Christmas in September

No, really.  I am actually writing my Christmas blog post eight months late.  I had joked with myself about writing a "Christmas in July" post.  But I thought "Nah, I am on top of things better than that"    Clearly, I gave myself WAY too much credit.


So, without further a due...... Here is the epic blog post of Christmas 2013


First things first.  Here is our Christmas Card.  It is totally cheese ball, but I know you wouldn't expect anything different from me ;)

And here is my little worker bee, licking envelopes till his heart is content.

Our little friend, Elfie, was also back this year stirring up mischief.

 But...he also taught some wonderful lessons.

I was quite tired of my usual Christmas decor, but I had a very minimal budget to purchase new decor and even less of a desire to shop with the kiddos in tow.  This forced me to get creative.  I was absolutely amazed at what I was able to create using things that I already had around the house and it was FUN!

Here I used a free printable, a frame I already owned, recycled starbucks bottles, epsom salt, branches from a tree outside, berries from some old Christmas decor

 For the door, I recycled a grapevine wreath and used red felt to cover it.  I cute a star out of glitter fun foam and I used my silhouette to cut the vinyl letters.

 Landry also wanted to make a Christmas decoration for her room.

 How cute is that?!

My gorgeous stockings were custom made by my amazing Mom.  And the large print was a free printable that I got printed in a 16x20 at Sams. It only cost me $6 because I already owned the frame.

50 cent yard sale grapevine Christmas Trees + Roll of Velvet Ribbon (I happen to have on hand) = Beautiful bold trees to bookend my mantle.

One of my favorite decorations this year was our Jesse Tree.  Each night we read a Bible Story leading up to Christ's birth and colored an ornament to symbolize the story.  It was such a meaningful way to celebrate the season.  The Banner and framed chalkboard print were also free printables I found online.  Sorry I don't have links to all these goodies!

And I absolutely adore all the special little crafts my kids made 

A few random holiday happenings....

And we finally arrive at the night before Christmas.....

....and Christmas morning!

And this was the moment Cory and I had anxiously waited for, for months....

"We're going to see Mickey and Minnie!!!"  You can read all about our trip starting here.

Christmas 2013 was surely a Christmas we will never forget!

P.S.  I know I have more Christmas pictures hiding somewhere, so there may be a "Christmas in October or November as well" :)