Top 5 posts from 2012

A quick recap of the most-viewed posts from 2012. It has been a whirlwind of a year. Noelle turned 4 and Noah had his first birthday. Nothing has brought me more joy than watching my babies grow and play together. Their little personalities have me bursting into laughter every day. I am grateful beyond words to be their momma.

At the end of July, I opened an Etsy shop after receiving many requests for my Luke 2:11 sign. It has been a dream of mine to be able to do exactly this and thanks to my hard-working husband, my dream came true. He does the grunt work, preparing the wood for staining and putting everything together. My dad was also a huge help as I hustled to get the orders shipped. I've had a wonderful time not only doing something I love, but also getting to know many of my customers who have become friends. Keep an eye out in 2013 for many more designs added to the shop. 

Here are the top 5 posts from 2012. 

1. Our Family Code

Our Family Code was a simple project using our birthday's and wedding anniversary. 

2. Honeymoon Bridal Shower - Vintage Travel Theme

I had the pleasure of hosting my dear friend Megan's Bridal Shower in 2012 and coming in 2013, her baby shower! 

3. Noelle's Snow White Woodland Theme Birthday Party

My baby is 4! We hosted a dessert party for Noelle's birthday. She and her friends had a blast watching the dry ice smoke around the "poison" apples and creating their own swords and princess crowns. 

4. Noah's Red Wagon 1st Birthday Party

I can't look at a red wagon without tearing up now. They remind me of my sweet baby boy who is now nearly two. I wish I could jump into this post and kiss his chubby cheeks! 

5. A Classic Christmas at the Gardner's

Our Christmas decorations this year have taken off on Pinterest. The mantle piece was so easy to make. Just 7 boards and a light stain with a fresh wreath. 

Thank you for following along on our journey. May you have a blessed 2013.

Amanda

A Classic Christmas at the Gardner's

This Christmas is classic and cozy with fresh greens in every room. I added a fresh garland to the sofa table, then the mantle, then the dining room and over the kitchen sink. The house has a cabin feel this year and it smells divine. 

I'm loving my "instant collection" of trees. I rounded them up during a Christmas decoration shopping day in November. Hobby Lobby, Marshall's and Home Goods did not disappoint. I love the whimsical-ness they have.

Deep reds and greens with touches of creamy white bring our classic Christmas together.
HOHOHO pillows

On the mantel, Mr. G and I put a faux gate together and on it hung a fresh wreath. A garland and a pinecone pick in the wreath finish off the simple mantle. I used an anti-transpirant spray on the greens to keep them fresh. I hope they last a few more weeks, but I'm having doubts already. I used two 15 ft. garlands from Home Depot for the house. Picking up another 2 for $5 each before Christmas won't break the bank if need be. Another change to the family room is a swap out in rugs. This fluffy shag rug is from Noelle's room.

When decorating our tree I use these steps:
1. Start with any ribbon or garland, 5 times around the tree.
2. Add any themed ornaments evenly around the tree
3. Find spots for your "treasures" (handmade and special ornaments)
4. Fill in with bulbs.

Noah is a big fan of the tree, and the "balls" that hang on it. Which is why the bottom branches are no longer decorated. Little stinker has ran off with several ornaments.

 

Reindeer Figurine 

Snowflake Runner

In the dinning room, more fresh greens are stuffed in a small crate with LED candles and mason jars.

The Luke 2:11 sign hangs above the nativity instead of on the mantle this year.

This corner needed some height. I stacked the suitcases and strung 10 jingle bells on twine.



In the kitchen, a fresh garland is strung above the sink window. The garland will collect all of our cards over the month and into the new year. These are our Christmas cards from the past 4 years, since Noelle's first Christmas.

I used some of the silver decorations from 2011 in the guest bathroom.

Christmas festivities kick off this weekend with our town parade. Parties and events are filling the December schedule and we are going to soak it up.
May your days be merry.
Amanda


View our 2011 silver and white Christmas decorations