Christmas Decorations

So, I've been pretty lax about keeping up with the blog. So, you are all going to be subjected to a month's worth of activities at one shot. . .

Soon after the first of December, Syd and Lauren climbed up into the attic to drag down the tree, the lights and the decorations. Syd bundled up, drug out the ladder and began to hang the outdoor lights. Using my finely honed "guilt-tripping" skills, I convinced Ryan and Cade to hang the garland across the entryway. But for the most part, it was Syd who got it all started. . .

The next step was the tree, where we had to brave all those itchy needles (fake needles, let's be honest. . .) But it was well worth it.

And of course, we couldn't forget the Desert Bighorn Sheep. The first year it joined our family, I was not too pleased about the thing. So, as I decorated for Christmas, I also dressed up the ram. I thought Ryan would be upset (which was my whole point) but he took one look at it and fell on the couch laughing. The next year, I didn't decorate it (Ryan just hadn't given me the reaction I was looking for.) Needless to say, he was disappointed. Really. So, it is now traditional to dress up the poor thing. As I stared into his sad glass eyes, while I hung a large purple ornament from his ear, all I could feel is pity. If you'll notice the back end of the thing, you'll see the boys' favorite part of the project.



Finally, my two new additions to my decorations. The first is an advent calendar/box. Lauren loved, loved, loved opening a door each day as we counted our way down to Christmas. The other, is a little statue of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. I found it at the "Santa Clause House" in Alaska. I'm glad I spoiled myself to get it. Truthfully, it has a place on the bookshelf all year round.