Christmas is in the Air!

First of all, let me say that I was so incredibly touched by the outpouring of compassion for Brittany's friend, Kelsey. It means so much and I just wanted you to know! I knew I could count on you for prayers and you didn't let me down. I still don't have any additional news, but I'm sure Brittany will hear more today at school. Kelsey actually texted her when they got home from school and Brittany said they had the best "conversation". I told her that it's very important that she continue to be there for Kelsey, and be the kind of friend she needs right now. I just pray that she's able to get the help she needs...soon.

I thought I'd go ahead and post a few more photos of my Christmas decorations. I spent a good portion of the day yesterday finishing everything up. Now, if I can just get Chris to hang wreaths on all our windows this weekend, we should be set.

Here's a favorite ornament of mine given to us by some friends of ours when we lived in North Carolina awhile back. I love the sentiment that's written on it...so very true.

This Santa was hung on our tree when I was a child. Brittany and Abby both think it's very "creepy" looking with it's blue eyes. I have to agree, even if it is a childhood memory of mine.My mom collected hummingbirds, so this is in memory of her.After my mom passed away, I took one of her pictures and put it in an ornament. I did the same for my dad (below) and brother, as well as Chris' grandma. I wrote the dates they passed away on the backs of each ornament. I need to make one with his dad's picture soon. My dad would give me such a hard time about making him into an ornament! Seeing all the faces of ones we've lost hanging on our tree makes me happy and sad, all at the same time. When Brittany was born, my mother-in-law began giving me one of these Hallmark book ornaments every year for several years. They have nursery rhymes in them and I have about 5 total. Here's a lighted church that sits on our sofa table. I, also, have a schoolhouse and an antique shop right beside it. This is a nativity set that Chris bought for me about 15 years ago. Thankfully, everything is still in one piece!Here's our mantel. The TV takes away from the decorations, but not too much I can do about that one! I would love to be able to string some lights along it, but we don't have a plug nearby, other than the one behind the TV, which I can't get to. I may have to get Chris to work his "handyman magic" when he gets home from SC. Here's a gold lighted tree I have sitting on my dining room buffet. I love how the lights reflect in the mirror. Last, but not least, is this fleece blanket I made today for Chris to use in his man-cave. Shhh! It's a Christmas present. He's a big Dallas Cowboys fan, so I'm sure he'll love it! I've never made one of these no-sew fleece blankets before, but thanks to a little sweet lady in the fabric dept. of Hobby Lobby, I was able to pull it off. She stood there and explained to me what to do, step-by-step, and even drew me a diagram. Bless that woman's heart! She must have taken one look at my face when I told her what I was going to do and it spelled out "CLUELESS"!

Before I went to bed last night, I started reading the book "The Purpose of Christmas" by Rick Warren. I couldn't put it down! It makes you understand all the more what Christmas REALLY is all about...Christ. Can't wait to finish it today!

So, guess that's it in a nutshell! I've so enjoyed seeing all of your Christmas decorations! I love Christmas...it IS the most wonderful time of year!