O Christmas Tree

One of the traditions I had growing up every holiday was chopping down our family Christmas tree.  There isn't a year that I can't remember heading to Stratman's Tree Farm and searching through the endless rows of trees for that perfect one.  At times snow covered the ground and the wind was sooo cold; while other times the weather was just perfect.  For the first few years that Andy and I were married we relied on our prelit boxed tree.  But for the past 3 years we have started to carry on that tree farm tradition with our own kids.  Andy also remembers his family cutting down real trees each year.  It makes it that much more special knowing this tradition stems down from both families.  The day before Thanksgiving we met my parents at Stratman's tree farm...just call us the Griswolds...everyone has see Christmas Vacation right?  That's a must see every holiday!

Someone had to come along with us.  Jackson loves running around in the open while we walk around.  This tree farm is so big and there is tons of space for Jackson to roam...he's pretty good at staying close to us...he has it too good at our house to even attempt running away.  Jackson thinks that he belongs in the front seat right next to Andy...and that is where he always sits. 

Isaiah tromping through the tree farm with Jackson close by.

Isaiah, Grandpa, Ava, and Grandma in search of that "perfect Fraser Fir" tree.  It's got to be this kind.  That's the kind I had growing up and that type has the best branches...not the prickly ones.

This year they had a shortage of trees.  Most of the remaining ones were either too short or WAY too tall!  Many people also come out and "pretag" their tree.  They claim it, pay for it, and then pick it up later.  So many of the good ones we saw still standing were already spoken for.  This year to make up for the shortage in trees this farm imported over 300 trees from a forest in North Carolina.  According to one of the workers at the Stratman tree farm, this North Carolina forest is home to millions of Christmas trees each year. 

Do you think we're still outside?  Nope...all the ones that they had shipped in were placed in a large barn and they were attached to the ceiling standing upright.  You would have thought this was part of the outdoors...it looked like it from the inside.

Still inside...you might say this was the V.I.P of Christmas tree shopping.  Every tree looked exceptional, the barn wasn't as cold as being outdoors, it smelled heavenly, and the trees were already cut down for you. 

The one directly behind Isaiah and Ava is the one we all agreed on.  It's fun chopping it down and watching it fall, but this year we were happy with the one we found.  It's absolutely beautiful!

Ava by the large Nutcracker they have inside.  When you pay they offer free candy canes, either apple cider or hot chocolate, and cookies. 

After putting the tree in the shaker to get rid of all the extra needles they bag it for you and then help stuff it into your trunk...like my parents on the right...well actually that's my Dad trying to stuff it in.  It stuck out a bit but got home safely and is now proudly displayed in my parent's family room.  Ours is being tied on the left by one of the tree farm workers.

Ava enjoying the candy cane.

Isaiah too...they also give out ornaments each year with the name of the tree farm and the year.  Last year's ornament was a wooden Christmas tree.  This year's was a wooden reindeer.  Ava and Isaiah each got one and added it to the many they already have on the trees in their rooms.

Heading home...

...and finally inside.  Isaiah is trying to help Andy get the netting off.

How pretty is that...and I love that it's actually real!  My this thing drinks a lot of water!

A tree skirt has now been added...not shown in this picture...along with ribbon swirled throughout.  I'm tired of the formal ornaments I have been using in the past.  I'm ready for something completely different.  I'm not sure what yet...maybe browns, tan, or metallics.  On the other hand I like white or cream combined with a light blue color...and I also like the funky bright colors.  Who knows...I'll have to see what I can find.

My Three Happy's:

1) The real garland that I ordered from my neighbor came yesterday.  I ordered two 10 foot pieces.  One is draped over the windows in our kitchen.  The other strand I cut into two pieces.  I used the longer of the two and placed it through the center of our dining room table.  The smaller piece I used on an end table.  The color is amazing and I love the smell of fresh evergreens!

