be happy for this moment.

Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles.

Author Unknown

I am participating in the 2008 Christmas Tour of Homes. I'm sure in comparison with the many grand and lovely Christmas decorations but I love the season so I had to decorate even though we just moved into the house. No decor in the den you say? Oh, that's because it's full of movning crates and Bella's litter box.

So let's focus on the semi-completed areas of the house that actually have some Christmas decor!

Welcome... it snowed last night just for the tour!

Even little icicles on the mailbox (courtesy of nature, not Randall)

Just inside the front door... the sign says, "Dear Santa, I can explain." That's for Bella, of course

Our nativity, my favorite new decoration that was bought as a wedding shower gift for me. Bella likes to push the poor lamb off of the table daily.

Garland on the mantle in the living room. No stockings this year, I should have ordered the cute personalized ones before our November wedding. Because after, it was too late! Next year, next year.

I love Christmas cards so I keep them from year to year - it's fun to reread the old ones (and it also looks like we received this many this year!). The photo is an old when of me and my father putting the angel on the tree.

Into the dining room, those bells are a favorite of Bella-the-bell-stealer

Bookcase with our tree. Yup, the tree. We're simplifying our life and trying not to bring another ounce of anything into a house packed to the gills. Next year there will be a life size tree (bought on sale in January, thank you very much)!

And that darling Christmas plate will soon be holding the best cookies, classic chocolate chip. As my mom always says, you bake a plate of fancy Christmas cookies and people really just eat the chocolate chip!

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) chocolate chips

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl.

Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.

Basket 'o holy

Good for smooching my new hubby (and an awkward moment for the furniture delivery men)

On the kitchen window ledge - I love smelling peppermint when doing the dishes!

Oh yes he does, and I'm glad you stopped by too!