Monday, December 21, 2009

Fun Day

I am SOOOOOO blessed with the parents God gave me. They are so good to me and I'm so thankful for them. They came over today to visit me and Harper. Tomorrow is my birthday (I'll be 36 - gulp! More about that later) so we had an early birthday celebration and of course the REAL reason they came was to see a certain baby..........
My aunt Linda sent Harper some Christmas presents and we had so much fun watching her unwrap them. She got her the CUTEST outfits that I can't wait for her to wear!
Harper mostly loved unwrapping the presents. At one point she decided she just wanted to stand on this box. Thankfully there was nothing fragile inside.
Dawson in the background of this picture made me laugh. I think he is wondering "where are my presents?" My Aunt Linda also gave me the CUTEST red purse (she gives the best gifts) and this necklace that I LOVE! I'll show ya'll when I wear it!
Today Harper has been going from sitting down to standing up all on her own without pulling up on anything. It's her newest "trick". We went and ate lunch and then visited some more. I had a lot of fun being with my family. This dress is borrowed from my friend Jamie. I love it but I think Harper may have some chubby little arms because we couldn't get the sleeves buttoned. ha!


On another note - what do ya'll do with your Christmas cards? I just keep mine in a big bowl in my kitchen so I can look at them and then after the season I put them in a big scrapbook album where I keep each years cards. But I saw on Boomama's blog that she has a Christmas tree where she hangs all the cards like ornaments and I thought that was so neat. I was wanting to get a fun white tree for next year (because four trees aren't enough) so I can find a good deal when they go 50-75% off - I might get a small one and maybe even put some red and lime green balls on it and then hang the cards next year. I think that would be a great way to display. Any other fun ideas?

P.S. Speaking of Boomama - if you haven't read her post today on pageants - you need to. It is HILARIOUS. Read the comments first and then watch the video and follow along. It's Hilarious! And the dresses they wore in the video - I actually LOVE. Kind of wish I could find a few of those right now. And a lot of those girls had the whole "POOF" down!!!! :-) (And that the video was made in my birth year is just a coincidence!)

123 comments:

Claire said...

Oh look how excited she is! Just precious!

With my cards, I stick them around the doorway we use to come into the living room, and then on the stair shelf, and on other shelves too. It really makes the place feel festive! :-)

Cxx

Angie said...

kelly, you can delete this as soon as you read but i wanted to reply to your comment. i couldn't figure out how to email you...sorry!

Aw you are just too sweet!! God has truly blessed me with the sweetest family, and I'm thankful everyday! I think there are certain people, even if you don't know them personally, you feel so connected to, because there life is so much like yours. I truly don't get to read as many blogs as I'd love to, but yours is one I ck daily!!! You have so much to look forward to with Harper, Brooklynn is so much fun at this age. She wants to do whatever Mommy is doing, and girl, I just eat it up!! Just by reading yours and Lauries blog I wish we all lived closer! My great aunt and great uncle live in Little Rock...not sure if that is close to you or not? Oh, btw, little boys are just as sweet, if you are ever blessed with another!!! He is just as affectionate and sweet, but I'm glad he is getting to spend quality time with Chad. They always just go Friday night and come home Sat for church Sunday! I'm so glad you commented, you are your family are beautiful on the inside and out and it is very obvious..thanks again and please keep in touch!!
--
Angie Robinson
www.arobinsonphotography.com

mrs boo radley said...

Oh Harper, you are so cute.

I just put today's round of received cards up...they all go on our mantle...and then I put additional ones on a candle holder that hangs above the mantle (no lighting these candles while the cards are up)...they are all so fun to look at.

I'll have to go check out the POOF now!

mrs boo rad

nbjenni said...

I love Harper's dress - where is it from? SO sweet!

Unknown said...

I have a cute red tin with a lime green bow that I put all my Christmas cards in. I keep them until next year and then look at how much my friends families have grown!

Sarah said...

Harper is defiantly at the "the wrapping is better than the gift" stage! ha! :)

Traci said...

You have no idea NO IDEA how much we love that baby here at our house! My 13 year old BOY is over the moon for her. She is a doll.

Michelle said...

Happy Birthday tomorrow! I'll be 36 on Christmas day! 36, I kind of feel like that can't be right!? Ha!
Anyway, I will have to make a post with a picture of this idea soon, I attatch (with tape)wide Christmas ribbon to my upper kitchen cabinets, then with wooden clothes pins, attatch the cards. It really makes the house festive. This way you can see all of your cards!

