Christmas is Coming

Last Christmas arrived just as the workers were wrapping up our remodel, however, there were a few lingering things that we had to finish. The one that lingered for a full year was the wood stove. Finally, I kind of demanded that it be finished as the whole area really required it to appear finished. JD started on the project, but was rather discouraged about the stones. He did the one downstairs successfully years ago, but I was more than happy to bring in Francisco and relieve him of the chore. Francisco has done a ton of stuff for us the last few years, including the whole apartment over the garage and our house remodel. We have also referred him for many jobs and friends' homes. He sent a husband and wife team over for the stones.

They worked a long day, but got all the rocks in place and were very pleasant to have, so have won the job to also do the front of the garage in the spring. 

It was glorious to have done as we were already a month into the wood stove parked in the middle of the dining room floor area!

After they were done, JD finished up the tile under the stove. 

He also cut and installed the Amish mantle we had made and then reinstalled the wood stove. It was finished for Thanksgiving. 

Now I have hung the barn collection above it and decorated for Christmas. I'm making the last missing touch in the next week or so, which will hang on the top left.  

I'm very happy to have this last piece of the remodel finished! This year I was able to decorate more than last year. I really love my Nativity sets!

I also like greenery and lights  - 

A few more festive areas - 

JD's dad made these one Christmas - there are seven of them and they are among our most treasured Christmas decorations!

This smaller tree is for the benefit of viewing from the window as you come up the driveway, but it's providing a good wrapping and present staging area. 

This years wrapping elves in training were hard at work when Alaska decided he really needed to nap on this particular rug. Since there was no room for him, he just stood in the way like a horse!

Lastly, our Christmas cards will go out tomorrow, then I will be able to put the family pictures on the blog also. Spoiler alert, some made it to Facebook before the Christmas cards!

Merry Christmas to all if I don't make it back before Christmas Day! I actually may, as I have a month break from classes, so life is feeling rather leisurely!