Big Ball of Fun

I saw this idea for a game kicking around on the internet this year that I wanted to give a try. Wrapping a bunch of "prizes"  up in plastic wrap and making it a contest to see who could unwrap the most things. It seemed like a good idea so I set about making it a reality for our Christmas Eve gathering. It was  HUGE success and unanimously voted to be a yearly tradition from here on out.

It's Tradition

I know my girl is a grown, married adult now but some traditions are just too hard to break. As long as this lady is still living in the same town as me we will continue to get our yearly picture with the Jolly ol' St. Nick! This year we missed our traditional Black Friday photo shoot (don't worry, we were still out on Black Friday, we just missed Santa this year), but Santa didn't let us down. He showed up at the Victorian Christmas Holiday Bizarre we were shopping at, so we cornered him there and got our annual picture. Thanks Santa!! Love the picture.

Garland Chandelier

Christmas decorations bring me great joy and comfort. I think it's mostly because, during a time of year when I don't get to be outside as much as I like, I have the opportunity to bring the outside into my home. I put green wherever I can, and each year I try to come up with a few new ideas. This year the green extended to the dining room chandelier.

Gift Bag Art

I have a place on one of my walls that I really wanted a Christmas/winter picture on. I was looking around the store today and just couldn't find anything I liked... and, all the pictures were $20 or more: not worth the cost to me. Then I saw this awesome gift bag and had a brilliant idea. I came home, cut out the picture on the bag and put it in a picture frame I already had. It looks perfect in the space I wanted it and the total cost was only $2.00!

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.

You're Never Too Old For Santa!

On of the traditions that Jess and I do every Black Friday is get our picture taken with Santa. It started so many years ago, when we first started going out. Santa's Photo booth was up in the mall, and I guess because it was early there wasn't a single kid for miles. No line, and Santa just sitting there all alone. We decided to go for it and take our picture. It was so fun we have been doing it ever sense. We have about 8 of these gems accumulated now. Start your own tradition with family Christmas pictures with Santa. It's one of our favorite things to do each year.

Is Santa Real?

Guest Writer: Amy Hamblin

I have a nine year old daughter.  I also have a husband who wants her to be little forever and if he had it his way would never find out the “truth” about Santa, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, Leprechauns or even Mickey Mouse.  We have been thinking about how this is all going to play out for us here at our house.

The Man Cave: My Top 10 Christmas Traditions

Everyone has their own set of Christmas activities without which it just wouldn't seem like Christmas.

Here are a few of mine.

You Know It's Time To Take The Tree Down When

I am running on fumes this morning, having gotten too few hours of sleep last night. I am feeling more zombie than human and my eyes are stinging just looking at this computer monitor. I do not have the brain power to be serious about anything, and even if I did, serious isn't really in my vocabulary very often. When I am really tired I tend to get really dorky - so I am going to allow my dorkiness to shine through. For your enjoyment on this amazingly dark and cold morning:

THE TOP 10 SIGNS IT'S TIME TO TAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE DOWN,

Snowman Pencils

I have to admit, I am having a very busy day today, and when I am not running around or working I am vegging in front of this computer. That is what I am currently doing - taking a moment to do nothing, with my feet up, sipping a green tea and just web surfing: ya know, just the brainless activity of a much deserved lunch break. I found these adorable snowman pencils and decided to share them for my post today. 

A Christmas Lights Walk

Every neighborhood has one: the one house that tries to match Clark Griswald's 25,000 Italian imported twinkle lights. I have never been one to put lights out on my house.... the fear of falling off a high ladder and having no outdoor outlets on my house are kind of deterring to me.... but I love to drive/walk around looking at other peoples outdoor creations. It's one of my favorite evening Christmas activities.

Sharing Our Tradition

Guest Writer: Amy Hamblin

You all read my entry on traditions, right?  Well then you all know that I think that they are an important part of the holidays and of leaving a family legacy.  If you don’t have any traditions of your own a good way to start  making them is to borrow some from others and try them out and see how they fit your family.  Today I will lend you one of ours, making Christmas Bon Bons.