Kelsey Claire said...

This year I started putting my cards on my tree and I love it! I can sit on my couch and see how blessed I am!

Unknown said...

Happy birthday! I am having our third son tomorrow morning. We know lots of people with December birthdays but no one shared his day. I will have to tell Parker about a sweet famous blogger who shares his special day. Thank you for being such a blessing!

Whitney said...

We also put our cards on a tree. The kids make a paper garland for it and then we punch holes in the cards and hang them with ribbon. I love looking at it all season!

Already Happy said...

We use the door frame idea too!

Already Happy said...

For Christmas cards that is...the door frame...sorry,I wasn't very explanatory :)

Dina said...

We have a huge built in in the living room and next to the built in is a closet (where I keep the games). I start hanging the cards on the closet door then when that is full I move to the built in cabinet doors. I love being able to look at them all the time. I just started putting them in a scrapbook last year.

Ruth said...

I found a Christmas card keeper several years ago shaped like a stocking. I hang it near my door each year and as I open them I put them up. Some I keep and have framed to become decorations down the road.

Mike, Kacy & Wells said...

I'm glad Harper is standing on her present because her friend Wells goes under my tree to find presents to stand on. I have a little explaining to do when some family members open their presents . . .


Happy Early Birthday!

Anonymous said...

I saw the tree on Boo Mama's blog and told my husband about it and he rolled his eyes. That might be our thing next year, depending on where we are. We are hoping to be blessed with orders out of South Georgia, because we are not southern people at all. Ha ha.

Go AIR FORCE! Ha ha.

Also, I had a dress almost like that when I was little. Unfortunately my mom passed a lot of clothes onto her sisters and well they didn't have anything left over. :(

Nicole @ Nicole Clark blog said...

I hang them with clothes pins from my stair railing with some green garland and white lights. It looks really neat, however i do have to say the tree idea is fabulous.

Kelly said...

For years I have been trying to find ways to display our Christmas cards! This year I hung a red ribbon across our windows and attached our cards with mini clothespins! It came out really cute! Next year I will add another ribbon below to display more cards b/c this one wasn't enough! There is a pic in my most recent post...
http://v-becksadventures.blogspot.com/2009/12/santa-claus-is-comin-to-town.html

Mallory said...

Your posts always brighten my day. Harper is so beautiful and looked adorable in the Christmas smock dress. I must admit though, I love Dawson in the background. Sweetie!

Courtney said...

How sweet! I am sure your parents feel totally blessed to have a daughter like you. You are so gracious.

Harper looks adorable (as usually) and that dress is too cute.

As for the Christmas cards, last year I bought a cork board, covered it with black & white toile fabric and hung it in the kitchen. I pin all the cards to the board and when Christmas is over, its makes a pretty message board.
The idea came from Real Simple!

Then instead of throwing the picture cards out (i always feel so bad), we started a photo album and pack it away with the Christmas decorations. Its so much fun every year to look at them all! Those babies grow so quickly.
That idea came from my lovely Auntie Kim!

Merry Christmas!

Ashley said...

I also do a kind of "card clothesline"! I string ribbons across our entryway and hang the cards from them with mini clothespins. I can't believe a few other people do something similar!! I thought it was my unique idea ;)

Malissa P. said...

I just simply adhere them to the inside of our front door. I have been doing that every year since 1983.

Unknown said...

Hi Kelly

We put our cards up on a little string with mini Christmas pegs on it. Old school but I like it.

I look at all these photos of all of you so dressed for winter and wonder how different it is for you to have winter in the cold. Here in Australia its HOT! Aircon is blasting and Christmas is always a battle to stay cool.

Merry Christmas.

Mrs. Jenk said...

Hi Kelly- I recently took an old shutter (Harper would love to shop for one at Lowe's- ha!) and used it to hang cards. Here is a picture: http://yourlittlebirdie.blogspot.com/2009/11/unique-christmas-card-holder.html

Merry Christmas!

Ruth Ann said...

