Simple & Lovely Christmas Decorating

The spirit of Christmas is in full swing at our home! We got down some of our decorations this weekend and I wanted to share some pictures with you!
I don't really have a style or theme when it comes to holiday decorating...I just buy or make whatever strikes my fancy and go with it! Being that we have two very active young boys and only stained concrete or ceramic tile in our home, we don't put out breakable decorations that are in their reach! Shattered glass = no bueno! :)
Anyway, here's a quick tour of what I've put up so far!

Piano in our living room

These tree cones were a breeze to make! I'll tell you how below!

Just some simple natural decor

I think this Santa is so cute!

These are a few ornaments with the boys hand and feet prints on them!

Our front door

Our fireplace

I love this live wreath...it smells amazing!

Tree cones information: I made those adorable tree cones just the other day, which is one of the reasons I need to clean out our laundry room sink! All you do is get some green floral cones from Michaels or Hobby Lobby, over them in ModPodge, then cover them in glitter of your choice. Once it's dry, simply spray some adhesive glue on them to keep the glitter from flaking off!
What are some of your favorite Christmas decorations for your home? 

Giving Back & Helping Others

My husband and I have a heart for giving to those in need. We prefer to donate my time to help others, but at this season in life it's really hard to find available time to go help out. There are several organizations that we love to donate to, one being Operation Christmas Child.  This is our second year to create shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, headed up by Samaritan's Purse. Samaritan's Purse has a wonderful vision that is in alignment with our personal beliefs, and we specifically love their Christmas donation program. Operation Christmas Child is a shoebox gift program for children in third world countries. You simply decide what age range and if you want to give to a boy or girl, fill up a shoebox full of goodies (small toys, socks, school supplies, hygiene items, etc), and drop it off with your church or the nearest drop off location. Easy, FUN, and better yet the entire family can get involved!
Our oldest son (5 years) loves to go with me to the store to help pick out items to fill the shoebox. It's a great learning opportunity for him. We chat about how there are children in the world that don't have all the things we have, like soap, toothbrushes, shoes, or toys. We also talk about how God calls us to love everyone and to give to those in need, in a loving and generous way.  

Proudly showing off our box!

He wrote this note for the child who receives our box!

There is still time to make some boxes and drop them off at a church or Operation Christmas Child location! 

Easy Fall Porch Decor

Here's how we decorated our front porch this year for the fall! I love using pumpkins, hay, and leaf garland...it's so fall-ish and we can leave it up until Thanksgiving!