Gleason Christmas 2014 at Sarah's home

     My niece Sarah hosted the Gleason Christmas this year, in the old farm house home of herself, husband Paul, and his son Ryan.  Brandon is now living down state with his dad, but always comes to his mom's home for Christmas.  This year, her oldest son Alex moved back down to North Carolina, and now he is currently planning to move in with his girlfriend Amie.  Sarah was blessed with them driving here for several days over Christmas, returning to North Carolina after celebrating Christmas with the Gleasons.

This is the NON spicy meat...

This is the majority of her Christmas village, with a few pieces in the living room, and the rest in the school library.

    Wesley has been exchanging gifts with Brandon for the past few years, as they are the only non-adult children/grandchildren who regularly attend this gathering.  We followed Sarah's exchange gift guidelines of gifts being purchased from second-hand stores, yard sales, etc.

(Nearly) vintage STAR WARS puzzles from
Aunt Deb; these were Justin & Jordan's when they were little!

My FATHER'S hatchet...

     For the 2nd time this Christmas season, I broke down in tears in response to seeing Wesley's gift.  He had asked for a hatchet, after reading the book of that name at school.  A young boy became lost, with only a hatchet to help him to survive.  When Wesley opened his gift from Brandon, I realized that it may have been one of my father's, and when they said yes, I was already in tears.  It is very rusty, and needed to have the handle reinforced, but that doesn't matter....it belonged to my late father.  The fact that it is rusty only reinforces that fact, as he had several tools which were rusty, damaged, repaired and repaired again.   The attitude of those who grew up during or after the great depression:  that idea of repairing rather than replacing an item..... using, re-using, and using them up. 

DT fail, but I'll probably keep trying

    I recently submitted my 2nd Design Team (DT) application projects, but did not receive the message or phone call that I had hoped for.  I may have taken this as a sign that this is not meant to be part of my path, but I have heard others discussing design teams on podcasts or their blogs, having had to apply several times before being accepted by any company.  This also holds true for having their work printed in our dearly missed scrapbook magazines.

After we hosted Gleason Christmas in our new home, 2005, 23 month old Wesley decided to have another taste of alcohol-free wine, St. Julian's, which we love!  I caught him in the act, even getting one photo before he realized that he had been caught in the act.

I do NOT claim to be a card maker, but again, I included a card project.

      The link to the entire "Oh Christmas Tree" mini album that I created recently:

http://www.pineconesandroses.blogspot.com/2014/12/oh-christmas-tree-mini-album-displays.html

    We were required to submit 3 projects, preferably showing variety.  I had completed all three of these projects 2 weeks before the due date, but was still contemplating the submission of a Christmas display that I wanted to create to sit on top of my zero-clearance pellet stove which we installed in my studio this past spring.  I wanted something mounted onto a sheet of plywood or white board, so that I can lift the entire display in one easy step, since I have to load the pellets by lifting the lid on TOP of the fireplace.  I never decided on a design, so I broke down and submitted the above projects on the final day of submission.  I'm sure that my error of trying to send high-quality (large) files was not in my favor either.  After sending in a message stating that I would be sending in my submissions in two messages, Chasity was kind enough to agree that I needed to downsize my files.  Thanks AGAIN to my favorite little birdy!
    I will continue to 'play', creating scrapbook pages or other projects at my own pace and free will, but will keep in mind the possibility of reapplying, continuing to both admire and sometimes drool in envy of the talents in others, ever hoping that I would some day create something nearly as beautiful or painstakingly detailed.
     This, the first day of our new year, 2015, marks a few altered plans or anticipations, but I will try to 'go with the flow', hoping to grow and evolve my interests, and possibly my skills, in many ways. 
     I will, once again, choose "Better" as my 'word of the year', & pray that I can continue to learn something new or do a good deed each and every day.

Christmas with a lot of 5th graders!

     I was able to attend another one of Wesley's school Christmas parties.   When I arrived all the 5th graders were still in various rooms watching several movies:  Beethoven's Christmas, Ice Age, Annie, & another which he cannot remember.  Each of the four class rooms hosted a different movie, with the students being allowed to go to another class room if necessary, to watch the movie of their choice.  Mr. Lundberg was playing Beethoven's Christmas, and there was enough time for him to play some of the movie's extra scenes, including bloopers.
     This year, they were allowed to bring an exchange gift, which had not been allowed in younger classes.  With a limit of $5, I thought it would be difficult to find a gift that Wesley wouldn't mind receiving himself, but leave it to he and Michael.... they found an air driven vehicle that scoots across the table or floor!  It was a hit!  When his science teacher came into the room to hand out some projects, she gave him a high five for giving a science-oriented toy.  I told her I was trying to turn him into my little scientist, and Michael often finds science oriented toys or projects for him.

