Dress code for Christmas

Hectic times, that's the way I describe life now a days. People are running everywhere. Schedules are so tightly packed that going from one appointment to another. Life can seem like a NASCAR race on the highway. Instead of slowing down and relaxing we seem to be speeding up and stressing.
Well at least I think most people do. I am guilty ... Ex specially this time of year.

I wise man told me once that stress is very high from Thanksgiving to the first of the year, then you have a year to look forward to it all over again.

So with all that being said...

A Christmas eve tradition in my family for as long as I can remember,
was to get new Christmas pajamas to wear to bed. So you be ready and wake up in them on Christmas morning and spend Christmas day in them.

So this Christmas this was going to be I little different, I was going to share my tradition. We had company this Christmas and who better to pass this tradittion on to.Ralph, WOR, DOR, SOR, SILOR, myself, our 15 year old and our 8 year old all received Christmas pajamas(AKA The Christmas Uniforms).

I explained to them all the reason behind this, and they all seem to go along with it. At least at first. Then a member of the family said we need to wear our Christmas uniforms to the mall for our family portrait.... Then there was allot of ohs ums and ahhs.

The option of wearing pajamas in public didn't exist just a short time ago. To do so was considered crass and unacceptable. Times have changed and with that so has the dress code...

Dress code is used loosely as that type of talk usually only applies to work atmospheres and court. If you are heading out you don't necessarily need to check the mirror. You can do a quick once over and make sure nothing indecent is showing and shuffle off to do your business. If you want to leave your curlers in, go ahead. Hair sticking up, who cares? Just be yourself unless you got someone to impress. If that's the case then you are probably reading the wrong blog.

Basically you need to use discretion when wearing these ultra comfy pants. Be tasteful yet be relaxed. There's no need to grab a pair of jeans and polo shirt to head over to the grocery store or take family portraits on the weekend. Just for Pete's sake don't wear anything revealing or trashy.Even if it makes for a good post. This is abusing your pajama wearing rights.

Pajamas are not going to become the norm in wear (although sometimes you'd swear that was the case). If done tastefully there should be nothing wrong with sporting a little flannel on a chilly day after Christmas morning. When you venture out, you'll be surprised to find you aren't the only...OK Maybe for family portraits...

I did not mention that the new pajamas had not been washed since they were put on. So two and a half days and then to the mall ....

This is truly been a tradition that will live on for life times.

Happy Holidays from our family to yours !

A Different Kind Of Christmas

Sometimes Christmas is just overwhelming, it seems,
As we rush around buying up stuff.
We spend without end, and we rack up those bills,
But it feels like it's never enough.


So this Christmas, let's all take a different approach:
Let's try to be more in accord
With God's Christmas gift, the best one of all
Our sweet Jesus, our Savior, our Lord.


We'll be gentle and patient, and loving and kind,
And we'll keep our priorities straight;
The gifts of the Spirit, the gifts of the heart
Are the ones that we'll all celebrate.


And our stress will decrease, and we'll feel more at peace,
As we decorate, package, and trim;
Our new Christmas will be a pure joy and delight,
As we try to be much more like Him.

We're wishing you a Christmas
Full of laughter, love and light,
With delicious holiday foods
To excite your appetite.

We're hoping you receive
Delightful gifts to make you smile,
With family and friends
To love you all the while.


We wish you a Merry Christmas;
May your Christmas dreams come true,
And when Christmas is over,
Happy New Year, too!

Nathan, Desiree, Shannel, & Bubba

Skating anyone ?

Temperatures were climbing and the freezing rain was diminishing, but the National Weather Service reported that it could take several hours for all the this ice to melt !

Our school district along with every other one in a 50 mile radius gave students an early start to their winter break by canceling school today.

Ice accumulation reports were still coming in, but 1.4” of ice was reported in the Bloomington Normal area.

The biggest problems appeared to be power outages and roadways obstructed with downed tree limbs and utility lines. Thankfully we still have power and all of our trees are still in the upright position.

It has been all over the news that people were out in force late last night befor it was to bad stocking up. Buying kerosene, ice melters, deicer for cars and locks, ice scrapers — and I heard they are selling out of generators.

I am beginning to wounder if these people are from Florida or something...


Our 15 year old will have a couple of exams to take in January after school was canceled. A day off today means the semester continues for one day in January, when the last couple of tests will be taken. That might mean studying over the holiday break. OH WELL !!!!

Here are a few snap shots from our place this morning....









Yeah, Yeah I forgot to take down the humming bird feeder...









Well we are off to warm up the house with some Christmas baking!
Enjoy your day.
Have a great weekend and God Bless!

Top Notch Party

Yep, it is time for another song to be sang and another slice of cake.
It is a birthday party for a top notch father.

MY DAD !


Happy Birthday To You
Happy Birthday To You
Happy Birthday Dear Dad
Happy Birthday To You





Not many can have a father
Who’s half as great as you.
Others might try, but they fall shy
You’re a top-notch father, it’s true.


So that’s why on your birthday,
I want to make sure you know,
I admire your sincerely and love you dearly,
And those feelings continue to grow.

Happy Birthday Dad !

Party Tradition

Today is a very special day for two very important women in my life.

My mother Michele and her mother (my grandmother) Donna share birthday's today. I still find this to be amazing, what better gift to recive on your birthday then life.

So come on all bloger's and join me in a cyber party tradition and have a slice of cake and let's sing them a little a tune.


Happy Birthday To You
Happy Birthday To You
Happy Birthday Dear Mom and Grandma
Happy Birthday To You !





You're a wonderful mother/grandmother,
So gentle, yet so strong.
The many ways you show you care
Always make me feel I belong.


You're patient when I'm foolish;
You give guidance when I ask;
It seems you can do most anything;
You're the master of every task.


You're a dependable source of comfort;
You're my cushion when I fall.
You help in times of trouble;
You support me whenever I call.


I love you both more than I can express;
You have my total respect.
If I had my choice of mothers or grandmothers,
You'd be the one's I'd select.

Happy Birthday !