It's beginning to look a alot like Christmas

I've finally done the decorating in our house and I must say it turned out very cozy.  The boys decorated the tree and did a great job as I knew they would, save for a couple of creative spots... as you'll see below.  In the first photo... Ben and I are all dressed up ready to go to my work Christmas party.  It was a lot of fun.

Below is the little village made of paper that I made a few years ago.  It's on a kitchen window sill this year.  

This is a cute little "smoking" man figurine that my sister in law Monika brought back for me last year.  They are called "raucherman".   (I hope I spelled that right).

A fine example of what happens when you let your children decorate!  Are they racing?  Too funny!  We love our tree.  It's very unique and filled with at least 60% handmade ornaments and such.  It's not particularly glitzy but rather more Scandinavian style.  Lots of wooden, paper and straw ornaments.  As I do love glitter, there is of course some flashy ornaments to add bling.  And a couple of fun ones - photos which I'll post later.  I hope you are all enjoying the season so far!

The end result.  All ready for the festivities surrounding Christmas.  All that's missing are the presents around the tree.  Oh wait, I don't have any yet!!!  HELP!   

It's Coming on Christmas..

Tonight's the night the tree decorations go on!  The boys are excited.  The fire will be lit,  Christmas music will be on and I'll be sipping on a hot tottie watching the kids have fun.  This is what I love about Christmas!   Tomorrow I'll be helping decorate the hall at T.R.U. for the work Christmas party in the evening.  Did anyone say Helium?  Silent Night sung like Minnie Mouse - I can hear it now... Good times to be had.  

This was the "slow" start to my decorating.  This is our chandelier above the dining table... I was quite pleased with the sparkly result...

Justin loves to help me in the kitchen.... here we were baking "nussecken" a traditional type of triangle cookie and a long time family favorite.   The recipe is from my mom who is a great baker on the rare occasion that she decides to use eggs, butter and sugar!  

Justin -  junior baker in training!  He's so helpful... but... he also knows what the results are and really looks forward to them!

I made some long dangly decorations, large round balls to small... this photo is during the glitter application stage... a messy job, but someone's gotta do it.  The final result was beautiful!

School Desk

Another Thrift store find... I've always loved the old fashioned type of school desks.  I thought if I refurbished this one and added some creativity, it would make a lovely shower gift for a friend at work.  I hope she likes it!  It was a fun project.  

Dinner is Served

"Gooey Grilled Goodness"

Our waiter... 
THE MENU

The other evening our son Peter gathered us into the great room for a dinner he had prepared!  I won't mention that we'd already had a dinner a couple of hours earlier... but as growing boys are - constantly hungry... he decided another meal was in order.  How wonderful was this.  He made chocolate Mouse (aka Moose) and other things.  The service I have to admit was outstanding.  I mean who gets chocolate milk served up in wine glasses!  5 star all the way!