Christmas

The packing is (almost) done and we're eagerly anticipating Home. I can't wait for REAL conversation, laughing with my sisters, and reunions with beloved friends. Before we leave I wanted to show everyone a glimpse of the first Christmas for our little family. 

TADA! The finished fireplace, with extra greenery trimmed from the bottom of our tree. I think it turned out pretty well. Joel chose the moment right after I had finished painting to say "eh, I've never like the look of painted brick." Too late now! 

The greenery looked a little lonely so I added my Moravian star, and some of my Jonathan Adler figurines. The bird makes sense, but the horse.....not so much. Maybe like "dashing through the snow."??? At the time of this picture I had only three Christmas cards and I was very sad about it. I've since upped that number to eight....not the best, but at least I don't feel like Charlie Brown every time I go to the mailbox.

Dogwood branches from our front yard

The tree! 5 ft. tall and only $20 from Lowes. So many of the ornaments are very meaningful to us. Many of them belonged to Joel's grandparents or were on his childhood tree. I couldn't decide which ornaments I wanted to display the most prominently because I love them all.

He makes THIS Christmas better than any other!