MORE PRINCESSES...

They're at it again...

CHRISTMAS DECORATING: Day 3

We've only just begun...

Last time our tree was up -- 2006

Decorating has been a slower than expected process, but with a houseful of people every day is flexible and filled to the brim. Today we hang the Pottery Barn silver-plated stocking hangars RvH gave me several years ago. The little girls are dazzled and anxious to have a turn with the polishing cloth. Now our apples and pears and Christmas trees are sparkling.

Guess we'll bring up the pre-lit 10 ft. tree tomorrow. We have boxes and boxes of ornaments and Chrismas surprises in store for the little girls. This year's tree will definitely not be a "touch me not."

BUILDING A FIRST SNOWMAN

LG and Papa did some fine work today. Not sure they worried much about location, location, location, but he's a fine speciman. LG donated her own gloves, but unfortunately we didn't have a carrot for his nose...

ON THE ROAD AGAIN...

peanut butter cup bars

I'm from a large family. You start with two people; add six kids. Then, everyone gets married and their kids total 13. And then, they begin to marry and have their own kids--22 so far and soon to be 26.

Today is the annual and much lauded Jacobs' family Christmas. We won't all be there, but around 60 or so of us will gather today at PM's house near Peoria for a big meal and LOTS of desserts.

BELIEVING IN PRINCESSES

Many days I come out of my bedroom in the morning and see PRINCESSES! Yep! Real princesses. The little girls love to dress up in party dresses and tutus. I've facilitated this proclivity by buying flouncy, over-the-top couture at the end of the Christmas and Easter seasons when they are marked "Take an additional 70% off ticketed price."