Harper is looking very cute...as usual! About Christmas cards...we keep ours in a galvanized tin that is painted green (bought at Target)! I meant to dress it up with ribbon and a decal on the front, but haven't gotten the chance yet. We keep them in the tin and each day at dinner we pull a card out and pray for that particular family. Hope you are having a great Holiday Season! Have fun planning Harper's party!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday tomorrow. We celebrate the same birthday!!!
Wishing you and your beautiful family a blessed Christmas!!
Peace & Love!!!

Unknown said...

Happy birthday tomorrow! Dec 22nd is my birthday too! I'll be 28.

TY MARLO MIA BO said...

When I have my act together I save all the season's cards and then cut off the appropriate parts/designs/words/etc. and make them into next year's gift tags! Very cute.

Jenna said...

How does one child get cuter with every passing picture???

Please tell Nonny and Papa I said hello!!!

Cathy Santerre said...

Kelly,
Thanks for Boomammas link. I needed that laugh today. WAY TOO FUNNY!

Molly said...

I am a big fan of sticking them around the doorway as well! It is so beautiful and fun to look at all the cards!!
God bless!
Molly

We've Got Scents said...

You are so blessed and I am so thankful, as you are so deserving!
Wonderful pictures of precious Harper (l.o.v.e. the dress)!
Hope your birthday is the VERY BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!
Blessings always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Patricia said...

First of all Happy Birthday!
Secondly you have the most beautiful baby and third... I hang my cards on my tree with clothespins!
Merry Christmas

Traci said...

I have a hanger on the wall especially for cards and invitations all throughout the year. My mom got it at Pier One and it's on my current blog post right now. :)

Stacy Brown said...

After Christmas we put the cards in a bowl on the kitchen table. Then every night at dinner we pick a card and then pray for that family.

Leah said...

I do a card tree as well. I hole punch in the top left corner, then tie them on with some cute ribbon. This year I used wraphia. It's cute, but I think I like the cutesy ribbon better.

By the way, my new trick is that I canNOT get from sitting (on the floor) to standing without holding on to something and I'm only 37! :)

Real Simple said...

hi. i have kept them in a "noah's ark" card holder box from hallmark for years...and i pick a few and pray for the family each day. or pray for them via a prayer journal throughout the year. but mainly i put them one place so i can "grab-n-pray" for the families.
come see my blog...i need friends! i am 51...so 36 sounds good to me..but i am blessed! 17 year old girl and 25 year old "new" teacher that i am trying to win the computer for!!! love my girls and my hubby...Glory in the Highest..merry CHRISTmas! betsy
crownhim1@verizon.net
PS. h.b. to you!

The Anderson Zoo said...

I have so many CHristmas cards as well and am saving them to make an "ABC's of Christmas" book. A friend of our family has made one of these for all her children. It uses the ABC's to tell the Christmas story and you put the cards as the pictures to go with the story. It is a darling idea and have made one for my Mom and my sister-in-law. You can go to "www.jtelliff.com" and scroll down her blog to the "ABC's of CHristmas".

Jenna said...

Happy Birthday Kelly! Glad you had a great day today and hope you have one tomorrow too! Harper is so cute. Isn't it so much fun to see them with presents, or just a box and the paper ha!

Wish I could sent some of our snow your way, we don't have much, but too much for me!

Amroosie said...

I feel bad for plugging this, but I use the Decorative Card Holder that I sell as a Southern Living at Home consultant. I keep it up year around b/c it goes over any door and hangs in two diamond shapes hooked together, and we keep b'day invites, photos, etc on it. I stopped using magnets on my frig. It can also be hung in two separate diamonds above a desk, maybe. Right now, it is slap full of cards and I LOVE it. It looks like it's bursting with LOVE! ;)
OH, I just turned 36, too, and let me tell you, I'm feeling it in some ways, but LOVING it in so many others. Praying you have your very best year EVER!

Andy said...

Happy Birthday!

Ginger DeBusk said...

We hang our cards around the door frame and mantle in our living room. I love to be able to look at the throughout the season. After Christmas we put them in a basket and pull out one each week and pray specifically for that family. We keep cycling through them until the next Christmas. It's a fun way to remember our friends all over the world throughout the whole year.

Mrs. Chapman's 2nd Grade Class said...

Oh, Kelly...Harper is absolutely adorable. She is starting to look more and more like a toddler. :)

The Tittle Family said...

Kelly, Check out this link. I did this, this year and it's really cute! The only problem is I might have to do it on 2 doors next year...too many cards!

http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/Pw/cards-door-de.jpg

Merry Christmas

steffj89 said...

