Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
1 Corinthians 3:17

Friday, December 10, 2010

Christmas in New England

Welcome to our home!

I thought I'd document what our house looks like before the birthday parties happen...because things just never recover after that, ha!

I love seeing how people decorate their homes and what kinds of things are special to them.  And I love this time of year, but I admit it can become much too stressful & hectic.  This year I've been more purposeful in decorating our home, taking the time to enjoy nights spent lingering by the extra candles on display, marveling at the twinkling lights all around the house- inside and out- but most importantly, trying to be mindful of the whole reason we celebrate, the birth of the Jesus!








This one is celebrating a birthday this weekend...







And this one turns four on Wednesday...how did that happen???




I really miss the candles in the windows, but a certain little orange someone will not.leave.them.alone.  Sigh.

Here is our entryway all decked out with the stockings I made several years ago and some other pretty, festive items.
Okay, so maybe there are a few essentials too...  :)


Ooh, and a sneak peak at our newly redone (well, in process) family room...



our Guatemalan nativity & my favorite egg I bought in Hungary when I was...much younger
notice how it isn't ON the tree this year?   orange-colored trouble!


pine cones & ornaments look festive in the trifle dish...
and it just isn't Christmas without the beautiful advent calendar my mother made for our family when I was a little girl ~ I love having this piece of childhood with me for my family now

 one of the last things Isabelle & I got in Guatemala right before {finally} coming home
I prefer white lights, but I was overruled...that's okay.  I know I'll wish they were back home decorating the tree after they're all gone, when I'll have lots of time to have it the way I want it

Next we have the kitchen and dining room...
I usually put lights and garland up above the kitchen cabinets, but I deviated from the plan this year.
I think you've gotta mix it up every now and then, right?




hmm, it isn't as pretty without the lights up there, and it needs some color...and now that I see the light fixtures, I think I usually add garland or something to them...more projects for the weekend!





 Mmm, yummy things get made in here (click here for recipe)
 









happiness!
it's so much fun having more special things to celebrate!



with two birthdays 3 days apart, all less than two weeks before Christmas, I need to keep my gift wrapping central...central!  That basket houses all the tape, scissors, labels and tags, pens, and ribbon I need ~ the paper is in a tall, skinny clothes hamper on the other side of the table (which I may or may not have stolen from the boys' room), and my wide island counter top is the perfect place for me to wrap since I'm so tall...well, when it's clean anyway  :)

Our dining room...check back soon because we're going to be making a few changes...
this is the recycled garland from the kitchen- I like the touch of color the swags add to the room




I have to include these because the reflections crack me up...it's okay if you don't appreciate this as much as I do  :)














 
wow, that is one wrinkled tablecloth, ha!

this tree is our skinny, faux tree, and I love how it looks in the corner of the dining room!  It was looking a little barren, so I hung all of my cookie cutters on it, added some candy canes and bought two 4-packs of stars at Target for a buck.  I already had the bows, but the main colors on the big tree are more red than cranberry, so voila!  I love it!

On our way upstairs...
this is Isabelle Kate's teeny tiny room ~ I am so in love with that pretty pink glow!

the room that Jonah and Caleb share ~ they get a great view of the lit up trees in the backyard
(Ethan has a tabletop tree, but this year added a string of lights to his windows, but you don't really need a visual to imagine what that looks like...)
there is something so special about going to sleep with Christmas lights on in your room!

Hope you enjoyed the tour!
Merry Christmas!























16 comments:

Carrie said...

Bethany, you have a lovely home!! I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!! :)

Blogs said...

that was a beautiful tour...i personally love home tours...i like to see how everyones living:) i'm nosy like that! and you passed inspection...there is nothing better than falling alsleep with those Christmas lights...I wish we had a mansion like you so I could do that for our girls:) wonderful! thanks! and good night doll!

Krystal said...

What a gorgeous house! I am your newest follower from Fabulous Friday Follow.

http://www.glamourgirlreviews.com

Heather M said...

Hey! Thank you so much for stopping by my little blog!!! Your house is so pretty, I love all of your Christmas trees. YES my birthday is 12/12, what a great day! Tell your son Happy Birthday!!!! Have fun this weekend! Following back!

The Whites said...

Looks great and very festive! Hope the birthday parties go well. I can't imagine two right before Christmas. Loving the room makeover- it's looking great already! :-)

Karen from Sew Many Ways... said...

Your home is just beautiful. Love all your decorations. Happy birthday to your children. Our daughter will be 18 on Dec 24th! I see you are from New England...me too!! We are in the southern part of RI.
Take care,
~Karen~

Kristin said...

Obviously, this is not unique to Christmas at your house, but I love your hardwood floors. And we have a December birthday in our house, too. Crazy times!

Sarah said...

Wow, you sure are busy with both birthdays AND Christmas coming up! I love the little pink tree.

Adam, April & Aidan said...

You have a gorgeous home! I love all your decorations and your family is beautiful!

Restoration House said...

Beautiful home and beautiful family! Looks like you've a done a great job with both!
Kim:)

Lisa said...

You have a beautiful home! I hope you have a blessed Christmas!!!!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

What a joy stopping by and seeing the warm and cozy way you have decorated your home! Everything looks so festive and beautiful!

Handy Man, Crafty Woman said...

very pretty! I live in New England, too. :-)

Angela said...

Your house is so pretty and you can feel the warmth just through the pictures. I love your advent calendar! My favorite Christmas items are either ones that were handmade or passed down!

Marcia said...

What a great job decorating! I love how you've made every room festive. And you're taking great pictures too. I'm so envious!! This is my favorite time of the year and I love to see how others decorate. Thanks for sharing!

ThriftyAnnabella said...

Very nice - thanks for sharing

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