a wonderful Christmas for Roy the cat

 

Roy had a good Christmas as well. I wrapped a few little goodies (some catnip and crunchy treats) and put it in his stocking that I made last year. The hilarious thing was that he actually opened the loosely wrapped catnip. I think he smelled the awesomeness of the herb and had to have some. He really liked it. He even let us dress him in this Santa hat for our Christmas card.
He is the best.

our first Christmas married

Our first Christmas married was precious. We slept in, sipped Christmas blend coffee while munching on sugar cookies, and read our church devotional. We read the Christmas story, spent some time talking about the miracle of the birth of Jesus, even sang a few carols together. 

After our time reflecting we exchanged gifts. Jordan spoiled me this year with brand new perfume! I was so surprised; he is the best.

The rest of the weekend was non-stop traveling and kinda overwhelming. We visited every side of the family for the first time this year, (that's 5 Christmas')! I caught a small cold Christmas Eve from working crazy early morning hours. But was well enough to spend time with family all over central Indiana. I was able to kick the cold while I was in Wisconsin visiting my Dad's parents.

Through all the craziness of this Christmas I was reminded that I have been blessed with a wonderful family and a loving Savior who came ino the world. 

our Christmas card 2011

I am so proud of this Christmas card. It's my first Christmas married and one tradition I wanted to start was making greeting cards for friends and family. This year's card made me really happy. First, because Jordan was a real sport in posing for a picture and second, Roy did well considering he is wearing a Santa skirt meant for a goose (I got it at a white elephant party). 

p.s. Here are some of my favorite Christmas traditions:

listening to Phar-mor (a Christmas album from 1994) while decorating my Mom's tree
the annual watching of my favorite Christmas movies (It's a Wonderful Life, While you were Sleeping, The Family Stone, Holiday Inn, White Christmas)
having a tree-decorating party complete with Christmas tree cakes
reflecting on the meaning of Advent
going to the Christmas Eve service at my church
making and decorating Christmas cookies
singing Christmas carols at my church
wrapping presents
Christmas blend coffee from Starbucks

Hope you have a Merry Christmas!

the meaning of Christmas

Today Jordan and I will be going to Lafayette to have Christmas with my Mom's family. This past week I have been scrambling to get everything done in time for Christmas; like, sending Christmas cards, making cookies, finishing shopping, hand making some gifts, and wrapping presents. Along with a few holiday movies thrown in there. It's been a a busy week and I can't believe Christmas is only two days away. 

Every year I always tell myself I will have everything holiday related completed before the week of Christmas. It has never happened because of some set back, (this year it was being without a car for 10 days).
But, I am so thankful for my church. This year they provided the congregation with Christmas devotionals for the whole month of December. It has been a great time of reflection for Jordan and I this season. I will be making it a Christmas tradition for years to come.

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known." John 1:14,16-18

That is the meaning of Christmas: God becoming human.

my own Christmas decorations

  

I am very proud of my festive home. This year I wanted to make  my own Christmas decorations. With a quick trip to the store and the help of some bloggers I was able to make this whimsical table center piece , these tasty cake pops, and this genius glitter Christmas banner.

In addition to making my own Christmas decorations, I decided to make most of my gifts this year as well. I am very proud of myself for assembling all the necessary pieces in order to accomplish such a task. I just know the end result will be worth it!

Only 10 days until Christmas!
xo

songs for the season

Listened to the talented Trace Bundy while we decorated our tree. It was so soothing and peaceful. You can listen to his acoustic Christmas album here.

Enjoy!

xo

Let your heart be light

Today was a beautiful day spent with my sweet husband getting into the Christmas spirit. My heart was so peaceful as Jordan and I decorated our little apartment for our first Christmas married.

I downloaded this Christmas banner if you wanted to give it a try.

Good night!

xo