Merry Christmas!

I guess this post is a couple of days late, since it is two days after Christmas and I'll be taking down my decorations very soon.  Although, I want to be reminded of Christmas throughout the upcoming year- of my helplessness and need for my Savior.  I need to be reminded that Jesus left the glory of heaven to come to earth for me, to live and die for me that I might live for Him!  May we all long for Him, more than anything else this year.

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

Come thou long-expected Jesus, 
Born to set Thy people free; 
From our fears and sins release us, 
Let us find our rest in Thee. 
Israel's strength and consolation, 
Hope of all the earth Thou art; 
Dear Desire of every nation, 
Joy of every longing heart. 

Joy to those who long to see thee,
Dayspring from on high appear
Come thou promised rod of Jesse,
Of thy birth we long to hear
O'er the hills the angels singing,
News, glad tidings of a birth
Go to him, your praises ringing,
Christ the Lord has come to earth 

Come to earth to taste our sadness,
He whose glories knew no end
By his life he brings us gladness,
Our Redeemer, Shepherd, Friend
Leaving riches without number,
Born within a cattle stall
This the everlasting wonder,
Christ was born the Lord of all 

Born Thy people to deliver, 
Born a Child and yet a King. 
Born to reign in us for ever, 
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring. 
By Thine own eternal Spirit 
Rule in all our hearts alone; 
By Thine all-sufficient merit 
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

The island is finished!

Rob finished the island a couple of weekends ago, and it is amazing what a difference it makes in the kitchen!  I moved all of our silverware into the island drawer since it's the largest pull-out drawer in the kitchen, and the extra counter space has helped tons too!  Here it is:

While Rob was working on the island in the garage, I was trying to do a bit of sewing/Christmas projects for the home. 

Pinterest-inspired ornament from our wedding program

Leftover burlap has so many uses- here...

...and here...

...and here.

stockings!...and the pennant idea I got from my friend Dawn, who had one with "thankful" painted on one side for Thanksgiving and you flip it over to put up "rejoice!" for Christmas.  Thanks Dawn! :)