Our Christmas Decorations 2009 :)

I know my last post and the one 2 posts before that make it seem like I've been just sitting around moping this holiday season, but that's really not the case. Despite woes with the relatives, etc., I'm still feeling the holiday spirit. We've decorated the house and done our Christmas cards and bought some gifts. Life isn't perfect but I've still got much to be thankful for. I've got a wonderful husband, great kids and pretty awesome dogs, too. :) I do spend a fair amount of time lamenting our family's losses (we'll forever miss Russell and Skye), and thinking about my own imperfections and my relationship failures (I'm hooked on drama, what do you expect from me!!!???), but I'm still taken with the magic of the Christmas season. Something about all the music, the glitter, the shine and the goodwill I feel out amongst the crowds just soothes me. Here's some pictures of our holiday home this year. Gaudy, tacky, slightly overdone (ha!) and totally how we like it. Merry Christmas everyone! The bathroom mirror in our downstairs 1/2 bath.

Des and Kaleb, wearing their elf houseshoes.

Sydney the Wonder Dog and Blu - waiting on Randey to give them their treat.

Looking towards the kitchen from the living room.

The backdoor, guarded by the Grinch.

The dining room light fixture, complete with Cindy Lou Who, Max and the Grinch.

The nativity scene and our Christmas movie collection.

The main tree and my favorite seating area in the living room.

The Christmas village.

The fireplace and the tree with the handmade ornaments (that tree wants to lean, no matter what I do to the base!!).