A little bit of randomness.

This week has been a complete and total whirlwind. There’s always such a rush around the holiday season. We’re frantically trying to get everything done as fast as we can, that we often forget to step back and enjoy the true meaning of Christmas. I’m guilty of it. If I had a picture, it would look a little something like this:

I’m shopping for the grandparents Christmas gifts. I’ve got my “mom-do” going on- you know where it’s loosely pulled back with strands falling down everywhere- bouncing a nine month old on my hip, who is getting antsy, fussy, hungry, you name it. I’m standing in line, a very very long line that doesn’t seem to move. People are grouchy and irritable, but as the Christmas music plays on the store’s voice system I smile knowing that I’ve done all of my Christmas shopping online, except for the grandparents of course, so this is the one and only time I have to put up with the crazies in town. Hallelujah, I'm done Christmas shopping!

The Peacock Tree

I bought these decorations during one of Ron’s deployments to Iraq. The planning of the peacock tree, searching for the perfect ornaments and ribbons helped me pass the time while he was gone. In a way, this tree holds sentimental value.

This year Ron and Krysta informed me that they’re bored with my peacock tree and they would like colored lights.

Well then. This brings me to…

Next year’s NEW Christmas tree.

I’ve always had this thing for mermaids and the ocean. I’ve written about it, here and here. I swear I was born with gills; possibly even a scale or two. Since Ron and Krysta want color lights, I instantly thought—SEA TREE! That’s right folks, a sea tree. There’s gonna be every color under the rainbow, all types of crazy ornaments, but most importantly, MERMAIDS! I’ve already started buying bits and pieces, but the whole shebang won’t be completed until next Christmas. If they want color, I’m gonna give em’ COLOR!

New Year's Resolution

Holy Moses, Mama needs to make a budget. Having a new baby takes a hit on your wallet- they’re constantly needing bigger clothes, older aged toys, etc. Plus we’ve had a ton of unforeseen expenses this year- family emergencies, $2,500 last minute plane tickets, $400 tag renewals for the cars, $700 Aurora Housing charged us for having dust on the basement window seal and ice on the railing of the back deck during our final inspection, and so on. Since these other areas of our life have taken up our extra funds, I’ve missed the funeral of two of my aunts that pasted away this summer from breast cancer and my cousin’s wedding back in October. *Sigh.* The upcoming 2011 year is going to be as equally challenging. Both of the kid’s birthdays and my brother-in-law’s wedding (in PA) are in February, plus we’re PCSing in 5-ish months, and that’s just the beginning of the year! Something’s gotta give and having a solid budget is going to be key to my sanity.

With that said, making a budget -and sticking to it- is going to be on my New Year’s Resolution list.

Photo from VisualPhotos.com

Gingerbread Snowflakes

Krysta and I have been busy in the baking department. Who needs scented candles, when you have the smell of fresh cookies wafting through your house? They didn’t taste as good as they looked. We may have used an extra tablespoon… or eight of flour when rolling out the dough.

Krysta ate them like it was the best thing she ever tasted. The fruits of her labor were delicious, and that’s all that counts.

Christmas Packages

I’ve been tracking my Fondanini nativity package through USP. It’s due to arrive on my door step today. *squeal*

I’ve been pacing the front door and peering out my window for any sign of that big brown truck, because you know that’s what any respectable mailman stalker would do!

As soon as I heard the doorbell ring, I ran to the door, scooped up my box, and happily skipped to the kitchen to reveal the goodies. I was like a kid in a candy store squealing and shrieking as I unwrapped the tissue from each figurine. William was sitting beside me clapping his hands, not sure of what was going on, but just as equally excited.

One day I’ll have collected the entire village and proudly set up the display each and every year. I want Krysta and Will to play with the nativity set and make up stories with baby Jesus and the Angels just as I did growing up. And this may sound crazy, but I want my grandbabies to play with the same set and create their own memories of playing with Nana’s Mary and Joseph.

Fondanini is going to be a staple when decorating the Roe household at Christmastime.

I hope you all are having a relaxing Christmas Season and are making lots of memories!