Christmas Traditions

Things are starting to get verrrrrrrry merry around these parts.  From James' decked out room to the front of the house to our new cozy basement winter wonderland, it seems that the Mangiaracina's are ready for Santa's arrival.  It all started with our visit to the Christmas tree lot.  We have been going to the same place since we moved here (Trader Joe's parking lot!) and kept up with the tradition - including our pho meal afterwards. :)

I love how James looks so exhausted in that last photo - like he was the one that hauled the tree in the house!  After about a week of letting the branches settle (trip to NY got in the way), we got to trimming it last night. We both grew up in houses that had the "tacky tree".  You know the one.  Colored lights.  Random ornaments.  No theme.  And we LOVE carrying that tradition on.  

Some of our tree favorites include this guy we bought when we were dating...

... James' first ornament...

... an oldie, but goodie from Ed's younger days...

... and a new favorite.

This is the first year we put the tree in the basement, but I think it was a wise move.  It is so cozy down there now that it is finished and with the fireplace, it is the perfect setting for the tree.

We did manage to make sure that the main floor is festive despite the deletion of the tree.

There are still a few things to partake in to complete the holiday traditions.  Cookie making ~ Gingerbread house decorating ~ Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer watching.  I can tell you that I'm sure between now and Christmas morning we will watch "Elmo Saves Christmas" another 117 times, but hey, it's the holidays!

A Headboard by Any Other Name...

As many of you know, my hubby is quite the handy man and has recently dabbled into home furnishings.  He made our beautiful kitchen table and recently put together this beauty for James' room:

James' big kid room felt somehow unfinished.  The furniture in the room was Ed's when he was a kid, but the headboard that came with the set was for a twin bed and James has a double.  Enter Super-Hubby!  He built this baby in a few days and we couldn't be more thrilled with how it looks in the space.

Unfortunately, James didn't seem to notice it when he first walked into the room.

Kid is oblivious.

But since that lackluster first impression, he has petted it while saying "I like it!" so it looks like Ed got a thumbs up.

And now for the plug.  Check out Ed's Craigslist site for more of the great stuff he has put together and let him know if you are in need of anything!

Potty TRAINED!

So we are so SO proud to report that our big guy has upgraded his status from potty training to potty trained!  The kid is unstoppable on the potty these days and is full time in underpants - with the exception of overnight.  I think the M&M prizes may have something to do with it, but we are at the point where he only gets it for #2.  I'd rather buy M&M's than endless amounts of diapers and wipes.

Big cheers for no more diapers!!

Full Circle

When I was a kid, my Aunt Linda bought both my sister and I each a mini Christmas Tree for our bedrooms.  I loved having my own tree with my own ornaments in my room so I decided that James should have one too.  We unveiled his little tree on Monday night and the kid could not be more excited.

I picked up this little gem at Land of Nod.  It comes complete with tree, penguin tree topper, tree skirt and colorful ornaments.  We added some colorful lights and voila ~ Christmas magic!

James loves having a tree in his room.  He greets it every morning when he wakes up and says goodnight to it each night before hitting the hay. Once we pull the Christmas ornaments out for the family tree we will be able to add some of his own to his little tree.  Just like I had when I was a little girl.  I love when things come full circle.

And Without Further Ado

We took family pictures a few weeks back.

Not. Half. Bad. :)

Now for the plug.  We can't say enough great things about Erica of Elevee Photography.  Not only is she awesome to work with, she takes amazing photos.  Seriously - check her out if you are in the market.  I mean look at the shot of that smile!!  Killer!