The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear...

I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas, as Chris and I did. We headed to his hometown on Tuesday evening, to spend Christmas with his family. His family does a big dinner on Christmas Eve, so we had very yummy food and good company. Christmas morning, we exchanged presents with his family, ate lunch and headed back to Atlanta to celebrate Christmas with my family. A good time was had by all and we are so blessed to have such a loving and giving family. Below are a few pictures from our Christmas. As always, I took too many pictures but if you're interested you can click on the Hartley family pictures link.


Grandaddy Hartley's Christmas tree

Mom and Pop's House (Chris's parents) and their tree

Dad and Sue's tree

Here they are...

I made these for my evil step sister...




I made this for my soon to be sister in law.. (yes, Z finally proposed... picture of ring to follow)





I crocheted a scarf for my brother that is not yet finished... so a picture of it will come later. And, I made some cards for my grandmother.



Chris made a cornhole game for my brother in law (evil step sister's hubby) and I painted them.

Craftily Creating...

And looking forward to sharing all that I have done this weekend. I have spent the past two days working on Christmas gifts for my family and friends. I have done ALL sorts of things and yes, I have taken photos of all of my projects... however... they ARE Christmas gifts and I wouldn't want to ruin any surprises. So, YOU too, will have to wait for Christmas.

So, my "illness" (which if you want more details on it, email me) over the Thanksgiving weekend really put me behind this year. I FINALLY finished my Christmas cards. Do you think the cards will arrive before Christmas? If not, I guess it's the thought that counts, right?

On an exciting note, I FINALLY got my rings soldered together. They were also cleaned and dipped (white gold needs it every now and again). They look soooo good! :)

Did I mention that I'm looking forward to sleeping in, in the morning?

My first ever...

I think MOST of you know that I recently learned to crochet. Well, I finished my first ever scarf. I gave it to my friend, Molly, for Christmas. She loved it... Here's a picture.



Also, I HAD to take a picture of Bailey (our cat). She was so cute curled up in Santa's lap. :)

Done!

I finally finished decorating. Here are a few pictures of our decorations. I didn't do as much as I normally do. Okay, not sure why they're so small... ???

From Christmas 2008

From Christmas 2008

From Christmas 2008

From Christmas 2008

In the Christmas spirit...

My brother sent me the link to the first video... I hope this will make you smile. The second video I found from the first one, and really like the song.





Okay, so I got a little carried away... Here's another awesome song... I just LOVE it! and want to share with my blogging friends... Isn't God good?

Stages

So, this year we're decorating the house in stages. This is what we have so far.


Didn't Chris do a great job on both? I'm hoping to finish the tree tomorrow after school (assuming that I'm feeling up to it). I do LOVE Christmas time! I love the music, the sights and smells. A few years ago we decided to buy an artificial tree. Which no, it isn't as fun as a real one, BUT I can put it up when I want and I don't have to worry about watering it. I do have a Yankee candle plug in thing that makes it smell like a real tree. I love it when I get a whiff... Isn't Christmas great?

Sick

I've been "sick" since Thursday evening. I haven't been able to decorate for Christmas like I normally do and that makes me sad. However, I have the best hubby in the whole world. On Saturday, during half time of THAT game (ugh), Chris went and pulled the tree out. He began putting it up and fluffing it during the second half of the game and by the end, had it lit and the star on top. Isn't he the best?

I'm still laid up on the couch and would appreciate your prayers. Nothing too serious, just prayers needed for me and Chris. Thanks friends! I love you guys and am so thankful for you!