Last week, I had the privilege of re-decorating my mom and step-dad's living room over a two day period... while they were camping. The fun part was that they knew nothing of what I had decided to do or what I had purchased! What a great time, using the small budget I was given, traveling to many thrift stores, as-is sections in furniture stores and purchasing from a second-hand online site. I found so much excitement looking for the "diamond in the rough". On the decorating days, my children, my sisters, and my cousin, helped sand and paint. I had never been interested in re-finishing furniture before but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this project. The result was beautiful and the unveiling for my anxious "clients" was well worth the work :)
Here is the BEFORE photo...
And here are some AFTER photos...
As you can see, they returned home before I could peel the painter's tape in some areas, and put the fans away. I also purchased fabric for drapes and had just enough time to hang them over the rod. I will have to sew the panels another day. My mom loves winter pictures so the birch trees painting was suited to her taste. Can you tell what is "new" and what was re-finished from before?
Now, where will my next room be? Hmmm... :)
Gentleness is being soft with the one who doesn't want to be in the photos.
Self-control is not moving these ornaments to other various branches.
Patience is allowing my children to do most of the work in our baking.
Patience is waiting for these little guys to be baked so I can bite their legs off!
Goodness is allowing him to scoop up his marshmallows with his fingers and, not expecting him to drink it "properly"... just this once.
Faithfulness is re-telling the story of Jesus' birth over and over this year to be sure they never forget why they're here and where they're going.
Faith is believing we'll have a wonderful Christmas even if they break more ornaments.
Love is seeing his sweet little face framed between the soft, needle-y twigs.
Self-control is not grabbing one of those Gingerbread men and gobbling it up when she's not looking.
Peace is not fussing but just admiring the way he places them all carefully on the same branches.
Kindness is allowing my children to string some balls when I want to do them quickly and efficiently.
Humility is breaking an ornament after getting frustrated with Oliver for breaking at least six; then hearing him say, in a serious tone, "Mommy, if you keep breaking those, we're not going to be able to decorate the tree!" 
Love is baking with my kiddos. 
Joy is "cozying up" in a warm home with a lovely, mis-matched, unevenly kid-decorated tree and remembering that Jesus is the real reason that we celebrate in the first place.
