Procrastinating Christmas

So, as many of you know, it took me a while to get my Christmas tree up.  It wasn't necessarily because I was procrastinating, but it was seriously because I was just too darn busy.  We bought our tree last Sunday at Home Depot.  Why Home Depot?  Once again, because we were just too busy to head out to a tree farm and cut one down like we normally do.  We picked our little beauty up on our way home from the kids Christmas program at church.

The poor little thing stood in our garage all week just begging to be brought inside, and for someone to adorn him with pretty lights and ornaments.  Monday was the day we were going to put it up...and then Brett got sick.  Normally, when we put up our tree it's a family affair, so I just couldn't see putting it up while he felt so yucky.  Brett was sick all week.  He started to perk up Thursday morning, so I thought Thursday night was going to be the night to get it done.  By the time I got home from work he had temp. of 103.  Ryan ended up taking him to the dr. late Thursday afternoon, so all hopes of getting it done that night vanished.

I won't get into the weekend, but suffice it to say, we were swamped with plans, one of them being family Christmas with my mom on Sunday.

To make a long story, just a wee bit shorter, we ended up with a blizzard {it maybe wasn't declared that, but it sure did feel like it} in our neck of the woods, which resulted in a snow day for me and the kids!!  I'm pretty convinced that this snow day was specifically for me ~ just so I could deck my halls! ;)  Boy oh Boy, did I deck my halls! :)

I was beginning to think that I wasn't even going to put up my village, but I did!

Chloe and I even managed to get the Nativity Scene up too!

Let's not forget about the Christmas Candy!!!

I was just telling Ryan how fun it was to do the tree today.  I didn't feel any pressure, and it was totally relaxing!  He replied with, "Yeah, I know.  It's the first year you haven't ended up crying while doing it!" ;)

Why Oh Why do I put so much pressure on myself to have everything so perfect?  In the end, does it really matter? 

Normally I would take these two sock monkeys and separate them, because well, they don't belong together...but they totally do!  Brett put these two little cuties together, and I just love them that way!!:)
 

This little cluster of ornaments is going to stay exactly the way you see it...Why?  Because my little Brett put them that way, and who am I to correct them, just so they look perfect....they are perfect just the way they are!!

This cute little ornament was created in 2008.  Owen made it.  I'll cherish it forever...

 We reminisced about Chloe's first Christmas...

 Look at her now!  Crazy to think she was once so little!! {Yes she is still in her jammies ~ in fact, we all are!

So while it may seem like I was "Procrastinating Christmas."  I think that the timing was just perfect so that I could enjoy all of the little things about it, instead of having everything so perfect and just so.

Now, excuse me, I must go watch Elf with the hubby and kids! :) 

I think I should re-title this post "Perfect Christmas!":)

Shutterfly, baby!!!

So, as always, I'm a day late and a dollar short with getting my Christmas cards ordered and sent out. How do people have the time to do it all? Anyway, this year, I'm making it easy on myself.  I'm planning to get my cards from Shutterfly this year.  The only problem though?  There are SOOOO many cute ones to choose from that I need your help with deciding!  I'm trying to picture my cute kiddies pictures in there!  Can't wait! Don't worry, I'm not gonna reveal the picture(s) I have just yet, but I am gonna reveal my favorite cards: {click on pictures to go directly to a preview of the card}

With Love Blue Christmas

Love this next one:

Like I said, there are so many to choose from, but I'm thinking these are some of my favorites!  Tell me what you think.  Which one do you like best?  Have you ever ordered from Shutterfly and what was your experience like?  In the past I've gotten calendars and photo books from Shutterfly, and I've been so pleased with what I've gotten.  I was surprised at the quality of the products that I received, and the delivery was in a very timely manner!  Shutterfly also offer birthday invitations, baby announcements, and much more, so check out Shutterfly!