3rd Annual Gingerbread House

Mason and I enjoyed making our gingerbread house again this year. I love how every year it turns out different. (We use a pre-made kit from Sam's Club-they have the best quality.) Wayne snapped these pictures while we were busy decorating. I can't wait until Madelyn is old enough to help us!

Decking the Halls 2010

I've finally gotten this blog caught up to December! And so we begin with decorating our house for Christmas...

Safe, I know.




We had an extra stocking this year! (I'm so glad we got an extra matching stocking & hook back when we got these a few years ago!) The letters were new this year.

Our Nativity
On top of the entertainment center is where the nutcrackers live...
A little scene I put together--it was my fave little thing this year!

Going Home / Madelyn's Nursery

Last day in the hospital...ready to get home!
In the car...

And finally home. (now what? LOL)

Mason had to check out his new baby sister. What a sweet picture!


We brought Madelyn home from the hospital to her new room (our converted office) which we decorated in woodland animals (strongly focused on owls!)
Here's a view around the nursery:

New rocker/recliner that I had to have after rocking Mason in an old rickety wooden glider! It's sooo nice! Got chocolate brown so it would match stuff in the future.

To the left of the window are 2 square shelves that my mom found at Goodwill. They were periwinkle and I spray painted them to match the room. (and it matches in real life-not so much in these pics!) I also sprayed the big "M". They all look kinda small in this picture, but are really not that tiny. I put 2 little painted wooden birds on the shelves that I got super cheap at TJ Maxx.

New chest of drawers (thanks to Gigi) and the tv that provides the perfect amount of light & entertainment for those middle-of-the-night feedings! The big bow on top of the shelf is from my baby shower.
The super cute lamp (from my Mom via Target) and the diaper cake my BFF made me, along with the cast iron owl I fell in love with at Hobby Lobby and have since named, "The Guardian of Gahool!" (makes me laugh every time)

The crib that was Mason's~she's in there!)
I made the 4 mixed media paintings above the crib but did not get the 4th one quite finished in time...ask me if it still looks like that after 7 weeks. No really, don't ask! ;)

And the changing table...

That's about it-the other wall has a closet on it. The walls are painted a pale, soft green. The color name escapes me right now--something about apples! It's such a cheery and comfortable room~I hope Madelyn likes it!

Under Construction: Gingerbread House

This was our second year to make a gingerbread house. And when I say "make" I mean of course opening the premade kit and assembling it.
Last year's kit made Mommy a little cranky but this year the kit made all the difference~it was perfect!
Mason had fun decorating with (and eating) the candy and we were happy with how it turned out. Another great holiday tradition!

Our Home at Christmastime

I jokingly started calling the Santa head in the bell jar the "Cryogenic Santa Head" heehee











Button trees I made a few years ago


Our little Razorback-themed tree in our office (just got it this year~needs more ornaments, etc.)