CHRISTMAS MANTEL

Gathering garland, berries, and pine cones has never been merrier!

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory,

glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."

John 1:14

TREE TRIMMING

We all agree, it's one of the sweetest traditions of the season...

...trimming the Christmas tree!

While the guys give the tree a fresh cut outside, the girls set up the ornaments inside.

Then, we put on Johnny Mathis, remind the little ones of the "rules", pray, and decorate!

Aida made a special eggnog and cookie station. What a wonderful hostess.

Cheers!

The little ones are in charge of the "non-breakable" ornaments.

Silas wouldn't miss a family gathering.

SO much jolly!

Older siblings help with the high branches.

Singing, dancing, and juggling?! proceed as we soak in God's gift of family.

This was the living room scene...pure JOY...

LOVE...

WARMTH, as Daddy read his childhood favorite,

The Small One, around the fire after the tree was done.

Merry and bright...I feel so blessed. As I reflect upon this same time last year when we were totally unsure of where we were headed, the housing situation in shambles, the sense of  NO ROOM looming over us then, I'm well aware of the miraculous provisions the Lord has bestowed upon our family this past year. How bountifully He has expressed His grace toward us. Gratitude overflows. It's SO good to be here in our home...finally. I LOVE it here! There's really no place like home...especially at Christmas.

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"
Luke 2:14

XO MISTLETOE

What to do when you find mistletoe in a tree?

Busy, busy...straight to work, these industrious girls of mine.

Add a little red and white candy cane string and...Voila!

In this season to celebrate giving, there's more enough for all!

"It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Acts 20:35

O CHRISTMAS TREE

When you have as much scrap wood laying around as we do, it's easy for creativity to flow...

(hometown hero)

We started with a pile of random wood and made some cuts:

Then started layering...

...and layering until...

And what Christmas tree would be complete without a star?!

O Christmas tree...O Christmas tree...

How lovely are thy branches!

"I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found."

Hosea 14:8

DECKING THE HALLS

It's that time of year again,

but this time things are a bit different...

...in a good way.

(Thank you for making such a beautiful Merry Christmas sign, Elka!)

As we settle into our new home this year,

we're decking the halls for the first time...

(Thank you for the festive flowers, Brodie!)

...creating new traditions.

It's colder up here, which means boots and coats are everyday clothing.

And fires are for more than just ambiance...

...both inside and out.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Beginning with our season of thanks, and now entering a season of Advent,

we welcome the celebration of the birth of Christ, our Lord.

What a wonderful time of the year!!

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6