click here, for the blog post and link to the pdf file. 
and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. the stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that st. nicholas soon would be there...
is definetly my favorite part of Christmas. if your like us, you have many friends and neighbors that you give a small gift to. most of the time i try to give a handmade or homemade gift, although, there are times when i come across an inexpensive item that is perfect for gift giving. i must admit it is, at times, difficult to come up with something that will be practical as well as pretty. the presentation is key. which brings me to the next photo.
this is the inspiration to my "presentation" this year. i hope she doesn't mind that i copied her. (it is the best form of flattery right?) anyways, i have a friend that is the most creative person i know. EVERYTHING she does is beautiful and well designed. i'm sure you have a friend like that too. the above photo was the gift she gave me. i LOVE it. but let me just say this...i'm not sure that even martha herself could've made the candle look as cute. perfect example of practical and pretty! thanks karen! 
so once i had my pretty figured out, i set out to find my practical. i decided to make up a bunch of yummy banana bread and christmas trail mix (a favorite of "bob's"). i also found gingerbread lotion in gingerbread man bottles at the dollar tree that were super cute. i packaged everything up, loaded the kids in the car, turned on the christmas music and off we went, delivering gifts. it is by far one of my most favorite christmas traditions. 
spent a sunday afternoon baking sugar cookies for game night.
i am pretty sure they had more fun posing for pictures than making the cookies.
doesn't matter...they are super cute (and available) and the cookies were a hit.
i love you guys! nicole...glad your part of the family!
the party started with this story. it's a cute story of a snowman and snowwoman that come to life on christmas eve. 
graciously hosted by Kimba at A Soft Place to Land.
wonderfully hosted by Tracey from Notes From a Country Cottage.
welcome in... 
i hope i didn't keep you waiting... it's chilly tonight.
don't worry about removing your shoes, i'll mop after everyone leaves...
come and sit down and i'll start the fire.
in the corner there are a few of my favorite things.
quilts, candy canes, old spools and a pillow that i found here.
and you have to check out the advent box, i bought it a while back and have treasured it ever since. i believe you can still buy them here.
this figure by august moon, has special meaning to me. it was given to me 2 years ago when i had 3 children...now i have 4, i wonder if i can add to it.
don't you just love the holidays. hot chocolate, fires, candles and a peaceful feeling.
i love garlands and snowmen.
i love these figures, this one is called "snow queenie", quite suiting for the queen herself.
this is our tree. the kids decorate it.
this is my favorite ornament.
come into the kitchen and i'll make some hot chocolate.
i keep my small christmas plates in this vintage dish rack.
have a seat and don't worry about spilling on the quilt, the kids do all the time...
i love candles...candles, candles, candles...
come with me, and i'll show you my room, i'd show you the other bedrooms, but i'm quite sure it would ruin your virtual experience.
my dear friend jill made the framed dresden plate. LOVE it, and i made the snowman candle holder years ago. it's still a favorite.
oh, and you must see some of "bob's" handiwork. he updated the bathroom not too long ago.
we love him.
well, that's it. thanks for coming by. this time next year we may be in a different house (keep your fingers crossed) and i am so glad you were able to share these memories with me. have a merry christmas and remember...
represent Him well...
here's the completed quilt that was made from all the blocks that the kids made.
