Haul Out The Holly!!

We had a great holiday in Arkansas with Sheryl's family. We ate way too much and the kids had a blast with their Meemaw and Paw Paw. The Titans won and ACU lost...I was excited about the Titans and totally BUMMED about ACU. But, it was a good weekend.

I love the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It was always a tradition in our house growing up. My favorite part as a kid was the end...Santa officially bringing in the Christmas season!

We've about finished our Christmas decorations here on Barton Vale Drive. Pictured below is my Santa tree. I've been collecting special Santa ornaments for 16 years. This is my favorite thing to decorate around the holidays because there are so many memories associated with the ornaments...like the Santa ornament from St. Thomas that we bought on our honeymoon, my "Titans Santa", all my Texas Santas, Santas given to me by my mom, (and sister-in-law, Cindy!), and my newest Santa ornament from Sheryl...Santa on a cruise ship!

The tree in our living room is always fun to decorate too. This tree has ornaments made by the kids and friends like Karen Speake and Sonya Colvert. This year Sheryl added hydrangeas and it looks great!

Most of you know that I have two real fears personally (aside from fears about something happening to my kids)...snakes (UGH!!) and heights. When we moved to this house 6 years ago we inherited this large space over our front door that was begging for some kind of Christmas decoration. I decided that it would be my yearly goal to conquer my fear for a day...and climb a ladder to the ledge. I have a love-hate relationship with the snowmen who live up there during the holiday season. They taunt me with their evil little coal eyes as I try to muster the guts to make the yearly climb. Last year the climb didn't happen. It had been a crappy enough fall to add a life-threatening climb to glory. This year...they're baaaaaaack!!!

I know his is a goofy shot, but here's a picture from the driveway just to give you an idea of where the snow scene is...above the door. (you can see the tops of the trees from the window)

I took this from the top of the stairs...a straight shot to the snow scene. (you can see the bottom of the chandelier)

Goodnight little snowmen...get comfy. It may be March until you get down!

Ahhhh...there's nothing like the warmth of Christmas. I love the twinkling lights and the homemade stockings...

Sheryl has made us all stockings over the last few years. Each is unique and designed with the person in mind. This year Kevin and Kiki have some at their house too! :)

With the news of the economy, our upstairs AND downstairs heat going out as of today, and the terrorism plaguing our world...we need to remember what we DO have. Though we are cold tonight and sleeping under more blankets, we have a house. Though our portfolio maybe in shambles, we are more important than the lilies of the field to our Father and have way more than we need. And considering the loss of Prentice Meador last week, we are holding each other a little tighter and listening a little more intently to the laughter and ramblings of our children knowing EACH DAY is a gift.

May you feel the warmth of His presence this Christmas season!