This Christmas season has been a little different for us than years past.  Instead of carefully evaluating what we do, I’ve pretty much jumped into anything we have the opportunity to do unless there’s a REALLY BIG reason not to. 

This has resulted in a lot of fun….and of course a messy house and ever-growing to do list.  (And Miss A’s nightly prayers including “please help us clean the living room”!)

Here’s a couple more fun things we’ve been doing instead of keeping a tidy house.

We attended the annual Christmas parade downtown.  The girls had never been, and though crowded, it was fun.  But after two and a half hours of entries, I think I had enough to last us a few years.

Had to have a picture of the Scotties for Auntie Leash.

We also attended a Christmas “pagaent” I guess you would call it, although that makes it sound a lot simpler than it really was.

It was at a huge church that we used to go to when I was young and we lived in a different area.

Miss A’s favorite part was the angels flying overhead.

And of course everybody loved the wisemen making their entrance on live camels.

We had fun, but it was a really late night, and by the end of it I was pretty convinced that some of these fun things can wait awhile.  At least until my kids can make it more than ten minutes past bedtime without completely falling apart!

I’ve been way too busy to think lately, let alone write.  And in all of the rushing around, my house has sadly reverted to disaster mode.  So I think for a few days you’re just going to get lots of pictures.  For those of you who are interested, enjoy; for those who aren’t, sorry.

Today I’m sharing all of our Christmas decorating fun.

Miss I loves our “baby Jesus” doll.  She carries “her” everywhere.  (I don’t think my girls really know the meaning of “him” yet!)

Miss E managed to hang more ornaments per square inch than I ever thought was possible.

In keeping with the tradition begun by my parents when I was little, the girls each get a new ornament every year.  Miss A LOVED her Olivia ornament.

Our happy little elves.

Our glamorous tree.  (I try not to think about how toxic it is when I’m looking at it….)

My favorite ornament.  Handpainted by a friend of my mom’s on a dried gourd.  I’ve had it since me and hombre’s first Christmas together.

So tell me about your tree?  Real, fake, up since Thanksgiving or still in storage.  How about you guys write for me this week…….

Sorry this is a little late; I’ve been running like crazy all week.  Thankfully next week is looking a little slower.   Maybe I’ll actually have time to do some of these fun things!

This names of Jesus garland would be a really sweet decoration to have around.

Also love this pom pom garland.

These pinecone angels would be adorable anywhere in your house.

And for those of you who are not interested in craftiness (aka…adding to your “to do” list), here’s some inspiration:

As this is the time of year we all start thinking hard about our “wish list” this post about contentment is very timely.

Here are some great thoughts about getting your “perfect” Christmas.

This one’s not particulary Christmas-related, but I thought the idea of Edgar suits was worth some attention.

Finally, thoughts on joy

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Okay, this is the post where I get painfully honest.

If you’re wondering what I’ve been up to, keep reading.

You know how every once in awhile, your life just gets really crazy, and things around you start to fall apart?  Well, when that happens to me, the following conversation ensues:

Me (on the phone): “My house is a DISASTER!!!”

My Sister-in-law or Dearest friend (they are the same when it comes to this): “WHATEVER!”

OR

“I’m sure it’s not nearly as bad as mine….you’re just crazy!”

So, not only am I surrounded by a hopeless mess, but I get zero sympathy. 

Among our group of friends, I have been established as and revered for one thing: I am the clean one.

I am SO organized, and SO on top of things, and my house is ALWAYS perfect.

That’s the myth anyway.

The truth is that my house used to be perfect most of the time.  But adding three children and homeschooling to my everyday life has put a huge kink in that.

So, even though I know I’ll regret this, I am going to show you what I mean when I say my house is a DISASTER.  Then you can comment and tell me if you really think I’m all that crazy, or you can apologize for never being understanding (you two know who I mean).

This is not pretty, so brace yourself.

Exhibit A: my bedroom

Exhibit B: my living room

Exhibit C: the dining room

Exhibit D: the kitchen

And Exhibit E: the schoolroom

(Thanks to Miss A’s inherited OCD tendencies, the girls room was actually clean in the midst of all this.)

So there you have it.  My house really does get messy.

Of course I can’t leave you with those images; that would just be too horrific.

So here’s what I’ve been doing the last two days:

Notice the look of sheer joy on Miss A’s face.

Ahhh….now I can relax again in my nice clean house.

Trivia for the week: How do you know when your house has been a mess too long?

When your kids walk into a clean room and exclaim “Wow! I don’t believe it! It’s beautiful!”

 
I better get some comments out of this!