Merry Christmas From The Cheney's

So, remember those creepy photos we had taken in grade school that had your main pose, accompanied by the floating head profile? Who ever thought those were a good idea? Well, we did!!! This awkward family Christmas photo is brought to you by us - the Cheney's - wishing you a very Merry Christmas. We hope that this brings a smile to your face and cheer to your day!!!!!

10 Awesome Christmas Dates

Christmas is quickly approaching. Most of us are caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season: shopping, baking, cleaning and wrapping. I think it's important however, to slow down and take a minute to really spend some time with your honey. Just take a deep breath, let a few things go and go on a holiday date together. Here are my favorite ideas to get you going.

My Top 5 Christmas Movies

I love movies. I love curling up with some popcorn, a blanket, the lights down low and the sound up high. Action is probably my favorite, but I love just about anything depending on my mood. There are a few movies that in my opinion make Christmas complete, and it just doesn't feel like Christmas until I watch them. Here are my top 5 Christmas movies - and no, Die Hard and Sound of Music are NOT Christmas movies.

Kickin' It Old School - Paper Chains

I'm not a fancy girl. You won't see my dining room table set with china and a table cloth, I am more comfortable in a pair of jeans than slacks, and I love a simple (almost vintage) decorating style. There's something about a good ol' fashioned paper chain and popcorn streamer that just fits my tastes. This year I actually spent some time putting together those lovely strips of red, white and green.

Twisted Christmas Music

I love Christmas music. It will not be heard one single day in my house until after Thanksgiving, but the second Jess and I are in the car heading out for Black Friday Shopping it's Christmas on! I love to listen to Bing sing about his White Christmas and John Denver sooth me about roasting chestnuts on an open fire, but I am a rocker through and through (I was a complete aqua net, parachute pants girl in the 80's), and sometimes you just have to get your rock on - even during Christmas. Here are some awesome albums to add to your collection for those times you just need something a little bit...... more.

Winter Sled

I have an ice sled that belonged to my dad for I don't know how long. It could have been his as a kid, or it could have been something he acquired a little later than that. All I know is there are pictures of me barley walking with my dad outside in the snow pulling me around the yard on it. Living in Seattle, we don't have many opportunities to use it, but it is one of the few belongings of his that I just can't seem to let go of. I can definitely say this is one of the times where Pinterest really has payed off for me, because now every year I get to pull that little treasure out and make it a focal point of my Christmas decorations.

The Tree Is Up!

Last year we changed things up with our Christmas tree. It was time for a new one (yes, we do the fake - it's less expensive, and more convenient in my opinion). With just Aaron and I home most of the time, we decided to downsize instead of turning our entire living room upside down to fit in a big tree. Here is what we came up with, and I love it!

Easy Christmas Valance

A few years ago I had a total Martha Stewart moment. That doesn't happen in my life very often, I usually get my ideas by watching what other people do and then putting my own personal twist to it, making it into my own: It's not copying, but creative inspiration (yes, I actually learned that in a class once). One day I happened to be looking through all the Christmas decorations at the store and was hit with a brilliant idea - all on my own.

Yearly Santa Picture Display

As you know, Jess and I go out every year for Black Friday, and while we are out we get our picture taken with Santa. We have seven of these awesome pictures thus far, and I really wanted to display them all this year. What a better place to put pictures throughout the years than around the clock......... profound. I did each picture in scrapbook style: it's been a long time since I've gotten the scrapbook supplies out and it was fun. Now, every time I walk by this wall, I have to pause and look at my daughter and I during the last seven years. Take a walk back in time with me.

December Holidays

We are in full swing holiday mode now. With Halloween and Thanksgiving behind us, and Christmas and New Years just ahead, we have plenty of reasons to celebrate. But, just in case you don't have enough holiday parties in your schedule already, here are a few other holidays you can throw into your celebration plans.