Black Friday.

I got up at 6am.

Was at Walmart by 6:30am.

Walked in a big circle...and walked out.

Insanely stupid.

(I know I know I know...the 'Walmart' should have been my first clue....they said they had princess pj's for $3!!! I couldn't resist. I should have though - they were GONE by the time I got there.)

Scored at Target and Michael's though.

Home by 9am.

Decorated tree and house with girls the rest of the morning

WAY adorable:

Last year, and it wasn't easy (I'm still kinda cringing), I got rid of all our ornaments except my great grandmother's balls that had been given to me.

I also got rid of about three Rubbermaid's full of decorations.

we are down to the tree, the nativity and a few wreaths and candle holders.

Setting up for Christmas this year took about 2 hours.

with kids under foot.

it was fun.

it is pretty.

and I feel so good about it!

It was fun for us to do but not so overwhelming that why we were doing what we were doing got lost in the mix.

(that's what was happening to us! it was more about where to put the snowmen and reindeer than the who and why of Jesus!)

This year, it was good.

I'm sure the 'decorating for Jesus birthday' day will not always be this good, but this one was and I'm savoring!

After nap mama and daddy set off to accomplish as much of the girls Christmas shopping as we could together.

It was perfect.

We are excited about their gifts and it was an awesome time together.

(we always do a little pre-Christmas Christmas shopping for each other on nights like that = new purse for mama!)

sigh...really love my family.

off to another small, in house, date night with Jake.

see you in the mornin'....with 'Somewhere Out There' updates!