O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

I hope you enjoyed the tour of our Christmas-ified home! Today we are here to talk trees.  :)

Our Christmas tree is a labor of love.  A family labor of love.  You may not find it on the pages of a magazine, but it is perfectly loved by this family, and perfectly beautiful to me.  

So much a tradition that our college freshman son INSISTED on decorating the tree while he was home for Thanksgiving - a three and a half day break - one of those days being Thanksgiving.  And, of course we did!!

We have a 9 1/2 ft slim tree that is packed full of ornaments.  Every single ornament has some sort of memory or meaning to them.  Some are ornaments given to me or my hubby when we were teachers.  Others have been gifts from friends and family.  Some are ornaments we have purchased to remember and event or trip. Many or ornaments the kids have made at school or church.  The only 'fluff' ornaments on there are ones my hubby and I collected at after-Christmas sales early on in our marriage.  And, even those aren't really fluff because they remind me of our beginnings.  

The ornament on the bottom right is a new addition this year.  Given to me by one of my dearest friends and prayer partners (there are four of us, and we each got one) as a reminder of the bond that only God could have created.  We have prayed each other through SO many things.

So, there you have it.  A collection of love and memories that I love unpacking every year. {click here to see the easy and inexpensive way we store our ornaments each year} 

These memories are the reason I can't wait to get the tree up (the day after Thanksgiving of course), and why it stays up at least until New Years, and sometimes past.  Well, that and the lights.  I love twinkle lights.  Ahhh.

Since my kiddos were small they have had their own trees in their rooms which they help choose how to decorate.  It's fun to see their little personalities come out every year.  This year was hard for mama because I pretty much had to make them decorate them.  But, by golly the trees were going in.  

Even in my daughter's packed tight room we got in a little tree with twinkle lights.  

Trying my best to keep the wonder of the season in the hearts of these too-cool teenagers, and pre-teen!!

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Linking up with Thrifty Decor Chick's Christmas Tree Party / Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop / Inspiration Monday Party / That {Holiday} DIY Party / Link Party Palooza

My Dear Friends

This is for all of my friends far and near who have been, and continue to be a constant source of encouragement on this journey of life.  Many of you have been along for lots of ups and downs and twists and turns, and some are new to the area.  Either way, I want you to know how much you ALL mean to me.  

I know it's December 1st and Thanksgiving has passed.  But, as I was sitting scrolling through social media last night I was overwhelmed with gratitude for you, and this scripture that I used to have my preK kiddos memorize every year came to my mind.

A friend loves at all times.  Proverbs 17:17

You guys have done this many times over the years, but this week was a perfect demonstration. I posted a series of pics all centered around my boys first visit home from college.

You anticipated his arrival with me and waited with excitement!

You cheered with me when he arrived!

And when it was time for him to go back to college, you were sad with me but encouraging all the same - Christmas will be here soon!!

Without this encouragement, accompanied by so many of your prayers, I would be a mess.  But, instead I am adjusting to this new phase of life and I am thankful for so many things.

But today I am most thankful for friends like you!!

I love you all from the bottom of my heart - you know who you are!!

Behind The Scenes and an Introduction

A few weeks ago I was contacted by Alison from Nancherrow about participating in a blog hop - a Tour Through Blogland. I loved the idea of giving my readers a little insight into how things tick around here at Frazzled JOY, and to introduce you to a blogger that might be new to you!

I have been blogging now for two years.  I was an avid blog reader before and found that DIY blogs really renewed my love for creativity and DIY. With a little coaxing from my hubby I decided to put my own voice out there.  

What am I working on?

I always have several projects going at once, and I am notorious for starting another. Right now I am working on my kiddos bedrooms.  I shared here that when my oldest moved to college, all the rest moved into new rooms, and they all had a vision for their rooms.  So, I have been working to make those visions happen.  Remember this is where we started a couple of months ago.  It's been a slow process but we are getting there.

How does my work differ from others in my genre?

The most important thing to me about this blog is being myself.  You might get a great DIY project one week, you might get a quick tip the next.  The next week might be filled with heart stories of our family, or our faith.  

Why do I write what I do?

My goal in writing and creating is to encourage. Maybe you are encouraged or inspired to try a DIY or an organizing project. Maybe you are struggling with being a wife or mother on a particular day and something I said helps you know that you are not alone in your struggle. Really this is my purpose - to bless.  

How does my writing process work?

Most days I share things I am working on at our home. As I have been speaking to during this month's blog series - I am still working to make all the spaces in this home functional and pleasing for our family.  I do my best to share how-tos as much as I can. Some days however, the Lord puts words, thoughts, emotions on my heart.  And, when that happens, I am called to share.

I am so thankful for those that read along.  I pray that you are blessed through this little corner of webiverse.

Speaking of being a blessing.  I would love to introduce to you Lisa from Shine Your Light.

Lisa has been a blessing to me from the very beginning with her sweet words of encouragement!  She is a fellow DIYer with some mad skills.  You really must go and check her out!!

She just completed a quick update to the stairs in her garage.

Also these fabulous built-ins that she built last spring!!

If you don't know Lisa, take a minute and say hello!!