Christmas Decor

We decided to buy a new Christmas tree this year instead of using our old one. I gave our old one on Free cycle so someone else could put it to use.
This one has little LED lights as well as some bigger old fashioned LED lights. We also had to add another strand of regular lights to power my carousels. Needless to say it was very bright.

We had to get a new tree topper as well because our old angel didn't fit

Here is the top of our entertainment center with my Rudolph and co..

The stockings were hung on the wall since we don't have a chimney.

Some paper cut outs

Our Christmas card collection

Just one bookcase got decorated this year. I didn't even get out my clock shop or carousel this year. There just didn't seem to be enough time between Thanksgiving and Christmas and there doesn't seem to be enough room in the house for everything.

Our new inflatable decoration. I have wanted one for along time but never could decide on one. I wanted something that reflected the true meaning of the season, so I picked out this manger scene. Our neighbors loved it too as we got many compliments.

These little guys are my favorite Christmas Decoration of all. I call them Leon :) My dad made these for me many years ago. Actually I don't recall the exact year but I know we were living in our trailer in Santaquin so it was sometime between 1996 and 2004. Sometimes it seems like only yesterday. However I treasure them immensely as they bring back so many memories of my dad.

So I have almost got caught up will all my Christmas posts then I can go back to thing that happened last fall and maybe get caught up on current events.

In Memory of Jamison Tuckett

I'll lend you for a little time a child of mine," He said.
For you to love - while he lives
And mourn for when he's dead.

It may be six or seven years
Or twenty-two or three,
But will you, till I call him back,
Take care or him for Me?

He'll bring his smiles to gladden you,
And should this stay be brief
You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn.

I've looked this world over
In search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd
Life's lanes, I have selected you.

Now will you give him all your love,
Nor count the labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to call to
Take him back again?"

I fancied that I heard then say,
"Dear Lord, Thy will be done,
For all the joy Thy child shall bring,

The risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known
Forever grateful stay.

But should the angels call for him
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that come
And try to understand."

Their Christmas Best

We bought the dogs clothes to wear for Christmas. I love to dress my Pixie Pie but she hates clothes and any time I dress her she acts as though I have killed her. I was hoping after a year she would grow out of it. Unfortunately Jared always sides with her and the clothes get taken off way to soon. He however was the one that picked out Chloe's Santa Suit and Pixie's Santa's Helper Pajama's. We had a fashion show at our house between Christmas and New Year. Even my mom's dog Sadie got involved. Here are the models now:

Stormy

Gizmo

Pixie

Pixie in her dress

Sadie in Pixie's Dress

Pixie in Pajama's

See it says Santa's Lil' Helper

Chloe Claus

I know secretly they all enjoyed their chance at the spotlight.

Present Time!

Working toward catching up on blog posts without completely overwhelming everyone with pictures so I am splitting things up.
After we have eaten a delicious dinner of ham, and salads and the puzzle is complete we gather in the Livingroom and see that Sana has come and dropped of a bag of presents. These presents are toys, cause everyone deserves a toy at Christmas including adults. Chaos unfolds as we all enjoy unwrapping and seeing what toy each person received.

After every one has had their turn it's time to play the night away until we are all tuckered out

Then we go home to bed and let the sugar plums dance in our heads.

Christmas Eve Puzzle

We have a tradition in our family that started many years ago. We always had a puzzle out on Christmas eve that we had to finish and then we could unwrap a present that night. The puzzle always came out when we stared our Christmas break from school. I am sure it was away to keep us occupied and out of mom's hair. I do remember those cold Christmas days being all warm in the living room working on said puzzle, listening to Christmas records and the sounds of my mom cooking and baking in the kitchen. The smell of chocolate for the fudge and the apples from the pies. I remember neighbors and friends coming and going bringing gifts and good wishes for a Happy Holiday. I remember trudging in the snow to deliver gift and good wishes back to the neighbors. Sadly a lot has changed but it's the memories that will always keep us coming home at Christmas.

and of course the puzzle...........

Christmas in Heaven

Every Christmas Eve we incorporate a visit to the cemetery into our holiday celebration. We start at my mom's house by making luminaries out of paper bags and using punches scissors crayons and stickers.

Then we head over the cemetery with the bags and tea lights (this year we used battery operated ones since they were hard to keep the real candles lit the last few years)

It is very peaceful there as families gather to illuminate the grave sites of their loved one. The place is all a glow and you can hear Christmas Carols on the wind.

It's our little way of keeping my dad in our celebration because though this is the 3rd Christmas without him he is not forgotten.

I see the countless Christmas trees, around the world below, With tiny lights, like heaven’s stars, reflecting on the snow.
This sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear, For I am spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs, that people hold so dear, But the sound of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here.
For I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring, For it’s beyond description to hear an angel sing.
I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart, But I am not so far away, we are really not apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones, you know I hold you dear, And be glad I’m spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.
I send you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above, I send you each a memory, of my undying love.
For after all “Love” is the gift, more precious than pure gold, It was always most important, in the stories Jesus told.
So please love and help each other, as my Father said to do, For I cannot count the blessings, or the love He has for you.
So have a Merry Christmas, and wipe away that tear, For I am spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.
I can’t tell you of the splendor, or the peace here in this place, Can you imagine Christmas, with our Savior, face to face?
I’ll ask Him to lift your spirit, as I tell Him of your love, So then pray for one another, as you lift your eyes above.
So please let your hearts be joyful, and let your spirits sing, For I am spending Christmas in heaven, and I’m walking with the King!
Author Unknown

At the sound of the tolling midnight bell
a brand new year will begin.
Let's raise our hopes in a confidant toast,
to the promise it ushers in.
May your battles be few, your pleasure many,
your wishes and dreams fulfilled.
May your confidence stand in the face of loss
and give you the strength to rebuild.

May peace of heart fill all your days
may serenity grace your soul.
May tranquil moments bless your life
and keep your spirit whole.