The Berry's Patch

The Halls are Decked....

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:33:00 +0000

Let's begin at the front door...

I purchased a simpler wreath this year for the front door....

Front Entryway....

I really tried to keep decorating simple this year.

I found this garland at Target last year for half off.

I added more berries and pine cones to make is fuller....

This is one of my favorite Santa's....

He has so many cute details...I must point them out.

I changed out my Fall pic's to Christmas pictures.

Formal living room....

Oh, she just had to be in the picture. Look at her beautiful green eyes...she's so pretty.

And if she doesn't keep her darn paws off my Christmas tree, she will be an outside cat.

Here is my tree topper.

I just wired him up there.

I must show off a few of my favorite ornaments....

Dining room....

You'll notice I'm missing a charger at one end of the table. I decided to keep my table extended after Thanksgiving. All I needed was one more charger. I had everything else. Well Walmart stopped selling them. I spent a day going from one Walmart to the next....nothing. Words cannot express the disappointment.

This little reindeer is one of my favorite Christmas decorations.

I placed him in the center of the table this year.

I used pine cones that my kids collected for me and garland underneath.

The kitchen did get a few Christmas decorations...

From the kitchen to the family room is one of my favorite views...

This year I added a small Christmas tree to the family room...

I purchased a skinny tree for the kids this year. I LOVE it. Takes up less room.

I used red and white lights...

I just had to make one of these ornament wreaths that I've seen around blogland.

Directions here.

And the kids Santa...
(which, in short means all the other Santa's are mine)

Next week is finals and then I'm on break for about 6 weeks. Just enough time to catch up with work. Did I mention I also work in addition to going to school? Anyhoo, see ya soon. :-)

Topiary Project...

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

I was lurking around Miss Kitty's blog and found a simple but cute topiary that she made with items she already had. Since I'm on a holiday accessory diet, I thought I could tackle this project without spending a dime AND add some Fall to my outdoor eating area. (we have to add Fall colors here in the desert, they don't come naturally)

So I grabbed a pot from my pot stash and added a saucer.

I wrapped this old swag around the saucer.

And added a fall wreath/swag (whatever you call these things).

I didn't have a pumpkin...which is what I really wanted.
But I did have this iron pumpkin and candle.

And viola! A little more Fall to the Fall-less scenery.

A little more Halloweeny....

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Halloween Decor in the Front Entryway...

I just noticed the kids shoes in the floor. :(

Remember Matilda from last year? Her mother is mysteriously missing this year.

I won this candle holder at bunco. I use those battery operated tea lights. I don't have to worry about forgetting to blow out the candle. I just turn it on and go.

Can you believe this cute little pumpkin is now 10 years old? Where does the time go?

A shoeless picture. :-)

Say hello to my little friend Bruce! Don't get too close though.

My youngest placed these huge spiders in the front window.
Do you think they'll keep solicitors away?

And of course the wickedest witch of them all is hanging out in the bathroom.

Oh she's not that bad. ;-)

You're probably sick and tired of seeing my dining room table.

However I can't help but show off two new items that I found at Ross.

This cute little...

well I'm not sure what the heck it is.
It's too small for a pitcher.
So I thought I could use it for gravy.

These cute little jars are for cream and sugar...I couldn't resist.

The temps are finally lower which means fuzzy blankets and hot cocoa every evening.

Oh, and one more thing...to the person that keeps buying all the candy cane cocoa at Sam's Club...watch your back girly...I will find you! ;-)

It's Fall Ya'll....

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Updated to join Rhoda's blog party at Southern Hospitality.

Well, technically it's not Fall here in the desert. In fact it was 104 degrees yesterday. But that wouldn't stop me from decorating for Fall...no not at all.

Here is Fall in the kitchen.

Although that big ol' jar of candy corn no longer exists, it sure made a nice picture.

Here are my dollar store pumpkins from last year.

Fall in the Family room...

This cute little box is from Darlene of Darlene's Days.

I changed out my pictures to my favorite Fall/Halloween pic's.

This cute little kitty box is from Cherry at Cherry's Jubilee.

And here is the only Fall you'll see outside.

My witches and spiders are out but that's for another time.

I can hardly wait for cooler weather. Bring on the fuzzy blankets and hot cocoa!!

