Week 42: Christmas Traditions

Since we were both together in Michigan this week, we decided to do our photos together.

Matt and I (Beth) have gone to visit Nikki's class for the past two years during her holiday pajama party. Here is a class picture, with Matt included.

We always decorate the Christmas tree with all our family ornaments. This year mom got to show all the ornaments to Jackson (my nephew).

 Every year my dad reads "Twas the Night Before Christmas" to us kids by the light of the Christmas tree. It was even more fun this year with Jackson!

We always open up one gift at a time in age order. So, Jackson was the first to open up a gift this year. Of course, he was more excited about the boxes his gifts came in!

  

 When the first grandchild was born on Jacie's side of the family, a family friend made her a felt Christmas stocking.  The tradition continued with Jacie's mom and Aunt making felt stockings for every child after that.  Once someone marries in to the family they get one.  This year Great Grandma Mills made Jackson's base and Grandma added the name and embellishments.  (There are 4 more stockings hanging on the other side of the wood stove.)

                       

Making Christmas cookies with friends.

 This mixer is 60 years old.  Jacie's mom got it as a Christmas gift and it is well loved!

 Cookie cutters from Jacie's grandma and mom, couldn't begin to tell you how old they are.

 Our collection of Christmas books.

 Hot dogs. . .  yes, hot dogs ~~ years ago Jacie's Grandpa said that the women worked so hard making the Thanksgiving meal and doing all the Christmas preparations that he would get Hunkie's Hot Dogs from the Corner Bar in Rockford. (The only place open Christmas Eve) and ever since then the family has Hunkie's Hot Dogs. However, we are about 500 miles away so we just make our own but the tradition continues.

 Don began reading the Night Before Christmas 30 years ago on Christmas Eve and he read it every year, even to his adult children.  This year Jacie bought him a new book to celebrate their first grandchild.

Week 41: "Warmth"

Beth's

I wasn't really happy with my pictures this week, but here they are! The first two are of my space heater, which is the main heat source in my bedroom.

Jacie~ I thought this would be a very easy week, but it wasn't!

Week 40:These are a "Few" of Our Favorite Things

Beth's

It was hard to nail it down to just a "few" things! There were so many more I would have added on to this weeks theme if it wasn't so cold outside! But here are a few of my favorite things in no particular order.

This first one was a given.

I love cameras! I am currently saving up right now to buy my first SLR. But this is what I have been taking all of my Project 52 photos with.

Books. I love to read! I was also an English teacher, so it reminds me of teaching. Which I loved!

I am so blessed to have so many great friends. I have lived all over and have met so many amazing people.

Traveling. Need I say more!

 Home. I loved growing up in the Copper Country (in the Upper Penninsula of Michigan). But home means more than just the phyiscal place. This also represents my family, who mean everything in the world to me.

 Colorful fabrics. I am addicted to color and fun retro patterns.

Playing cards. I love playing cards with my family when I am home. I also collect decks of cards from the different places I travel to. It's a fun little keepsake that I can actually use! These are a few of my favorite ones.

                                                  

  

Gerbera Daisies. I love them! When I have my own garden someday, it will be full of these!

Cows. I know, kind of random. I have loved cows since I was a kid and have collected cow things ever since. My love for the animal only increased when I lived on a dairy farm in New Zealand. They are just so cute!

 A zest for life and a little inspiration.

Art supplies. I love being able to use my creativity to produce something that others can enjoy. I feel like I am the most in my element when I can spend my time being artsy.

Bird decorations. I started collected bird things when I lived in Wisconsin and have continued it here. I just love finding fun bird things for my apartment.

Accessories. I am going to be a little girlie here for a moment. I LOVE accessories; shoes, jewelry, purses, scarves. You name it.

Jacie's

This was a fun theme for me, however so many of my favorite things are covered with snow or unavailable at this time of year.  We decided not to use people as they are not things.  But I couldn't resist people "doing" something, which you will see in a few photos

So we begin and in no particular order. 

My  sewing and embroidery machines.  I love to move them out of the craft room and in to the kitchen for all day projects.  The view is always sensational!

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A cupboard in the kittchen with my parents crystal, my great grandma's vase and my teapot and teacup collection.

This one speaks for itself. I sang my babies to sleep with this song every night.

 

Children praying.

This on speaks for itself.

A tiger warmer, a good moxa stick, a corn bag, and a cup of Jasmine tea in the Christmas cup I got when I was in high school.

 

Sunday night pan popped popcorn

Blueberries!! Anything blueberry!

My parents started an angel collection for me when I was born, I now have angels from all over the world, this guy is one of my favorites.  He really speaks to me, I love presents as much as he does!

Games are a big part of our family, my back hall is dedicated to the art of a fine game!

Every since I was a kid I have loved books and bookshelves.  I love big tall old bookshelves filled with old books.






Living in the U P 

Big huge snowflakes, the kind that make you feel like you live in a snowglobe.  All of my favorite flowers are hiden under the snow, slowly preparing for their burst of color in a few months.

My Yoga practice.  I add an extra home practice this time of year.