part of the season.
Alarm clocks (that project the time) and a girl that is becoming a young woman is a beautiful thing to watch this season.

Boys and their toys is a commercial reason for the season, but still a reason.

Walking with bows makes this an adorable season.

Opening new pajamas is also a beautiful thing this season.
Making dreams come true ("Let it snow!"), even if they are made out of paper, is the reason for the season.
Playing games as a

is the reason for the season.
Happiness is the reason for the season!

The True Meaning of Christmas

Christmas Eve is a special time when we get together with friends that are like family and act out the Nativity. Christ is the true meaning of Christmas.

Our Angels
She had a hard time keeping on her wings. Still, she is so cute!
Joseph with a shepherd.

Our Shepherd boy.

Joseph and Mary and baby Jesus.