Sayrie and the neverending lists: Christmas with children

I really enjoyed the photos of Anne's new house, all decorated for Christmas. However, I found it to be a bit misleading. She has kids, so there are pictures that were left out. For example, here are my house pictures:

Do you notice how the tree is leaning? Does it remind you of anything, say, the leaning tower of toilet paper? Yes, Pat helped put up the tree. The funny (?) thing is, it doesn't look crooked to him. Notice the lack of ornaments on the top of the tree. The kids decorated this one, even though they have their own tree in the family room. Also notice how I tried to pretend that we don't live in a gated community...see it at the bottom of the picture? Wait...better example...

When Julia tries to reach her hand through the gate, I say in my best, no-nonsense voice.."Juuulllliiiiiaaaa." She then cracks us all up by responding, "Uh-oh!"

Our Christmas trees must be turned on first thing in the morning, and stay on all day (as decreed by Cameron.) However, he is his father's son...before we go anywhere (grocery store, preschool drop off, out to play) he has to go around and turn all the lights off, even if we're in a big hurry.

Sorry to digress, on with the tour:

Sweet holiday pic of my beautiful miracles, my favorite holiday decorations (SNOWMEN), and Cameron's ever-present nebulizer.

My most favorite, very expensive Southern Living at Home purchase. Good for holding beverages for a holiday party, makes a wonderful planter, etc...

Mine is filled with diapers for Julia.

Cute snowman, huh? Can you find his nose? Thank goodness I did, or it might have gotten sucked up by the vacuum!

As a response to the broken nose, my most precious snowmen got moved. Can you see them without a pair of binoculars they're so high? Seriously.

I should start a pool about whether or not I'll actually get the deluxe gingerbread mansion (and train too, of course) put together before Christmas.

Santa will be leaving the loot under the tree in the family room; trying to maneuver through my living room is not worth the wrath of Cameron if you knock the train off the track! This steam engine is a nice complement to the diesel engine that makes my bedroom another danger zone.