     A good time was had by all, including a great choice of Christmas-oriented snacks, which included some delicious orange slices, of which I went back for 3 more!  One of Wesley's classmates was dishing out her Grandma's 'famous' cheesecake.  He told the 4 parents who attended that they HAD to try it.  I splurged and had a small slice along with my orange slices, and it WAS delicious.  I couldn't talk Wesley into trying either of those items, but he still had a LOT of foods to choose from.

  

After arriving at the party I realized that I forgot to cut Wesley's hair for Christmas.... oops!  We managed to get it done soon after though.



 

It's a Cub Scout Christmas!

     Wesley became a Cub Scout this year, which meant weekly meetings 3 times per month, including a 'pack' meeting. 

      During the 'Pack' meeting in December, not only did Wesley receive FOUR, yes four, badges but we also took part in several Christmas oriented projects.  They made their own bird feeders, but they also made two ornaments as well as decorated sugar cookies!

     When I had to stop sneaking around with my camera in order to help scouts complete the ornament project I brought, Michael was able to get some great action shots that I would have otherwise missed.
     I can't believe that most of them managed to complete all their projects in the time left following the badge ceremony.

     Using my Cricut and (Christmas) Noel cartridge, I was able to cut out the layers necessary for them to make their own Santa Claus, and I brought pipe cleaners for them to use as hangers.  I also suggested that if they wanted, they could use fishing line as hangers when they got home.  I LOVE using fishing line to hang our snowflakes, angels, etc. from our ceiling as part of our Christmas decorating at home.

     Guess who seems to be in a goofy-face response mode this year???  Unfortunately, he also did this several times on Christmas day.  Oh well, I think they all had fun and I heard the cookies were good too!

Some of my favorite photos from this year's Christmas at home...

My Red & Silver tree... I can't believe I only used 2 colors this year!
 



May the smiles begin... hopefully!
 



Wesley has been asking for a double ended light saber for several months and apparently Santa was paying attention.  Santa also knew of his increased obsession with drawing this past year, frequently done in the evening in his lofted bed, so he brought him 2 sketch tablets, along with nice pencils and artist's erasers.

Squirrel has been sitting on top of this Cub Scout popcorn box whenever it was out in the open...she found it AGAIN.  She wouldn't get down off the top, even while Michael & Wesley were unwrapping it.

What did that large box contain?  Snowshoes for Michael and Wesley.  Running out of money, my guys' gifts came first.  I will have to go to Dunham's and find some for myself.

Wesley's first girly-poster lol, a Star Wars calendar that I suggested he use as posters in his Star Wars themed room.

My guys gave me jewelry.  An amethyst bracelet from Michael and "MOM" necklace with coordinated earrings from Wesley.  MCC moms set up a shopping day for the kids in the Upper Elementary again this year.

OK... I think he likes it!  He's been asking for a Surface Pro 3 each time the commercial came on.  I found an RCA version that we could afford.  Ever increasing school projects no longer need to be done utilizing my laptop or the slow family pc for some of the work.  Now he can also play another version of Minecraft on it rather than on my laptop.

Wesley's tablet was in a red glittered box, so guess what was in Michael's silver glitter box....



Knowing my obsession with decorating for Christmas, Wesley gave me this gorgeous 3D silver and gemmed snowflake.

Bacon flavored treat, Denta bone, and rawhide bone... Dakota is a happy girl!  My what big feet you have!
 

Some of the aftermath.  Apparently they're both happy with them because whenever I walked into the living room over the next few days, they were looking down into their tablets.  Dakota is resting after snacking on a bacon treat, dental treat and chewing on her rawhide bone that she received from Annie, canine companion of niece Kendra.

Another ugly shirt from Michael's stocking.... we let him open the first one last night, hence the horrid combination of clothing today lol.

The two big items on my wishlist were a treadmill (because Dakota and I missed a lot of walking the past 2 winters due to thick layers of snow with multiple layers of ice between them.) & railings for my studio stairwell.  I recieved ONE piece of my rails today lol.  Now I'll soon be able to have my SCRAPPY girl friends over for crafting days. I haven't had any of my local crafting friends over because of fear of them falling off the stairs.  We carry BIG bags of crafting supplies!

