Oh, Christmas tree....

This year I wanted to do something different to our tree...red, greens, silvers, and maybe some golds... red is my all time favorite color and I love the burst of color it brings to a room, which is why I have it throughout my house. However, I just didn't get around to it and I stuck with what we had...not that it's bad, I just wanted change. I am a person who likes to change things up and and kind of get bored with the same thing year after year.

But...I decided one more year (maybe) until we change things up. After all, all of these ornaments I LOVE and did spend a small fortune on a few years ago (because I had nothing). I've always preferred the "themed" trees I guess you could say. I covered our tree with rich, glittery browns, golds, and silvers, and threw in some mercury and glass round ornaments too...the only thing I am still missing year after year is a tree skirt. Ha! It's still on my list.

Yesterday at church all of the kids in Sunday school made something special for their Christmas tree...this is Riley's angel, made from her foot and two hands.

and Cole's peppermint handprints...

These were the extra additions to our tree this year, and I love them. So, so cute. I plan to keep hold of these for years to come.

Every year I also try to do something a little different to our mantel and around the house- next year, I guess it will be that Ryann will get the last stocking to complete our family! I am already so excited about the sheer joy (and possible chaos) it will be to have 3 kids ripping open gifts on Christmas day!! We thank God for them every day, knowing what a blessing they are.

 I always put garland up...

and Santa made it on the mantle this year too...

We also added a much bigger lighted wreath outside...

We also celebrated Christmas early with Brian's family because of our trip to CA in part to celebrate  my grandfathers 85th birthday!! We sat outside, yes in the cold!, around the firepit on the patio and had some laughs....

and last but not least,  we ventured to the mall tonight for pictures with Santa...

The kids did so good considering we waited in line for almost 2 hours! I guess that's what I get for procrastinating and going last minute, but they waited patiently and laughed at all those babies who cried and could not wait to get to sit on Santa's lap themselves. They were ready, climbed on up, and then Riley yanked on Santa's beard! I would have expected that from Cole but not her. She said she was just trying to see if it was real. Smart kid, but an embarrassing moment for us.
This year we have been very blessed to say the least. We are all healthy (this time last year we were trying to enjoy every minute knowing it was my dad's last Christmas with us), we have good jobs and a solid roof over our heads, we have 2 beautiful children who make us smile everyday and a 3rd on the way who will make our hearts grow even bigger, food on our table, and family to celebrate with. That is all that really matters. Sure, it's nice to get gifts but it's more rewarding to give back and bless others.

Brian and I sponsored 2 families this Christmas who so desperately needed it. It is then you realize what you have that others don't. I always remember my mom saying to me, " There will always be people who have more than you and there will always be people who have less than you." To this day I can hear her voice reminding me of that. Thank you mom for that because it was such a joy shopping for them. We give thanks that we are able to provide them with some essentials and a few fun toys because we haven't always been able to in years past.

We hope all of our family, friends (and fellow blog stalkers) have a very Merry Christmas.

"Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Ephesians 5:20