Tomorrow is my youngests first birthday. I found your blog last year shortly after he was born. I remember reading with awe about Harper and how positive you were through it all and it made me a bit ashamed that I took my perfect babe so for granted. The Lord has truly blessed you this year as she is definitely a beauty as are you.
Hope you have a wonderful birthday!

BTW in the comments about picking a card and praying for that family, what a beautiful idea. I might have to implement that one here. And so far I just have a sweet lil red wicker basket I put them all in so that the kids and I can go thru them when we want to.
Steff

The Garners said...

I couldn't button those sleeves on Alexee either! I should have remembered to tell you that you could move the buttons over to make more room. Alexee wore it unbuttoned too! :) H looks sweet in it!

What a fun day.

Happy Birthday tomorrow!!!

Veronika said...

Harper looks so happy to be opening her gifts! She's darling :)

Michelle said...

Hey there Miss Kelly!

I tape all of our Christmas cards on the door way of our Butler's Pantry but you could do it on any door way. It's something my Mom used to do. When I started taping the cards to the doorway/trim this year i asked my husband what he tought. His response...'Michelle, that's really tacky.' oh well...it may be tacky but i love it. i will try to do a blog post with a few pictures.

ps- lovin' those pictures of the princess. that dress is so cute! even if the sleeves won't button! ;)

Laurie said...

Happy Birthday early and I love Harper's dress!!!!!!!!!

Jill said...

I hang lit garland around one of our large windows and place the cards around it. If you bend the branches of the garland they hold the cards without having to tie them on. That way you can see all of them and it's very festive! I love the idea of keeping them all in a book...may have to start doing that.

Merry Christmas!

Taylor and Lindsey said...

I attach a red ribbon to straight down the middle of my kitchen cabinets and then double side tape the Christmas cards to the ribbon. I put about 3 on each cabinet. It makes the kitchen look so homey and I LOVE getting to see them all the time. I try to say a prayer for each family each time I glance at them.

carolinagirl said...

Happy Birthday, Kelly! Hope your day is extra special.

Christmas Cards: Our walk-in closet has slats on the doors, so I put the cards through the slats. I enjoy looking at them throughout the season.

Christmas Photo Cards: I put those on display sitting on the branches of my Christmas Tree and LOVE it! This is the first year I have done it.

Erin said...

we staple them to a ribbon hanging on the wall. it's a great way to display all of them. you can see a pic on my blog www.charlottemommydiaries.blogspot.com. i LOVE the christmas tree idea too--might try that next year!

Mom said...

I used to do the ribbon with mini clothespins across an archway we had and now I do a variation on that. I have a very skinny dividing wall (about 12 inches) and I just hang the cord straight down (I fasten the top at the ceiling level and the bottom at the floor level with a tack) and then hang the cards from top to bottom. It looks great!

Jennifer Sinele Dillard said...

Wow! I thought you were like 26... looking good!!

Rob and Amy said...

WE SHARE THE SAME BIRTHDAY!!! I HAD NO IDEA!!!! YAHOO!!!! I'll be 27 tomorrow : eeeek!!!

Marie said...

I really like Harper's dress. I wish you a very Happy Birthday. I also wish you and yours a wonderful Christmas and a great New Year.
Love, Marie

The Goshorn 5 said...

We have a Christmas Card Wire Display that hangs in the kitchen, on our sliding glass window that I put all my picture cards on. A great idea for AFTER Christmas is to cut up all your cards and send the fronts to St. Jude Children's Hospital. The kids use the cards for art projects. I request all my friends to send them to me if they wish and then my Mom send a nig envelope to St. Jude's...much better than throwing them away!

FROGGITY! said...

...uhh, you mean 26... right?!? i am dead serious, i thought you were like 24 or something (NOT just saying this to be nice, i am SO serious!). happy birthday to you!

harper looks so pretty, i am loving that little dress! little doll. hope y'all have a merry chistmas.

p.s. please send me your beauty regimen!!! :)

Amo said...

Hey! I found you through Jennifer's blog, Joshua Brody Francis. I am from NWA as well. I love your blog and am now a follower. I will definitely be reading much more! Your daughter is adorable in that little dress! We have a 16 month old son. I'm hoping for a daughter next!! Maybe someday!

