The Stockings Are Hung...

Our home is ready and my presents are all wrapped. Can Christmas really be this weekend? The mini-pearls and I had some dear friends over to decorate cookies and sip hot cocoa this afternoon. I worked hard to make sure that all of my "to do's" were checked-off by today, so that this would be the official kick-off to my Christmas celebration. Nothing left to do now but cook and enjoy! I hope all of you are able to say the same.

We are preparing for the big move in January, so I didn't go all out in my decorating this year, but it is pretty festive around here, so I thought I would share.

Merry! Merry!

Krissy

Oh Christmas Tree

...how lovely are your branches.

Blessings!

Krissy

Flashback Friday - "Crying" to See Santa

I originally posted this last year, but it's worth repeating. We did not see Santa this year, alas, that chapter is completely closed. However, I have some beautifully written lists. The minis made sure that there is no question as to what their wishes are. Merry! Merry!

Mr. Pearl circa 1971

Fisherman circa 1999

Sweet Pea circa 2002

Sport Cort circa 2004

The crying table display

Please don't call CPS on me. I can't help it. I think the pictures of my terrified, bawling babies on Santa's lap are precious! They are in cute frames and displayed on their own table in the living room. There is a bonus, too! I have a picture of Mr. Pearl looking the same way when he was a babe. It's priceless! Now, some of you may be wondering where the pictures of me are. I had abusive parents, as well. We did the Santa torture thing, but I can't find the pics! My mom didn't force it too much, as Santa looks a lot like a clown to a small child and well, I am terrified of clowns, but we did go once or twice! I don't blame children for being afraid!

We are constantly warning our children of "stranger danger" and then forcing them to cheerfully sit in the lap of a strange man with a long, itchy beard and weird red suit who is going to sneak in their house while they are sleeping is just wrong. It's confusing! It's scary! No wonder they cry! This year was the first year in thirteen years that the minis didn't want to see Santa. The oldest two are feeling too cool, yet still want to receive presents from the old boy, mind you. Sport Cort didn't want to appear uncool, so he went along with the older two. He informed me when I asked him to make me a list of what he wanted Santa to bring him that Santa can read minds, so a list isn't necessary. Ok. I let him know that Santa is not God and list is a good idea. A list has yet to materialize.

So, are you abusing your children this holiday season? It's worth it! (wink wink, nudge nudge) Have a wonderful weekend!

This picture is from four years ago. There doesn't seem to be any lasting damage.

The minis are all smiles!

Ho-Ho-H0,

Krissy

Joyeux Noel

So lovely!

Au revoir,

Krissy

photos via Pinterest

Holiday Goodness

I pulled these lovelies from my archives. I'm not sure where or when they are from, but I love their holiday goodness. The ornament wreath is amazing! After attempting to make one with a coat hanger last year, I have so much respect for these works of art. By the way, if you are going to make a wreath like this, don't do the coat hanger method. Just hot glue the suckers to styrofoam. Just saying, I am still bitter about the whole ordeal. Better yet, just enjoy the picture!

xoxo,

Krissy

photo source unknown

Sweetness

Thought this would be a sweet way to start your weekend! Is this not davoon?

Have a wonderful one.

Krissy

photo via Pinterest

Birdie and Pearl

My very first post was all about how I came up with the name for my blog, BirdiePearl. You can read all about it here. The name is from my two, precious grandmothers. Pearl is on the left and Birdie is on the right. They absolutely hate that I used their names for my blog (even though they don't really understand what in the world a blog is). They don't even "officially" use either of these names. Pearl goes by Lavoyce (better? I won't comment on that) and Birdie goes by Wynell. Names aside, I love these two women and the importance and love of family that they have instilled in me.

During my childhood, Christmas Eve was spent with Pearl/Nanno and Gramps at their home. After church, there was always a crowd and presents stacked as high as the ceiling! This is my dad's side of the family and everyone is musical, so the evening would end up by the piano and we would sing our hearts out! My aunt Ruby usually brought some old-fashioned, cut rock candy (my favorite), among other goodies and we would choke down our ham dinner, served on Nanno's ivy china, to get to the dessert table. Nanno always had some sparkling grape juice for the kids' table, so we would feel special.

Christmas morning, after my brother and I had torn through Santa's gifts, the front door would burst open to a loud (Mommom is not the quite type) "Ho, Ho, Ho!" and in would arrive Birdie/Mommom and Grandad. Mommom would bring a breakfast of her famous sausage balls and various other goodies and we would spend a fun morning together. Mommom and Grandad would stay through the day and other family and friends would join us for lunch and again, the dessert table. Do you see a trend here?

We don't have Christmas Eve at Nanno's anymore, a tradition she did not give-up without a fight, but we all get together. Christmas mornings are now spent at my home and new traditions have been started, but I love the treasured memories that these two women made for me as a child and I hope I can pass on the magic to my children.

Thank you Nanno and Mommom!

Krissy

A Pink Christmas

Who needs red and green? Pink is perfect for Christmas!

Merry! Merry!

Krissy

photos via: Pinterest

A Dickens of a Christmas

The actual scene - live! That's Fisherman in the red!

Last Friday evening, we were entertained at the minis' school with a wonderful, holiday production. Each year, the seventh and eighth graders perform the classic Charles Dickens' story A Christmas Carol - as a musical no doubt! Each student is required to participate (nothing like making a young teen do something) and they also have the option of trying-out for specific roles. This is exciting news for some, but for Fisherman, not so much. However, much to my delight, my boy tried-out for a part! He was an understudy for Fred and part of a special party scene. He did not sing a solo (He won't mind my saying this - thank you Jesus!) and he had no spoken lines, but did I care? He stole the show for me! My boy was on the stage!

Curtain call!

I have mentioned before that this is Fisherman's first year at this school and quite a change from what he is used to. He is having a wonderful year; our prayers have been answered. He smiles each day and is so enjoying all of the opportunities that he has been given. Being a teenager, he won't admit to this, but as a mom, I know it to be true. We can't rest on our laurels for long though, he must face his first-ever finals next week! Well, as Tiny Tim would say,

"God bless us everyone!"

We are going to need it!

Krissy

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Hello everyone! Oh, how I have missed you! The DSL has been down at our house and we finally got someone our here to fix things up. Although I have missed being without my trusty computer, it has been so freeing not to have to worry about spending my obligatory time on it each day. During my absence, the calendar has turned to December, the most wonderful time of the year! We get to celebrate the birth of our Savior and enjoy lots of friends and family time. I love it!

This was going to be the year that I didn't go "all out" with my decor. We are moving to the new house in January and I felt that "less would be more" this year. That was my plan. When I ran it by the mini-pearls, I was met with sad faces and concerns that their favorite ornaments and decorations wouldn't make the cut. I had no idea they cared so much! Needless to say, it's all up: every piece of tinsel. I'm tired and the minis are happy. All is well. I also managed to start packing boxes while decorating. Check and check! I didn't do "less" this year, but I have started packing. It's those first boxes that loom over your head. Once those are packed, it makes the rest easier. I hope your holidays are off to a good start.

Missed you!

Krissy

Image one is the mantel of a dear friend's very talented brother, featured in D magazine. The second image is one from my archives and unknown.