Christmasy Goodness

Okay, I had plans for a posher looking mantle. But it hasn't happened. And really that's fine. Figuring out how to decorate a whole new house for the holidays is a lot of work I'm discovering. Once you've been in a house for a few years you have special places for things. But this year I'm creating the special places -and some of them aren't totally awesome yet. But anywho, here's where it's at. I plan on making some canvases modge podged with scrapbook paper to hang by the wreath. I even bought the canvases a couple of weeks ago when Michael's had a sale. Now just to make them! Once I get hangers for the stockings they will adorn the space as well obviously. I love my little nativities, they make me happy and joyful at this time of year.

Taking these photos reminded me how much I enjoy photographing details. I can't wait to have enough money saved up for a true macro lens. That would be soooo fun!

And of course, the Christmas season means that the beloved Santa train makes an appearance. (Along with a cow and random other Fisher Price little people from the Airport, Noah's Ark and Happy Birthday sets -really everyone should be able to share in the joy of the holidays!) Lavonne's family gave this to us when Jack was about 2 and Eric six months. After Christmas I pack it away in a box with the Christmas things so that it remains a special toy. Jack (at almost 7) was ecstatic when I brought it out on Monday. I love that, the little details that = Christmas for them. It also strikes me in these photos just how big and grown up Julie looks. sniff sniff. How she's crossing her one leg over the other and balancing on her hand, such a big kid pose. And just that she is entertaining herself. She was chattering away while playing -telling Santa and the elves what to do, making train whistle sounds.