Kendra White said...

i was at Joann's fabric today (not sure if you all have that or not) but all their trees are already 70% off... could be a winner and yes they have white! I think you should do white tree, green and red balls, with cards, and then damaska ribbon :)

Squirpy Momma said...

Hi Kelly,

We keep our Christmas cards in a special box thingy (technical aren't I?) that is made for Christmas cards. It sits on our counter so when people come over they can look through them and see all of the pretty cards and cute pics. Then after the holidays I take all of the cards with pictures (some need trimmed) and put them on our picture board that has always been in our nursery. Our babies have always loved having pictures of our friends and family to look at while we sit and rock. Here's an old blog post with a picture of it in Campbell Kate's room. http://squirpysassers.blogspot.com/2009/05/where-they-rest-their-heads.html

I totally grasp the hard work that goes into Christmas cards, especially those with pictures, and this way they are enjoyed all year long!

Have a wonderful Christmas!!!!

Nancy

Michelle said...

Hi Kelly,

Harper's dress is too cute! I enjoy reading your blog--you are such an inspiration! I LOVE Christmas cards--this year I sent out twice my normal amount because I was trying to "revive" the tradition since many people don't send them anymore, my husband and I wanted to spread some Christmas cheer to our friends and family :). I like to display the cards by hanging a wide ribbon on a door and attaching the cards with clothspins that I paint to match the ribbon. I put an example on my blog today. Merry Christmas!!

Sister Lynn said...

String several rows of fishing across a window and hand the cards on the line. Adds a bit of decor too!

mom23kids said...

I put them on my table in a basket along with all the previous years (each year attached with ribbon and the year). At dinner my son pulls one out and we pray for that particular family. A friend shared the praying part with us and we just started this year... it is such a great way to bless others this season!

Courtney said...

i actually just wrote a post on Christmas cards if you'd like to look www.teammolony.blogspot.com
I tried something new this year...hanging them on my french doors...it turned out GREAT! Love it! But, hope i'll be moving out of this house before next Christmas, so i'll have to come up with something new.

Kerum said...

We put a little tape on the back of each card and put them on the kitchen cabinet doors. I love looking at them and it dresses up the kitchen a bit.

After the holidays, I keep the photo ones for a while until I don't know what else to do with them. I guess I need to steal your idea and put them in an album!

waiting said...

I tape them to the entry way between our dining room and kitchen. My husband asks me every year, "When are you going to start putting up the cards?" So, I guess it's a tradition:) Love Harper's dress!

Kristin said...

Harper is just too cute! That dress is precious!

The 'Ssippi Scoop said...

It will be a miracle if you are able to find the time to read all the way down to this comment, but if you do I wanted to wish you a very happy birthday AND to say you share it with my daughter. She will be 1 on the 22nd. Later, after Harper's bday details are done and everything settles down from the holidays, I'd like to know how your mom was able to seperate your bday from Christmas, or if she was able to at all.

Dec. 22nd is surely a day of God's grace and love for our family, as Bailey was early and entered the NICU on this day. Instead of taking a turn for the worse, though, God saw fit to have a take a turn for the better a few days later, and on New Year's Day we brought her home. Not nearly the experience you had with Harper, but still a pretty tough experience all the same! Tomorrow we will celebrate life and the happiness that this little life has brought to our household. Happy Birthday!

Wendy said...

I too use the Southern Living at Home Decorative Card Holder. I bought it earlier this year specifically for Christmas cards. I'm in the kitchen so much I hung it over the pantry door so that I can enjoy the faces of all our friends and family all day long.

Debbie said...

Oh my goodness......tomorrow is my birthday too!!! I'll be 49!! It's very unusual to know someone who has the same December birthday as me!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Jordan said...

Oh my goodness, Harper is sooo dang cute! And Mrs. Stamps, you and I share a birthday! I think that's super cool. :)

Heather said...

Avery Kate has the chubbiest arms, too, and she almost got stuck in a shirt one day!!! :) Love the pic of your parents and Harper! My parents were just here this weekend and it was so fun! They are a blessing! Have a wonderful birthday tomorrow!! I am right behind you...we'll both be 36 this year-YOWSA! (But we definitely seem and look younger!!!)

Father's Grace Ministries said...

Happy birthday, Kelly! Another December girl- I was 42 on the 16th, and 3 out of 4 of our children are December babies, with one following close by in early January- how did we manage that?