Fall Table, A Few Scarecrows and School....

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:00:00 +0000

I'm slowly but surely getting my Fall Decorations out.

I bought these cute leaf plates at Walmart. An idea I got from Ceekay's blog. She has such great table scape ideas. In fact, it's completely her fault that I'm even decorating my table. ;-)

I bought this little tea light holder from the dollar store last year.

The S&P shakers are from Walmart.
(Maybe Walmart should start paying me for advertising?)

You probably remember my scarecrow bird house from last year.
He is sitting on a small fall wreath.

This little guy is also sitting on a fall wreath.

Well that's hardly it. I have lots more Fall and Halloween decorations to get out but it's going to take time with my school schedule.

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School...

I had a terrible week at school. Two tests and a quiz. My philosophy class was seriously kicking my butt. It's probably the hardest class I've ever taken.
(this being my second degree...I've taken a lot of classes)

Over the weekend I was studying for the test. I've always believed that if you didn't understand something you study more until you understand.

Well I finally laid my head in my hands and cried.

I'm NOT grasping the concepts. After reading the chapters over and over, it still wasn't clicking. It's part of philosophy called Logic. Maybe I'm just not logical, maybe I think with only my right brain. How in the heck do I get my right brain to expand its horizons?

I decided to go through with the test but if my grade was bad I would have to withdraw. The idea of throwing $300 bucks out the door doesn't appeal to me but neither does the stress. And for pete's sake, I can't cry over a test in front of my kids.

I would have to admit defeat and move on.

So I returned to class to get my test. The teacher lists on the board how many students got A's, B's, etc. It look like this:

A=9
B=15
C=11
D=1
F=0

There is one D. Could that be me? Could I be the only looser in the class?

This could be a huge hit to my self esteem.

Low and behold the teacher handed me my test....an A. What, is this my test? Talk about complete and total shock. I almost cried again. The young lady next to me was looking at me like I had lost my marbles. I had won this war, I had conquered this test, I fought the test and I won. Okay, so maybe it's not that big. But is sure felt BIG.

So I'm going to hang in there. It may take me extra study time, more crying and more stress but I'm determined to kicks its butt.

Fall and Halloween Inspiration...

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:47:00 +0000

While I'm still arranging (and rearranging) my Fall/Halloween decorations...I thought I would share some inspiration pic's I took last year at a local store.

If these pictures don't get you in the mood for Fall...nothin' will.

I should have picture's of my Fall decor soon...but seeing that I have a this need to arrange and rearrange my decoration many times,
it just may be awhile. :-)

Dining room, play date and new do....

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:47:00 +0000

Whew, that's a lot to cover in one blog post so I'll keep is short & sweet.
(emphasis on the sweet)

Dining Room Tour.....

Remember my new dining room table that I purchased off of Craig's List?

Well, I've been busy decorating it.

I purchased these wicker chargers at Walmart.

The glasses are from a yard sale.

I made these napkins out of fabric that I loved.

And placed an already made napkin under it.

Don't ask me why I needed to double up on napkins...I have this weird decorating sickness.

I found these sparkly napkin rings at Bed Bath & Beyond.

I also changed out my side table for this dresser. It may be weird to have a dresser in the dining room but it works.

I have room to keep my holiday plates, napkins, etc.

I also got out a my pumpkin that I made last year.

This is a wise man from Japan that my mother in law gave me.

He doesn't say much, but he looks wise...huh?

Play date.....

I had the honor of babysitting my niece a few weeks ago.

She is so sweet!!

My youngest couldn't keep his hands off of her.

Or in this case...his head.

New Do....

Last but certainly not least...I couldn't take my hair anymore in this 113 degree weather.

It takes about 5 minutes to do.

And that gives me an extra 20 minutes to type a blog post.

Summer in a Nutshell...

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 01:23:00 +0000

How do I begin this post? I've been gone for so long.

See, I thought I would get a class out of the way during summer vacation. Well that class (English 102) took up most of my summer. Darn class.

Anyway, I'm back...and here is my summer in a nutshell...

It began with a homework burning ceremony. Followed by roasted marshmallow.

Lots of time in the pool with the neighbor kids.

Lots of swimming in our undies...because we can. ;-)

Fun in scout camp.

Picking up creepy crawlies.

