A Patriotic Tree

Well, we are in the "thinking stages" for our Christmas trees this year. I have already mentioned that I plan to do a Hawaiian tree. This morning we were sitting at Barnes and Noble when Doug made mention that he had an idea for another Christmas tree. He thinks ( and don't get me wrong, I do , too) that we should make a military tree. Flags for sure along with USAF, USA, USN and USMC ornaments along with other things. He suggest we find things like Air Force planes , Army tanks, maybe some PT boats and the GI Joe type of dolls to go on it. Aside from that I am open to suggestions. I have my dad's dog tags that will go on the tree and maybe another memorabilia or two. I think I still have my dad's cap.

Since my dad was in the Army 12 to 14 years before I was born, I don't know anything about military life and very little about military insignia. I do know that Simper Fi is something for the Marine Crops. Other than that, I am totally open to suggestions. I think I want to make the a larger tree like maybe 7' or so. I could use some things that are a little bit larger on it.

And don't tell me to go to Bronner's. There ornaments are $18.00 each. That adds up in a hurry. I have surfed for some other ornaments and found some that is a little cheaper. Doug could look up some patterns for wooden ornaments if he has some time this fall. I think he is up to about 80 teddy bear ornaments to make this fall.

If any one has other ideas for some of my other trees, I would love to hear them. Just leave me a post or post under my facebook link... I am always looking for a new slant for trees.

I will have a dog tree, teddy bear tree, Hawaiian, Patriotic, Snowmen, Angels and some basic trees with just color themes, etc. Last year Doug had a baseball tree and the year before he had a tool tree so I need a new idea for his tree.

All ideas welcome,

Vera

The Holidays Begin

Happy 2010 Christmas season, everyone. My oldest son called me Thursday and ask if I was ready for Christmas this year. He informed me that we were just 6 months away! I am so excited. I just can't wait.I bet you think that is a wise crack, but, really, it is true.

I love the holiday season. Doug and I have parties all during the season. We have the Optimist Club, his Sunday School class, my Sunday School class and an Open House for friends. This year I think we might just add a party or two to the list. I love having people in my house for the holidays. I don't have a "HOUSE BEAUTIFUL" home, but it is a cozy cottage and the doors are always open. Every year, someone comes up to me and ask to bring someone new to my house to show them that I really do have a lot of trees in the house. It is like, "yes, see there, she really does decorate the bathroom for Christmas!!"

So much fun... Doug will be making "teddy bears" for our big tree this year. I think little boys and teddy bears will go together just fine this year. Last year, for our two grandsons first Christmas we had Santa Claus. I am guessing for the next few years anyway the tree themes will be decided around what the boys might enjoy. Can't imaging a grandparent doing that, can you? Ha

In years past I have decided on an number of trees I want to set out. This year, I will decorate trees until I get the house the way I want it and quit. Whether that is 20 or 35. When I get satisfied, I stop. That is my promise to myself this year. Yep!

I plan to start decorating about the 15th of October. If I wait until after Halloween there are always complications and I stress over getting everything done before Thanksgiving. I don't like stress. Stress gives me wrinkles and makes me even older than I am. I don't like stress. But I bet you think that doing all this decorating is stressful. NOPE.... It is a labor of love. I so enjoy people wanting to come to our house to see what is different every year. It is like a treat for the people that come by.

There are also quite a few people that have amassed a good size collection of Doug Davis original Christmas ornaments. That is right. You can't buy them but you can be our friend and get an invite to the party. That is how you get an ornament. Some of our friends have six or eight. They even ask early what the ornament of the year will be. They kind of get into the excitement with us.

You can watch the video that is on KAIT every year or you can follow the work in progress with me as I decorate this year.

Happy holiday trimming,

Vera