Christmas Decor {2014 Edition}

I think I may need a faux deer intervention.

I have zero desire for a taxidermy real, strange glass eye type of deer hanging in my house but I can't seem to get enough faux deer. At last count, I think I have 4 in my home. Oh dear.

The most recent is a paper mache friend on my fireplace. 

He makes me happy, all festive and farmhouse lookin'.

When we finished decorating, Abby told me it looks like we were living in the Stoney Creek Inn. I am just going to assume that is a compliment.

Of all the holiday decor, my most favorite is Addy's tree. 

 Last year, I purchased a couple ornaments that I felt reflected my beloved, made a few more, and then was gifted a couple to round out my collection. It made this momma's heart so happy to rediscover each ornament this year.

I can't get enough of the sparkly lights, garland galore, or my fireplace friend.

Happy holiday decorating to you all!

Christmas 2013

I have always loved Christmas.

The lights, the carols, the decorations, the family time, and the birth of the savior.

But this year I didn't decorate my house. I just wasn't feeling the joy of the season.

But, I didn't want my Addy to think that she was not being remembered during the holiday season. So, I bought a couple of ornaments and made a few more and the only decor in my home this season is Addy's Tree.

And, I carried on a family tradition from my childhood.

Every year until I was well into my college years, we went to Crown Center at Christmas to see Santa. It was one of those traditions that I didn't appreciate as a child but long to carry on with my family.

I rehearsed what I was going to say over and over in my head, grabbed a picture of my Addalyn, and went to see Santa at Crown Center. I handed the picture to the man dressed in the red suit and asked him if he would take a photo with my daughter on what should have been her first Christmas. He smiled at me as I tried not to cry and told me, "Christmas is about what is in the heart and you my dear will be blessed." A few tears rolled down my cheeks.  I took my picture of Addalyn back and went to pay for her photo with Santa. The nice man at the checkout said that Santa paid for the photo and wished me a Merry Christmas. And the tears started rolling. As I was walking out Santa got out of his chair, came up to me, gave me a hug, and a kiss on the cheek. "You are going to be okay my dear," he said and then he asked if he could print one of the photos for himself so that he too could remember my Addalyn this Christmas season.  My heart was over joyed. He didn't look at me strange when I asked him to take a photo with my picture of Addalyn, paid for the printing of her photo, offered me encouragement, and then asked if he too could reflect upon my Addalyn's memory this holiday season. 

My heart overflows. 

To the moon and back my beloved Addalyn.

O Christmas Tree

This little momma has been so tired lately! 

Usually over Thanksgiving weekend, the hubs and I go to the Christmas tree farm, pick the perfect tree, cut it down, and then bring it home and make that baby look magical with decorations. Well, Thanksgiving weekend was busy for us! I was on call for work so I had to go in for a couple of hours and then between venue shopping and wedding dress shopping with Emily, Christmas shopping, and being in St. Joe for Thanksgiving day I was worn out and a tree just was not happening. We debated the idea of an artificial tree but something just didn't seem right about it for me. We always had a real tree growing up and next year when our baby girl is here, we want to carry on the tradition of going on a tree hunt with her so buying an artificial tree seemed a little silly to me. Being tired but yet not wanting to get an artificial tree led the hubs and I to a hardware store to get a tree. In 10 minutes, we were in and out and had a real tree tied to the top of my car. 

The hubs put the lights on the tree and I handled the ornaments. 

O pretty Christmas tree!

And just because I love it so much, here is a pic of our mantel.

 It is decorated the same as it was last year but I just really love it. 

Merry Christmas time to all!