My attempt at growing a watermelon garden.

Visiting my favorite Aunt on the 4th of July.

A quick trip to Universal Studio's.

And a cruise in the Caribbean.

Well, that's it...summer's over.

Bring on the fall leaves, sweaters and hot chocolate.

Okay, who am I kidding.

Summer isn't over until October here.

I do have one fall decoration out...just to hurry things up a bit.

Finals...

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Tue, 05 May 2009 17:01:00 +0000

I can't believe I haven't posted for over a month. I'm having blogging withdrawals. I just wanted to post today to let you all know I miss you. I'm studying for finals the next two weeks. However, I have my summer project list and can't wait to start blogging again.

Easter Decorations....

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 11:00:00 +0000

I've finally taken out all of my Easter decorations. Boy, what a task.

Let's start in the front entry way.

These cute wooden bunnies are on the stair landing...

I love the little details on them...

Here is my dining room.
Ceekay, close your eyes girl.
My table is no where near as cute as yours.
Maybe you could help me in this department one of these days.

Kitchen...

Family room...

Guest bathroom...

Guest bedroom...

And take a look at my spring flowers. :-)

I'm trying to stay outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather we are having (77-80 degrees). Eventually it will be 110 degrees out and yucky!

St. Patrick's Day Treasure Hunt

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:07:00 +0000

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I wanted to share a treasure hunt that we did for the kids.

Supplies:

Green Construction paper,

A downloaded clover template,

A few silly, made up clue's,

And chocolate coins

Here are my silly, made up clues. Feel free to laugh at them and copy. Or, make up your own. :-)

We ye Irish,
yes that's what we are,
to find the next clue you
must Jump afar.

You are excited as can be
but to find the next clue little Irish man,
you must look in a Shoe.

Now that you're running amuck
you must look inside a Truck.

Your excitement is higher
but to find the next clue
you must look where it's Dryer.

Although it sounds bitter your
next clue is next to the kitty L*****.

I'm cooking and hot,
guess where I am...or not.

I've got giants and robots running around,
can you guess where your next clue is around?

Don't get hit by a puck
looking for your next clue...good luck?

St. Patrick' s Day Decorations...

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:00:00 +0000

I've had these decorations for about 8 years and this is only the second time I've taken them out of the box. I usually get out my bunnies by now. But this year I thought I would take them out for a couple weeks (at least) before I get out the Easter decorations.

I bought all of them from Terry's Village. Does anyone know if they are still around? They had the cutest holiday decorations.

These 3 leprechauns are made of wood from a stair railing.

This guy is supposed to hang from a door knob.

I think these blocks are my favorite.

I placed this plaque behind the sink. I just love the two little leprechauns.

Well, I'm officially addicted to Craig's List. I don't think I'll buy any furniture new again. I can find just about anything on there for less. I'm now looking for shelves for my sons lego collection. They have taken over his room. It may take me a few weeks to find what I want but, like my dining room set, it will be worth the wait.

Replacing Furniture, Avoiding Homework, Guest Bathroom Update...

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:08:00 +0000

Some of the side effects of being in school are amazing. Yep, while you're studying and doing homework, the most amazing thing happens....you're all of a sudden motivated to clean bathrooms...no kidding. Once your bathrooms sparkle, you notice the base boards need to be dusted. Once that's done you start replacing furniture.

Remember my family room? It went from dark and cold...

To soft and fuzzy...

Dont'cha want to curl up and watch a movie on it?
Dont'cha wish your couch was soft like mine...dont'cha?

Moving on to the dining room. I recently discovered Craig's List. Yes, I realize I'm the last person in the United States that has heard of it. But better late than never, right?

Anyway, here is my table before...

And here is the baby I got on Craig's List. Isn't she a beaut? It came with 8 chairs and a 14 inch leaf.

Moving on to the guest room. *I told you I've been busy avoiding homework* This sleigh bedroom set was also on Craig's List.

I bought this just in time for my Aunt and Uncle to visit on Valentines. I still have more decorating to do in this room...stay tuned.

The guest bathroom, which is also the kids bathroom, got an update. New shower curtain...

New soft white towels hung under the family pic's.

My basket of goodies for the guests...

New white shower mat...

I figure it's best that the kids don't share shower mats with the guests. I like it also because it doesn't have a rubber backing...hate those.

