We are Dressed Up!

As Tyler says, "We are dressed up!" What he means is that our house is decorated for Christmas!

There is something so sweet and pure about a child's excitement around Christmas ... all of the lights, sweet treats and family gatherings! I just love this time of year! I especially love the anticipation and excitement that my children experience, and I love spending time with my family, making memories -- which to me is far better than any gift I could receive on Christmas morning!

Here's a little peak at our "dressed up home!"

Here is a wreath I made. I got the idea off of another blogger's site. It was easy to make and was just what was needed to bring some holiday cheer to the door leading out to our deck!

I love to decorate with natural things, like greens and berries!

More greens, which were clipped from our yard and Christmas tree! Cheap decorations!

And, fruits add such nice color! Again, a very inexpensive way to decorate

Our Christmas tree! When we went to pick out our tree, it was dark outside and raining. We didn't take much time ... my personal goal was to find a tree for under $30! When we got home and brought the tree inside, Jackson decided that he didn't like it. He said, "it's too skinny and it looks like an asparagus!" Once we got the lights and decorations on, he changed his mind though. For me, the more bare spots and imperfections the tree has, the better ... I think they add character to the tree! And, this year our tree has it's share of bare spots! But, I achieved my goal ... the cost of the tree ... $29.99!




I just love decorating the tree! I love to look at each ornament and reflect on where it came from or what special meaning each one holds! The white angel ornaments on our tree (above) are particularly special to me because I made them the Christmas of 1993 in memory of Kevin Matthew -- our infant son who was born and died that September. I also love each and every ornament made by my boys! They are one of my most treasured possessions!

A fireplace is meant to curl up in front of ... even if it's a gas fireplace!



I hope you have the opportunity this December to spend time with those you love -- be sure to make some treasured memories -- and thank the Lord for the special people in your life!