SOME MORE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

I LOVE the rain and the COLD weather, but it didn't help that this was the day I had set aside to do a lot of my Christmas shopping.  I'm having all my usual dilemmas in trying to shop.  Can't find what I am looking for when I do know what I want for someone, don't know what I want for others, I'm horrified at most prices, the lines are VERY long, (I thought maybe fewer people would be shopping this year) but in spite of all these things I can cross 6 of my grand kids off my list.  Only 2 more to go and then I can get a couple of things for my kids and I'm done.  I am doing my VERY best to stick to a budget this year.  I find this very difficult to do when it comes to those little ones in my life.  But so far so good.  I'm also having many mixed feelings and dilemma's when it comes to scheduling our family events.  Melody won't be here on Christmas day so all of my kids have voted to do it when she is.  Which means I just lost 6 days I thought I had, haha. 

I have never been one who experiences "changes" easily.  I like tradition.  I like things the same.  I like to know what to expect. I'm not sure how I feel about "celebrating" Christmas on a different day.  I'm not sure how I feel about the fact that on Christmas Day NONE of my kids will be here and nothing will be as it has always been.  Maybe it's time to move on to different things.  Maybe it will be different but wonderful in it's own new way.  I am grateful and happy that we will be celebrating together irregardless of what day it "technically" is.  Many people I know don't get to see there loved ones at all on ANY day.  I have NO REASON to complain, and I'm not really....I am just feeling "weird" and "unsettled" because like I said, I don't like change.  But let's face it, life is NEVER that way.  So I struggle along and do the best I can to accept what has changed in my life.  It bothers me that I don't always do so with a better attitude.  It bothers me that I complain and drag my feet.  But  how I praise God in my life as He is always the same for me.   I can always count on going to Him and falling into His arms and getting my prospective back where it should be.  His love and His mercy are ALWAYS there for me to draw from.   I find that during this busy Christmas season it is even more important than ever to be still before Him and spend time in His Word and in prayer.  I will thank Him for all I have, and count on Him to be in control of all I can't control.

I decided to post a few more of my Christmas decorations.  I do love them now that there are up.  All of my cherished items I have had for years and years reminding me of Christmas's from long ago.  I did buy a couple of new candles this year, but that is really all.  I wish my camera did them justice, but you will get the idea.  Hope everyone has a wonderful and productive week, and may we all keep our hearts focused on Him.

These are my Thomas Kincade snowmen.  I love them.  I have only had them about 3 years but they feel like old favorites.  The detail on them is really quite incredible.

A closer look

View of living room/dining room area

For several years I collected these little angels for the tree.  I LOVE them...I have 24 of them

This is a new one my good friend gave me this year.  Isn't it gorgeous?  It came from Russia she said, and she has one just like it at her home..

This is one my youngest son made for me in pre-school.  I LOVE this.  How adorable is he?

I LOVE this

My Nativity plate and angels and Thomas Kincade tree on my piano

A closer look

This is Melly with Baxter at her house with her tree...She made the topper herself.  It is Mike's cowboy hat tied with ribbons that swirls down the tree.  Soo cute.  Wish I could see it in person Mel. 

Well this is all for now.  I will post more later if I get the chance.  Have a wonderful evening.  I am going to light a fire tonight and watch the Preachor's Wife.  I love that Christmas movie.