2) My baby is turning 5 tomorrow!  The friend party is all ready!  We've invited 22 kids to join us at an inflatable play area.  The Barbie cake will be picked up tomorrow, the pizzas have been ordered, the party favor bags are stuffed...we're ready for fun...and LOTS of pictures.  I think a slide show from Animoto may be in order!

3) The house is quiet and peaceful as I speak...well type.  Everyone is sound asleep...Ava, Isaiah, Andy (who fell asleep in Isaiah's bed), and even Jackson.  Wow!  I think our bed is calling my name soon too!

Thanksgiving "Van Slyke" Style

After tearing the family room apart the other day our furniture was all over the house along with the computer that I use to download pictures.  I still haven't figured out how to do it on the laptop...someday!  So I'm a bit behind and am trying to play catch up.  The next few days will be posts of things that went on during our Thanksgiving break.

Friday was spent celebrating Thanksgiving with my side of the family at my parents house.

What was on the menu?
...turkey, wild rice, stuffing, corn, rolls, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, fruit Kool-Whip jello salad, raspberry jello, pumpkin pie, and pumpkin bars...another day filled with yummies!

Who was there?
...our family, my parents, Julie, Kevin, Isabelle, my Uncle Dave (my Mom's brother), my cousin Tricia (all the way from Texas), and my cousins Rochelle and Kayla (Tricia's kids)...so nice to see them again!

Isabelle, Isaiah, and Ava playing together before lunch.  Why does Ava look so old in this picture...my baby is turning 5 on Thursday this week...is that even possible? 

Daddy and his loves

Ava and Miss Isabelle playing some tunes together

My cousins (their Mom is Tricia) Rochelle and Kayla...so I guess that makes them my 2nd cousins.

Rochelle...aka RoRo...with Ava.  They brought up toys for the little ones and Ava got a Fur Real Puppy.  She loves it!

Isaiah showing off his new Lego boat kit.  That kid loves Legos...Isaiah and Andy went right to work building this!

Tricia and her girls

My Mom, Dad, and my Uncle Dave (he lives in Cedar Rapids)

Me and my lovely sister Julie

My wonderful hubbie and me...how cute are we?!

Julie and Kevin...that picture turned out so cute...it deserves a frame!

When anyone from our family comes to visit it's just known that a trip to Jordan Creek Mall is in order...it's just a given.  So off we went the next day.  Yes the kids went to Build a Bear...AGAIN!  We got a few Christmas gifts...but spent most of the time chasing after Mr. Isaiah and Miss Ava.

What's Christmas without a visit to Santa.  Both kids have always been shy and unsure when it comes to Santa...bring on the Easter Bunny and any other dressed up character...but Santa...he's not liked so much.  But let me tell you that it's improved over the years!  Here they are with me telling Santa what they want.  Isaiah said he wanted a dump truck...even though he has about four already...and Ava said she wanted a puppy...again we have one real one and tons of stuffed ones.  I'm glad they were at least brave enough to share one thing they wanted.

Kevin and Isabelle joined us

They did get near him a little bit for a picture.  Santa gave them a coloring book to take home after their visit.

Another Jordan Creek tradition...dinner at The Cheesecake Factory.  The table was so long...it was hard to get a clear picture.  I've probably said this before...but their crabcakes are to die for!  I should have listed that as one of the things I was thankful for.

Bootles...Isaiah was hiding behind her.

Ava wanted a picture with her Mommy...Smile!

Another Thanksgiving come and gone...but both days of celebrating were wonderful because we were able to be with our families.

My Three Happy's:

1) The amazing evergreen smells coming from our real tree, wreath, and Scentsy burner.  I LOVE that smell!

2) Tonight we made lots of sugar cookies.  The kids love cutting out different Christmas shapes.  My was our table filled with flour!  I even used a huge cutting board to roll the dough on but the flour ended up everywhere!  Go figure!

3) Let's see...17 days of school until Christmas Break...but who's counting!

