It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like …
Winter. Freezing cold winter. Not a flake of snow. Just ice cold air. My outdoor thermometer read 12 degrees today.
In an effort not to become embittered by a season which makes me wish they had a clothing-line made from the electric blanket I slept with as a kid, I’m going to celebrate some of the memories being made over here …
Our hunt for a Christmas tree embodies the (very few) downsides to our move. Last year in Virginia was our first annual trip to the Christmas tree farm where we forged a tradition cutting down our tree. This year we bought one from Lowe’s. Apparently Missouri doesn’t grow firs and I we decided getting a tree we liked trumped the experience of cutting one down.
Look at the expressions on their faces. They were just as happy to be at Lowe’s instead of that boring country farm at the base of the Blue Ridge serving warm cider. Lowe’s was incredible, in fact. Pure glee.
Not pricked by a pine needle, that’s really just a smile. (Fraser firs have softer needles, you see.)
The kids have had a ball dancing around the house to Jon Thurlow’s Christmas Album as we’ve pulled out our winter-wear and have begun making this place feel more cozy.
(“Oh Mommy, maybe one day you’ll learn to dance like me,” she says.)
Preparing for a celebration of Jesus’ birth not complete without eggnog, right?
Children proud of their decorating (This, only after the tree fell down two times. By this point, Nate was surely convinced our imported, store-bought, Fraser Fir was a wise choice.)
And after I attended my first-EVER craft party hosted by a girl who puts Martha Stewart to shame (intimidating for a left-brainer like me — I offered to bring the scissors), I was inspired to breathe some expression on my mantle.
All the more reason to hole-up and stay inside for the next 3 months! 
look at you and that mantle!!! LOVE IT.
Your children are absolutely glowing. What beauty. Blessings to you all during this season.
May your first Christmas in your new home be filled with love, laughter, and happy memories! Eden & Caleb just exude joy — what a blessing, thanks for sharing the pics!!
I think the tree is beautiful! sorry for the cold – brrrrrrrrrrr~! Oh how I don’t like this season. I try to embrace the cold and all that it does for the earth and how NEW life comes in the Spring which I LOVE! But for some reason I dislike it more and more each year. Love Christmas. Don’t like cold for almost 4 months.
The photos of the children are precious Sara! Love them!
Many blessings as you enjoy all the beauty in your home!
Jill
Jon Thurlow’s CHRISTMAS ALBUM!?! Why have I not heard of this yet? We’ve been faithfully GarageBand-ing every Christmas song he sings on the prayer room webstream
I’m so going to buy that right now!
Your children are beautiful, by the way
I had no idea Jon Thurlow had a Christmas album either! Thanks for the great tip! I’m SO excited!
I’m SO glad you’re an eggnog family! And nothing says IHOP quite like a Jon Thurlow Christmas album. Ahhh, I think you’ve adjusted quite nicely.
Sara, I love being caught up on your life. Your posts are beautiful and pictures of your family, amazing. xoxo