Embracing A Life Unexpected: It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

'Tis the season to be jolly! Hope you all are enjoying this holiday season. I know it has only just begun, but I have to say, things have been in full swing around here since Thanksgiving! Just the tree to get up this weekend and then the halls are officially decked!

Having three kids in the house this year brings lots of fun. We can see the holiday through our childrens eyes, discovering it all, trying to figure how this holiday thing works, and is a chance to start traditions and spend extra time together, crafting, laughing, movie watching, and so much more.

Take a look at how the holidays are shaping up around here. We start with this at home photo shoot of Chica. She got all the attention on this day and we got some keepsake pictures, for sure. It is our tradition to dress the babes in Santa garb and snap away. We frame them and at holiday time we have all their pics of our Santa Babies on display and I just melt every time I see them.

Tree lighting festivities ensemble. She also had a pink glow stick so I could spot this little runner! The antlers blinked and she got lots of attention from everyone she met. I think she will be the mayor someday. She talks it up with everybody!!!

This is Beary, our Elf on the Shelf. The kids and Hubby and I are having SO much fun with him every day! Here he sits on one of my pride and joys....my Christmas Story Village! LOVE that movie.

Here he is again.

Me and the wee one.

Kiddos making clay ornaments as one of their Advent activities that I planned for them.

Elf love.

Another look at the village.

Need a drink after watching my three all day, Elf? Yeah. Me too.

I got this Mama. Go ahead and keep decorating.

Advent calender that I made for the kids. Envelopes for everyday with a small treat inside, candy, or an activity. I will try to post more on the activities and ideas I used for this.

Yarn docoration that Marmalade and I made together. Wrap yarn around a cardboard cut-out of a tree. Hot glue the top and a bit on the back of the tree. Wrap, wrap, wrap. Done.

Watching Christmas shows.

Canoe full of pine cones that Marmalade and I collected on our walks. We made garlands for the windows that Bubba helped me spray with fake snow in a can. We also filled tall glass cylinder vases of pines cones and red and gold ornaments. Rustic, natural, and beautiful.


Our lovely neighbor left a gift for us on our front steps. A handmade quilt for the baby! It is gorgeous. I just love those random acts of love in the world.