Friday, December 15, 2006
2006 Christmas Tour of Homes

BooMama is hosting a Christmas Tour of homes and, since Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year, I thought I'd join in on the fun. You're about to see pictures of our various Christmas decorations.

BooMama mentioned providing refreshments. Well, I can't decide on any one refreshment to offer you. Would you settle for a link to my Holiday Cooking, Blogger Style recipe exchange where you'll find 200+ recipes that 80 bloggers contributed?

Okay, now for our Christmas decorations!

Let's start with our tree. It's a humble little tree, but we love it. We've made no effort to get a larger tree. This one suite us just fine.

Our tree during the daytime. We put it in the living room, in front of the bay window.



Our tree at night. My puny digital camera just didn't do a great job of capturing the lights on the tree. Sorry for the blurriness of the image.

I think the most enjoyable part of putting up our Christmas tree is hanging on our ornaments that we've collected over the years. Both Oronzo and I have ornaments dating from our childhood, up to 2005. I'm waiting to see what ornament Oronzo will get me this year.



This ornament is very special. It was given to Snuggle Bug by his birth grandmother, Clara, the day he was born, in preparation for his first Christmas. This is his very first ornament ever.



This ornament was given to us last year by one of our neighbors. We'd only been in our new home for 3 months by the time Christmas had arrived and we were so touched by the thoughtful welcome gifts from many of our neighbors. We love our neighborhood!



This ornament was made for me by my mom a few years back. She made each of us kids a set of about 6 ornaments. I love each of them!



This is my Fontanini nativity set. I've been collecting pieces of this set since I graduated from college. I love it because, not only is it beautiful, but it's hard to break.



This is Snuggle Bug's Little People nativity set. I put it out in the open for him so that it's easily accessible when he wants to play with it. You may have noticed that in both of my nativity sets, baby Jesus is not present. Our Catholic tradition is to wait until Christmas morning to add baby Jesus to the nativity scene.


This is my favorite children's Christmas book. It's a Little Golden book. I used to have a copy of this as a child but it was lost over the years. I made a point to buy another copy for Snuggle Bug. The illustrations in this book are beautiful!


And this helps remind me how many days until Christmas, which is good because I still have a few days to finish up Christmas shopping!

Well, there you have it, some of my Christmas favorites. I hope you've enjoyed my little tour! Now, I'm off to go see the many other holiday decorated homes of my fellow bloggers.

Thanks, BooMama, for hosting the 2006 Christmas Tour of Homes! :)

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5:30 AM
64 comments


64 Comments:
At 11:17 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

lovely decorations. I love the colored lights on the tree! Very festive. Merry Christmas.

 
At 11:17 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love the Little People Nativity! I totally need something like that because my WillowTree Nativity's sheep keep disappearing thanks to my toddler!

 
At 11:21 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I like to have a nativity set the kids can play with too! It usually ends up containing a lot more toys that come to join in the celebration of Jesus....like polly pockets, little trucks, beany babies and barbies....ha

Thanks for showing us your home!

 
At 11:21 PM, Blogger Paulette said...

Lots of precious memeories here, I loved each one. You are a special lady. Thanks for opening your home.
Merry Christmas to your family!!

 
At 11:23 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Everything is precious. I love your so called "humble" tree, it's perfect. Thanks for sharing with us.

 
At 11:23 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lovely!

 
At 11:23 PM, Blogger owlhaven said...

great pictures!!

mary, mom to many

 
At 11:30 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lovely tour, thank you for invitng us over. I too have that same Little Golden book from my childhood, it is beautiful. Mt kids now love it as well.

 
At 11:47 PM, Blogger Southern Girl said...

I had no idea Fisher Price made a Little People nativity set! Must get one for my soon-to-be born nephew.

I had that very same Little Golden book when I was a child, too. Thankfully it was one of the few who survived into my adulthood, so I can pass it on to my nephew.

You have beautiful decorations! Thanks for inviting us. :)

 
At 11:55 PM, Blogger Pamela said...

