It's the Stoddard in me...

...I can't help it if my family gets a little excited about Christmas. We just do! My folks and siblings have been opening presents very early this year. It started with my dad (mom didn't try to stop him), then my sisters (even Lolly's cat opened one) and now I just can't stand it any longer so I let Caleb open one this morning. I'm not ashamed to admit that the excitement in my voice is very real...



...there is a second video that won't post (argh!) which shows Caleb actually getting to his gift, which is a beautiful personalized stepping stool.
Our wonderfully talented neighbor made this for Caleb. So thoughtful and sweet!

Weekend Crash

Do you find that Monday has become your designated Clean Up Day? It has become that way for me. The anticipation of the approaching weekend quickly passes as we jump into it, attending holiday parties, hosting a party, running errands, skiing (working out), baking cookies, attending church, practicing the piano, grocery shopping, working on the house (baseboard heating units), playing ball with Buster, cooking meals, picking up toys, cleaning spills, scatters, splatters, torn up matters...eventually it is no use. I would love to have a clean house on Sunday but it never happens. By Sunday night it looks like a bomb has gone off...in every room. Don't ask me how. There's just me, Cannon and Caleb. And I know Caleb picks up after himself so it must me...ha, ha ,ha!

But amidst all the weekend busyness there is time for a nap...
As I watched Cannon sleep, I remembered a photo that I took of Caleb months ago with the same blanket (I got it for my 14th birthday). It's a very soft blanket and perfect for Sunday naps.

There was time to hang out on the couch like a redneck and watch Dukes of Hazzard.

The laundry is in, Caleb is watching Baby Einstein and the dishes are calling...I'd rather blog stalk and online shop...

Truly a Winter Wonderland!!

If it stays cold enough and still enough, we get "ice fog" on everything. You've seen flocked trees and wreaths in the store...well up north we get the real deal. The last couple days have been magical because the sun has come up with nothin' but clear blue skies to shine in, giving the trees a glowing effect. This place is beautiful...take a look!

The neighborhood...
Off the highway...Chain link fence...

Keeping an eye on that plow tractor. Makin' sure it's doing a good job.

The best part about a small house is that the real pine wreath scent can be enjoyed throughout our home.

Checking the temperature twice...!

A baby 1' Christmas tree is sufficient for us this year, since we'll be celebrating the holidays in Arizona. We play/sing Christmas carols almost every day. I play for Caleb while he eats, usually.

Jingle bells always make for great smiles--and it helps that daddy is behind the camera!

Caleb's view of the neighborhood from his sled...

Any Ideas?

What traditions do you have for Christmas time? I'm looking to start a few in my family. There are three traditions that I want to start this year--1)taking homemade sweets to friends/neighbors and 2) giving a stocking stuffer gift a few days early to my sweetheart and 3)giving Caleb a new set of pajamas on Christmas Eve. What memorable traditions do you have?

Thank you Grandma Chris!

We got a wonderful surprise in the mail from Gma Chris. Two boxes full of sewing notions and fabric. The most wonderful treasure in one box was an afghan that she crocheted. It is beautiful and we are displaying/using it on Caleb's glider in the nursery. I'm slowly figuring out how to sew and was able to hem the "Jolly" wall hanging, make a little Christmas pillow, and play with the scraps and practice. Thanks Gma! We'll see you very soon. Thanks for bringing us home this year for Christmas! We love you!

Finally, some snow!

When it snows, it really snows. We got 11 inches in two days!! Da boys went out and played for a while as the snow came down. We went sledding at Kincaid Park and will be going back tonight for Family Night. Woo-hoo! I love Alaska! I asked some friends if it will stay like this. They said that if it doesn't get too warm (30 degrees), the snow will stay pretty until Feb. In March things get real slushy during "BreakUp". Today is definitely a homemade chili day...and all the Christmas decorations are going up. We can't decide how to handle the Christmas tree predicament though--do we buy fake or go chop our own? We're only decorating the top because Caleb will have a hayday trying to tear it apart otherwise. I'm undecided and Cannon's vote is for a real one. It seems like a lot of work since we'll only decorate the top--but when was the last time a person could just go out and chop a tree down for Christmas?