Home for Christmas

imagine her all lit up up at night with the, children picked, colored lights. 

imagine her all lit up up at night with the, children picked, colored lights. 

Last year we were deep into inspections, offers, and prayer to see if this ole house would be ours after the New Years. We packed and waited knowing she was the one, wanting her to be the one. It made last Holiday season go by in a flurry. This year, as we are still settling into this house, we are enjoying the gifts she has brought us throughout the year. We have hosted small groups, built new neighborly relationships, hosted ample dinners and seen countless children come and go through our many doors. As we decorated for Christmas I found myself overwhelmed with gratitude that we get to call this house our home. I am looking forward to hosting Christmas day where everyone will gorge themselves on food, have good conversation, and possibly nap the day away on the sofa. For now though we will get our fill of Christmas movies, smore making, and cookie decorating all in the name of memory building. I know so many sweet memories were made by the couple that lived here for decades before us raising their children and doing so many of the same activities. We are appreciative to have met a few of the folks that used to come here to play/hang over the years as they have nothing but nice things to say. Thank you Mr and Mrs W for letting us carry on the traditions of this ole house.  We are grateful for you. 

sources: {living room} New York print by us framed by SimplyFramed  | white dipped stool | black lamp | rug {8x10 no longer available} | chair | end table |  {dining room} Black eiffel chairs | wood chairs | chalkboard | pendant light | verse art made by a friend | {den} mini trees collected over the years | metal stocking holders | Ellie's new stocking | {outside} door mat | house numbers | metal planter from local shop Sweet Peas - similar

*last years Christmas decor in the rental

Christmas Around the House {part II}

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Here are a few more images from our humble abode. I must say that once Christmas is over it may be hard for me to retire all the sparkling lights. Also having a tree in the office with all the kiddos handmade goodies makes working all that more fun. This room is on the back of the house and having an alley way with kiddos galore behind us made this a perfect spot for our second, somewhat tacky, tree. Let's be honest though both our trees lend themselves to being tacky. The HOLY marquee sign I did with Home Depot still makes me smile. The scripture canvas was done for me by a friend a few years back and it is still one of my favorite pieces I own. My nutcracker collection that my grandmother started for me when I was just a babe gathers around the tv. As I said before this house lacks surface space compared to our other so it is what it is. The stockings I ended up hanging on the banister per Ellie's request. She wanted it to be more WHO like. HA. The advent to the left is still not complete obviously. The kids take turn hanging  the scripture based art as the days pass. In the end it should mimic the shape of a tree. We either read the scripture of the day or discuss what the image means to us. It's sweet really.

CHRISTMAS PART I

top 2 stocking from here last year | chalkboard | advent calendar

Christmas Around the House {part I}

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Christmas decorating has been so much fun this year. Well, it is every year, but this year everything feels so new in this house. It has been a bit tricky since this house comes with a lot less surface space than our last, but all my favorites found a spot. My tree collection, added these this year, have been dispersed throughout rather than gathered in all one spot and I rather like it. Our nativity that I thought we lost was found in the move and KJ had the honor of setting it up this year. Our tree that we just bought last year almost didn't fit, but the Mr bent the top down and we added some fluff and now she stands tall and proud. I wanted to make a wreath like the new Martha Stewart magazine cover for over the mantel, but I think that will have to wait till next year. The World Market gingerbread sets are always a hit and these have already been munched on. The last piece on my list is to get a tree skirt. Ours in MIA. I'm not 100% sold on anything and honestly not having a tree skirt is not the end of the world so this may be another if I find it great, but it not there's always next year kind of things.

tree skirts and throws that I have been eying...