Dear Decorating

Dear mantel,
I went a different direction this year with you, opting for a cleaner, simpler, classier look. You are my new favorite.

Dear snow family,
When I saw you at TJ Maxx, I knew you were meant for me. You are just like our family (except in our family, mom is definitely not taller than dad... LOL!). You are perfect for us.

Dear red and gold ball ornament,
You are my absolute favorite. You always have been. My grandparents used to have a lot of you on their Christmas tree at the farm. Many of your brethren were faded and worn, after many years of faithful service. They gave me you, and I have taken very good care of you ever since. I always wrap you in a paper towel and place you gently in the ornament bin. You are very precious to me, which means you are always placed in a prominent, front-of-tree location.

Dear Santa Homer,
You are one of Big Daddy's favorites. You make me smile.

Dear Emma's first Santa photo ornament,
This photo was taken the first time Emma met Santa. It was taken at the Greenwood Park Mall when Emma 11 months old. I love the way Emma and Santa are sizing each other up.

Dear Santa cross stitch ornament,
My mom was one of my Brownie troop leaders a long, long time ago; and one year they decided all the girls were going to make cross stitch Christmas ornaments. I already knew how to cross stitch, so making my ornament went smoothly. The same could not be said for the other Brownies. But I love the way you turned out and the way you bring a smile to my face every time I see you on my tree.

Dear Mike and Sully,
We had Mike already. Sully is new this year. It was Emma's brilliant idea to put you right next to each other on the tree, which is how you will henceforth be placed every year.

Dear wooden Santas,
My grandpa used to carve a new version of you every year. These are the Santas that I have. They are such a precious group. I keep three separate from the rest: 1) because they are my favorites, and 2) because they don't fit on top of the microwave.

Pee-Wee's Big Adventure

3 THOUGHTS THURSDAY

1. "Tell 'em Large Marge sent ya."

2. "Shh! I'm listening to reason."

3. "I know you are, but what am I?"

Text speak

WORDY WEDNESDAY

I can't even force myself to shorten or abbreviate words in a text message. I can hardly read a text when it is written in text speak. It may will make me sound old, but I don't get it. Nor do I want to have to decipher a text message or a Facebook post that uses it.

Drives me banana sandwich.

If you ever get a text from me, most likely it will be written in full sentences with proper grammar. Because that's how I roll.

My back hurts.

TWITTER TUESDAY

Not sure why or how. Tried to hold the phone between my ear and shoulder at work yesterday and about died. So. Much. Pain. #curseyouback

Dear Thanksgiving

Dear turkey,
I love your delicious light side. Of course I ate too much of you. And have way too much of you leftover in my fridge.

Dear stuffing,
I prefer you to your fraternal twin, which is known as dressing. I'm not exactly sure what is the difference between you, but I just know you're my favorite. The closer you are to Stove Top, the better.

Dear mashed potatoes and corn,
I normally don't like my food to touch on my plate, but I enjoy mixing you two together. You make a great pair!

Dear sweet potatoes,
I used to dislike you greatly, but I gave you another shot this year. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed you! (Thanks for preparing them so well, Mom! I loved them!)

Dear yeast rolls,
I could eat a hundred of you. I think I came close the other day. I know I had 5 or 6 of you as leftovers for breakfast the day after Thanksgiving. I'm not ashamed. They were delish.