Monday, December 7, 2015

December Happenings

I'm always a little surprised to log into my blog and discover it's been a whole week since I wrote anything. Oh I've written plenty in my head...does that count? In my defense I'm distracted by a little homemade gift I'm putting together, one that requires many man hours, and by the time I pack it up so we can eat dinner I don't feel much like blogging.

I prefer to blog first thing in the morning, but we're on some kind of crazy schedule here lately where we're staying up too late, and then sleeping later than I'm used to, so my day starts later and I'm just off. I blame retirement.

So how about an update?


The house: Still not built-ha! But 'stuff' is happening and you can tell it will be an actual fully formed house eventually. I'm going to go ahead and tell you I'm not that interested in cement pouring-waterproofing-backfilling talk, other than to note it's all 'stuff' that's gotta happen before framing can occur. Hubs is all over the above mentioned 'stuff' and I'm glad, because I feel like someone needs to be, and if he weren't retired that someone would have to be me. Yay hubs!

He goes out to the lot several times a week and while he's out I set up my home made Christmas project on the dining/kitchen/everything table and spend those hours crafting. Win-win. Except I should have started this project earlier. ahem.

Christmas Decorating: I'm walking a fine line when it comes to decorating here. We sent all of our Christmas decorations to storage and don't really want to spend money buying a lot of new things, yet we need a little something to make it feel festive. Most of our Christmas decorations hold some sentimental meaning and I'm not really one to go out and buy something for the sake of buying something.


Except I had to buy something, because a bare tree is no good.

We bought an inexpensive tree, which meant it needed a little zhuzzing. I filled in the gaps with ribbon and settled on two boxes of pretty ornaments and a couple strands of red and gold beads. This was my first time trying the ribbon wrap, and I really like the way it turned out.

Hubs put a string of colored lights on our balcony railing and I think we can we all agree colored lights make the world a happier place. Also, the sky here puts on a light show of it's own, so there's that.


Somehow I ended up with my advent wreath here, but the candles didn't make it so I've ordered those online and they should be here this week. I bought a candle arrangement for the table too, because it needed something, and also a cute box to hold our Christmas cards since there's not an obvious place to hang them like I normally do.

The living space in our apartment isn't large, so I have to be careful not to overdo. It would be easy to make this place feel like a shop, but so far I'm exercising restraint, reminding myself we still have to get people in here.

My people: In an unexpected happy twist, the newlyweds get to come 'home' for Christmas. If you knew my son-in-law's work schedule you'd understand what a treat this is, and to say we're all just a little bit excited would be a huge understatement. I haven't seen my Daughter1 since May. MAY! I told hubs that just won't do. I would have made a trip out this fall but it's been such a crazy year, and with our two moves and getting the house underway, I just didn't feel like I could squeeze another trip into the calendar. That won't happen next year. I need face time and I'm not talking about the techie kind, although I'm certainly grateful for that.

Daughter2 is so happy knowing she'll have a whole week to hang out with her sister, to open Christmas Eve pj's sitting side by side like they've done every year since they could walk, to sip cocoa and eat candy canes and clementines and pose for a photo on the steps (yes girls...it might be the steps leading up to the apartment, but we will get that step picture!), and to just be together as a family. A family that's grown in the last year in a most wonderful way.

Advent: I absolutely love Ann Voskamp's Advent reading plan The Greatest Gift, and have followed that for the past two years. If you've never read it I highly recommend. She has a way of speaking right to the heart. This year we thought it might be nice to change it up a little, and Daughter2 suggested we read the Advent workbook put out by She Reads Truth. I find I have to do a little more digging on my own with this one, but I love that my girls and I are all in it together.

Well, separately but then we have a google talk conference thingamajig to discuss. We can see each other's faces and that's almost as good as being in the same room. Almost. Anyway the book is lovely and I like the way they're tying the Old Testament in with the New. The devotionals are online via their website (www.shereadstruth.com) if you're looking for a December reading plan. As a side note I am a huge fan of their phone wallpapers which you can download free on their app.

And as it turns out I have a few more things to say, but I feel like this is getting long so I'll save the rest for another time. Plus, there's still that project that won't complete itself, and now there's dinner to be made. There is always dinner to be made.

I hope your December is merry and bright!

10 comments:

  1. Nice to have an update. I love your tree! I used that exact ribbon on my tree a few times and I loved it. This year we just went with the beaded garland! Have a good week

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  2. You know we'll be expecting pictures of your big project when you are able to share!
    Good to see progress on your house!

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  3. I am SO curious about what the craft project is you are working on so diligently! I hope we get to find out after it is finished and gifted!

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  4. So good to see the progress and hopefully you will be moved in this time next year. I know it can seem like forever but now that we are in, it seems like we have been here far longer than 4 months. I am so curious as to what your homemade project has been. Surely you will show us. :o)) Happy rest of the week!

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  5. It is great catching up with you and it is so exciting that D1 and hubby get to come East for the holiday! I will sure look forward to photos!! I like your ribbon wrap! Very nice.

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  6. I enjoyed reading what's going on in your "neck of the woods" :) I love what you've done with your tree, and admire how you're making the best of where you are, and what you have with you! How exciting that you will get to have your family all together again at Christmas!!!! That's fantastic.
    Kathy (from Reflections)

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  7. Your little tree is really pretty. How awesome that both of your girls will be home. I believe mine will be too. It's going to be a great Christmas!!

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  8. lovely pictures, and I am so glad you are together with your family this advent and christmas time.

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  9. I couldn't be happier to hear the wonderful news that your girl will be coming home for Christmas...I know that makes your heart overjoyed! Best Christmas present ever!

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  10. I'm so excited for you knowing the newlyweds are coming for Christmas. Nothing better than family being together.

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