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

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Our Christmas Home Tour: Decking the Halls 2014

Today has been a whirlwind of activity and laughter (and just plain loudness!) as we celebrated our two December birthdays with our family, and the house is kind of a disaster zone for the moment so I'm really glad I took a few minutes to shoot these photos the other day.  =)

Welcome to our home! We moved here two years ago and spent an entire year painting (and painting, and more painting!), redoing floors, and just trying to make this house a lovely, fun space for our growing family. And all on a budget, of course. I'm thrilled to be joining up with some of my favorite bloggers this year...I just love seeing all the creative and meaningful traditions and celebrations from everyone!

 

Christmastime is such a special time of year. For us, the true meaning of Christmas is found in the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but we still love to celebrate with festivities, and special traditions and decorations. The advent calendar you see on the door hung on a door in my house growing up- my mother made it before I was born, and it is as much a part of Christmas as nearly anything else I have. I love that is has become a part of my children's Christmas celebrations.

Our house is a traditional New England Colonial style, so it isn't exactly an open floor plan, but... I love that the kitchen feels like the true center of our home, and that I can see the Christmas tree from where I'm cooking or baking.



It really doesn't take much to add a little Christmas sparkle!

This viewpoint is from our dining room, but it is still decorated for birthday parties, so I will share this space later.  =) I love how much natural light pours in the back of our home!

Beyond the kitchen is our family room. I didn't even notice the naughty dog until I was editing photos. He doesn't look terribly upset about his naughtiness, does he? Oh, and I'm going through somewhat of a pillow identity crisis, so ignore the crazy mishap of colors over there, ha. 

We got our tree last weekend during the Thanksgiving Storm/Blackout. It was a frigid but beautiful sunny day, and the family farm always has a big fire going and lots of hot cocoa. So, yes. Please and thank you. After three days without power, that fire was the best fire I've ever felt!

My Mom knit these thumb-less mittens for the boys. They hold a very special place in my heart.

This beautiful snowflake is one of two treasures that I have from my Nana, who passed away when I was living in Spain as an exchange student and to whom I never got to say goodbye, so obviously they are extremely special to me.

Isabelle and I made these cute pom-pom "trees" last year. What a fun and easy craft that was! I just place extra tidbits of ribbons in baskets and things for added color and pizazz.

Naughty Ryder's up to his tricks again, I see. ;)

While I was busy snapping photos, Ethan was busy working on Algebra. I guess Diego helps. Ha Ha

I remember so clearly the excited joy I felt when I first brought home Isabelle's little pink Christmas tree. I had seen a few blogs with pink trees for their daughter's rooms, and all of a sudden, it just hit me, "I'm a girl Mommy now, and I can have a pink tree, too!" That may sound so silly (or kind of lame) but it is the best way to express how I felt at the time. We had had such a tough time getting her home, and for such a long time afterward I thought of things in terms of necessities and sort of cast off things that seemed "frivolous." It was like I suddenly got permission to enjoy everything that went along with being a girl Mom.

I was so, so excited and happy to set up that pink tree, and now my sweet Isabelle is big enough to decorate it all by herself, even if all the decorations are all on one side.  =)


Christmas is so joyous. But it can be a little gut-wrenching at the same time. It all goes by so fast. They're babies, and then in the blink of an eye, they're not and you find yourself painfully conscious of the little bit of time you have left with them.

Here is Caleb's tree. There really is nothing like spending a few extra minutes cozied up next to one another by the tree's glowing lights. It all seems so wonderful and magical and special. I will forever cherish these nights.

And speaking of nighttime, because nighttime Christmas pictures are the prettiest, here is one of our entryway all lit up.

And our beautiful tree! I love gathering around the tree and reading the Bible together, or singing, or just watching a family movie by the glow of the Christmas tree.

In the mornings when it's still quiet, I enjoy a cup of tea and soak in the meaning of the season.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them saying,
Do not be afraid, for I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill toward men."
 Luke 2:9-14


Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Thanks for visiting!

You can find me on facebook HERE and Instagram HERE

(If you'd like to see our fun & festive Hot Cocoa Bar Birthday Party from last year, click here)

6 comments:

Courtney said...

Your house looks beautiful. I just love the peace that they lights bring to the house. There is nothing better than sitting in a dark room with only the light of the tree.

The Whites said...

Looks beautiful!

Lindsay said...

So beautiful!! OK. I have to admit. Now I want a pink tree, too! :)

Danielle said...

Your tree looks so gorgeous all lit up! x

Debbie said...

Stopping over from Kelly's Korner! I love having quiet time with all the lights aglow. It is a great time to meditate and remember just what this time of year is all about. If you get a chance stop by #36. Happy Holidays!

Natasha said...

Your daughter's decorated tree looks a little like my daughter's! But isn't it fun to let them have free reign!?

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