Christmas Home Tour 2013

I haven't been blogging here since the summer, because I usually blog over here.  This blog space is reserved for more family life type of blogging.  And today I am linking up with The Nester for her Christmas Tour of Homes.

I wasn't sure I should even do this, since my photos and decorations are pretty lame compared to the other homes on tour.

But, then I remembered this and this, and decided to present my humble offering.  And then there's one of my favorite Christmas songs, In the Bleak Midwinter and that verse I love:

What can I give Him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;

If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;

Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

So here is our home, and heart, for you to see, along with a few easy tips; Merry Christmas!

It can be a temptation to spend money each year on decorating.  But, the last two years I

have purposed to use what we have.  Sometimes I will visit the $1 store or $1 bins to add a

few new treasures to the mix.  But mostly, I just put things together that we have.  This year

I incorporated shades of turquoise blues to match our home.  

 

An old berry container makes for a fun winter decoration.  Add a simple ribbon or twine to a

candle for a finishing look.

Choose some key phrases or scriptures to display to remind you of the reason for all your

holiday celebrating.  I choose to use "Give thanks", "Be Still", "Let it Snow", and "Merry

Christmas".  Let little hands help and keep the fragile items up high.  Don't be afraid to

display that imperfect artwork by yourself or others.  Dare to offer your handiwork as a 

blessing to others.

Bring the outside in.  I used old birds' nests for my bird figurines.  The white container was 

from a thrift store.  Birds are special to us (since we want to use a particular birds' name for 

our #5).  Choose an easy theme or fun color pattern for your decorating...this will help you

know what to include, or not include, as you deck the halls.

Keep the main thing the main thing...Jesus' birth.  Immanuel, God with us.  With ornaments,
a Nativity, or artwork; lovingly point your family and guests to the Christ of Christmas.

Most of all have fun decorating and keep it simple.  Focus on what Christmas really means- 

Jesus, salvation, family togetherness, being generous and making memories.

Favorite Things 2012

I am linking up with the Nester for her Favorite Things Party (gifts under $15).  Here are a few of my favorite things...

One Thousand Gifts

Still one of my favorite books, outside of the Bible or course.  Ann Voskamp speaks straight to the heart in this challenging and beautiful book on gratefulness and thanksgiving.  God has used this book to change my perspective and help me grow in many ways.  Click on the link above the image to order from Christian Book Distributors; currently they are selling it for only $7.99.  I bought this book for 3 of my girlfriends this year.

 Tazo Organic Zen Tea

I had this wonderful tea at a friend's wedding.  I have to quote Tazo and what they say about this tea, couldn't say it better myself, "Through the screened front door, zingy lemongrass and spritely spearmint coax contemplative pan-fired green teas to come play. Calmly, lemon verbena opens the door and invites them all to a cup of tea."  It also helped that the server brought me this tea with a personal tea pot and matching cup; made for a total whimsical experience.  $12.95 on Amazon for 24 bags (please consider using the amazon link found on our friend's blog to order, which will help support their upcoming adoption).

Chocola Tea (Loose Leaf Tea)

You can order Chocola Tea's loose leaf tea online (click on the link above the image).  One of my favorites is Princess Sarah (their own special blend of peppermint and licorice- herbal tea).  It sells for $2.85 an ounce.  I am currently enjoying a green tea blend from them, Green Christmas.  They also have individual tea bags/filters so you can enjoy a cup of loose leaf tea without making a whole pot; genius.  Can you tell I like tea?!  They also sell Rooibos tea, Cream Caramel is one of my favorites.  It also sells for $2.85 an ounce as well.

Paperback Swap

Some of my friends (homeschool moms) told me about this site (Paperback Swap).  It is a wonderful way to get rid of books you no longer want or need and get some that you do.  You have to post 10 books to set up an account, and then as people request your books and you mail them out (at book rate) you receive credits to order books of your own (for free).  I have received numerous books this way and it has been so fun; easy and affordable (you only pay shipping on the books you send out and nothing for the books you receive).  Just checked my e-mail and I have another book request waiting, yeah more free books!  Would you mind mentioning my name as a referral when you sign up?  It is free to sign-up and if no one from your address has joined this site before you get two free book credits.  Win, win!

Tiny Prints (Cards)

I have enjoyed ordering from Tiny Prints this year.  They have creative and quality products (cards, invitations, stationary, etc.).  I ordered some of our Christmas cards from them this year and was very pleased with them.  I also ordered a set of cards for a gift too. The card above starts at $2.39 each (if you order 10) and keeps going down the more you order.  They offer numerous on-going discounts as well.  If you order today (Monday, Dec. 17h) you can save 15%-20% on your holiday orders with code: dec20sw

Well, there you have it...5 of my favorite products from 2012. I hope this post helps you with any last minute shopping you have for Christmas or any gifts you may need in 2013.  Of course the greatest gifts are not things, but relationships and investing in the lives of those around you.  I am thankful for the priceless gift of Christ and how He is the gift that keeps giving, never breaks, and is just what we need and want; in Him is true purpose, fulfillment and salvation. 

2 Corinthians 9:6-15  "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (vs. 15)

Our Fall Photo Review

Since I mostly write over at Deep Breaths, I thought I should pause and post some more recent family pictures here.

The fall of 2012 has been good and challenging too.  This fall kicked off a busy season in our lives; I miss the days that were more simple and less scheduled.  We are involved in two homeschool groups (which are wonderful, but keep us hopping).  This fall both Darling Daughter and Sunshine Head played soccer.  And all of us go to Awana each week too.  Thankfully we have a break from soccer for awhile (until Spring).

Here is our fall review in photos:

The beginning of the school year!

Our friend Kristin showed us this great small orchard that sells apples at reasonable prices, we enjoyed homemade applesauce from here.

Hubby joined in on the grape picking fun and helped juice them; yum!

We traveled down to South Carolina from my cousin Sarah's wedding; so good to see the southern relatives!

The kids all dolled up in their wedding clothes

I love this guy!

The kids had so much sweating fun at the reception.  Darling daughter, singing "Call Me Maybe" with the band.

Cold soccer Saturdays.

The cooperative posing that I am so thankful for!

The horse crazy one enjoying her monthly lesson with Spring Willow.

I took a photography class online this fall and started a photography business, Imprints Photography.  Took this photo to document our wait for baby #4. It has been quite the journey of ups and downs; in the Lord we keep hoping and waiting.

Hubby is growing out his beard!

Merry Christmas!  We hope you have had a great 2012.  We have so much to be thankful for.

Lamb of God

"Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!" -John 1:29

"Your only Son
No sin to hide
But You have sent Him,
From Your side
To walk upon this guilty sod
And to become the Lamb of God"
(by Twila Paris?)


"So wrap our injured flesh around You- breathe our air and walk our sod- rob our sin and make us holy, perfect son of God" (lyrics from Welcome to Our World)