(I have no idea where that title came from! My profuse apologies to BooMama.)
As if I haven’t shared enough Christmas-y things with your these past few weeks, it is now time for BooMama’s Tour of Homes! Yee-haw! How fun it would be to have an actual open house for my bloggy friends!
You already know how well my almost 2 year old takes pictures. Well, in an effort to give me a few minutes on the computer expand her skills, I let her take pictures for today’s Tour.
She ran first to her “Ki-mas” tree.
Isn’t it lovely? (Actually, that was a pretty good shot! Don’t you like those glittery pink balls?)
Next, was of course her manger scene or as she calls it, “baby de-dus”.
I think that might be the back of Mary’s head.
Oh, there’s the three wise men. And I think that’s baby Jesus in the left corner.
And one more of the manger scene–this is the lowly stable. (This is quite a classy nativity scene. I think it came from the Dollar Store last year.)
Next, I told Lydia to take a picture of our big Christmas tree.
Notice I don’t have a tree skirt. And I also have not swept up the many pine needles that have fallen–which means I also have probably not watered the tree for some time.
And the top of the tree, in case you were wondering. This was a rough shot for her, I’m sure. (No, we don’t have an angel or a star on top. When your parents have a moving mechanical angel, it makes you a little wary of tree-toppers.)
One of Lydia’s favorite decorations is a gift from her cousin (well, he’s my cousin, really. so I guess he’s her 2nd cousin?). It’s a beautiful snowman figurine that opens to show a hidden compartment.
Isn’t it cool?
After this picture, Lydia started getting a little tired. So we ate lunch and now that she’s asleep I went on a little picture taking rampage myself. I’ll try to be brief. *snicker*
My new favorite decoration this year is an advent calendar that Lydia and I are making. I bought her a (honestly, kind of lame) advent book. It’s got a verse, a prayer and a little activity for every day. Well, the activities are too grown up for her, so we just make an ornament every day.
Each one represents something in the Christmas story, or an attribute of Jesus.
We’ve made everything from stables to a cup that runneth over.
But my favorite one we’ve made is a candle. First we took a candle into our hallway (the only place with no windows). Then we lit it and talked about how Jesus came to our dark world to be the Light. After we cut our our little construction paper candle, Lydia wanted to write on it. She decided to write “Jesus”. I spelled it and she repeated after me while making a mark for each letter. If you ask her what she wrote on the candle she’ll say, “De-dus!”
And now, for the obligatory tree & stocking pictures. I’ve told you before about my trees, so I’ll try to keep my descriptions under one thousand words. (You’re welcome.)
my mini tree & advent calendar.
hubby’s mini tree (all covered with snoopy!) oh! and my truffles! I was wondering where those were!
Lydia’s mini tree, manger scene and assorted Christmas-y stuff.
Our big tree.
Stockings that are hung by the chimney with care…
Well, that’s all, folks! Happy BooMama to you! And don’t forget about my Oh! Ho! Ho! giveaway going on NOW!
lynley says
Love your little one’s picture taking skills. What book did you use each day for Advent?
Lorraine says
That’s awesome… budding photographer you have there. *S* I love the advent ornaments. I so want to do that. I have to get my act together in July or something, and do all the planning and whatnot, cuz I’m about useless when it comes to coming up with things to do during this time of year. Oh… and side note – I am soo checking out your LOST stuff! *S* Big LOSTie fan here. *S*
Jen says
tee hee! how fun!
Nichole says
Best. pictures. ever. 🙂
Lauren@Baseballs&Bows says
So fun! I love the pictures from your little one!
Lindsey says
Love your “Ki-mas” tree! Love your daughter’s picture. What great perspective:) Merry Christmas!
bee says
Just lovely!
I am in awe of your ability to help Lydia understand Christmas and the Advent season. Maybe you should start an Advent day camp? And move back to B-ham so I can enroll Woggie?
Just a thought!
Sue @ praise and coffee says
Love your little girls pictures!!
Merry Christmas!
Sue
Amanda says
love the pictures! Love seeing everything from Lydia’s point of view. too cute
Hootin' Anni says
Hey, I LIKE the pine needles….looks like home sweet home to me!!
My holiday slide show tour is THIS WAY
Megan@SortaCrunchy says
Lydia is quite the photog artiste!! What a splendid idea.
Love all the trees and the handmade, advent ornaments. Just curious – where in the Christmas story is there a flamingo? Maybe I missed that part. 😉
Cute, cute stuff. You are such a wonderful mama.
Leigh says
First of all, you are a brave, brave woman letting Lydia use the camera. I have visions of Elias banging it repeatedly on the coffee table… shudder….
Second – I LOVE your Advent calendar idea! I’ve been eying some handmade ones online, and just haven’t done anything about it this year. I will have to remember this for next year!
chupieandjsmama says
The pictures from your little one are too cute! Puts a different perspective on things 🙂 Your tree is lovely as are all your decorations. Thanks so much for the tour and have a Very Merry Christmas!!
Elaine says
‘Bout time to start Lydia’s scrapbook!
Melissa Markham says
Love the perspective that your little one shares:) Lovely Christmas decorations!
darlene says
What a good idea to have Lydia take the pictures. That was fun.
Deb - Mom of 3 Girls says
I think your little one’s got a future in photography! She did an excellent job! 🙂
I love how you each have your own little tree – what a fun idea! And I love all of the ornaments that you’ve made with Lydia.
Queen of My Domain says
I think you have a photograher on your hands. She has such great angles and techniques. 😉 Very nice. And your real tree is just beautiful.
Auburn Gal Always says
Beautiful. The pictures your daughter took are a wonderful perspective of Christmas from a 2 year-old. Love it.
Nadine says
I love all your trees. I still have decorations my kids made and they are in their 20’s. Have a Merry Christmas.
dcrmom says
Love your trees! Very fun!
MarysMom says
Love all the trees! Will start that next Christmas, each of the family member to have their own tree plus the big one, of course.
Merry Christmas!
Megan says
It sounds like you are such a fun mom. I love the crafts you do with your daughter and how you are starting at such a young age to teach her the real meaning of the holiday. I’m so inspired!
Lauren says
Love your kiddo’s pictures! That is so cute!
Kerri says
What beautiful decorations. I love the pictures taken by Lydia! Very creative. Merry Christmas!
Marla Taviano says
Cute, cute!
Diane says
What a charming blog you have! I love it. (Okay, and I’m partial to purple so that helps too.) I’m plopping you in my Google Reader.
Elaine says
You are brave to let your 2-year old weild the camera! But, I have to say she did a great job! 😉 I love your advent calendar that you have done together. Thanks for visiting me too! Merry Christmas!
Val says
I just adore her pictures to pieces!!!!
Val says
Btw, I have never hesitated letting my kids “play” with my camera . . . my point-and-shoot, that is. I love love love seeing things from their point of view. It’s something you’ll never see again 🙂