Apologies, this is my blog... I have ADD when it comes to changing my layout! LOL
I could NOT find a Christmas layout that I liked this year!
But this is my final selection for this month... I promise!
It kinda has an "old" Christmas feel to it and I love it!
So on our honeymoon in Gatlinburg, TN... hubby and I stumbled across a Christmas Store... EEK!
It was so cute! Oops, I am getting ahead of myself here.. the photo above was from outside of the Ripley's Aquarium that we went to in TN. I thought the set up was so cute, I had to take a pic!
Here is the Santa's workshop they had set up outside the aquarium too! So cute:)
This huge Christmas tree was outside; don't ask what those blocks stand for cause I have NO idea!
Ok, no that I have you confused and wondering if I've lost my mind...
Onto pics from the Christmas Store...
Very pretty tree! I have really been drawn to white Christmas trees lately.
Gingerbread ornaments galore! You can click on the pic to see it better.
Cute faux gumdrop and ribbon candy ornaments; now I wish I bought one of these too:(
So precious!! No, I didn't get this one either... (kicking myself now!!!)
The cutest little snowgirl with confetti inside the ornament ball ♥
The display set up in the store where Santa was going to be sitting for pics
and visits from all the lil girls and boys!
Loved the green ribbon on this tree!
Cute glittery snow people
This tree was done up with faux desserts and candy ornaments! It was so cute:)
Right up my mom's alley!
Precious!! I had to tell myself NO cause I already have a Gingerbread stocking!
$75.00 for this lil gingerbread house that was part of a village!!!
Needless to say it did NOT come home with me!
Here is the GORGEOUS tree outside the shop with lil caroler cutouts you could have your pic taken with!
Don't you love those BLUE lights????
Painted windows outside the shop; so pretty.
This is the ornament I got for the tree this year!!
The yellow guy, Pikachu from Pokemon is for the boys and
my hubby picked out the dad from Family Guy as his ornament!!
We like to get an ornament each year for the boys with the year on it.
Our lil Gage loves moose's so here is his!
We thought this one was perfect for our oldest son, the video game junkie!
Me and my handsome hubby at that aquarium ♥
And here is a sneak peek of my swap partner Michele's package that went out today!
We were partners in Heidi's Homemade Christmas Swap!
Got that cute lil mitten ornament from Target and the handmade item is wrapped in the package below it!
I also sent Michele's some other goodies as well:)
_______________________________________________________________________________
A couple things...
(1) My dad is not doing well. He cancer has spread to his spine, there are many bony lesions throughout his body and on his ribs and in the intestines. Things are not looking very good at this point. His cancer is at a stage 4. The last time I saw him was a week and a half ago; he found out that day that the cancer has spread. I found out today that he has refused his last 3 radiation treatments:( A bone biopsy is being done tomorrow; which I need to speak to his dr. about because I was not aware that this would be done. I am SO scared and worried for him girls. He can't speak so there's no way he can tell me how he is feeling, I've asked him to write to me on paper his thoughts, feelings... but he won't. Its so sad to see him "giving up" already. I am going with my brother on Monday to see him, I hope he perks up a little then. Please continue to keep him in your prayers.
(2) I am trying to be positive about everything in life. My "lifestyle change" of eating has gone downhill the past few weeks with the wedding, honeymoon, holidays, etc. My dr. is really on my case to get my insulin levels down. I need to try to focus on eating good again. I DID get a NEW part time job as a Literacy Tutor with grades K-3; it will be 8-12 hours a week after school; I will do that along with the daycare job I have on Thurs/Fridays. We are really stressing about giving our boys a nice Christmas this year. We found out today that the transmission on our SUV is leaking which is a MUST to get fixed, so that takes away from money for the holidays! It just seems like if its NOT one thing, its ANOTHER!! Do you ever feel like that?
My hubby is looking into 2 different potential jobs, I just pray that he lands the ONE! He needs a change of pace, better pay and good benefits; I think that would ease our struggles as well.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Here's to as Happy of a Holiday Season as we can have...
Sorry to be a "Debbie Downer" here; its just SO hard to deal with all of this, during this Christmas season.
Hugs to you all ...
Thanks for all your support!
Love ya,
Noelle ♥
15 comments:
Your layout is to cute, just like your header.
Love all the holiday decor fun festive pics. You got some great ornaments.
SO SORRY again to hear about your dad. It has to be so hard. ;) SHOW him your love, I think that is so important.
You are not alone in tough times, there are so many. Hand made gifts are a great way to go. Enjoy time with family baking, caroling, watching movies, etc. Good luck, cheer up!
I love the layout!
All the holiday stuff was too cute. I exspecially love the coffee cup ornament thingy..lol..dont know what to call it, but it was right up my ally..lol
I'm soo sorry about your dad. I dont know what I would do if I was in your position. I almost broke down today because my mom had her wisdom teeth taken out and was very weak and in a lot of pain. They almost didnt do it because her blood pressure was so low. Anyways here I go rambling, like always. My point is I know its hard for you and you have my email and I consider you one of my really good blogging friends though I have been a stranger for quite some time and I know theres not a lot I can do from where I'm at, but I'm always here to talk and lend an ear or a helping hand.
