Vroooooommmmm

Baby Heff is pretty excited about Christmas. I can't wait to see his face on Christmas morning! Last year he was so tiny and didn't have much of a clue what was going on. I decided this year NOT to partake in the crazy Christmas shopping and am so glad I made that decision. All of my gifts were home-made crafts and Bennett's shopping got done back in November. It has been really nice to just enjoy the Christmas season and stay away from the grouchy people out in shopping traffic. And plus, it's awesome that I get to just relax at home with his precious thing.

It's rare to find him without a car in his hand these days. Maybe I should fill his stocking up with Matchbox cars!

The Wrapping Paper Monster

Tonight Bennett was helping me wrap up a few gifts and of course, like most things I do around the house, he wanted to help. So I let him. We practiced measuring wrapping paper, taping, and putting presents under the tree. It probably was the cutest thing he's ever helped me do...besides load the dishwasher and put soap in. He is precious doing that. This would have been one of those great moments to have him in adorable Christmas PJs but of course he does cute stuff when he's naked or on laundry day.

The wrapping paper measuring turned into a game of "The Wrapping Paper Monster."

The tape was all jumbled and for the most part not serving it's primary purpose. Bless his heart, he did have great intentions of putting the tape where I showed him, but after his chubby little fingers got done figuring out how to man-handle something sticky into a precise location, it just ended up in a crinkled wad, stuck to itself, and in the middle of the package. And no...I didn't remove it. How could I? Too cute!

 Lastly we attempted putting presents under the tree. He needed the packages to fit in places that were just not possible. However, my son being the stubborn two foot something that he is, started throwing other presents already under the tree, across the room to make room for the new ones. Problem solved.

He was quite pleased with himself and wanted me to take some pictures of him. Such a big helper!

Bennett is offering wrapping services to anyone that needs a hand. :o)

Epic Breakfast with Santa

On Saturday our neighborhood had it's annual Breakfast with Santa. My friend, Christine, does an amazing job putting on the events in the neighborhood for the young children and I am so thankful we live in a community full of young families looking to share their lives in fellowship! God could not have put us in a better neighborhood!

This was Bennett's second year seeing Santa Clause. Last year he absolutely loved him! He was looking at him and giggling and laughing hysterically. This year was a completely different experience! However I had a pretty firm mommy feeling inside of me knowing that he may not react so well this year. Let's just say I'm happy there were cameras around to capture the moment!

Last year.... Five months old...

This year...17 Months old...

The fire fighters from our nearby firehouse came and the children got to see the fire truck. It was Benn's first time on the fire truck and he was completely mesmerized!

It was a great morning filled with crafts, face painting, food, visiting Santa (for other kids), and fire truck fun!

Our House's First Christmas

This Christmas season we are finally in a house of our own! Last year on December 24th we put in an offer on this house and it was accepted! This year I have been so excited to decorate knowing that this is, God willing, where we will be for a long time. I love the thought of adding to my Christmas decoration collection over time!

Here are some pics of the house so far. And yes, that means I'm not done yet!

The front porch! We have our wooden rockers on the right side of the porch. I had to put my Adirondack chairs back on the left side because I had the bright red cushions!

Simplistic snowman, lighted tree in a pot I had, driftwood sled (yay Florida roots), wrapped Christmas storage boxes in muslin and sweater paper (beats re-storing them, right), and Bennett's red wooden chair from his room.

The foyer. I found the green pillows in NC. I think they really cozy up the space!

The foyer the other way.

Our Tree and Mantle (which is still a work in progress). My friend Sarah helped me make my custom stockings last year!

Family Room bookcase. Rag lighted garland with a 3D snowflake I made. Last year I decorated the store front window for Natural Baby in downtown Greenville and I did this same concept but in their teal and white colors.

My mother in law passed this down to us! I'm in love. This is in our dining room!

Bennett's tree upstairs in the alcove by his room. I love the sock monkey tree topper. :o)

My grandma, Hot Dot, is in town! Bennett loves her to pieces!

New pillow covers to soften the chairs, Stocking/mitten advent calendar I made, new framed photo from our family shoot by Jaime Huffman Photography, and reindeer key holder from Target (but I found it at Goodwill for 2 bucks!)

Thanks for stopping by! I'll post more (and better quality pictures) soon! Merry Christmas everyone!

Porches Perfect for Fall

I am obsessed with front porches. There is nothing more southern. When we were on the hunt for a house, my list of "must haves" was a big front porch. And now our porch is one of my most favorite places to enjoy at all times of the day.

 The most fun time to decorate a porch is in the fall. There is something cozy about mums, pumpkins, and distressed furniture. It's that cozy feeling of being curled up in an Adirondack chair or rocking in a rocking chair in a cozy sweatshirt watching the leaves change.

Now that we have redone our shutters and front door to a traditional, classic black, I am beyond excited to decorate our porch this year! In reality I need to plant a pumpkin patch in our backyard to cover the number of pumpkins I'd like to use to decorate.

These are some of my latest fall porch obsessions.... Cue the drool....

Hay Bales? Fabulous idea to add height and texture!

A ladder can be used for so many different seasons...not just fall!

Mums, hay bales, wooden baskets, excessive pumpkins.

Flowers would die in my pumpkin vase, but Martha Stewart and  my Aunt Brenda  could make this work.

Corn Husk garland and mums! Gorg!

See...going to need a pumpkin patch with steroid enriched soil.

It looks like a pumpkin store!

pumpkin decor

monogramed pumpkins- always classy.

I was supposed to do this last year. 

Pretty pumpkin tower.

Mossy letter

White simplicity.

Shutters...I would do 3D letters.

What do you do for your fall front porch? Do you have any decor traditions?
Happy decorating! Bring on the mums!

No Sew Christmas Tree Skirt!

My Christmas tree skirt is finished! I actually finished about a week ago but completely forgot to share it with you guys. I am in love, my glue gun burns have healed, and I am even more excited now about Christmas. This year we will have matching stockings, lighted garland, and now a tree skirt!

 

 Happy Holidays to you and your family on this beautiful August day!