Anyhoo, I'm so thankful for school. I'm getting a ton done now at home. Who knew?

Don't Call The Police!

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 20:08:00 +0000

Some of you are emailing me making sure I haven't fallen off the planet. You sure know how to make a girl feel loved! I've had my nose stuck in books the last few weeks...National Government and World Religion to be exact. Talk about interesting!

Anyway, I want to wish you all a Happy Valentines Day. My hubby is out of town...sadly. But I'll be spending it with my favorite Aunt. She should arrive anytime now. I have goodies set out...

Here's a tip...buy flowers a few days before Valentines. They're 3 times cheaper.

My kitchen smells wonderful with these roses.

I also want to thank Pajamamama and Kitty Scraps for this award! Thank you ladies for thinking of me!

I'm checking your blogs daily and keeping up with the blogging world. It's a nice break from homework.

Valentine Project & Decorations...

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Thank you all that left supportive comments on starting school last week. Sadly, I was lost the minute I walked onto campus. Even though I had a map and highlighted exactly where my classes were located.

Anyway, I learned two things last week.

1) Never answer "yes" on a questionnaire that asks you if you know what caused the mortgage crisis...without being capable of explaining it in front of the WHOLE flippin' class.

2) I need to exercise. Holy cow my arms hurt from carrying two books....that's really bad! And I had to walk two miles from my car to the school. I was out of breath...which caused me to become disoriented and get lost. (I can come up with the best excuses for stupidity!)

Moving on....

Recently I was visiting Jen ni at A Nest to Keep and found this fun Valentine project. She purchased little mailboxes for each of her kids. From now until Valentine's Day they will each get a little treat and/or card. Oh, I just love this idea!

So, I found these mailboxes at Walmart for $4.00 each. They came with valentine stickers & stencils.

I had the kids get to work decorating...

And viola, they are ready for Valentine mail...

I bought little gifts for under $1.00 to give them inside their mailbox...

Now, for my Valentine Decorations...

I really didn't have any Valentine decorations until last Tuesday. I was shopping at the local grocery store and found these cute little bears...oh, I'm in love!

I wondered if there could possibly be a boy bear that matched. I dug down to the bottom of the basket and found him...

So, here is my Valentine display. Yep, that's it. That's all folks.

I know what you're thinking...I need more Valentine decorations. I'll get right on that. ;-)

I'm heading back to school...

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Well, I just wanted to let you all know I'm starting school today. I've decided to go back and get my bachelors degree. I've thought about it for years now and decided to just DO IT.

I'm a little nervous. It's been awhile since I've been to school. I won't tell you how long.

I was talking with my husband and kids over dinner and casually asked what I should bring on my first day. My youngest said "scissors". Then I proceeded to ask if I could borrow his crayon box. I also thought it would be fun to find a Holly Hobbie backpack. My kids just looked at me confused and asked "who is that?"

Well, wish me luck. Do you think the other kids will like me?

Award & Addictions...

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 22:58:00 +0000

I'm updating this post to join Hooked On Houses blog party.

Girly Stuff has given me this "Fabulous" award and asked that I list 5 addictions. So here is goes:

1. Coffee - I hate to admit it but I would be a cranky, unlikable person if I didn't have my morning cup of joe.

2. Blogging - If you're NOT addicted, raise your hand......I'm not seeing many hands.

3. Tinkering - I love trying accessories in different areas of the house or moving furniture around. My husband laughs at me and tells me I'm sick. I agree!

4. Little Debbie cakes - I can eat a whole box during certain times of the month.

5. Lamps - I LOVE lamps. This is a sickness that has been passed down to me by my ancestors. I also love moving my lamps around to different areas of the house. See below...

Okay, I'm going to share with you just how sick my lamp addiction is. Anyone that wants to donate to my therapy fund may do so. I take paypal. :-)

Remember these lamps? Come along with me while I show you their journey around the house. They started out here in the foyer...

They moved to the family room...

To the front living room...

A better pic...

Back to the foyer. I should have just kept them there but what fun is that?

These buffet lamps were moved from the dining room...

I painted them, added fringe (don't have a fringe pic handy) and moved them to the foyer table....

Now they are back in the dining room...

