Homemade Christmas Gift~

Wow, 2 more shopping days left!  How can that be?

I have a very dear friend whom I have known since my oldest was 18 months old (she will be 24 in January).  While we live close, within 2-3 miles of each other, we don't get to spend a lot of time together as she still has 2 at home (the youngest is 10).  We are however in the same weekly Bible study group, so we do see each other two mornings a week for that since we are both in Leader's council and then she is the Children's Director and I teach the children on Wednesday's.

Each year for birthday and Christmas, I like to give her a small gift as a token of our friendship.  Usually at Christmas time I put together a basket of goodies that the entire family can enjoy, along with a little something special for her.

After seeing the gift Tara made for her sister and brother-in-law, I knew something like that would be the perfect gift for my girlfriend.

Here is my version of the Thankful Box...

I purchased the box at Staples along with some 3X5 index cards.  I simply wrote the dates out on each card, varying the colors for each month.  I then cut some colored card stock to 3 1/2 X 5 1/2 to make the dividers.  I used my P-touch label maker to make the labels for each of the 12 months.  I then found 12 bible verses (along with the verse for the box cover) and printed them out to add to each month's card.  Most, of course, having to do with being thankful.

I love how it turned out!  I might even have to make one for myself.  It is a simple gift, but I know it is something she will enjoy during her quiet time.

We had a lovely time at our oldest's home last night.  She threw her first "adult" Christmas party.  It was nice to be a guest rather than a host for a change.  Everything was perfect!!

Unfortunately, she woke up with the flu this morning!  The doctor gave her a prescription for Tamiflu, so here's hoping it is short lived.  And, praying the rest of us don't get it.  Hubby and I haven't had it in YEARS.  And, we discovered our youngest has an egg sensitivity so I was leary about her getting the flu shot.  I know some say it isn't an issue, but I am not taking any chances.  She's been through enough medically this year.

The weather here today was dreadful...it has poured non-stop!  I did manage to get our Christmas cards printed, addressed and stamped...so out they go in the morning.  Since most are local, they will be there in plenty of time for Christmas.  The rest?  Well, better late than never.  (seems to be my motto these days)

Simply Christmas Home Tour~

The rain has finally stopped, the sun is shining, and I (and babygirl) survived the 12 hour car trip home from Texas!

So, I thought it was about time I gave you all the Christmas tour.

Ya'll Come On In (be prepared for picture overload)...

Welcome to our home~

Each year we buy live trees to place by the door, and then plant them in our backyard after the holidays. Our cedars from last year have gotten so big!

The skates belonged to our daughter, her 1st pair.

Swags on each of our porch posts.

Our entryway~

I love to use burlap ribbon for a bit of a natural feel.

A bit of red berries for some color.

This year I used a mix of burlap, plaid and red for a lodge style feel.

Love the mix of patterns and textures it creates.

A few wrapped gifts (or not...oldest wanted to know, guess she wanted to guess at what she got, truth be told-she knows her mom is crazy enough to wrap gifts just for show!)

The french doors leading to my office.  A monogram letter for each of us.

Our living room, turned library~

Our vintage white tree.  The tree is decorated with vintage Shiny Brite ornaments that my mother in law so graciously passed on to me.

A few of the ornaments...

My favorite rabbit decked out in his holiday finery, some evergreens, and Archipelago's Hope Holiday candle. Smells divine!

A sweet ivy topiary, a gift from a dear friend.  The shell mirror I diy'd a few years back.  Many a burnt finger from the glue gun on that one, but it was worth it!!

Our holiday village atop the piano. Love it lit up at night.

Our dining room~

A bit of glam, mercury glass, mixed with a bit of rustic, burlap and seagrass.

The kitchen, the heart (and stomach) of our home~

Merry Christmas banner from Target.  Super easy to assemble.

Boxwood wreath from West Elm. I have actually had this for a couple months now.  Just mist it every so often. It has held up really well.

Why be choosey?

Love my new Coton Colors Jolly platter.

And, every year they come out to play...our Annalee Elves.  And, fortunately for me there is no mischief involved with this crew.

Last, but not least, our family room.

Our 2013 Christmas Tree, and man is she a beauty!  All 14+ feet of her.  We had to buy a new ladder to reach the top.  Our youngest went with us to pick out a tree over Thanksgiving break.  I think going to school in Texas is wearing off on her and us.  You know what they say, EVERYTHING IS BIGGER IN TEXAS!!

A few wrapped packages.

Grab a cup of hot cocoa and relax

Our mantel.  A bit of faux greens, some real, some sugar pinecones, pretty ribbon and candles.

Found this fun bucket at Home Goods-perfect for holding those small packages you don't want to get lost under the tree.

Another tub I found at Home Goods.

A magnolia wreath with picked up at Whole Foods.  As it dries the leaves take on a pretty brown patina.  This can easily be stored and used again.

An early Christmas present from hubby.  I have wanted a Nativity for quite some time, but I wanted it to be something that was good quality and could be passed down eventually.  I chose the Willow Tree Nativity.  Funny story...I unpacked it all after Thanksgiving and realized the donkey was missing.  Of course, when I tell hubby he says, "your ass is missing?"  Oh how I wish it were mine! (this girl will admit to having a J-Lo booty!) LOL

A bit of winter white mixed with red winter berries.

Whew...how many times did you need to refill your coffee cup for that one?  Hope you enjoyed the tour.  I will be blogging on and off through the holidays as time allows.  These days I try to soak up all the time I get with my girls as it is not often!

A Thanksgiving Miracle~

While I was thrilled to be able to spend time with these two...

Something far bigger was taking place this past week.  Something that could only be considered a Thanksgiving miracle.  For you see, God put three bloggers together last week, and the most wonderful thing happened.

To read all about it, please visit Nana Diana.

It is a story that is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit!