Post-Christmas Random Thoughts

Ah, another Christmas has come and gone. I can't believe we're heading into 2012. Where did the year go??

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. We still have toys strewn about, but at least they're now in neat piles. There's an air hockey table in my living room, but that will be moved to the basement at some point.

Hubby and I tried to keep spending to a minimum, but we still treated each other to few special items, including...

Yeah, I know you're digging the reindeer PJs.

Anyhoo, I'm aware Tebow's a controversial figure in the NFL because of his strong religious beliefs and public displays of prayer, and some believe it's all for show. Listen, we don't know what's in the man's heart, so give him a break. And, personally, I don't know why Mr. Tebow catches such flack for his beliefs when there are players who do drugs, run dog fighting rings and assault women.

Alas, I can't claim to wear this jersey to make a statement on free speech or politics. I'm an SEC fan and I think Tebow is a cutie. Yeah, deep, I know.

Today I'm hosting a playdate for Miss E. with two of her buds, so that should be fun. It's been difficult to keep the kids busy with the constant rain and cold temperatures. We did go see "The Muppet Movie" yesterday, which was fun. Wish I could have enrolled the kids in tennis camp this week to keep them busy. After Christmas, not much left for that, though. Maybe next year. Of course, now Miss E. says she wants to take piano after spending time with a cousin she adores. That would be great if we owned a piano, sweetie. Let's concentrate on the pink guitar you got for Christmas.

So, how was your holiday? What did you do? Any big surprises this year? (And I don't mean a drunk relative crying to your mom while she looked on in horror, not that that happened during our Christmas Eve festivities.)
Image property of JMW A Place to Dwell Blog

Christmas is Coming...

Christmas Day is almost here, friends. Hard to believe. I'm enjoying a few days off with the fam. It's rainy and balmy here in Louisville - not Christmas weather at all. In fact, I've watched a few runners trot by my front window. Meanwhile, this is my current activity of the morning:

Yeah, that's how I roll on Christmas break.

We're still trying to round out our Christmas list. I know, bad form. But, with Hubby working up until the very last minute and me with the kids in-tow everywhere we go, it's been a bit difficult. But, it'll all get done. At least we're not in the same shape we were last year at this time - stomach bugs for everyone! Yeah, probably the first Christmas in years where Hubby and I actually lost weight.

When I asked Little Guy what we should get for Gigi (my mother-in-law, above) for Christmas, he thought a moment and then said, "Milk, because I drank all of hers." Classic.

Here's Little Man with my parents at his Christmas program last week. Today is their wedding anniversary, so cheers to you, Mom and Dad. We love you!

During the hustle and bustle of the season, Miss E. and I took time to enjoy some hot chocolate during our holiday shopping.

Yeah, looks like product placement for Starbucks. Note to Starbuck's corporate office: I'll take payment in gift cards. Please and thank you.

Today is full of cleaning and prepping for brunch at our house Christmas morning. We're looking forward to having family over and then heading to Gigi's later that evening for dinner.

From our house to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas. Blessings to all!
All images property of JMW A Place to Dwell Blog

Christmas Tour in Shelbyville

The main gallery at Wakefield-Scearce Antiques in Shelbyville, Ky.

On Saturday, a group of girlfriends and I ventured to Shelbyville, Ky. to have lunch at Science Hill and tour the Wakefield-Scearce antique gallery, which resides within Science Hill. If you are ever in this region of Kentucky, be sure to stop by this amazing place. It's just lovely.
 

Science Hill was once a girls' boarding school. The facility now houses a tea room, a handful of shops and its cornerstone retail establishment, Wakefield-Scearce, which specializes in English antiques. There are several rooms at WS that during the holidays are decorated with the most beautiful Christmas trees and other decor. It really puts you in the the holiday spirit.