I may move them back to the foyer next Halloween. I thought they looked great with my Halloween decorations...

The family room lamps have gone from these...

To these new lamps from Costco...

When I decided to buy these lamps, my son said "that's the last thing we need, more lamps".

I wonder what other areas of the house I could try these lamps?

Here are more lamps around the house.
I told you I was addicted.

I have more lamps (no kidding) but I've decided to share them in another post.

Before you take me...the mad, psychotic lamp women off your blog list, come back next week for my Valentine project and decorations. I had to buy Valentine decorations just for my blog...is that pathetic?

Thank you Girly Stuff for the award and tag!

Slumdog Millionaire...

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:50:00 +0000

Hi there my dear blogging friends! I'm so sorry I haven't posted yet this new year. I've been taking a blogging break. To organize, read, catch up with work, etc. All those things that I couldn't do over Christmas break.

Anyway, I wanted to share with you a movie that I absolutely LOVED. (I'm not exaggerating here)I don't think I've ever posted about a movie on this blog but thought Slumdog Millionaire definitely deserved a shout out.

It's won 4 Golden Globes and could possibly be an Oscar favorite. It's not in all movie theaters yet but should be soon.

Anyway, I should be posting more throughout the week. I've got a cute Valentine project I want to share AND I'm going to share my "addiction".

Favorite Projects 2008...

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 03:37:00 +0000

I thought I would share a few of my favorite projects over the past year. Most of these projects were ideas that I took from your blogs. How awesome to share ideas with others out there in the world.

Here is our front entryway that I painted. I should have done this project earlier but I procrastinated like usual...worried that it wouldn't look right. Well, I should know by now it's only paint. (note to self)

Before:

After:

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This diaper cake was the CUTEST project. Don't you agree? Go here to get directions.

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I organized a ton over the past year. One area that was bugging me to death was the TV area in the playroom. (Gosh I hate those wires!)

Before:

After:

After, after:

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Remember when I bought my new blogging/work desk? I was skipping out to my car.

Before:

After:

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This was another area in the kitchen that kept bugging me. More wires!

Before:

After:

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Remember when I went on a red paint rampage?

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

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These turkey cookies from Thinkin' of Home were a hit at Thanksgiving dinner.

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This last project would win project of the year award...if I had such an award. It was the most needed project.

Remember I have a dog that eats kitty poo?

Before.

After:

I drilled a hole big enough for kitty but small enough to keep Rustolium out.(Darn dog)

This box works double duty as a time out spot...

Well, I feel as though I accomplished a lot over the year, thanks to blogging. I'm excited for the new year and new projects. Please keep them coming and Happy New Year!

New York...

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:10:00 +0000

This past week I visited New York for the very first time. I had an amazing time. It's such a beautiful city. My hubby had to work for the first two days.

So what's a girl to do alone in New York?

Well, you go here...

And see this...

And when you haven't had enough, you go see this...

On Sunday, my hubby didn't work so we put on our walking shoes for some major site seeing.

First, we got a tour of Fox News. My cousin, Rick Reichmuth, does the national weather for Fox.

Here we are on the set of Fox and Friends with my cousin.

More pictures of the studio...

Anyone know who's office this is?

Here is Rockefeller Center. Our hotel was right around the corner.

Saint Patrick's Cathedral...

My very handsome cousin also gave us a tour of Central Park.

Can anyone guess who this is...

My hubby refused to leave Central Park until we found this statue. It was very important for the kids.

Can anyone guess which recent movie this building was in? You probably have kids if you know.

Look at this beautiful carriage. Talk about romantic!

Speaking of romantic...we took the subway to Greenwich Village. There was a very romantic restaurant called The Place.

This was our last dinner in New York. We were tired but not ready to go home. We hopped back on the subway to meet one more special lady before we headed home.

We made it just before the sun set.

What a beautiful city. I truly did not want to leave.

Christmas Pic, Take 20...

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 04:11:00 +0000

This year I thought it would be COOL to take pictures of the kids jumping on the trampoline for the yearly Christmas card.

I took a few pictures of my daughter and oldest son and sent them on their merry way.

I get to my youngest...

Okay, this one is my fault...

Rapper Z here...

Ornery little booger.

