the magic of santa

So we took Veda to meet the magical man of Christmas. {Well, I guess one of them since really Christmas should be more importantly celebrated for the birth of baby Jesus.}

We decided to go on a Monday afternoon to beat all the hussle and bussle of Christmas shoppers, and I really didn't want to have to wait in line. I am impatient, so to compound that with screaming children and obsessive moms, I would have been "blink blowing up" people. Yes, I do that! When we are in crowded areas with people walking the wrong way, or the people that just STOP in the center of the walkway my blood gets to boiling. So, I blink hard and pretent to blow them up. Mean and cruel I know, but that is my way of venting instead of going postal on them.

We were the only ones in line, and we didn't feel rushed. (I didn't have to blink at anyone!) And, our Santa was amazing. I really think he is the real one with his full, thick white beard and rosey cheeks. He was dancing in his throne as we made our way to him. Veda took him in with her little bottom lip tucked under her top one. (People usually think she is on the verge of crying, but she really is just giving you a look over.) And, then she gave him a huge smile. We nestled her into his arm, and I stepped back cautiously waiting for my little lady to start crying. She of course did great and gave us a big smile for the camera. What a magical first experience with Santa!

Only 17 days until Christmas!
Hope the holiday planning, shopping, and decorating are going wonderful for everyone, and none of you are "blinking" to hard :)

sweet chaos

I would love to say the holiday decorating was whismical and stress-free. I would love to paint the perfect picture for everyone of decorating the tree with a clean, clutter free home while we sipped hot chocolate and didn't raise our voice at anyone...especially the dogs! However, it was stressful at times, and I didn't know how I was going to fit in all the decorating. I usually have our home decked out in one day, but this year was quite different. First, I was working a crazy schedule at work, and we were BUSY! The crazy, stupid busy that has become my day to day at work. So, I was also extremely exhausted! But I really, really wanted to decorate. Second, and really the most important, we had a 6 month old in our home who is used to her routine. I'm used to having four hands help with everything, but now it was only two. Bradley or I would do some decorating while the other entertained or fed miss Veda. It was different, chaotic, and special all rolled into one. Veda absolutely adored the lights and the tree. She beamed as I was stringing lights onto the tree like she was so proud of it.

{I have to save, and pause to go get my little lady who is awakening from her slumber.}

So, the holidays began quite crazy, but also so beautiful. We have started traditions with Veda that will be lifelong memories for her, and some that she will hopefully carry on with her family. Since Bradley and I have been together we have always saved a bottom sliver of our Christmas tree. We date it, and have also put the location. This tradition was one we carried on from Bradley's family, and it is so memorable each year when we get them out. We are anxiously awaiting Veda's Ryle stocking that was made by my aunt Cindy. Everyone on my side of the family has one. They are like family heirlooms to me; so special and unique! We also decorated a tree in her room as the "family tree." It is draped in black and white photos of our loved ones. It is our way to bring them to her since they are so many miles away. I love beginning new traditions and keeping old ones. They are so symbolic of the past, present and future of dear family love.

{veda reading by the "family tree."}

I loved getting our tree this year because it was a cool, crisp Indiana-like-day. We had to bundle up to go under the tent to get our tree. We got a fraiser fir this year, and it is gorgeous. It smells fabulous!

                           

{tree hunting under the tent}

{our tree}

{waiting for our tree to be cut and bagged}

So yes it was stressful, exhausting, and cluttery. It was also whismical and perfect in its own way.

Magical Christmas wishes to your family!