Christmas decorations & crafts...

So let me just say, that it totally works to plan and schedule things, because I've been amazed at how much I've been able to get done with my Christmas plans. Remember the advent calendar I loved from the pottery barn? Well, here's my version. Not quite as cute, but worth all the $ I saved. Emma has been so excited to get the ornament of the day out of the little pocket and hang it on the button. Her favorite so far has been the little train.



Today, the kids and I tried these little snowflake ornaments out of pipe cleaners. Super easy & super cute! We just tied them with ribbon and added them to the tree.

Here is our "spiritual" advent calendar. I found the idea for the baby socks on Martha, but instead of putting chocolate or tiny gifts inside for each day, we have a scripture, Christmas song, and a Christmas story to read together. We already read some super-sweet stories, and I feel like I'm enjoying Christmas more with Shane and Emma this year, and it's only December 6th! Can't wait for the rest of the days. :)

Finally, here is our tree. Shane insisted on LED lights, so I'm calling it our NEON christmas tree. There is something that is just so comforting about sitting at night with all the lights off, enjoying the tree. So beautiful. That's why I put up a tree as soon as possible, and leave it up as long as we can! Also, here is one of our nativity sets. I have a tradition porcelain set that has a safe place on the counter, but this is my little fun nativity. I love the bears, but realize that it might now be 100% appropriate. I love it though.