It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - Finally

I think I'm almost, kinda, sorta, maybe finished with putting up our Christmas decorations this year. But I'm not sure. I have a nativity scene that some friends brought Greg from Africa and I haven't found the perfect place for it, but I'm working on it!

Here's our family tree - my mother beaded the tree skirt when Greg and I first got married. It's so pretty and makes me think of her.

I look forward to putting up the Christmas village each year. It's the first thing I get out. I have four pieces and don't want any more. It's perfect and makes me feel all "Christmasy".

On year my mother announced, "I'm not doing Christmas any more!" I think I was almost 40 and I couldn't believe it. No Christmas? Anyway, I came away with her collection of salt and pepper shakers - and I love them too. Beth got me the reindeer in Houston this year. They're payback for me keeping the granddogs. Aren't they cute?

I really can't explain my affection for these mechanical Christmas creatures. You push a button and they play Christmas music. Another thing that makes me smile at Christmas. The new edition this year is the black dog on the right. I played it for Tanner and Bruiser while they were staying with us. Tanner sniffed it and walked away. Bruiser hid behind my leg and barked. Silly dog.

Hey wait a minute! How'd that cow get here? I guess it's really a Christmas cow.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!