a little white paint, and lots of Christmas

So a couple of months ago, during a rain storm, we saw water streaming down the walls of the vaulted entryway of our house.  The paint began to bubble up, and we put buckets under the upstairs dormers and under the entry leak.  After working with insurance reps, a reconstruction company, and contractors, we began repairs.  The roof's leaks were fixed, and flashings installed.  Part of the sheetrock of the entry walls was cut out, and then replaced, textured, and painted.  

I decided to cover the sky-blue entryway walls with my favorite white paint, Benjamin Moore's Regal Acrylic in Moonlight White, since they needed repainting anyway from the water damage.  It turned out so lovely!!  So clean and crisp looking.  Like I always say, it's amazing what a little white paint can do!

Now, the entry railing is wrapped in glowing green garland, and feels so festive.

We went to the local tree lot to buy a beautiful Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving.  We put up most of our decorations that weekend, between rounds of leftovers, naps, and Christmas movies.  But we keep adding to them almost daily, as new festive, pretty things are made or found or dreamed up.

Yesterday, the white snow began to fall outside, and seemed to paint the streets and trees with that glorious, pure white goodness, that makes the hearth and home feel even more warm and cheerful.

Stockings hang in a neat row from the mantle.

The fire blazes with warmth and comfort.

Green wreaths have been carefully placed in each front window and on the door (by a tall, daring, roof-climbing son), to welcome holiday visitors. 

Pandora Christmas music echoes through the house all day long and into the night.

And festive Christmas favorites are played at the piano and violin, being perfected and polished for upcoming seasonal recitals.

Christmas cards have been ordered, and are on their way to me for addressing and mailing.

The sewing machine and serger hum constantly, turning out mama- and little girl-made gifts and decorations.

The click-clack of busy knitting needles sound from two little hat-makers and one over-ambitious, sweater-making mama, as they work to finish their projects before the big day.

The festive fragrances of hot apple cider and steamy hot cocoa fill the house daily.

Ahhh, the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas at our house.  I just want to breathe them all in.  

In the rush that is the holiday season, I hope to move slowly and enjoy every minute of the making and celebrating and doing.  But I especially hope to relish the opportunity to reflect upon Jesus Christ, who is our Savior and Redeemer, and whose birth we celebrate during this blessed time of year.  (I use the symbol of the Christmas tree to help me with this...read how here!)    

Oh yes my friends... 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here!