Boomama's Christmas Tour of Homes 2008

Boomama is hosting her annual Christmas Tour of Homes. It was happening on the 14th, yet here I am on the 16th just getting to it. :) This is the first time I have ever participated, so hopefully joining in a little late is accepted. :)

The weather outside is frightful (it really IS here in Arkansas, y'all... no school today), so come on in...

I LOVE decor mesh. I think it is one of the best inventions ever (besides the Slanket...ha!). I changed up my wreath this year by adding mesh and some ornaments. I also added mesh and decorations to some lighted garland to put around my door. It was fun to do.

Here is our tree. I got a new topper this year and I just love it. I thought it was whimsical and fun...

Looks like I need to get on that wrapping of gifts and getting them under the tree.
Oh, I love to wrap presents!

Here is our mantle. Stockings are ready to be stuffed. Derek was scared the kids would pull the heavy holders down on their heads, so we didn't use them this year. About one minute after he stated his concern, Ella Grace was busy pulling stockings down, so I guess it was a smart idea.

Every year I buy one new family tree ornament. I got a nativity one this year...

I love getting out my old favorites every year. These are two I look forward to most...

When I worked out in the "real world", one of the girls on my team gave these ornaments to me for Christmas one year, and they are still my very favorite. I always put them toward the very top of the tree. Jesus IS the reason for the season!

This cross also goes towards the top of the tree every year. I love how the mirrors reflect the light.

Evan and Ella Grace love these snowmen. They all play music and how fun when they are all going at the same time. That seems to be the way the kids like it! :)

I love this little tree I found at the Hallmark store. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE that place? LOVE IT! I wanted to get these little presents to go with it and went back the next week, they were all gone, so the tree looks kind of lonesome. I still love it though. It's glittery and fun!

I also got these place mats and napkins for my dining room table. With kids, I'm finding my style is going somewhere in the middle of whimsical and "homemade". It's fun.

One of my very favorite things about Christmas time is the Christmas cards. I look forward to getting the mail every day. It's like getting a present every day! I just LOVE it, and Derek knows how much fun it is for me. He never opens one and brings them all to me to open. :)

I want to look at them all season, so I display them here on my China hutch.

I don't have many decorations for the kitchen. My mom gave us this Santa plate when Evan was a baby and it is on an easel on the counter. I look forward to making cookies with the kids and leaving it out this year.

Ella Grace and I made this gingerbread house with some friends last week and it is also on display in the kitchen. It was a lot of fun. She tells everyone, "Look Ella made."

I did get this little spoon rest this year.

Well, that about does it. Thanks for stopping by. You can see more decorations at Boomama's site linked above.

Merry Christmas!