Thanksgiving "Richardson Style"

One thing that Andy and I are so thankful for is the opportunity to be with both of our families during the holidays.  Today was "Thanksgiving with the Richardson's."  Tomorrow we venture a whole 15 miles to Ames to have our 2nd Thanksgiving with the Van Slyke's. 

What was on the menu today?
...turkey (roasted and smoked), sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, rutabaga with bacon (sooo good!), green bean casserole, stuffing, rolls, raspberry jello salad, veggies, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, and lemon chess pie ( I think that's how you spell it????).  Today I have discovered that I absolutely love Janet's pecan pie.  I guess throughout the years I've never really had it because I've always eaten the other pies.  I was in heaven today when I had it...absolutely delicious!

Who was there?
...our family, Dan, Janet, Jody, Tim, Uncle Darrell, Cousin Kirstin, and Great Grandpa

Here are  few pictures from today...

Isaiah reading to Harley

Ava coloring with Grandpa after dinner

Isaiah, Great Grandpa, and Ava

Isaiah doing a puzzle with Jody

Ava, Isaiah, and Grandpa going on a "ride through the jungle" to look for animals hidden outside around their house.  They look forward to this every time we come out here.

Aunt Jody went along for the ride too...she's never seen this "jungle" before.

Grandma and Ava...she gave Ava a new ornament for her Christmas tree...a beautiful princess castle.  Isaiah got a football ornament too.

Isaiah fell asleep on the coach after dinner along with Jody's boyfriend Tim.  I guess these two ate too much turkey!  They were out for about 45 minutes or so.  Lots of pictures were taken!

Andy's grandma was not able to be with us.  She's been in the hospital since Saturday.  Her blood was too thin as a result of a new medication she was taking and they discovered a gull bladder stone in her body.  Tomorrow they will be doing surgery to remove the stone.  We would appreciate prayers for her tomorrow morning.  She is such a strong woman.  We love her so much and just want her back home where she belongs.  It wasn't the same without her there today and we missed her tons!  We are praying for you Grandma and love you more than you will ever know!

I'm thankful...

    I'm thankful for my amazing husband, my children, Jackson, family, friends, our home, and having God in our lives and knowing that He is there to protect us where ever we are.  I'm thankful for Hickory Park cheeseballs, Target, our local grocery store Larry's, Scentsy burners, and Christmas trees.  I'm thankful for Christmas lights, Disney World, pictures of my family, and coffee.  I'm thankful for seafood, movie nights with popcorn, and that fact that Andy and I were chosen and trusted by God to raise Ava and Isaiah.  I'm thankful for Frank Sinatra's music, classic Christmas songs, Jordan Creek mall, and a good recipe.  I'm thankful for the life that I have been given and the people who are here to enjoy every minute with me. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

My Three Happy's:

1) I've already said this, but being able to spend Thanksgiving with both of our families.

2) Did I mention we have a new floor upstairs in our family room?  Yes...the carpet is all gone and has been replaced with a chocolate brown laminate.  It's gorgeous...pictures to come later.  My husband is amazing and has been working sooo hard!

3) Making pumpkin bars to bring to my parent's house tomorrow...it's just a little reminder of my Grandma Thompson who used to bring them every year.  Now it's my little way of remembering her on Thanksgiving.

Fa La La La La

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...well it's been looking like Christmas for over 3 weeks.  I just haven't posted the pictures yet.  These are just some of the things around our house that make it cozy, festive, and fun throughout the holiday.  I ran into a bit of a problem this year when I realized that I had 12 tubs full of Christmas decorations..and that doesn't include the gazillion trees, 6 wreaths, and numerous signs...not to mention the 2 real evergreen garland pieces and three additional wreaths I ordered from the Boy Scout/Hockey kids that live in our neighborhood.  Here is just a little sneak peek of little areas around our house.

Isaiah decorating our "family ornament tree" that's in the basement.

Ava too...they have really gotten good at putting ornaments randomly throughout the tree.  What an improvement from last year.

