The Happy Home Maker: Holiday

Its that time of year again! The turkey is about to hit the table, Target is filled with Christmas everything, and amateur and professional photographers are planning the perfect family holiday photo. We've come a long way from the mug shot like family line ups in matching sweaters of the past. Now almost anything goes and the more creative the better. But, what to wear for such an important shoot? No more tacky sweaters. We found some family ensembles that are whimsical, fun, classic, and festive.

Lands' End is one of my favorite shops for classic looks at a great price. Its a great one stop shop for your families holiday look. I put together this example, but their are so many possibilities and another fun fact is they will monogram just about anything.

Landsend.com

If your love a picture in your PJ's. Hanna Anderson has sets for the whole family including your pooch. Lots of styles to choose from to mix and match.

hannaanderson.com

Of course there is always the classic and easy to coordinate looks from JCrew, Gap or Old Navy. Its a simple one stop shop for an affordable and comfortable style.

Gap.com

JCrew.com

One of my favorite places to find something truly unique is Etsy. There are so many handmade shops that have inexpensive and fun looks that are very special. Here are just a few of my top picks for shops that create family ensembles.

A few tips to keep in mind before your photo day:

-Think about scheduling, especially if you are dealing with little ones. Try to choose a time of day that will bring the most cooperation such as between routine naps and feedings.

-When using a professional, be clear in advance about your vision and location. Let the pro's give you their best recommendations for color and pattern and time of day to shoot.

-Don't get too caught up on the perfect pose. Pro's will tell you that the best shots are natural interactions between the family.

-Finally, no matter what you wear, your best accessory is always a smile and a laugh. Have fun with your photos and you will capture a moment you will treasure forever. Happy Snapping!

Memorial Day is the official start to the summer for most of us. The first long weekend to get away or get ready for the season ahead. It, of course, is much deeper than that though. Memorial Day like so many other holidays seems to get lost in the shuffle of merchandising. So, what is the actual official definition of Memorial Day? Here is what the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs says:

"Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The ceremonies centered around the mourning-draped veranda of the Arlington mansion, once the home of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremonies. After speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home and members of the GAR made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns." Read More

Did you know that there is a National Moment of Remembrance? Under the law Americans are asked to pause at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to observe a moment of silence.

"To ensure the sacrifices of America ’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106-579, creating the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. The commission’s charter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity” by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance.The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. As Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada states: “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.” -va.gov website

Here are some creative ideas to get away with purpose this weekend.

Patriots Point, Charleston, SC - Charleston is steeped in history and at Patriots Point, you can visit one or several attractions that will put you right in the heart of our nations past. Tour the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier which houses the Medal of Honor Museum, the USS Clamagore, the only guppy submarine preserved in the United States, the USS Laffey naval destroyer, over two dozen military aircraft, walk through an actual Vietnam Naval Support Base, or pay your respects at the Cold War Memorial.

Airborne and Special Operations Museum, Fayetteville, NC - Home of Fort Bragg the ASOM is a wonderful variety of exhibits and events all year round. "The main exhibit gallery moves the visitor through time, starting in 1940 with the conception of the U.S. Army Parachute Test Platoon and ending with today's airborne and special operations units. Much has changed in the world since the battles of World War II and the conflicts of the Cold War era, but the courage and dedication of the American soldier is a common bond that ties each generation together."

Tuskegee Airmen National Museum, Detroit, MI - "The National Museum of the Tuskegee Airmen represents the culmination of the efforts of many individuals. It provides a place not only to record the contributions of Americans to the defense of our Nation during a period in our history when they were not thought of as the equal of other citizens, but a place where all of the youth of America may come to acquire inspiration, counseling and assistance in achieving excellence in their own educational and career pursuits."

Michigan Military Museums and Forts - Check your local and state government websites for a list of museums and monuments in your area.

The California State Military Museum, Sacramento, CA - "The California State Military Museum is only a few minutes walk from the State Capital, The California State Railroad Museum and several other fine museums, parks, and tourist attractions. The museum, opened by Governor Pete Wilson in 1991, is the official military museum and historical research center of the State of California. This was reinforced on 11 September 2002 when Governor Gray Davis signed legislation making the museum a permanent museum under the California State Military Department and providing permanent funding for the museum. Finally on 13 July 2004, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation to amend the Government Code to make the museum the state's official military museum."

Missouri History Museum, St Lois, MO - Current Exhibit - "Between Two Worlds: Veterans Journey Home explores the struggle of 20th-century soldiers to stay connected to home, to thrive while separated from their loved ones, and to eventually transition back into home life. Through firsthand stories from veterans, this exhibit examines both the changes and the continuities in the veteran experience, from World War I to the Iraq War."

Antietam National Battlefield

National Park Foundation - Listing of All Battlefields and Forts in the United States

Kentucky Military History Museum at the State Arsenal, Frankfort, KY - "The newly renovated museum houses the exhibition, "Kentucky Military Treasures: Selections from the Kentucky Historical Society Collections," which now includes a recently-restored piece of the Fighting Falcon (the first American glider to land at Normandy on D-Day) and Gen. William O. Butler’s presentation sword from the Mexican War.

Spanning nearly 200 years of conflicts -- from the War of 1812 to more recent engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq -- "Kentucky Military Treasures" shares the personal stories of Kentuckians who fought and sometimes lost their lives in these battles.See the many machines and other trappings of the military service. Learn how regular Kentuckians became heroes. Listen as veterans tell their stories in their own words."

Arlington National Cemetery

Washington, D.C. - Of course the ultimate lesson in US history, Washington D.C. has too many amazing attractions to mention in one post. There are some lesser known monuments and museums that should not be missed. Here is a listing of all of the Monuments and Memorials in D.C.

If you can't get away this Memorial Day, there are ways to celebrate this countries heroes without spending a dime or traveling far. Almost every town in America has a parade or event on this holiday, contact your local municipality or veterans organization to find out more. Create a fundraiser for your favorite military organization, get the kids set up at a lemonade stand or bake sale. Visit a vet, you would be surprised the number of veterans that have no support or family system, contact your local hospital chaplain or volunteer office to find out their visitation policy. Get creative and find a way to keep the "memorial" in this great holiday. To those who serve and have served at home and overseas, my family and I are forever grateful to the men and women who keep us safe, and their families holding down the home front until they return.

The Lord is my light and my salvation
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life
of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked advance against me
to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.

Psalm 27:1-3