As the days count down for our family's arrival into DFW later this week (cue National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation :), The Kelley house has been buzzing with constant activity. Cleaning, washing, primping, decorating... all to pretty up our digs for the familia. :)
Because this Christmas is pretty momentous in MANY ways.. (first time celebrating Christmas in our house in Dallas... the first time in four years that someone hasn't been sick or in the hospital (starting in July, I gave STRICT orders that everyone STAY healthy or there'd be hell to pay) .. first time having Chad's mom back in Texas since our WEDDING!!.. HECK, it's ALSO the first time since our wedding that the Kelley's and Maldonado's have been in the same town, let alone, the same ROOM!!)... needless to say, we're more than a little freakin' excited! :)
Here's to our fun, family filled week ahead!
Our "Family Christmas Tree"
In honor of our family's visit.. family photos act as "ornaments"
Paper towel rolls sprayed white and sparkly.. :)
The tree slice off to the left was from our Christmas tree last year. We also have our tree slice from this years tree trimming as well. :) Handmade, aka FREE ornaments just make my heart swell.. ;)
Eiffel Tower.. to commemorate our recent Europe trip.. (Purchased, not handmade ;)
And.. our sweet nephew Andrew peeking through the branches..
Entry hutch got a little festive too :)
Any guesses which one is mine?? ;) Love that our stockings are so representative of who we are.. :)
Chad's was made by his sweet Ma back when he was a little wee one. :)
Entry hutch... again.
And of course.. you can't have a tree without PRESENTS!!
And.. because I don't like to waste, I took the scraps left from gift wrapping and made coordinating bows. :)
And for anyone who still might be wrapping gifts for Christmas, and who might be bored with a little time on their hands ;) .. I just so happened to find an online tutorial on how to make similar bows! It's pretty much the same process I did.. except I ended up rolling little circles to finish out the middle. (and sometimes each loop was individually taped to the next one.. just depended on what kind of "scraps" I had) Just be sure that if you attempt these, you have to have lots of tape handy!! :)
Happy Wrapping!!
Clark: Since this is Aunt Bethany's 80th Christmas, I think she should lead us in the saying of Grace.
Aunt Bethany: [turns to Lewis] What, dear?
Nora Griswold: Grace!
Aunt Bethany: Grace? She passed away thirty years ago.
Uncle Lewis: They want you to say Grace.
[Bethany shakes her head in confusion]
Uncle Lewis: The BLESSING!
Aunt Bethany: [they all pose for prayer] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands/ One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Clark: Amen. :)
