outside lights

Not as many lights outside this year but enough.  Will take them down January the first I guess if the weather isn't to unbearable. It is freezing cold now.

It's still rather light but it's hard for me to get a good shot in the dark with just the lights.

Little windy and the ribbon is falling.  So glad it waited to fall apart until after Christmas

The Santa was purchased for Grandson Seth when he was 3, now he's 17.  Hard to find Santa and Snowman anymore.

Lights on the fence

til next time

Christmas day

A busy Christmas day and totally enjoyed it.  Plenty to stuff ourselves with and lots of torn paper with spent bows strewn here and there  Just like I like it, festive I say.
Karl and Wanda brought Mama and she enjoyed her meal and her gifts.  So glad she was able to make it as she is 96 and to get around like she does, even though it is harder now more than ever - she did it.

Here she is with my brother Karl

See that birdie by her.  She loves it.  I saw it in Cracker Barrel and I wanted it.  He copies what people say like a Parrot.  Kids love it too.

Christmas morning with Annette and Seth who came down and spent a few nights before Christmas.

Grandson Seth

Annette

Once the young ones get here, the decorations are just too in the way for them

Mama to be and husband Jeremy due near the end of January, don't think it will be that long.

had table in the living room too

layered dip - so good

  That is all for today but more later

Christmas almost here

We are trying to get some last minute shopping done.  Cooking too.  Today Genevieve and Adalyn are helping me make a German's chocolate cake. Right now the cooks are very busy.  They are helpful and follow instructions.  Genevieve remembered to wear an apron and Adalyn too.

 
They both enjoy it so much, licking spoons that is.

Adalyn made sure the chocolate was right and Genevieve put the flour in the mixer when needed.  She knows how to use it. 

Taking a look outside with the Santa decals.  Kids love'm

Getting porch set up in case some one wants to sit out there to eat.

A sweet little Christmas card that friends sent.

Manger scene lights up and has a nice glow in the evening.

That's it for right now.   More later

Mantle

A few pictures of my mantle.  I definitely need some more carolers.   I love snow scenes, so I just threw these up for a little light in an otherwise dark area.
A wooden birdhouse that I am using as the church in the scene.  I covered up the bird entrance with the tree limb that was there attached.

Little birdie placed in this tree with snow.

Can ya see the little doggy?

He belongs to Adalyn and I think he fits right in with the snow scene along with that snowman who lost his hat..  Looks more like a swamp monster and I may replace him.

I see I need some snowflakes.   Santa is to the left, can't leave him out.   The beaded garland I purchased in Ballard W.V.  where my daughter lives for I believe it was $2.00.  So many good deals to be had at the little shop there.

coming in the back door is a plastic glittery bell

Little unlit tree I placed on the porch.  Cold out there right now.

That's it for now.  I will be back, hope you will too.  Betsy

Snow

Yay, got some snow.  I love it. Had to take a ride in it.   Wasn't much fun on the way home as the back roads crunched with the tires running over it. 

Heading out to shop

lamp post near driveway

coming home and still coming down

Opa and Genevieve at the Y in town.  This was last night.  Good place to be in the snow and Steve will be there tonight like every night

tree at the YMCA

Ginger bread train at the Y

clip of Genevieve in the pool 

Have a great evening