christmas

mr. bean made his second annual debut at our home this year. he was greeted each morning with squeals and smiles when our kiddos would find him in new spots. {my older kiddos rolling their eyes at me. it happens. they grow up.} sometimes he would surprise us bearing gifts and sometimes causing mischief. there’s something so fun about the power of imagination during the holidays, this little guy adds wonder and excitement to the entire month.

in pictures, twenty-seven elf on the shelf ideas:

{all photos by me,

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we have this rule: no one is allowed down where santa delivered the goods until everyone is awake. everyone goes down together. this rule has never been broken.

so, here is sela and kj, obedient children as they are — standing at the top of the stairs trying to see as much as possible, and almost dying from the pain of waiting. waiting for their older sisters to wake up and get out of bed so they can go downstairs {insert: kiana moaning from her bed about how tired she is, each time sela sneaks in and tries to wake her up…}

this is new: santa footprints… because our fireplace was hot,

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sushi. holiday cards. good friends. good food. traditional christmas jammies. snuggles. cookies for santa. apples for the reindeer. movie: christmas vacation while playing crazy eights.

a new tradition: sitting around the tree sharing our favorite memories of 2012. my favorite memory: the moment we were all singing country songs driving around crescent lake in washington on this road trip. amazing: every one of my kids shared favorite memories that all had to do with spending time together as a family. no favorite toys. no favorite video games were mentioned. kj was almost in tears because he wanted to be back in cabo with his dear friends.

my heart was smiling.

{all photos by me.

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friends…enjoy today, and tomorrow. take all that gushy gratitude and festive cheer and make something of it. share what you have with others.

from our family to yours, merry everything! xo.

{photos by blue lily photography}

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8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

We don’t all observe the same traditions,

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we decked the halls! keeping with my thanksgiving/winter mood, i wanted everything cozy mixed with some festive-holiday cheer, if you are still in the midst of decorating your homes, here are are six tips…

tip #1: if you don’t have a chandelier, pot rack, or stairwell to hang decorations on – use a small rope or twine, attach to the corners of your window moldings with a tiny tiny nail, and hang items on the rope. you can also hang the rope/twine across a wall with the same philosophy. this works great for stringing stockings, wreaths, pomanders, or any christmas ornament that you can attach the ornament with ribbon or string – even a traditional hook!

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elf on the shelf :: 27 ideas

christmas eve

merry everything!

Luke 2: 8-11

holiday home tour