O Tannenbaum...

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis

We got the tree up yesterday. In the past, we've usually put it in a different corner, but that's awfully close to the woodstove and the tree dries out in about five minutes no matter how often it's watered.

This time it's in the farthest corner from the stove (I love how the furniture looks the way it's been moved, too ... I may keep it that way) and should be happier and healthier this year.

My DD mentioned that a friend of hers has a tree that's decorated with balls and ribbons only. Every year, they buy NEW balls and ribbons, but there is nothing of themselves on the tree.

A family tradition from my family that I've passed on is buying at least one new ornament a year for DD and, as a child, she also made an ornament every year. I may still have her bead an ornament this year, if we find the time.

Our tree may look a little disorganized, but every ornament holds a memory of Christmas past ... I even have one ornament I made when I was kindergarten age.

When DD grows up and moves out on her own, she'll have a box of decorations that goes with her, each one special and memory laden. I think that's a great gift to give her.



Dakota and Breeann weren't as impressed by the tree decorating, though Breeann appreciated all the empty box lids.




The cat looked so pretty in the sunshine... She doesn't look almost seventeen, does she? Interesting how dogs get gray (Dakota already has some gray on her muzzle), but cats don't seem to:



Now I just need to finish my Christmas shopping. DD is sad because there are NO gifts under the tree for her. Yet. Since she and I are attached at the hip, it's a little difficult to go shopping for her. I was counting on her going tree chopping yesterday, but that was a bust. She has one more art lesson to go, so that gives me ONE 90 minute block alone ... I need to plan carefully.

Have a great Sunday!

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You Are Brilliant

You prefer music that is quirky and catchy. You just seem to gravitate toward indie artists. You are creative and offbeat. You do things in a more colorful way than most people. You are artistic in many facets of your life. You have a natural style and understand what looks good. You are lively and enthusiastic. You hardly go a day without feeling inspired.

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If Blogthings says it, it must be right.

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