Your Christmas tree is just beautiful! Love the sweet sentimental ornaments and the nativity scenes. Your home shows so much love and warmth for your child little Snuggle Bug! Christmas is such a splendid time of the year. Thanks for sharing!

 
At 12:04 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love the idea of having a children's nativity set for them to play with. It will keep me from being on guard 24-7 when the 'nice' nativitiy set it out. Thanks for sharing your home with us.

 
At 12:34 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love your ornaments and Snuggle Bug's precious little nativity set. I need to find one of those!

 
At 12:55 AM, Blogger Cindee said...

I just got that Little People nativity for my daughter's first birthday (Ctmas eve)!

 
At 1:09 AM, Blogger PastormacsAnn said...

Thanks so much for the tour of your lovely home at Christmas! Your tree is wonderful with all it's special ornaments!

 
At 4:15 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think it's so great when kids have their own Nativity Set to touch and play with. My "little" girl is 12 now, but hers is still one of her favourite Christmas ornaments.

 
At 4:48 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Looks fabulous! I can not believe there are only 10 days left. Well, I enjoyed your tour! Happy Holidays!

 
At 4:49 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Enjoyed the tour - thank you for inviting me into your home!

 
At 5:25 AM, Blogger beth said...

Beautiful job decorating (I wish I had a bay window to put my tree in - that always looks so lovely from outside (and inside!) Thanks for sharing your home!

(And I'll be back next time I need another Ireland fix - your photos are lovely!)

 
At 5:33 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Everything is beautiful!

 
At 6:07 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

First on the list. :)

I like that you use colored lights. I love colored lights myself....those white ones are too boring! :)

May you have a blessed Christmas!

 
At 6:18 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

They are all so lovely. I really like the Nativity set you have been collecting, what a special heirloom that will be. And the little peoples nativity set is the best. Thank you for inviting me to visit.

 
At 6:51 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Love the decorations and especially the little people nativity:) How cute is that? Thanks for having me. Have a very Merry Christmas!

 
At 6:54 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love the Little Peoples Set! I am going to look for one of those! (On the after Christmas sales!)

 
At 7:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

What a sweet tour!! I love the ornaments. All we've gotten decorated around here is the tree, yipes!

 
At 7:32 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Very beautiful! Thanks for sharing! I also love the pictures in your sidebar! Merry Christmas!

 
At 7:36 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

WOW I have never seen a Little People set! I am so going to have to look for one!

Thank you so much for sharing your home with us!

 
At 7:39 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ooh, great pictures, I loved all of these! Just love your nativity sets, both the Fontanini and the Little one, too cute! And your snowmen count down the days hanger is adorable!

Enjoyed my visit, and Merry Christmas!

 
At 7:48 AM, Blogger Big Mama said...

I love your nativity, it's just beautiful!

 
At 8:04 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Gorgeous!! Everything is in the right place. I have almost no items from the past to share with my kids. I'm glad you have. Thanks for sharing your house decorations with us.

 
At 8:26 AM, Blogger Gina Conroy said...

Hate it when the comments posts too soon...thus the reason for the deleted comment.:)

Like you, we have ornaments from our childhood and I get ornaments for the kids every year. And with four kids, our tree is getting overloaded!

Love your Nativities as well and kind of wish I would have found the Little People's on years ago!

Thanks for the tour!

 
At 8:28 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just wonderful. I love your Little People Nativity; definitely going on my list of things to buy. My favorite is the ornament your mom made you. So special and so pretty!

 
At 8:43 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

beautiful decorations!

 
At 8:59 AM, Blogger Dianne said...

Stopping by to say thanks for sharing a part of you and Merry Christmas!

 
At 9:11 AM, Blogger Barbie @ Mamaology said...

Such cute decorations. I love your little snowmen that count down to Christmas.

 
At 9:12 AM, Blogger on the Rock said...

Wonderful tour! Love the little people's nativity set! Great idea!

 
At 9:39 AM, Blogger Michelle said...

