Here are some needlepoint ones I think are cute as a basic idea. http://www.arizonaknittingandneedlepoint.com/Needlepoint_Canvases/xmas_stockings/xmas_stockings.html I like the one of Santa wearing plaid best. (Bigger Image): http://www.arizonaknittingandneedlepoint.com/Needlepoint_Canvases/xmas_stockings/Stocking_Golf_Santa_WEB.jpg Something like this Charlie Brown would work as a pattern: http://ci.santa-rosa.ca.us/City_Hall/Peanuts%20on%20Parade/Designs/Design_52large.jpg I'd change CB's face to Santa with plaid clothes and then add a few fun things in the background like palm trees. I think it could be really cute.

LOL! I had a friend who's tiny tot went to see Santa Claus. Do you know what she asked for for Christmas? You got it, a chocolate Easter bunny! This was before the internet. My friend's mom was hunting all over to try and find one! I think a friend of a friend had one tucked in their freezer from Easter. Santa Claus came through with the chocolate Easter bunny.

tos~ How she and her best friends have maintained their friendship, despite the miles, is a source of amazement to all of us. They have a very special relationship and they are all so close. I was just speaking to one of the other mothers last pm, and we both continue to marvel at the strength of their bond. They make it a point to spend lots of time together whenever they can (when she's here for visits). My stepson is best friends with the 2 older brothers in the families, and we adults are friendly as well...have occasional cookouts, pool parties, etc. Although, I think the kids friendship has fostered the adult/family gatherings.... As far as her friends in NC...the majority of her non-school time is spent in dance class, so she is friendly with the girls she dances with. But she says that she really doesn't have any super-close school friends that she "hangs out with", etc. She rarely has sleepovers or talks of anything she does with other kids there. Mostly she is at the dance studio...she's a very accomplished dancer. Lack of good friends there was actually one of the things she discussed when she brought up the idea of coming here for high school. So tos, it's your turn....are you a step-parent? Are you a NCP? What would you have told your daughter in the "hypothetical" situation I posted?...seriously WWYD? Like you, I have no intention of EVER divorcing, but I can "imagine" what I'd do if I were faced with a similar situation....so, please, tell us what you'd say. For the record, my DH fought the move in court. Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, and spousal infidelity has NO bearing on custody, whatsoever. Michigan is VERY pro-mom, despite the fact the courts say they have no "gender bias". Essentially, the only time a mother does not win custody is if she can be deemed "unfit", due to drugs or extreme circumstances. Even homeless mothers win custody here...since we have many women/children shelters, etc. It's really disturbing that the courts do not really have the best interest of the child as their main focus. At the time of his ex-wife's affair, the children were ages 1 & 4. Since they were babies (toddler) he felt that the kids should stay in their home, and with his work schedule at the time, it just made more sense for her to stay in the house. He got an apartment closeby with the understanding that it would be temporary while they "worked on it". Obviously, the outcome was different than the plan. Trust me, if he could have changed the outcome of the custody situation, he would have. Initially, they had joint custody, 50/50 split. When she decided to move, she filed for sole physical, joint legal. He fought it and lost. The judge thought that her soon-to-be new husbands job promotion was more important than children having close, easy access to both parents. That was the sole deciding factor...her husbands increased income. So they can use spouse income to decided custody, but they won't use it to calculate child support...go figure...great court system.

pfmastin: That is what we used to do with our old matle DH put up which was a Home Depot special. The new one is a painted wood custom mantle so would rather not make any holes for now. jen9, sippimom, and lindybarts: Those 3M Command hooks sounds like just the thing. mpwdmom: Those mantle clips also look good. Sounds like a trip to Lowes is in order. Thanks everyone for all the great suggestions!