Mid-December UPDATE!

The format for this blog is going to seem extremely random- but I've been jotting things down that I wanted to blog about for the past couple weeks- whosits and whatsits and tidbits, mostly having to do with the holidays and December. Buckle up- here goes!

Fireplace

Our FIRST fire of the season happened this month. Syd is sort of a pyromaniac, so it works out nicely. We love our fires. Funny how in Colorado where it's SO much colder we had a fireplace with a switch, and here in balmy Georgia we get the REAL deal. REAL wood, real tools, real firescreen. (insert grunting noise here) Good times. I love the ambiance the fireplace provides~ very homey and cozy.

House Lights!

WE HAVE LIGHTS ON OUR HOUSE THIS YEAR!!!!!!!! This is a HUGE deal for us! We have NEVER EVER EVER had lights on the outside of our home (wait- that's a lie- i'll explain in a minute*) since we've been married! The roofs have been too steep and we have been too chicken to figure it all out, so no lights outside. We always seemed very Scroogey. But that wasn't the case- we just couldn't figure out the right time or method...so we just went without. Of course, right after the new year we would grin and wave at all our neighbors slaving to take their lights down. BUT, the fam is coming for Christmas this year and we were bent on having LIGHTS! A couple Sundays ago, Syd and our neighbor Ryan (who happens to be a firefighter who is used to heights) teamed up to help each other with lights. We just have your basic small, clear lights, but they are spectacular. Ryan was experienced with how to maneuver your light strings on the peaks and trim of your house without looking crazy, so that was nice! Syd and Ryan spent ALL day Sunday (until about 11pm that night!) with lights. It wasn't all a bowl of cheerios... there were strands that went out, and a few other mishaps. BUT the most interesting thing about all of it was the random other neighbor who happened to drive by and offer the guys (complete strangers) the use of a lift he had rented for putting up his own lights. This was a MACHINE that just lifts you wherever in the sky you might need to go with the flip of some switches. How did we get so lucky? So, the guys played with their big machine toy, drank coffee together all day and put up lights on both houses. HOORAY!!!!! We are now part of the festive holiday home club. Now that we know about this "lift" thing...I have a feeling Syd won't be going back! :)

Georgia Club Decorations

Two days ago I went with my friend, Amber, to the Georgia Club for their tour of homes. It's a country club community near Athens, and there were SO many beautiful homes! We toured five homes. Two, in particular, were AMAZING! I could only sneak a few photos (they weren't allowed) but either way, it was a fun holiday activity and VERY inspiring!

Parade

Two Saturdays ago, Carley made her second parade appearance at the Jefferson Holiday Parade. Very small town-ish, lots of local organizations, the high school band, and Santa bringing up the rear! I got a prime parking spot and we actually (sort of) tailgated for the event! We were joined by lots of good friends, had lots of blankets and consumed many warm beverages. Carley rode on the float for Broadway Arts Center- her dance school. Her class was on the "mouse" float- so they all had on little mouse hats and make up. She was FREEZING by the end of it all, but thinks it's so much fun to ride in the parade.

Nutcracker

On Sunday, December 6th, my friend Holly and I took our girls to see the Nutcracker for the VERY first time! We got all dolled up and went to the Gwinnett Performing Arts center for the performance. Carley and her friend, Ava, have been in ballet together for two years now, so it was very special for them to go together. They were in awe~ I tried to get a good shot of them watching the show when it first began, but they were really fuzzy! The girls were amazed at the "real ballerinas". We bought ornament souvenirs, took pictures with ballerinas and danced in the aisles! Carley had ants in her pants by the end, but both girls did amazingly well. I see many more Nutcracker performances in our future! :)

Santa Shopping

Last Tuesday, Syd and I took the night to do our Santa Shopping. Syd fizzled out around the middle- too much pressure! :) But I was in HEAVEN! We went to Toys R Us with one objective- get a few gifts for Carley and Graham that would make their eyes light up on Christmas morning! Carley had a few requests, Graham didn't have anything in particular in mind. It's fun- for ONE night- to look at these gifts~ NOT how we think they are going to end up, in a million pieces, in Graham's mouth, in a mess, etc etc~ but look at them through our children's eyes when they see them Christmas morning. *sigh* It's good to be a friend of Santa's. :) And no, I'm not telling you what we got yet. ;) (besides way too much...)

Christmas Party

Yesterday and today have been particularly fun days for Carley at her preschool. Yesterday, they all wore their jammies to school, and ate popcorn and drank hot chocolate and watched the Polar Express! Today, they had their Christmas party. They sang songs for the parents and exchanged book gifts with each other. They had special snacks and hugged and wished each other a MERRY CHRISTMAS! There are such sweet kids in their class this year, and it's such a fun age. Graham always seems to get in on the fun, too.