I scored!  I also received a treadmill!  Now Squirrel is 'supervising' its construction.



Really, mom????  Some assembly required.  TWO people at times lol  Have you noticed the HUGE TV hanging on our wall with all the wires dangling beneath it?  Wesley & I found this 'special purchase' at Wal-Mart on the evening of Black Friday.  We've been watching HD movies every since.  AVATAR is even MORE amazing on a true HD tv!
 

Supervising again.... if there is ANYTHING sitting on top of a countertop, the island, the furniture, or the floor, she finds it and decides she needs to sit there.  Of course, they always think we need their help with projects as well.

I finally get to try it out myself... ok, how do you start this thing? Get out the instructions!

I can't believe that we sent Wesley to bed last night without our traditional egg nog toast on Christmas Eve.  We'll make up for it now, ugly shirt and all.

My Christmas table. Dinner consisted of Lobster tails & shrimp for Wesley & I, and rather than a steak as I suggested for Michael, he made himself Lasagna! Do you think he made enough???  Completed with our traditional drinks of egg nog and alcohol-free St. Julian's wine.

MERRY CHRISTMAS... everyone!

 

Six Christmas celebrations and counting.

     Yesterday's Christmas celebration with my side of the family means that I have formally celebrated Christmas SIX, yes 6, times so far this month!  Nothing measures up to our quiet but not always calm celebration with our immediate family, but they were all fun in their own ways.
     My niece hosted this year's Gleason Christmas, far out 'into the sticks' as many would say, with 16 of us non-fur-family members in her home.  Good food was only the beginning of the festivities, as she had chosen our white-elephant gift exchange to be of 'resale' items, ie items we found at Goodwill, the Salvation Army, Pawn Shops, yard sales, etc.
     She and I immediately thought this would make our shopping SO EASY this year, but in fact, it made it surprisingly difficult.
     When I asked her for gift suggestions for the gift exchange between our sons (independent of the adult white elephant gifts), she remembered that her son needs black ties for his band concerts now.  So of course, I could not find a solid black tie to save my life, even without following the resale purchase rules.  I guess I waited too long and didn't think of going up town to a typical men's clothing store.  Our local Meijer no longer even sells them (yes, I asked an employee and she said they do not stock them anymore!) and Wal-Mart had none to be found.  Therefore, he received several ties, many of which were quite colorful and tacky, but no solid black ones, along with "New Tree" scented potpourri hangers for his first vehicle.
     I was immediately in tears when I realized that the hatchet that our son received was originally MY FATHER'S (who passed away just 10 months after walking me down the aisle)!  Wesley had put a hatchet on his Christmas wish list, after reading a book named "Hatchet" in class, a story about a young boy who gets lost and the only item he has with him that can help him survive is his trusty hatchet.
     I have SO many wonderful memories to document here, with so many wonderful photos, that I will be sharing them in several posts this week, while preparing to host my sister-in-law and niece for a day of scrapbooking on Friday.
     I hope you all have had a VERY MERRY & SAFE Christmas, with so many precious memories to document in your scrapbooks, altered projects, home decor, etc. and that crafting projects based upon your winter experiences keeps your HEART WARM & MEMORIES SAFELY DOCUMENTED. 
     Gentle Christmas hugs (as well as those for Hannukah, Kwanza and whatever celebrations you may share with your family and friends) and to all warm winter wishes.

"Oh, Christmas Tree" mini album displays both physical and intellectual growth...



I was quite pregnant over Christmas 2003, as Wesley was due in the middle of January.

Wesley's milestones were linked to holidays!  He rolled over on Mother's Day, walking on his own CHRISTMAS EVE! Christmas 2005 was extra special, since it was our first Christmas in our new home & with a HUGE tree.



I began rotating what colors &/or themes I decorated in each year, while Thomas the Train was Wesley's obsession from the ages of 3 to 9 years old.



He is no longer looking like a little boy.... and he is also helping more each year.

Look how tall he is now!  His facial expressions are also evolving.

I cannot believe how tall he is getting.  Facial expressions as well as total body language have continued to grow into those of an adolescent, quickly approaching the 'tween' age years.  Uh-oh.  New attitudes are also appearing.  He finally departed years of Thomas, now infatuated with Star Wars series, both old and new.

            
  I cannot wait to take the annual photos in front of our tree this Christmas, with decorations of red and silver.  I already have several scrapbook supplies chosen for this year's pages.