The prices are waaaaay out of my league - I fell in love with an $8,000 1850's dresser - but it's fun to look anyway. And, silly me, when I entered the lamp and rug “rough room” to see if I could score a bargain, I came upon a Serapi rug in the corner that I thought would do the trick. I quickly jumped back when I saw the $28,500 price tag. Rough room my a*s.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch in the tea room (shrimp and grits, yum!) and then did some Christmas shopping.

I also spent a long time in The New Silver Shop, oooing and ahhing over many items, including the julep cups.

These cups are the real thing and I hope to add a few to my household. Above is the standard julep cup paired with the smaller "nip" cup. Classic.

The girls and I were saying that this should become an annual holiday trip for us. Do you have anything like this that you do with friends or family leading up to Christmas? If so, share!
Images courtesy of Wakefield-Scearce Gallery and The Shops at Science Hill

Dear Santa,

As you know, my kids have visited with you frequently this season: at the mall, at church, as school. You certainly get around Louisville, don't you? Anyhoo, you are well-versed on what the W. kids are wanting this holiday season. Yet, I'm sure you're just dying to know what to get their mommy. So, for your reading pleasure, because I know you have spare copious time on your hands, here are some items for reference.

Thanks, Santa. Oh, yes, and peace on earth. God bless us everyone.

Cheers,
Jen

Burberry, I love you.

This hat for Derby 2012. I love you, too, Audrey.

A pair of Kate Spade "Fiona" flats.

Jackie O sunglasses, and the ability to look more like Jackie when wearing them, rather than a large bug.

A pair of houndstooth Toms shoes. So cute and, as you know, the purchase goes toward a great cause.

The latest album from Adele. Damn, girl, love your sound.

Okay, enough of my silly list.

Here's hoping the holiday season is going well for you. Try not to get too stressed or overwhelmed. Sit down with an egg nog (because dairy and alcohol make everything seem better) and listen to Charlie Brown Christmas music. It'll cure what ails you during the hustle and bustle of the season.
Images from Burberry  of London, Life Magazine, kate spade and Adele fan club

Holiday Hustle and Bustle

Inhale, exhale. Inhale, exhale. I have to keep doing this so I don't have a holiday season meltdown.

It was a fun, full weekend in our household, full of parties and more decorating. We purchased our tree at a local lot sponsored by the Boy Scouts. Yes, it's too big and yes, it's leaning because something is wrong with our tree stand.

Oh, well. It's up and that's all that matters. Two ornaments were broken in the process, but that's life.

Then, Hubby was determined to put lights on the fir tree in our front yard, which we haven't done before. I managed to take a photo from our living room, because it was cold and I was too lazy to go outside last night.

As you can see, it's a lovely blue and white tree, which I have dubbed my "UK Tree." What's even better is that two of Hubby's friends who helped him string the lights (for the low cost of beer and pizza), are big University of Louisville fans, which is UK's in-state rival. It was a Christmas miracle, but one that I've been told not to share with any of their friends. :)

We then had breakfast with Santa after church on Sunday. Here's my little reindeer, who asked Santa for a skateboard.

And, at one point, he was looking ever-so-closely at Santa and even had his hand on Santa's beard. A few of us were holding our breath, hoping that a big reveal would not take place in the middle of the school cafeteria. Luckily, no beard pulling occurred.

I had to include a photo I took over the weekend of Miss E.'s African Savanna diorama, which I blogged about in September. She figured the diorama deserved a visit from the Holy Family, so there you go.

I closed out the weekend at a Chris Isaak concert with a girlfriend. Mr. Isaak knows how to rock it out. He plays off the crowd very well and it was fun to hear some rockabilly Christmas songs, in addition to his many hits. Two thumbs up.

So, how is your holiday prep coming along? Are you getting there? What's been the big purchase this year? We bought Miss E. the American Girl doll she's been wanting. Yep, we finally broke down and got it. But, the best part is that Hubby was the one who ordered it online, including accessories for the doll. I can't wait to see what Kit the American Girl doll will be wearing this season.