I've also been tagged by Girly Stuff

1. Egg Nog or Hot Cocoa? Definitely hot chocolate every night during the winter.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just put them under the tree? Santa wants to save a tree and skips wrapping

3. Colored lights or white lights? White inside, colored/white outside

4. Do you hang a mistletoe? No, but I should

5. When do you decorate for Christmas? Usually the day after Thanksgiving. This year was the week before because I was so excited about my new tree.

6. Favorite Holiday Dish? Ham with pineapple sauce

7. Favorite Holiday Memory as a child? Asking Santa for two dolls and receiving them. What a shock!

8. When and how old did you learn about Santa? About 8 years old, my stinkin' brothers.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yep, tempted to open all of them though.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? With lots of Santa's. I just love that man!

11. Snow, love it or dread it? Love to visit but hate to live in it.

12. Can you ice skate? Slowly

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? My husband

14. What's the most important thing about the holidays to you? Being with my family

15. Favorite Holiday Dessert? Mom's Fudge

16. Favorite Holiday Tradition? Waking up Christmas day, seeing what Santa brought and going back to sleep.

17. What tops your Christmas Tree? Santa

18. Which to you prefer, giving or receiving? Both

19. Candy Canes, yum or yuck? Yum! I love minty fresh breath

20. What do you want for Christmas? Hmmmmm, nothing really.

22. Do you attend an annual Christmas party? No

23. Do you dress up for Christmas Eve or pajamas? Neither

24. Do you own a Santa hat? Yep, one for each dog.

25. Who do you normally spend Christmas with? My husband and children

Kids Tree...

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 08:01:00 +0000

Last year one of my best friends gave me this adorable snowman for Christmas. I loved his scarf so much that I went shopping for Christmas ornaments that matched.

I also bought a little of this...

A few strands of these...

A bundle of these...

Lots of these...

And one of these... (Actually, we already had her)

I let the kids go to work and viola! Their very own Christmas tree.

I thought I would help out and make a beautiful bow for the top.

But the kids protested (something about it looking girly) so they settled for these...

We used only red & white lights.

And placed it at the top of the stairs...

They also have their own Santa...watching their every move (so they think)

Hulk says HI!

Thank you all for helping me with my blog design. I've decided to go with Laura from Making A House a Home advice. She said to make a blog for each of the 9 pictures. You would visit all 9 blogs, right? I have a feeling some of you Rob Pattinson's fans would. ;-)

New Blog Layout...

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 17:31:00 +0000

I've been thinking of changing my blog layout. I'm wondering if you could help me pick the design...

Design #1

Design #2

Design #3

Design #4

Design #5

Design #6

Design #7

Design #8

Design #9

Although I took these pictures off the internet, don't even think about it. He's mine, all mine!

Help, I need some Edward therapy?

Decked the Halls...

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Last year I knew I would need to stock up on ornaments. I was determined to buy a new tree this year and let the kids have the old tree to themselves. After all, the tree was 11 years old...in dog years...that's old.

So I hit the after Christmas sales last year...

I wasn't sure when, what, where or how I was going to get a new tree but determined to find one...at a reasonable cost of course.

A few weeks ago I driving through my neighborhood and low and behold there were 3 yardsales...yikes!

Sitting out on the curb was this beauty. It was meant to be.

I had an absolute ball decorating my own tree.

I have a secret crush on Santa. I own about 13 little statues of him.

Of course he is my tree topper.

Here is the front entryway...

I love the details on this Santa.

The kids also had a blast decorating their tree. I'll show you the results in another post. Meanwhile, go ahead and laugh at my new header...it's wishful thinking on my part.

Antique Christmas...

brandee@thetaxacademy.com (The Berry's Patch) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:52:00 +0000

I recently visited my Aunt. You would love her! She loves antiques, decorating, cooking, etc. Her house is full of antiques. I took pictures of every inch of her house. Don't worry...I'm only sharing a few pictures this post.

She loves to accessorize...

I love this little bench with the adorable teddy bear.

Dining room...

You can find antique furniture through out her entire home.

Including antique pictures...

Her front porch was also decorated for Christmas...

My beautiful Aunt...

I wondered where I got my accessorizing gene from. I will show the rest of her house in my next post. She has tons of wonderful collections.

Of course, I'm getting my Christmas decorations out. I will share when they are just right...promise.