One of the reasons I keep buying new trees every year is because we accumulate so many fun ornaments and the kids LOVE decorating!

Isaiah discovering some ornaments he thought were cool!

Ava beginning to decorate her tree.  This tree has a bright pink theme with everything from ballet and princess ornaments to Disney and homemade ornaments.  I need to post an updated picture.  That tree is packed FULL!

Isaiah's tree is all boy...tractors, trucks, Cyclone stuff, footballs, Disney, baseballs, and homemade ornaments cover this tree.  He wanted the smaller version of this tree in his room but I told him I didn't think that would work because it wouldn't hold his collection.

In our dining room I have these two trees as you walk in.

A lit up picture...so cozy at night!

This is our gingerbread/candy tree.  It's filled with tons of gingerbread ornaments, mini cooking utensils, lollipops, peppermints, and other types of candy.  I love this "pencil" tree...it's in our dining room too.  I'd like to have this in our kitchen but at this point it's just too crowded around the table.  Maybe when we remodel our kitchen down the road...it might fit then.

A little close up look

This tree has wooden vintage looking ornaments I've collected from craft shows and specialty gift shops.  Right now this small tree is perfect to house this starter collection.  Do I see the possibility of another tall pencil tree to house these down the road...I think so!

Just a shelf in the dining room

I got these "NOEL" letters from Hobby Lobby for 75% off about two years ago.  They were an ugly gold color and I've never used them, so this year I decided to do something with them.  I used a white paint and quickly...and I mean quickly...brushed the white over them.  They ended up with that old crackled look that I love and I couldn't be more happy with how they turned out.  This is on one of the shelves next to our fireplace.  I love the snowflake board under it.  I got this at the Ankeny craft show last year.  It's just a piece of barn wood with a few vintage looking snowflakes.  Love it!

Our fireplace...the stockings were made by none other than Grandma Richardson (Andy's Grandma).  They are so special to our family and each one is so unique.  Andy's is first, then mine, Ava's, and then Isaiah's.  Jackson's is a cute one from Pet Smart that we got one year.  It has bones hanging from it and there is a spot where we put his picture.

I decorated this old hutch with some random things.  Underneath, it now has a silver "Merry Christmas" sign and some jeweled napkins.  It looks really cute.  Sitting next to it...I haven't taken a picture of it yet...I have these huge sticks that have what looks like icicles all over.  They look really pretty next to it.  They are about as tall as the hutch.

Andy's grandparents gave us these old jars that day I went "picking" through their shed.  I have two of them and I filled them with little ornaments.  I also did this in our glass cupboard in the dining room but filled a few wine glasses instead.

The entry way...

Above the kitchen sink

I got these Pottery Barn star wreaths at a garage sale one year ago for $2 each.  I have two of them.  The other one is hanging over our big mirror in the hallway.  They are actually about $50.00 each.  I can't complain about the price I paid for them.  I had them tied around the backs of our kitchen chairs with some festive ribbon, but that didn't work out so well with little kids.  Maybe when they are older I can try that idea again.

We use this old window outside during the spring/summer and then bring it back in during the winter.  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this wreath I got from the craft show years ago.  I added the "candycane" word separately.  We attach all the Christmas cards and pictures we get during the holidays randomly around the window.  This is in our kitchen.

A Blumsters find years ago too...I think this is so pretty.  Blumsters is a specialty gift shop in Huxley.

Craft show purchase...it's made of wood and so cute!

Last picture for now...the mirror in our dining room.

More pictures to come later!

My Three Happy's:

1) Andy got the millions of leaves mowed up and bagged today.  The yard is now ready for the snow.

2) GO STATE!!  Did you see that amazing Iowa State game last night.  Ava wasn't feeling well so I stayed home with the kids and Andy went to the game.  Wow!  What an upset!

3) We've made plans with my family on Wednesday (no school day) to go to Stratman's Tree Farm to chop down our Christmas trees.  This one will go in our family room upstairs!