The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

We took our annual family pictures a couple of months ago while we were in Idaho City on our little vacation. It was nice to have them over and done with early.

 

 

Kammy wanted her dog in the photos because he is part of the family after all!

Cute little guy! He has grown so much--even since this was taken.

 

I love old country churches and collect pictures of them. If anyone ever wants to do something special for me, take a picture of one in your area and send me the history! It's got to be one of my top 5 favorite hobbies!

 

We will be traveling for Christmas this year, but we are still enjoying all the same family traditions and festivities before we leave. Almost all of my décor is the same as last year with a few slight variations, but I'm still really enjoying it. The picture below is one I painted a few years back and hubby made the real wood candleholders. The silver spray-painted pinecones are new this year.

 

My dining room décor is blue and white--I LOVE blue and white together in the dining room!

 

I have an old ladder in the school room and since we don't have a fireplace or a real mantle, I borrowed the ladder to use for a stocking hanger. =) I made the stockings several years ago--lucky for me I had extra fabric, because I had to make another one this year! =)

 Note to self: Must recover those couch pillows soon!

 

 

I think I am getting old and sentimental because all the little things that say Christmas mean more and more each passing year. Not just the presents, but the things that remind me of HIS presence and how dark the world was before His coming--how much JOY He brought and still brings to the open heart.

The Christmas cards have arrived, the letter is written, most of the envelopes are addressed--only the postage yet to be taken care of. =)

 

We've had a real cold snap. Got about 5-6 inches of snow and then down to -13*

It was a fine time for the heat to go out. We made if okay for a day and a half though with a secondary heart source and with a special huddle and cuddle mode.

 

I've neglected my blog of late--I admire the people who can mother and wife and teach and still keep up. I'm going to do better. Maybe. =) Hope to get around to all of you soon--I've missed you all!