Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa's House - Retro 1950's

Just LOOK at the tinsel on this tree ... now I see where my mom got her fascination for single strand decorations ... This is my Grandma and Grandpa Klotz ... my dad's parents.  I think I got my "spunk" from Grandma Ollie, as she was a force to be reckoned with and there were no "gray" areas ... it was either black or white ... right or wrong ... nothing in between.  She had a quiet strength and a loving embrace.  I have just a few vague memories of my Grandpa George, who past away when I was about 4. 

It's that magical time of year!

Hard to beleive that we are well into December and the most magical time of the year is just a few weeks away ... here are a few of my favorite things about December.

While I absolutely hate driving in hazardous conditions, I do love to sit and watch it snowing ... from a comfy chair ... with the fireplace roaring ... and a cup of hot cocoa in hand ... there is nothing for beautiful than a blanket of pristine snow covering everything around.



And while we haven't had a REAL christmas tree in many years, one of my favorite holiday smells in fresh pine ... love walking past the trees for sell and just inhaling this amazing aroma ... it conjurs up images of Christmas past.  Although growing up I do remember the infamous aluminum tree with a rotating colored disk ... did any of you have these when you were growing up?

I'm not sure who invented this concept or why it became so popular back in the '60's, but my dad was famous for getting any new "gadget" on the market and this was our holiday tree for several years.  But one of my fondest memories is when we had a real tree and mom would hang tinsel ... one strand at a time, on the branches ... it was amazing when she was done. 



Nobody Doesn't Like Hot Cocoa !!

We are lucky to have the corporate headquarters of Mannheim Steamroller right here in Omaha, Nebraska.  And for MANY years now it has been an annual treat to stop by and pick up a cannister of THIS amazing cocoa.  It contains Vietnamese cinnamon and is the absolute BEST hot chocolate you will EVER taste!  And that endorsement comes from me ... one who KNOWS her hot cocoa!!!

They have an online store here: 

Miss Paisley Turns TWO !!!!

Just doesn't seem possible that it is been almost TWO YEARS since this adorable and amazing little gal came into our lives!   She gets cuter by the minute, if that's possible.  And her antics have us ALL just laughing out loud.  Her mom says that she has had more time outs in her short life than Jonas has had in his full 5-1/2 years ... she is definitely a force to be reckoned with! 

Happy birthday, Sweet P !!!!