Thanks for taking us on a tour! I enjoyed looking at your ornaments too :)

 
At 9:47 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing!! I enjoyed it! I want one of those LP nativity sets too.

 
At 9:55 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I collect Fontanini too. I love them. I'm having a hard time finding new ones in the correct size, though.

We have a Little People's set as well. Abby loves it!

Love you decorations. We're praying for your next adoption. Ours is in the works too.

 
At 9:58 AM, Blogger Barb said...

First of all, congratulations for getting the #1 spot in BooMama's links. I was tempted to stay up late and try for it but just couldn't do it.

I love your tree. And I really love your tree and all the special ornaments. I can't imagine not having a tree covered with ornaments that have meaning.

Snuggle Bug's nativity is precious. Your's is gorgeous but his is so, so sweet.

Thank you for inviting us all into your home. It's beautiful. (love, love those hardwood floors)

 
At 11:04 AM, Blogger boomama said...

Love your decorations - and I especially love that sweet nativity scene. Thanks so much for doing this!

 
At 11:05 AM, Blogger Cheryl said...

How precious that Oronzo has that ornament clear back from the day he was born.

I love the front door ornament from the neighbors too.

I gave my 2 youngest grandchildren their own nativity sets this year. I just think it is such a wonderful way to teach them about the birth of Christ. As they grow maybe it will become even more precious to them.

Thank you for sharing your lovely home with us.

 
At 12:05 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you for the tour!

The Little People Nativity is so precious. I also love the location of your tree.

 
At 12:09 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love all your special ornaments. There's always so much history and love on a Christmas Tree!
Merry Christmas!

 
At 12:39 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I enjoyed your tour-thank you for sharing!

Merry Christmas!

 
At 1:21 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

What a beautiful home! Thank you for sharing with us. I especially appreciate you sharing some of the details of your decor. I love the front door ornament and the book. I'll have to keep my eyes open for it!

Merry Christmas and thank you for the tour!

 
At 2:15 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

How fun for you to be first on the list! Your colored lights look so fun, my kids wish we had those instead of white. I might just have to change one year. And I didn't know til this year that Fisher Price had a nativity play set, it is SO adorable. I have Fontanini too and with kids it is almost unbreakable.
Great tour!

 
At 2:24 PM, Blogger Tammy said...

Love the Nativity scenes! And the countdown to Christmas snowmen are adorable!
Thanks for the tour! :D

 
At 7:18 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love that little red door ornament! What a gracious thought from your neighbor! And the nativities are lovely. Thanks for the tour!

 
At 7:34 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you for the tour! I enjoyed seeing some of the highlights of your tree ornaments.

I like your tradition of waiting until Christmas morning to add baby Jesus to the nativity scene.

XO,
Jill

 
At 9:13 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed all the memories! The personal touches make it so special!!

 
At 9:39 PM, Blogger Susie said...

Your home is beautiful! The ornament for your baby's first Christmas is such a precious keepsake. Your nativity sets truly give a sense of the true meaning of Christmas in your home!
Merry Christmas!!

 
At 12:19 AM, Blogger Dy said...

Oh, what a beautiful job you did. I love your traditions, and the enthusiasm that shows through in your tour. Thank you for opening your home for us to share.

Dy

 
At 12:45 AM, Blogger ruth said...

I loved all your decorations & your tree. Thanks for sharing it with us
ruth

 
At 9:05 AM, Blogger Kelli said...

Your nativity set is beautiful and I love that Little People set...too cute! Thank you for sharing some of your favorite ornaments with us, the front door one is darling!
Merry Christmas!
Kelli

 
At 12:09 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for the tour! I think it will be New Year's before I actually get to everyone's "home".

Your decor is lovely and I love the ornament collection! This will be hubby and I's first "married" Christmas together and we will be starting the you buy me an ornament, I'll buy you one and by the time we reach our 50th anniversary, we'll have a legacy of love to leave for our grandchildren!!

Merriest of Christmas's to you!

