Festival of Trees

Now that Thanksgiving is over the Christmas season is officially upon us. We kicked things off yesterday with the festival of trees. It was our first time going, but some of my family had already been the last few years. There were over 240 spectacular trees that were donated by businesses, organizations and people. You buy raffle tickets and put them in for whichever tree that you like, or trees that you like. We put our tickets in for multiple trees. Then when the festival is over there is a drawing for each tree, and if your ticket gets drawn you win the tree and whatever is on it. 

All the proceeds go to historic preservation projects in the area. One of the projects is in our town! 

They had some really fun trees and all of them were different. Ruby loved the lights and all the sparkly ornaments. 

I think we have found another family tradition. Speaking of tradition we are now off to get our Christmas tree! 

25 Books

We are starting a new Christmas tradition this year; reading a different Christmas book every night. 

I found the idea on Pinterest. You wrap all the books individually and put them under the tree. (We get our tree the weekend after Thanksgiving so it works perfect for us.) So every night Ruby can pick a book, unwrap it and we can sit by the tree and read it. It's going to be a lot of fun. She loves books! Plus it's great practice for Ruby opening presents! She'll be a pro by Christmas morning. 

Blast from the past

It's so crazy how some things bring you back to a certain time in your life. It could be seeing a person that you haven't seen in a long time, a song that comes on the radio, even a random text message. It can bring back lots of memories; some memories that you had tucked away for a reason. And in that one moment they all come rushing back. 

That happened to me the other day. And just in that second it all came back to me. All the good times and all the bad. And I'm an analyzer, so I just go over things again and again in my head. 

Sometimes it's a nice reminder though. You can take a trip down memory lane and when you get back you really appreciate all you have now and how far you have come. Good things can come out of bad situations, and you learn and grow from it. 

I really could not be happier with how my life has turned out. Life is good. 

Naptime

It is amazing how much you can get done during naptime. Yesterday I did the laundry, did some sewing, paid all the bills, balanced my checkbook, did some data entry, cleaned three bathrooms, talked to friend on the phone, and took a shower. And that was all during Rubys nap. That was pretty much all I got done the entire day. The rest of the day was spent playing and reading books, and that is 100% ok by me. 

When I have to get stuff done I turn into a triple tasker! I don't mind stuffing everything I have to do into two hours if it means I can spend the rest of the day with my daughter :) 

Things I Believe

1) I believe that true love does exist. I believe that there is one person for everyone that completes you. 

2) Everyone should have a pet at one point in their lives. They can bring so much joy and love to you. 

3) There are good honest people out there, you just have to find them.

4) If you love your job then it's not really work. 

5) Laughter is the best medicine.

6) Giving is better than receiving.

7) You should never judge people by their race, gender, sexuality, nationality, or religion. Get to know someone for who they are, before you jump to conclusions.

8) Always get both sides of the story. 

9) Never go to bed angry.

10) Always kiss your children and spouse good night. 

11) Never hold onto hate. Let it go, you will be much happier. 

12) Spend time with people you love. 

13) Read to your kids daily.

14) Take lots pictures. Pictures are memories on paper (or a computer screen) that you can look at time and time again. 

15) Everything happens for a reason. This one I believe with everything that I have. It is the way I live my life. 

Christmas Projects

Christmas is right around the corner. So I have planned out everything that I am going to make. We are on a much smaller budget this year, so I will be making almost all of the gifts. 

I'm going to try to be crafty this year. I've actually already finished painting all of the step stools that I bought for the kids. They came out pretty good if I do say so myself. 

Now onto my sewing projects!