I'm back!!

Wow, that was forever. And sadly, my computer still isn't fixed. I just finally figured out how to post from the older one (it didn't support Blogger).

While I was away, I was busy at work coming up with fun projects to do for the holiday season, my favorite time of the year. But my first order of business was getting my tree up. I waited until this past weekend to do it because I needed this first. I wasn't interested in paying $70 (or even the $45 it's marked down to) so I kept my eyes open for something a little cheaper. And the wait was worth it. I attended our local Just Between Friends consignment sale (if you've never been, I would definitely look into it!) and found a set for just $20!! I was so excited to get it at such a great price, and also happy they had two sets since my sister was with me, also interested in buying one. However, once I got home and put the tree up I decided to let the baby loose without it. Much to my surprise, she never touched it. There aren't any ornaments on it, but the light are on and she still couldn't care less. In case you're wondering though, the gate is being put to good use as a "wall" between our living/dining room and the kitchen. I would have needed two gates to keep her out of there, so stretching this one across the opening did the trick.

Next order of business was to put up the stockings. Sadly, I never got one for A last year so I only had three to hang. I have every intention to get her one this year so she can officially be a part of our Christmas traditions (she was too young last year for any really gifts so no stocking was needed). Now that those are hung, I wanted to put up the Christmas cards. I'm a crazy person who loves to hold on to cards that I've been given throughout the years (so if you send one my way, you'll be sure to see it for years to come) so needless to say I have quite a few to deal with. Most years I just tack them up on the wall and it seems to work, but this year I decided to get crafty. Without getting into too much detail (I plan to return tomorrow with a full how-to) I made a Ho Ho Ho "sign" to attach the cards to. I'm very pleased with it, but I think I may need to increase the length on my ribbons. I'm already out of room and I haven't even received any cards for this year.

Next on my list is to go through my ornament box and get out all of my special ones that I've received over the years (since birth!) and put them all on the tree, along with J and A's yearly ornaments, too. That's a tradition we've kept up with in our family, one way or another, ever since my oldest sister was born (how many years ago is that now, haha).

So for now I'll leave it at that. Not too exciting around here, but definitely getting festive!! And don't forget, I'll be back tomorrow with the Ho Ho Ho how-to (hehe, sounds kinda funny). Also, I'll reveal a neat trick I came upon when I began to decorate A's nursery last year. Let's just say you'll never spend $$ on wooden letters again, that is, unless you want to.