(Thanks to Jane Atwell and Angie Svoboda for scrapping paper and elements)

I have decided to join the Christmas Tour of Homes.  Because my home is so fabulous and perfect?  Haha, I just choked from laughing.  No, not even close!  I have had some fun finding new decor this season (I'm not done yet) and thought, why not?!  I have been very silly in really decorating my home because I was waiting for certain elements I want.  Well, I might be waiting forever at this point so it's time to get moving on making my house a home that truly represents our family (and me).  

So take a look around.  Shield your eyes from the dust and my ugly Christmas tree.  Yes, this year's tree I really hate.  I am ready to buy a fake tree on sale after Christmas!  Nothing's perfect around here!  I do have 4 children, remember!  3 of whom are rough and tumble boys and they have taken out a few decorations already this year!

We'll start off with my favorite items!  My nativity set that my MIL has added to until completion the past few years!  Thank you!!! ♥  Not crazy about the garland but it's what I had.  Also, you will notice my blank chalk board.  Oops, erased it before I realized the children had confiscated my chalk.  So when I can finally locate it, envision it saying, "Emmanual, God is with us".  


Above the wood stove is my giant snowflake that I made this afternoon!  I can't get a straight on shot but you get the idea. 




Here is my wood stove.  I took the Nester's advice and made my own garland this year (see her Most Wonderful Christmas Garland Ever Tutorial).  It's still a basic garland and I think for now I'm satisfied with it.  I'll probably add to it as I find things to put in it.  It is so pretty at night with the fire going and the lights on in the garland.  I didn't dust the wood stove because, well it's hot!

The stockings say, "Santa, I've been good" and if you turn them around they say, "Santa, I can explain!"     They may have to be turned around for a few of the kidlets



On each side of my wood stove are two ginormous speakers (those suckers need to go SOON).  Here are the tops of them.  I LOVE my white goblets which I paid under $1 each for.  I am kicking myself for not buying another one that I saw at an antique store recently.  They are sooo very pretty with a tea light candle in them!  Yes, that's two of my precious boys.  They are now 13 and 7 1/2!  The sleigh photo is on display at the photographer's in the mall every year!  (Proud mama moment)


(So pretty at night!)

Above the wood stove are these vases.  Yes, I do know that my dear husband hung the metal upside down.  I've been too lazy to fix them. 




I found this topiary at Goodwill.  It beckoned me through the window and I had to have it!  I didn't bother changing out my flowers above.  Oh well.  Do you see my window mistreatments?  Still a work in progress but I hung them anyway!  I love them but I'm sure they won't be everyone's favorite!




Here's the ugly tree! Sigh... I'm just posting a pic that is dark with lights because, all trees look good with their lights on.  Right?!


On top of the tv.  Yep, that's dust!  Eek!  Close your eyes and keep scrolling, it is offensive!   I got those cute little milk jars from an antique mall for $1.50 each!  I dropped a tea light into them and they are just darn cute!  Yeah, I'm weird!   Oh and that is a nativity scene inside a NUT!  Isn't it cool? 






The top of my beloved coffee table.  Someday it'll get a coat of paint but for now, the kids are going to thrash it.  That's a photo of my little Emma! 




Here's my chest that the cats are very quickly ruining.  Sigh...  I want to put a red ribbon around my lampshade still.  Yes, that is baby Jesus all alone in the middle there.  I bought that glass nativity set from the dollar store years ago.  As you can see, the kids love to play with it.  I have no clue where everyone else migrated to but maybe they are on their way to Bethlehem.  Jesus really shouldn't have arrived early!  That's just so wrong...



And lastly, here is my snowman and a few shelves!  My mom recorded herself reading, Twas the Night Before Christmas.  The kids LOVE it!  Those recordable books are cool!




And here are my ceiling lights.  I break every decorating rule and keep them up all year long.  I like the soft glow they give to my living room.  I still have not fixed my pictures since I rearranged the living room.  Someday...  Eph 5:2 is painted on the wall for those wondering.


Phew!  We both made it to the end.  I am going to go spike my eggnog now because that was a lot of work!  I now remember how much work it is to get my photos onto this blog.  Hopefully you haven't been bored to the point of drooling on your keyboard.  If so, wipe up and check out more homes on tour!  Seriously, some of those homes will have your mouth dropping open with amazement!  No drool bib required, well maybe.  You may drool with jealousy.  I will pray for your sin of envy. 

Thanks for stopping by!  Come visit again! 

Feel free to leave a comment!  I do have to approve comments due to my spammer/stalker/commenter   Someone has too much time on their hands.

There will be MORE TO COME!  I'm just getting started here! 

Check out this adorable Christmas ornament!  You can make one easily!  See my tutorial here!