Christmas Eve and Unwrapped

These are the last two photos of the challenge.  I sure am glad this challenge is over.  It was stressful, but it was fun at the same time.

Day 24:  Christmas Eve
On the Eve of Christmas Eve Eve (can you figure that one out?), we celebrated Christmas at my parents. 



Day 25:  Unwrapped
Sookie had to get in on the action on Christmas morning.

Memoires, Bells, Cookies and Sparkle

Day 20:  Memories
Time sure flies when you are watching your kids grow up.  Here are Quinn and Ashton seven years ago (ages 5 and 7).  Seeing them so young brings back so many memories that I had somehow filed away.  I think it is important that we hold strongly to these past moments in life.

Day 21:  Bells

Day 22:  Cookies
This year, Ashton begged me to make cookies for her class.  To be honest, I was a bad momma and blew her off.  But he closer we got to her last day of school before Christmas break, the more she begged and the more I began to crumble.  But of course, I can't do anything halfway, so Ashton and I spent two nights making Vanilla Sugar Cookie Pops.  We used the Wilton recipe and cookie pop pan.  It isn't difficult, just time consuming.  I love how adorable they turned out though.

Day 23:  Sparkle

Giving and Reindeer

Day 18:  Giving
When the red kettles come out, there is no doubt that it is Christmas.

Day 19:  Reindeer

I didn't actually take this photo.  But it is from the Winter Concert for SHS.  The trombone section dressed up as reindeer and Santa and they had so much fun in their costumes.  It is fun seeing young kids enjoy making fools of themselves.

Warmth, Ornament and Wreath

Day 15:  Warmth
The first thing that came to my head was a fire or blankets, but as I thought about it more, it just wasn't appealing to me.  Then as I was sitting on the couch and admiring all of the Christmas cards we've gotten so far, I realized that the cards are a source of warmth for me.  They totally warm my cockles.  I look at each one and think of the family or friend that they represent and know that I am loved and that I love others. 

Day 16:  Ornament
This is a favorite ornament on our tree.  And of course it came from Target...doesn't everything wonderful?

Day 17:  Wreath
I've shown you this wreath before, it is above our mantel and is the only wreath in our house.  I just love how it looks on the barn window.

Vintage, Festive and Glitter

These are the photos for the photo challenge for days 12, 13 and 14.

Day 12:  Vintage
This ornament has been in our family since I was at least 3...but it could have been given to us when I was even younger.  I remember loving this ornament and looking forward to seeing it every year.  It is made on one of the old thread covered ornaments...remember those?  This holds so much sentimental value for me.  She is such a cute little poodle.

Day 13:  Festive
Some of the groups in our office like to decorate for Christmas.  I looked down the hall a few days ago and was shocked to see the entrance to this group.  They really went all out.  I love looking down the hall and seeing so much Christmas spirit.

Day 14:  Glitter
Our Christmas tree garland this year looks handmade, but I bought it at Target.  I think it adds such charm to our little baby tree.  Each ring is felt and covered with glitter.  I have to admit that it is my favorite part of our tree this year.

Day 11: Carols

I have no idea how to document Carols via a photograph.  So, I am going to venture from the pictures for a brief moment...and represent Carols via a great youtube video of my favorite Christmas Carol...Carol of the Bells the dubstep remix!  Dubstep is very hot in my house right now...so I couldn't help but use a dubstep version.

Day 10: Joy

This pic is from our Christmas card photo shoot this year.  My friend Misty took the pics and I love how she captured this unposed moment.

Day 9: Treats

This is our yummy, yummy Christmas Crack.  We enjoy making it (and of course sampling it) as much as we enjoy giving it to our friends and family.

Day 8: Tree

Our tree grew an inch this year...we are up to 4ft.  And so far, Sookie hasn't tried to climb it!!  Maybe we'll be back to a full size tree in a few years.

Day 7: Snow

This may be the closest we get snow for a while here!

Day 6: Stockings

We have sweet, simple stockings.

Day 5: Santa

My sister took my 20 month old niece, Veronica, to see Santa this past weekend.  Um....I think the picture tells you just how well it went.  I love crying babies with Santa! 

Day 4: Traditions

One of my absolute favorite traditions is counting down to Christmas with the kids.  We started it when they were little and it has evolved over the years.  This year, they get a treat bag each day with either candy or a small something in it.  It was a little harder since they are both older, but so far it has been a lot of fun.

Day 3: Gifts

I thought about this one and was going to show some of the gifts I am giving this year, but I don't want to ruin the surprise for my friends and family.  So, instead, here is a pic of some of the presents already under our tree.

Day 2: Decorations

My favorite decoration is my mantel.  The decor is crisp and clean and simple.  I love sitting on my couch and looking at it.

Christmas Photo Challenge: Day 1

My friend Crystal blogged about a 25 day photo challenge she was gonna do on Instagram (click here for the post).  So, I've decided to do it on my blog...hopefully I will be successful, but this one has me stressing out already.

Day 1:  Lights

This year, Tony decided we were going to wrap our fire hydrant in lights.  (Yes, this is a real fire hydrant in our flowerbed, but it is not connected to a water line.)