Our Christmas Home - Decking the Halls

Hello, and welcome to our home! I'm Bethany, and I've blogged at 3 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girl for a few years now, but I have been thinking of making some changes for a little while, so...this is my very first blog post on this new blog! (I named the blog in conjunction with my Etsy shop, Rose & Ruffle.)

We have spent the last year in this "new" home tearing down wallpaper, removing borders, installing new floors, and painting painting painting! Last Christmas, we'd only been moved in about a month, and there was still quite a lot of chaos all around us. But this year, I've had so much fun trying to make our home look festive and special for my family.

We've had some broken bones and a severe concussion this year- with the dwindling bank accounts to prove it- so I made it a point to use things I already have. That meant a few projects got put on hold, and I spent about $10 for some new ornament bulbs and replacement strands of lights. Besides, we know the REAL meaning of Christmas has very little to do with decorations and trinkets; but those things certainly help build the excitement and anticipation of the amazing birth of Jesus.

Most of the things on display are of great personal meaning to me- they just make my heart so happy!

We went to a local tree farm a few weekends ago to cut down this beauty. Caleb found this one! I realize this tree looks somewhat haphazardly, but I let the kids decorate it, and they have so much fun. I think it's important to let the other people who live here have a say in how we decorate, and not just me. Well, sometimes.  ;)

Since our Home Office- which includes this sewing area- is adjacent to the Family Room, it can be a challenge keeping things from looking like a tornado swept through disorderly.

I love bows! They are easy, inexpensive to make, and they add such a nice punch of color.

The couch is usually on the long wall beneath the photo gallery, and flanked by lamps on tables, so this seems a little strange to me. But it's nice to get a different perspective now and then.

The furniture is typically furnished with this cuties, though...

(yes, that's a telescope in the kitchen  =) - the moon was crystal clear the other night!)

This poor room! I'm so thankful to have a spacious dining room, but it is a little neglected. Anyhoo, it's getting PARTY-fied later today for my December babes' family birthday party tomorrow!

Clearly these are the most ambitious Paper Whites on the planet, as they aren't supposed to be in bloom for another 2-3 weeks!

The day before Thanksgiving, we watched Elf and cut out snowflakes. That's going to be our new tradition.  =)

My oldest son, Ethan, made this for me a couple of years ago. I love it so much!

There's nothing quite as magical as Christmas lights when the day grows dark! Especially when it's snowing!
 

(See that rock wall above? Yeah, that was a whole lotta blood, sweat and tears this summer! ha)

(and yes, the telescope's still there...)  =)

One of my most treasured gifts.

Okay, I just had to add this from last Christmas! Love them all more than life itself!

Thanks for visiting our Christmas home!
I hope you and yours enjoy a truly Merry Christmas!

sharing with:
Jennifer Rizzo
Kelly's Korner 
the nester