I also have noticed how hard Christmas is this year for my family. We had to buy a lot of little stuff for the kids because we didnt want the kids to feel as though things had changed because they didnt live with us anymore. They each got one big, but little in price thing and a bunch of little non-expensive stuff. I think over-all I would be happy as a child. My niece was actually down in the dumps this year saying she didnt care if she got anything for Christmas because she just wanted to spend it with family. Sometimes I think the best part of Christmas is the family time, the cooking, the movies, and just the holiday cheer. I'm sure they believe that too. Like I said earlier I'm here and I wish you luck with this Christmas season :)
My sweet Noelle...I love the christmas pictures. I like you can shop Christmas all year. I bet your ornament partner is getting cute stuff. I so wished we had more places to shop here.
I must say your hubby gets cuter and cuter! Maybe it is because the beautiful bride beside him.
So happy for you and will be praying for your dad!
Noelle
All I can say is what I believe in my heart, pray. Sadly we have no control many times over life or health, we asked him to take care of himself the last few years. Pray for his comfort, pray for him to have strength, God will take care of the rest. You have to believe. Love,Momma
Hey Noelle ;o)
it`s been way too long since i visited you ..
and now you`re Mrs K !! ;o)
You both looked stunning in your precious photos - i loved your dress and flowers !
And to read of your dad`s cancer spread too , i will keep you all in my thoughts .Maybe you could write him a letter , and he may respond . I think writing would help him get some emotions out in the open , but certain men of an older generation don`t feel it`s " manly " to talk , they recoil into themselves . I do hope that he communicates to you in that way soon .
(( big hugs from across the pond ))
Oh - and New moon was fantastic !!
Go team Edward !! LOL !!
OMG did you see vanity Fair magazine spread or their website photos !! ? Bought the UK Dec edition here - i`m drooling girl !! Some of the best pics of him so far ..
I am obsessed too - got the music / film on my I-pod audio books loads a photos on my phone I am Robsessed !!
♥
I love this vintage blog dress, Noelle! Lisa has the same one. I'm sticking with mine since I only like to cahnge a few times a year.
The Christmas store looks fun and you two love birds looked so cute at the aquarium!
Yes, in life, it's always *something*! Keep remembering the good things and the things that you *do* have control over and it will help you with the rest! ♥
((hugs))
kiss those adorable boys and remember that no matter what, they're going to be thrilled with Christmas! I know it gets harder as they get older and we want to give them everything.
I'm so so sorry about your dad, if you need anything, let me know.
Adorable Christmas pics!
Oh honey...I'm so sorry about your Dad...I will keep him in my prayers. This has to be so hard on you...especially around the holidays.
I'm prayin that hubby gets that job...times are so tough these days. And I'm sure the boys will be happy with their Christmas. I was the same way tho...always wanted to give my kids everything and after the divorce, things sure changed. They understood tho.
Love the layout...too cute! Can't wait until you get your swap package...it should be there today!!!
Big hugs...and if you need anything at all, please let me know. I'm not that far from you!!!
Michele
Love all of your pictures. I LOVE Gatlinburg at Christmas time! It is so fun!
I'm so sorry to hear about your daddy, girl!
I think that if you stop by my blog you will see that same header. I too have a hard time to change them and this is the only one that I could get to download. funny :)
Sorry, to hear about your dad. I have an aunt that has mouth cancer and is not doing well either.
I am also having car troubles and it is going to take money to fix it.
Wow, we have a lot in common.
Well, I am not a newly wed.:)LOL
Have a blessed weekend.
Noelle, I am so sorry to read this about your dad. Your family is in my prayers.
Your wedding pictures were gorgeous!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your dress and your bouquet is stunning! Everything looks just perfect :)
Hugs,
Amy
If you're anything like me when you go into a Christmas store, you wanted to buy everything! lol I love the ornaments you did decide to buy though:-) I so enjoyed looking at these pictures, they really had everything nicely decorated.
I know how hard it is for you and the family, knowing that your dad is getting worse and not better. Sometimes a person can be in so much pain, they don't want to go on anymore. Just be there for him and let him know he's loved. xoxo
P.S. I mailed your parcel to you today so we'll see which one arrives first, yours or mine! lol
Hi Noelle,
Enjoying your wedding photos.
Let's not forget that Christmas isn't about gifts...it's about Jesus' birthday and His gift on the cross. Kids don't need lots of gifts. Mine only had 3 under the tree like Jesus had 3 from the wisemen and then a stocking filled with little things. More isn't better...
Have a great weekend.
Deb :)
Hey Noelle,
The Christmas pics from Gatlinburg are so precious...I know y'all had such a fun time there. I would love to visit up there during the Christmas season.
By the way you "are not" a Debbie Downer...I'm keeping you and your family and daddy in my prayers sweetie. I am just so sorry that you all are having to go through all this. I am sure it means the world to your daddy that you are there for him, though he can't tell you himself right now. I don't understand why things like this happen, or why there is such suffering in the world, but I do know from my life's experience, of many trials and tribulations...that God is still in control. I'll be thinking of you, and praying that God will give you peace amidst the storm. I know he will.
Big Hugs,
Queenie
Hey sweety - Gosh sending you a big cyber hug (squeeze) I am so sorry times seem bleek right now. But I think things hit harder during the holiday season...they just appear bigger because we want to spend gobs on our kids...cheer up - things will get easier. 2010 will be your year to THRIVE - I feel it in my bones. Life will begin to mesh and groove your way!
I wish I lived close I know I could keep you laughing and your mind of the hub-bub.
Your kids are adorable and your hubby too.
Sending prayers to your daddy - talk soon.
XO
Post a Comment