 
At 7:55 AM, Blogger Carole Burant said...

I so enjoyed seeing your pictures and reading the story behind the ornaments...that's what I love about a Christmas tree, it holds so many treasured memories! Your tree is beautiful and your nativity sets are so delightful! Merry Christmas to you and yours!! xoxo

 
At 3:43 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

your tree looks wonderful
lovely ornaments you have
the little people nativity set is cute
I love love love Little Golden Books
thanks

 
At 7:05 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love the little snowman plaque at the end. Everything is lovely -- thanks for having us over!

 
At 8:30 PM, Blogger Carol said...

I love your nativity set!

 
At 6:21 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I fell in love with your nativity set ...

 
At 6:26 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I fell in love with your nativity set ...

 
At 6:58 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing! I love the one of the tree with the blurry lights. Sometimes accidents are just the best blessings!

Merry Christmas!

Elisa
www.laundry-alternative.net

 
At 6:52 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love christmas! you have some nice things! thank s for sharing!
the cookies are neat!!!
Merry Christmas!

 
At 10:35 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just had to say that I love the pictures of Ireland(I'm assuming it's Ireland) on your blog. I love the rolling countryside and quaint cottages.

 

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Name: Overwhelmed

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It wasn't supposed to work this way...Parts 1 through 10

(the story of the private, domestic adoption of our son)


(Part 1)
(Part 2)
(Part 3)
(Part 4)
(Part 5)
(Part 6)
(Part 7)
(Part 8)
(Part 9)
(Part 10- Adoption Finalization)

Fostering isn't for the faint of heart!

(our journey to adopt again through foster-to-adopt, the good, the bad, & everything in between)


Adoption #2- considering the State
More Adoption #2 thoughts
Adoption #2- Back to considering the State
Adoption #2- The Paperwork (Round 1)
Adoption #2- The Paperwork (Round 2)
Family Foster Home Licensing Prep Checklist
Adoption #2- Long overdue update
PS-MAPP class homework assignment
Our preliminary home inspection went well!
Adoption #2: Licensing update
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Adoption #2- The home inspection
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Adoption #2- Still waiting
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Adoption #2- An update & a lead
Adoption #2- The lead that didn't pan out.
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Adoption #2- Update on this precious little girl.
Adoption #2- Quick update on Baby Bug
Adoption #2- Baby Bug is staying longer!
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Being a Foster Parent Does Not Make Me A Saint
Adoption #2- Another Placement Call!
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Adoption #2- We have Boo at our home!
Adoption #2- Meeting Boo
Adoption #2- I'm angry on Boo's behalf!
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Adjusting to three 3 and under!
Stressful moments in fostering.
Adoption #2- Update on our foster daughters
CPS Workers Jerking Our Chain!
It's getting much worse!
Fostering: Update on Baby Bug
Fostering: Update on Boo
The effects of fostering on Snuggle Bug
The time is drawing near to let go of Baby Bug.
Good conversation with Baby Bug's dad.
Boo has a Permanency hearing coming soon!
My heart is breaking!
Bittersweet news about Baby Bug.
Next Friday is going to be tough.
Packing up Baby Bug's belongings
It's done- Baby Bug is gone.
Working on finding peace, one day at a time.
Referral to the Early Intervention Program
Baby Bug update
Home Inspection for re-licensing
Parole granted for Boo's bio mom
Baby Bug is turning 1 year old soon.
Day 2 of Boo's permanency hearing
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Court hearing for "John Doe"
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Boo's adoption has been finalized!

WFMW (12 lbs 'til Christmas)
Blogger Beta doesn't like me!
Snuggle Bug's 2nd birthday party
Favorite Ingredients Friday (Cole's chili)
Adoption #2- Uncertain about our lead.
Adoption #2- We've got a lead!
Getting into the spirit of Christmas
Favorite Ingredients Friday (Grandma's sponge cake)
So, how was your Thanksgiving?!
WFMW (toddler healthy eating techniques)
























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