In Australia, most of us display our cards on a string hung up in a window. or standing up on display somewhere where they won't blow over.

Harper looks ADORABLE!- Tell me, has she managed to topple any of the Christmas trees yet?

Claire

heididh33 said...

Happy (almost) Birthday! I love the tree idea.

For our cards.... I painted an old window frame, put a piece of tin in it ($7.99 at the hardware store) and made some Christmas magnets. We stick our cards on them but we keep needing more space each year! Then I switch them out with frames that match our "rest of the year decor" and it's fun to change out pictures, cards, etc. with the seasons.

Rachel Moss said...

Love the picture of Harper standing on the box!
This year, we put our Christmas cards on top of the mantle, behind the stocking holders. I really like the way it looks. We have also balanced them on Christmas tree limbs before...but that doesn't work so well when there's a little one playing the tree.

Jen said...

I know I say this all the time, but Harper is so gosh darn cute!! The dress is adorable!

I'm glad to know other people keep their Christmas cards too. As I get them I hang them around my door frame. It's neat to look at them every time I go in and out the door. Then after the season I put them in a box until I start getting them for the next season. Then sometimes, just sometimes I will throw the old ones out.

Lindsay said...

I love the scrapbook idea for cards! This is our daughter's first Christmas so we may have to start that.
When I was growing up my mom would put them in a basket by the table and every night we would pull one out, read it, and then pray for that family. It was a great tradition!

beachmom5 said...

We put the cards in a basket and pull one or two out a day and pray for that family.

Sara said...

HAppy birthday many blessing to you and praying that your day is filled with lots of fun and surprises. My baby girl is the same age as harper and walked today too. she walked last week oh my

Julie Brooks said...

We gather all the cards after Christmas and they go in a box once a week we pull one card from the box and pray for that family. After the family has been prayed for we send them a card letting them know they were prayed for. After each card/family has been prayed for the card goes into a scrapbook. :)
www.juliebrooksdesigns.com

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Kelly.....You and I share the same birthday.,..Happy Birthday to you.....

Lena said...

Harper looks so much like your mom!!! Beautiful!
Lena

Jamie said...

I buy thick ribbon, tie a fancy little bow at the top and hang it on the wall with a long strip of ribbon hanging down. Then I use little tiny clothespins (you can find them at craft stores) and hot glue them all down the ribbon and then just clip the cards on! Hope that makes sense - sorry I don't have a picture. Depending on the ribbon, you can make one to hang Christmas cards, Valentine's day, birthday... It's very cheap and cute!

Hope you have a wonderful birthday!!!

Aggiema (Michelle) said...

This post reminded me of something I did for my Mom. In Nov. of 2007, my Mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given only a short time to live. Christmas was very bittersweet that year as Mom deteriorated rapidly. She really enjoyed the Christmas tree and lights, so after Christmas instead of taking down the tree, I decorated it with some heart lights I found and all the "get well" and "thinking of you" cards that people had sent my Mom. She got such enjoyment from that tree and would sit and look at it even when the pain and the cancer prevented her from being able to communicate much or do much of anything. Mom had some fancy curly q ornament hangers and I just punched a hole in the card and fed the hanger thru it but you could probably just use ribbon.

Thanks for reminding me of that sweet memory of my Mom. I love the pictures of your sweet girl. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family.

Bethany said...

Last year, we cut all the fronts of our Christmas cards and send the cards to St. Jude's where the children sell the front of the cards for a fundraiser. This is a great way to recycle for a wonderful cause!

Crazy Cowans said...

I seen a cute idea here it is after Christmas put all the card in a box stacked and take out one each night and pry for that friend, family ect then put there card in the back! This way you have at Least one night that you pray for someone who thought of you! Just thought it was a really neat idea!

Tadd and Elizabeth said...

We did a new thing with our cards this year and made a tree just for them out of real tree branches we painted white. I did a little post about it tonight. I think it's cuter in person but it keeps them all off our fridge anyway. Take a look if you want. Harper is precious and getting pretty mobile, it gets busy! Merry CHRISTmas! Elizabeth

Unknown said...

I feel the same way about my parents. Just love them to pieces! We are blessed aren't we?

