A Treeless Christmas

I had decided that putting up a Christmas tree this year would not be worth the stress. It was bound to be a battle of glitter, glass and garland...one that I wasn't sure LoLo was old enough to appreciate and that I was strong enough to survive. Nevertheless, I could not stand to see the twinkling lights and colorful decorations in windows from afar. A treeless Christmas just didn't feel right.

After an evening of string light tug-of-war and sparkly ball toss, the tree was complete. There were moments of regret. What have I gotten myself into? Why did I change my mind? Should I just put it back in the box now? How much shock would a Christmas light inflict on a small child? Who knows how long the tree will last, but I tried and thankfully no one was injured during this annual family tradition. Decorated with handmade and plastic ornaments topped with a tutu, this tree may survive a crash or two...just maybe.

The Bush Family Christmas Tree 2011

LoLo Christmas 2010 (wearing what is now our tree topper :)

Giving Thanks (con't)

Thank you to all of our friends and family who helped us reach our goal of $1,500 for the St. Jude's Give Thanks. Walk. Two St. Jude's children from our area participated in the walk and it was so heartwarming to know that we helped them Fight Their Brave Fight!

 Team Bama!

 Lo loved window shopping.

I am so thankful for these two. I love them dearly.

Treat yourself, enjoy your loved ones and find a way to give back to those in need this holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Recycled Christmas Cheer

All of my closets are full, under the beds are packed and not a drawer in my house opens or closes without a struggle. So what in the world could I possibly need (or want) for Christmas? Nothing, really.

However, seeing a loved one's face full of fright and confusion as they try to figure out why exactly you purchased them a set of deer-head flannel PJs is simply an experience I am not willing to give up. Since no one wants to do away with gifts entirely, I proposed an alternative to the standard tradition. After a 3-way family conference call, we came to a compromise, one that I am proud to say has pleased the masses (very hard to do with this bunch)...we are going to Recycle Christmas.

We can only give gifts that we already own. No store bought, Black Friday, stressed out retail purchases this year (for the most part). Re-gifting and crafting are encouraged and expected. I am excited; this should be entertaining.  I can only imagine the interesting trinkets that will be pulled from the depths of closets and drawers. 

We will of course do our part to stimulate the U.S. economy this holiday season by playing Dirty Santa with one $25 As Seen on TV item. You know you want that stuff and what better way to get it than to have someone else spend their money on it. Ho-ho-ha!

Of course, the kiddos will be showered with as many gifts as Santa's sleigh can carry, but that is what it is all about, right? I can not wait to watch Lo's sweet face brighten at that sight of all things Elmo. 
            

Life's Lessons

I apologize if you have already received this in you inbox. I am sure there is a blogger's law somewhere that says you shouldn't post an email forward, but I really like this one sent to me by one of my besties. I don't see how a little dose on inspiration could hurt as the hectic holidays approach. Hope you enjoy!

45 Lessons Life Taught Me 

Written by Regina Brett

 

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Change the way you think.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. Release your children when they become adults, its their life now

9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay cheque.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.

16. Take a deep breath It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Just because you  believe you are right, doesn't mean you are. Keep an open mind.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. Your job is to love your children, not choose who they should love.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that  truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come... (Can’t wait to find out what! )

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield..

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Giving Thanks

The time is almost here, St. Jude's Give thanks. Walk. is Saturday, November 19th. DaDa, LoLo and I walked last year in memory of a co-worker's grandson who lost an epic battle with cancer. Wow! that little boy was such a warrior...to be so small and innocent fighting such a ruthless disease.

St. Jude has always captured my heart with those sweet-faced children and touching stories, but I had never actually picked up the phone to make a difference. After seeing and hearing the St. Jude stories first-hand, I want to sing their praises from the highest mountain top. In an effort to give back and give thanks, we are making the walk a family tradition. Last year we were tickled to raise $250 and this year we are well on our way to $1500.

Team Bush 2010

If you can, please help support their cause. I know it is a good one, and what better time than the Thanksgiving Holidays to take a moment and share the love! Please click the link below to contribute! Love You and Happy Thanksgiving!

Love at First Snout!

LoLo fell head over heals for this awful seahorse costume. I had all intentions of crafting some unique little family get-up that we would cherish for years to come. Nope, not this year. From the minute DaDa pulled it from the shelf at BigLots, LoLo kissed and hugged it like they were long lost friends. So the whop-sided seahorse came home with us and I feel certain it will be a regular part of our lives until the tail falls off or it miraculously disappears into the depths.

She was too stinkin' cute in her awful little costume. People had a fit over the thumb sucking seahorse on their front porch with chocolate running down its face.