Christmas Home Tour

Today, I wanted to share our home decked out in Christmas decor! I realize almost all my posts revolve around the season, but it's truly my favorite time of the year. Also, I  L O V E grabbing a big cup of coffee, and taking online tours. It inspires me to try new things each year in my own home...

I just bought this tree off an online yard sale. The tree that we've had for 6+ years was falling apart, and the lights no longer worked on it. I found this blue spruce for $40 on an online yard sale. It fits perfectly in the corner that we've always used, so it was a blessing indeed.

I found the names of Jesus garland at Hobby Lobby last year. I love it it's simple statement.

Every year my mother in law gifts us girls with Christmas decor that we pick out. The table runner was from last year, and it' my favorite. It's a gold twine look with holly berries. I added the tress to the center and left it at that. I love the combo of gild & rustic for our home!

Oliver the Elf stopped by Monday night! So far, he has left behind Christmas jammies, and Christmas books for Evie to read. I love the idea of incorporating fun traditions into our daily routine, but didn't want to pay the $30 pricetag. I finally found one for $6 on Ebay.

I love our little home at Christmas time. Can you tell a toddler lives here (note the garland was moved around...I started to fix it, but hey, it's what our house really looks like). Messes, imperfections, and all... It's my happy place. Thanks for visiting!

32 Weeks Bump Update

The last few weeks, I've been savoring the time I have with just Evie & I. While I am very excited for baby sister to be here, there is also that bittersweet note on my heart that things will soon change. I think part of it is that Evie has changed so much these last few weeks. I'm seeing less, and less of a toddler and more of a little girl. She's learning to communicate better, and she has been very snuggly lately (rare...she is a very typical independent first born! ha). 

I've noticed that she will often stare at my belly, and then will walk up and pat it lightly. When she does that, I always tell her (excitedly) that she will be a big sister soon, and how a baby will soon live in this house. Honestly, I have NO IDEA if she really understands. Yet, at the same time, I think she understands that something is changing.

On Monday, I had a scare with really regular/strong contractions. They lasted for hours, and got rather painful. Finally, sometime before midnight they stopped completely. I still felt very anxious the next morning, and was thankful I already had a scheduled doctors appointment. Good news, is that I'm not in pre - term labor, and baby is just sitting very, very low. You see,  with Evie, I didn't feel contractions until I was already a 6, and being admitted to the hospital. So the fact that I felt any just scared me to death. 

It's also motived me to stock our freezer, finish a few little projects for the nursery, and stock up on a few random baby supplies that we will need. So, I'm off to finish tackling my to do lists! 

Happy Homemaker Monday Vol. 10

{weather outside:}

Chilly & Bright!

{around my home:}

The house smells like yeast, and I've sat our my ingredients to start homemade bread this morning. Evie is watching Curious George, and I'm catching up on social media. ;)

{menu this week:}

Monday: Pork Chops, Homemade Bread, Salad
Tuesday: Chicken Orzo Soup
Wednesday: BBQ Chicken, Salad & Mashed Potatoes
Thursday: Coca Cola Chili & Sides 
Friday: Breakfast For Dinner
Saturday: Frozen Pizza :D

{to-do today:}

~Make Bread
~Clean Out Toys
~Speed Clean
~Write Thank You Notes

{On the TV Today}

Christmas Movies
Gilmore Girls
Frazier

{making me happy:}

My family. Christmas traditions. A quiet week at home.

{thankful for:}

Salvation through Jesus Christ.

Hello December

The tree is up...with ornaments on only half the tree. A little toddler I know likes to take them off. We switched to plastic ornaments. ;) I wanted to add a few new designs around the house, but needed to do so on a budget. The last few weeks I scored several items that I wanted for a fraction of the price (thank you thrift stores!!). We have had so much fun watching "Christmas" through the eyes of Evie. She gets so excited when she sees Christmas lights. She dances to Christmas music, and we've kept the Little People Nativity out for her to play with. I realize she is still so very young to understand the remarkable beauty of the season, but I believe we are planting seeds.

Today, we made gingerbread men. Well, when I say "we" I mean mostly me, but I let Evie help stir, and to hold the kitchen spoons. It was a good lesson in patience for myself. Ha! But, I cherish these every day moments with her. 

Besides the year we were engaged (in December), I think this year is turning out to be the most memorable yet. I love this season of life with a little one. And to think next year there will be two little munchkins.