That little Harper is just too cute in that dress. Oh, I want to smooch on those cheeks! :)

Have a lovely birthday tomorrow. 36 is still so young. I have 5 years on ya. Ugh. You know what? You look 29! Just beautiful you are.

Love,
Lynnette

Linda said...

Just stopping by and thought I'd leave a comment, hope you don't mind.

First of all, Happy Birthday. I hope it's one of your best ever!

I also wanted to give you an idea about Christmas cards. I used to do this more so when my kids were small but I just may have to start my tradtion back up again.

I used to put up all of our christmas cards on our bulletin board, especially the ones with pictures. After Christmas, we would take down one card and that would be the family that we would pray for that week. Praying for a different family each week of the year. I also liked to send that family a little note in the mail telling them that we had been praying for them all week. It always surprised the family but to this day friends still remember it. It was a wonderful family tradition!

Again, Happy Birthday, and have a wonderful Christmas!

Cristin said...

Technically, it IS your birthday now, so HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY Birthday to my favorite blogger ever!

Deidre said...

I've always kept my cards on a wreath as I get them, but am thinking of using a tree as well. That's a great idea.

Love the pictures. Yay - Harper is standing :)

Sandy P said...

I use painters tape to hang all of our cards on the door to our basement. People stand and look at them every time they come in the house. I try to put the picture cards closer to eye level, but I hang them as they arrive so it does not always work out that way. I love being about to walk by and see them.

Patty said...

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday Kelly!!!! You are a very blessed family! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas with you beautiful daughter!

Patty from TX

Summer said...

Awww I just love Harper's Christmas Outfits! She has a new one like every day!! HA! HA!

Summer :0)

Haley said...

A tradition that my husband brought to the family is keeping all of the cards in a basket/bowl on the kitchen table. We pick one card at dinner and pray blessing for that family.

Unknown said...

You do not look 36! You look much younger! Merry Christmas! From, Texas

Beth said...

Kelly,

Years ago, my husband and I attended a Holiday Parade of Homes. The couple residing at one of the houses had been married about 25 years and had the coolest holiday tradition . . . every year, they picked their favorite Christmas card and put it in a frame and kept it that way. Then, the following year when the put out Christmas decor, they had instant decorations. My husband and do the same thing. We each pick our favorite then I head to Michaels and pick up some 8x11 frames. I like to have the mattes around the cards, and Michaels/JoAnns does this for about $7 each. In the end, each framed card costs me about $10. We've been married 6 years and now have 12 instant decorations. People always ask us where we bought our "prints". They are shocked when I tell them they are framed cards.

Beth in Ohio

Anonymous said...

Hi Kelly! I have recently started reading your blog and I check it everyday now! I blog too but not as faithfully as you!

I LOVE getting Christmas Cards in the mail...especially picture cards adn I want to display them so that I can see everyone! A few years ago I found this awesome card wreath and a specialty store and LOVE IT! I actually posted about it on my blog...see here!

http://escapadesofekd.blogspot.com/2009/12/we-heart-mail.html

Merry Christmas!
Kellie

Sasha said...

Happy Birthday! We are just a few days apart- I'll be 36 on the 29th! Late 30s- oh my! I'm kinda sad about it.

www.sashasays.com

Mandy said...

Happy Birthday, Kelly!
36 has been a great year for me...I'll be gulping in March when 37 sneaks up on me!

I put my cards on the tree also...we enjoy seeing the people we love on there, plus people we love feel special when they pop in to visit & see themselves showcased on our tree. ;)

I NEED to get a scrapbook, I've got four years worth of cards & pictures boxed here!

Merry Christmas! :)

Rachel said...

I run a string through my garland and have clothes pins that I decorated last year with Christmas papers. As cards come in the mail I clip them to the garland. I have saved all the cards from the past few years and so this year I am going to divide them into the year they were sent and make blessing rings to hold them!

SadMommy3434 said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KELLY!!!!

Lindsay said...

Happy Birthday Ma'am!! Hope it's a great day!

and this post from yesterday is cute as ever!!

Gram said...

I put my cards out on tables, my mantle,countertops, stick them in mirrors, just to have Christmas everywhere. I save all the picture cards on my refrig until the next Christmas, then I put them in a photo box. The other cards, I cut out the pictures and use them for gift tags next year.

The Schmitt Family said...

Hi there! We tape all of our cards up on our pantry door in the kitchen so we can enjoy them during the holiday season. So many send picture cards and it is nice to walk by them and see them often. Merry Christmas!!

