Sometimes bigger IS better...

Y'all know that being a homeowner is a big deal for me. I still get a little weepy when I think about it. (Of course, my children think I get a little weepy about EVERYTHING!)

When asked for gift suggestions this year, I responded that I prefer that people purchase things for me that they think I would like. When pressed, I admitted that I really wanted an 8' step ladder because I have 12' high ceilings and I was tired of having to borrow my dad's extremely heavy ladder. My family also knows that I love shopping at Lowe's and Home Depot. I wander up and down the aisles looking at everything - even things I cannot identify! When I lived in Seattle, we renovated several houses for re-sale (flips). I love working with my hands almost as much as I like quilting!

Well, I am now the proud owner of this

I was almost as excited about bringing this home as I was when I closed on the house. Getting it into the basement was an adventure (Thanks, Chad!) but I think I know how to maneuver it up and down the steps so now I have to decide what project to take on first!

Merry Christmas!!

Homestead?

I received a form from the county yesterday. Apparently where I live in the county I can apply for "homestead status". I TOLD you I lived in the country! I am just wondering now if this means I can get a goat and raise chickens in the backyard?

At last

The rain finally stopped so I went out to take some photos. Here is slide show of some of the pictures I took yesterday and last night.


I finally put the last ornament on the tree. The only thing missing is the angel at the top. My son will arrive on December 23rd with his family. He loves the angel and it is one of his Christmas memories. She is not exactly beautiful but she says "Christmas" to him. She is also tied very strongly to my Christmas memories. My parents bought her when we lived in Japan. My mother gave her to me after my children were born so she has been part of my Christmases since I was 4.

I collect Holy Families and Nativities. I have water globes, music boxes, carved pieces, wooden pieces, and more. The one under the tree is the oldest. Baby Jesus will not be placed in the creche until Christmas Eve.

On top of the hutch are two Santa faces painted on gourds. My very talented nephew, Josh, painted them for me. I hope that he will paint more for me.

I will have more photos to post tomorrow. Have a happy Sunday!

Stand by

I have (mostly) finished my Christmas decorating. There are still a few little things. I am just so happy that I don't have to keep running up and down the basement stairs! There are a few things that I haven't found so my search will continue.

It is so cold here I could not force myself to go outside and take any pics. It is supposed to warm up by Wednesday (with the arrival of rain) and I will take some pictures to post.