2013 CHRISTMAS CARD [MERRY CHRISTMAS BLOGLAND]

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Seasons Greetings!

I wanted to share our family Christmas card with you guys! We went rustic this year! Really really happy with it!

(This card is edited. I printed 50 cards and mispelled "Comfort" with "Confort"-Oh well. At least blogland will see it corrected)

:)

I considered having a back to the card, but that didn't happen! Boo! But if I would've have a back, it would've been this! 

 

My kids are seriously goofy! No clue where that came from?!

 

Not to get all serious on ya, but as always, it's that time of year when people start reflecting on the past year and dreaming up the great things in store for next year.

Well, I gotta say...I'm kinda feeling...well...meh!

Don't get me wrong, this was a great year...

1.

 I lost 30 lbs by exercising and eating right (gonna have to peel off a few of these holiday pounds after the holidays, but that yummy cornbread dressing and loads of chocolate is WORTH IT!

2.

We were able to get a few...very few...things started in repairing our home...as much as funds would allow. But I am SO HAPPY that we won't fall through the bathroom floor now! Yippeee! And maybe we can get another goldfish and it won't freeze to death since the heater is working again

(True story---Our fish froze to death while we were on vacay one year-The house was THAT COLD)

3.

I have a great family with precious kids and a devoted hubby!

4.

With today's economy, we are simply blessed to be employed and have a home! PERIOD!

 

I can go on and on about stuff like that and I am TRULY GRATEFUL, but I can't help it, I just feel...blah!

It's hard to explain why! It's weird! I'm weird, I know!

I guess, there are just some things that didn't pan out like I would've hoped. Being in this place is good for me. I am usually pretty optimistic and happy-go-lucky (which I don't plan on ever changing), but from time to time, I tap into reality! haha! I'm not gonna get all into detail about that stuff, it won't make my point come across any stronger, therefore it's just unnecessary. But I am SO SO SO happy about realizing that life isn't about all of your dreams coming true. It is about understanding that people change. Dreams change. ...and even though disappointment hurts, anticipation for the NEW dream that God places on your heart will be greater and more fulfilling than before.

But all in all, I AM READY FOR A GREAT 2014!

FOR REELZ!

I am hoping for the following:

1.

Making more quiet time for prayer and devotion.

2.

More time making music---not for anyone else---just making music! Gotta get back on the piano and improve those skills.

3.

More work on the house, duh!

4.

Maybe renewing my wedding vows for my 15th anniversary! Could be fun, huh?!

And

5.

Peace, Love and Joy in my home.

 

Just simple.

 

Merry Christmas everyone and I hope and pray your new year is full of dreaming, whether they are old dreams or fresh and brand new!

 

Love,



CHRISTMAS IS APPROACHING [VINTAGE WINTER WHITE TREE]

Pin It Now! I hope and pray everyone had an awesome Thanksgiving! I ate way to many carbs! :) But I'm thinking Monday will be a good day to get back on track with a healthy eating plan?!?! Right? RIGHT!
It won't be very long (3 weeks and some change to be exact) til CHRISTMAS! Is it just me or did this year fly by? I mean REALLY FLY BY!?
Well nevertheless, the holidays are here and it's truly my FAVE!!! I am not done with my Christmas decorating but I have managed to get the tree and mantle done....and I love it!
My vintage inspired wintery white tree with pops of soft blue and red...

Still need to get my star topper, but I love it's cottage-like vibe! I may add a tad more blue and red but I usually end up making ornaments so I always leave some spots open on my tree for some add ons!

We all picked out our yearly ornament! Can you tell which one is mine and which one is for the Hubby?

Last years tree with turquoise, red and white that you can see here was one of my favorites ever, but this year I was feeling something a little more simple and soft.

*SIGH* Just makes me smile!

How's your decorations coming along? New scheme this year or sticking with the same?

I'd love to see!

 

Loving the brisk air and warm slipper socks,

CHRISTMAS 2012:WELCOME {TAKE A PEEK}

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Welcome to our home, Christmas 2012!

Just wanted to invite you in to take a peek into our home this holiday season. 

I snagged this awesome mosaic mirror reindeer for $6 after Christmas last year! Score! 

Wrapping paper this year is brown paper, white and tiffany blue (all dollar tree items)! The white and blue are a little thin so if your box has writing on it (like mine did) try making this oversize bow to disguise the writing for the little sneaky ones that may be snooping around under the tree.

 I love my new Scentcy Nativity wrap!!

 This cute little snowman ornament makes me smile! He was my ornament choice last year! This year I snagged those acrylic icicles also from the Dollar Tree, 2 for $1!

Score AGAIN!

I have had these Old Navy stockings for a while but I plan on sprucing them up for next year! Time for a re-do!

 I am very happy with my tree, but I had something with a lot more white in mind. I'll be looking for those after Christmas sales to add to my white ornament stock pile!

Little Gia says Peek-a-Boo and Merry Christmas! 

I can't wait to see your holiday home decor! Leave a link to your blog in the comments (along with your thoughts) so I can take a peek!

Thinking of Eggnog, pumpkin pie (and then doing about 100 sit-ups)...

*sheesh*

Linked up to:
Serendipity & Spice

Thrifty Decor Chic

2012 CHRISTMAS CARD:MERRY CHRISTMAS BLOGLAND

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How are you enjoying your holidays so far?

Me? I am LOVIN' IT! 

This year has been such a strange one for me.  Nothing tragic happened (thankfully) and yet nothing AMAZING happened either (unfortunately). I was reflecting a few days ago on this past year and I couldn't help but feel so thankful and at peace.  In the same breath, I feel challenged to grow spiritually, and of course the normal..."go on a diet next year" thought is on the brain.  But honestly, changes were made in my heart and life this year that has been the beginning of a more balanced life.  Haven't gotten there just yet...nope...not even...but I feel like the journey there is stronger this year than last.

My challenge to you:
When you are looking back on this past year, don't merely look at whether monetary things have changed or even at the unfortunate tragedy that may have struck your family
...look deeper.
Closer.
I think you may be surprised at what you can find when you chip away at the rocky moments.  You just might see something sparkle below the rocks.  Something more valuable than meets the eye. A life lesson learned that seemed insignificant or unbearable at the time.
You may stumble upon a diamond in the rough!

Thank you to my amazing friend, Chris for the wonderful family pictures! Check out her blogs,

Reaching for Freedom and Defending the Dandelion. Her story is amazing and very inspiring!!

Thinking of where else I can use twine, burlap and pine clippings,

SHRINKY DINKS {ARE BACK}: PHOTO ORNAMENT

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I am loving how this photo ornament turned out!
 

So so so easy to make! The hardest part is deciding what you wanna "shrink"!

This is just a glimpse of my Christmas decor!

A holiday home tour is on the way, along with many other wonderful bloggers (anticipation has set in).

Back to the ornament...

It is a printable shrinking plastic that I bought at hobby lobby for 6.99 with 40% off coupon. The instructions are great and super easy peasy! I trimmed them with twine and accented with teal raffia ( gosh, I just love teal), a red pom pom and sequin.

I wanna make more!!!!

Do you like?!

*ahhhh* just loving the holidays,