Trimming the Tree

So on Monday night we (meaning "I") decided it would be a wonderful family night to set up and decorate the Christmas tree(s). Seth is always a little less than thrilled at setting up the tree but he knows it is an inevetable process so he's a good sport and goes along with it. I told him that if he and Rylan would set up the tree and put on the lights (I hate that part!) then they could leave and I would decorate it. I actually helped get the tree up but Seth (with his little partner) did all the lights.


After the tree was up and lights were on, it was time for me to work my magic. As I was decorating the tree, Rylan and Seth layed down and watched The Polar Express. Rylan had never seen it and due to his adoration of trains, I thought it would be appropriate. He was in love and was glued to the TV for the whole movie. He just layed right by Seth the whole time. Then when it was over, he said, "Agaaaaiiiinn", so they watched it twice! I'm sorry to say that I also let him watch it again this morning. He adores that show now!!



Ok, so I promised I would post some pictures of our trees for Keri. She taught me all I know about tree decoration, and although I am no where near the professional decorator that she is, I still think this is by far my best tree creation to date. Thank heavens for the after Christmas sales last year! Now, taking pictures of a Christmas Tree stinks! The trees really are so pretty and then I take a picture of it and I'm like, "that looks no where near as pretty as it really is!" If you don't believe me, leave your computer right this minute and take a picture of your tree that you worked so hard on and I guarantee that you'll be so disapointed. I almost didn't want to post pictures simply because it makes everything seem ugly when its not. It's just not the same without the sparkle. Oh well, here goes nothing...


Ugg. Even now I'm discusted. I promise it looks sooooo much better in real life! By the way, there are flowers at the top of the tree by the star--that isn't all ribon. So, here are my favorite parts:


The "Let it Snow" piece. This thing is soooooo heavy and I love it to death. It was one of the first pieces I put on the tree and soon after it fell right off and broke. I nearly cried. But I found some extra strong adhesive and put it back together. This morning when it dried, I used wire to attach the sign to the "trunk" of the tree so now it's secure. Phew, that was a close one!


I adore these snowflakes that I got at Tai Pan. In all honesty, I think I could have a whole tree with just white lights and a bunch of these snowflakes, that's how much I heart them. You can't tell from this picture but they are ultra sparkly and beautiful when the lights are on and it's dark in the room. Actually, almost everything on the tree has at least a little sparkle to it.


Also, I think my absolute favorite thing on the tree are the miniature antiqued ornaments I got from Pottery Barn. You can see one right above the snowflake and then one in the bottom right hand corner of the picture. They are so small and dainty and I just love them to pieces! What in heavens name would I do without the after Christmas clearance sales (I'd have a boring house at Christmas time for sure) and also without the loving guidance of Keri!

Ok, now for the tree in the back room. I am actually very proud of this little tree although it does come out to be quite ugly in picture form. I have really taken a liking to the brown/copper tone ornaments available now. Again, lots o' sparkle on this tree so you don't get the full effect. However, it really is quite pretty for a monochromatic tree I think. Even Seth likes it.
So there you have it. I love Christmas trees. In fact, I still have two more! Actually, one is another Aspen tree for Rylans room that I'll do in more colorful, juvenile items--I may or may not post a picture of that one, and the other one is a small one for my front porch...nothing too exciting there. But I really think I would have one of them in each room of my house if I could! I just love the ambiance it brings into the home at night. So there you go. If you like them, tell me what you think (if not, keep your thoughts to yourself...hee, hee).