Have a terrific Tuesday, friends!
Photos property of A Place to Dwell blog - do not use without permission

Give Thanksgiving Its Due

Courtesy of my brother.

I totally agree. I must have my turkey and dressing on Nov. 24 before turning my mind toward Christmas. Of course, I'll start pulling out the Christmas decorations and playing my "Charlie Brown Christmas" CD on Nov. 25. But, not before then. I will wait!

It's Friday, friends. Can I have an AMEN?
Image from the Bare Knuckled Pundit

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

My husband rocks. What did he give me for Christmas that elicited shrieks of excitement?

This vintage LP...

...which held tickets to the U2 concert in Nashville in July. My all-time favorite band. A weekend get-away with Hubby. How excited am I???

Today is Boxing Day and we'll be joining family and friends for brunch later this morning. More celebrations and time with family. Good times!

Hope everyone had a blessed Christmas!
Image courtesy of u2.com

Merry Christmas One and All

The kids have been watching a variety of Christmas programs over the last several days. Everything from "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" and "Elf" to "A Christmas Carol" and "The Polar Express." But, one of my favorites is "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

I was in the kitchen while they were watching this classic and I heard my favorite scene, delivered by sweet Linus. This always gets to me and it's a wonderful reminder of why we celebrate this sacred season.

Dear friends, I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May your holidays be safe, happy and healthy. I'll be taking a break to enjoy this blessed season with my family. I look forward to returning in a few days and reading about how you celebrated the holidays. Thank you for your support over the last year, your thoughtful comments and words of good cheer. Each and every one of you are such a blessing to me.

Merry Christmas!
Image courtesy of ABC, via YouTube

Are you ready?

Christmas is almost here...are you ready? I have just about everything in order. Keeping the gift giving to a minimum this year made it a little easier, as well as finding ways to be creative with our gift giving. Hubby has been making his grandmother's egg nog all season and giving it to friends and family (that stuff is potent, let me tell you) in decorative carafes. That's one way to bring a smile to someone's face!

Tonight we are attending a holiday party and a holiday open house tomorrow. Lots to do. I love Christmas time!
Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Living.

A Visit to 'The Nutcracker'

We attended "The Nutcracker" ballet yesterday and it was such a magical experience. This was my daughter's first time seeing it and her first exposure to a ballet performance. She sat on the edge of my lap, in complete of awe of the scene. Toward the end of the first act, while it was "snowing" on stage, it started to snow over the audience. It made for such a special day and a memory she'll carry with her always.

Amsterdam Bikes

For the last few months, I’ve been thinking about getting a bicycle. Hubby and I have said we ought to bike more with the kids, possibly getting baby seats for the adult bikes. But, our kids are quickly outgrowing that option. Our daughter rides a hand-me-down bicycle, given to her by the sweetheart-of-a-girl down the street. It has training wheels and she’s getting pretty good at riding it (I think it helps that they ride tricycles around the playground at preschool/daycare).

We have a mountain bike that once belonged to Hubby’s stepdad. It just needs a new tire and it should be good to go. But, I’m really drawn to Amsterdam and Townie bikes. I just think they look so cool. I love seeing those bikes with big wicker baskets on the front, although I don’t want to look like something out of the Wizard of Oz. Electra has some very cool offerings, but the prices are a bit steep. Schwinn has some sport and classic cruisers that a little more affordable.

So, here I am, in my mid-thirties, and I’m thinking of asking for a bike for Christmas. Some things never change.
Image courtesy of www.flee.com.

Christmas is coming...

Okay, so I’m starting to get in the Christmas spirit. I’m seeing more twinkling lights in the neighborhood and I’ve been listening to my favorite holiday jazz CD a lot lately. And, our first official Christmas card came in the mail yesterday.

Keeping with the Christmas theme, I just had to share the cutest photo of my cousin and her hubby. They’re the sweetest people and so creative. I love what they’ve done with their home. If only I had that kind of talent!

Merry, merry!