Tis the season

Oh dear, I know... my blogging diligence hasn't been nearly what it should be.  Life has been buzzing with so very, very much to do.  My wonderful little home is decked for the winter season and I just couldn't wait to share pictures!!!

Isn't this winter comforter my Mom bought for us beautiful???



My guest bathroom has had some subtle changes...

I have also recently fallen in love with these beautiful wintery trees!  This one in my kitchen is all feathers!!!

Day and night... who else loves the soft glow of candles in the winter?

My theme this year is "soft and glowing winter wonderland".  You can imagine how thrilled I was to find this centerpiece at Hobby Lobby.  Just add a blue candle and it's perfect!

This owl is another gift from my Mom.  Isn't he the cutest???!!!

I collected these bears when I was younger.  They finally got pulled out of storage for Christmas!

Soft-lit tree, potpourri-filled sleigh, little birds in the snow... *happy sigh*

Who doesn't love a bird with a pinecone hat???  I found this sweet little guy at Gordmans.  Even my rough-and-tough hubby thinks he is awesome... and might have compared the pinecone to a "dunce cap"...  ;-)

Nativity and more beautiful trees...

Little details (or just loving taking pictures of absolutely everything!).

Christmas tree!!!  Quite a change from our wee little tree last year.  God has blessed us so much in this larger home. 

Same homemade pinecone ornaments from last year; now joined by snowflakes and glowing silver and sparkling golden ornaments.  I've never been in love with a Christmas tree before... I think I am now.

Nighttime...

Tree shining in the dark...

So, what is your favorite part of the Christmas season?  My favorite parts are decorating (obviously!), all of the lights everywhere (especially in the trees!), snuggling up with warm blankets to watch holiday movies, and choosing gifts for all of my loved ones.  And, most importantly, reflecting on the incredible Gift that makes this time of year, and every day of every year, so beautiful.

Just this last Sunday, Natalie and I sang "Welcome to Our World" at church.  Those song lyrics are so poignant, so true, and share the very heart of why we celebrate Christmas.  It isn't just the Baby in the manger that gives us reason to rejoice, it is also the Man that baby became... the God-Man who was crucified for our sin.  Our Loving Christ, Murdered Savior, Risen Lord, and Coming King.

"Fragile finger sent to heal us

Tender brow prepared for thorn

Tiny heart whose blood will save us

Unto us is born

Unto us is born.

So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect Son of God
Perfect Son of God

Welcome to our world."