Jen said...

I cut out the most interesting part of the card inthe shape of a Christmas tree (using a cookie cutter as a guide) and I punch a hole in the top and make a string of garland. I also cut out who sent it and tape it to the back.

Kristine McKowen said...

They get taped to the wall in my dining room.

Joy said...

I haven't done this, but know a friend who wraps a door in their house like a Christmas present (bow and all) and tapes cards on the door. It's like a huge gift from family and friends!

Amanda M. said...

OH MY GOODNESS! I noticed that dress on her right away - I am a huge fan of smocking. That is just such a darling smocked dresss on the most darling girl!
I hang ribbons in our kitchen in Christmas colors and tape the cards to the ribbons - they lay flat against one wall - I also used to do it the archways of the house - have the ribbons/cards lay flat against the sides of the archways.
I saw Boomama's post, though, too and I am kinda thinking I wanna do a card tree, too! :)

Amanda M. said...

OH! And Happy Birthday to you, Kelly!!!

peter marie said...

I haven't done it this year, but I usually tape the cards up around our doorways. My mom did that growing up and I always liked it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Cheri said...

A VERY HAPPY B-DAY TO YOU, KELLY! That first pic of you as an infant on your mom's blog looks exactly like Harper.

Stephanie said...

Well Kelly I just started reading your blog thanks to the Tour of homes and love it!!!

We put our Christmas cards in a basket on our dining table and pray for a new family each night at dinner time.

We also give our children 3 gifts at Christmas (saw you got Harper 3 at Target the other day), because a long time ago I heard Kathy Lee Gifford say "If 3 gifts from wise men were enough for Jesus, then 3 is enough for my kids". We started that when my now 15 year old daughter was 2 and have done it every year since.

Enjoy your blog!!! Merry Christmas and girl 40 is looking good, just turned 38 on the 12th and I feel ya!
Stephanie

MBC Scrapbooking said...

I put ours for the first time up on our cabinets in the kitchen- they look cute there, and it's nice to be reminded of all of our friends and family in the room where we are the most throughout the day:)

But I do love the tree idea you mentioned:)

The Smith's said...

My mom keeps all her Christmas cards in a basket all year round. Each day (or sometimes every other day...really just when she thinks about it) she goes to the basket, picks up the card on top and prays for that family. Then that card goes to the back of the pile and the next card is waiting for the next day. It is a great way to remember all your friends in prayer all the year through!

Lauren said...

We keep our Christmas cards and pictures on the inside of our front door. I have them hanging on ribbon similar to a hairbow holder.
After Christmas, our cards go into the basket (which usually houses the napkins) on the kitchen table. Each night at dinner, we pick up the top card and pray for that family while saying Grace. Great way to remember those closest to us all year long! :)

Linda said...

I Love coming over to your little "Korner" of the world "Kelly", and check out what you and Harper are up to.

Today I found out that you are having a birthday!!!...and so I get to say that I hope you have a wonderful day and a blessed year ahead being 36.

That is so young! And like Lynnette said, you only look about 29, so you don't have to dread having birthdays sweetie.

I am glad you had a special visit from your parents. I am sure they enjoy remembering the day you were born, and that they treasure all of the memories they have of you growing up. God has everything planned to give us a future and a hope. He is so good...and we are so blessed to be His children aren't we? (9smile))

I feel blessed to be getting to know you through your blog. it is one of my favorites!

Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

Kelli said...

This year I taped a pretty plaid ribbon around the middle of all my kitchen cabinets (lengthwise). I used tiny clothes pins to attach them so we can see them all! It is really cute!

Lexie Loo, Lily, Liam & Dylan Too said...

She looks so adorable standing there-and that dress is so cute!

We display all our cards on the door frames. When we take our decorations down, I save all the photo cards and a few special cards, and put them in a memory box.

Georgia said...

I love love love Christmas cards and post them all up on our fridge. So ghetto Arkansan of me, but this year it goes all the way around the fridge because I have a 19 month old who can touch them and pull them down. There is a good 3 foot break from the floor up this year.

My friend last year told me that she has another friend who keeps all her Christmas pictures and puts them in a box in her kids' rooms. The kids get to pick out a picture every night and then they pray for that family before they go to bed. Thought that was so precious.