Christmas Trees and Whatnot

2011 has been a year of tremendous blessings in our home. First and foremost, Eli entered our family in a surprising, but healthy and exuberant manner. One week before his arrival, Tim successfully defended his Master's Thesis in Electrical Engineering and I got to be there for the presentation. It was such a blessing to sit like a (hugely pregnant) fly on the wall during what was the culmination of countless late nights and hard work. I am immensely proud of his perseverance and endurance.

In addition, 2011 has also been a year that has stretched us. It held unseasonably high expenses. Perhaps we should have seen the writing on the wall this time last year when our heater went out. I looked at Tim and said, "Can we call the Landlord?" Yeah...we bought the house a year and half earlier and of course the initial purchase insurance had expired six months prior.

Replacing the HVAC ended up being the beginning of a long line of unexpected debits - thank the Lord for savings. We are so thankful God had provided for us throughout the years and allowed us to save so that we could tread through the extras without fainting entirely as each bill arrived. Although, there were a few that did take my breath away. In the last month, we sat down to look at and then recreate our budget. A season of deliberate, mindful saving is before us.

With that said upon looking back over the last couple of years, we haven't been diligent stewards and have not paid sufficient attention to where we were spending money. It is no great shock to me that God is taking us through a period of evaluating our needs versus our wants.

Honestly, I am enjoying this time of reflection and reevaluation. Well, I enjoy it when it is easy. I don't enjoy it when I need to forgo an over priced coffee that I used to spoil myself with weekly or the adorable dress that is on super sale but I do not need or have specific reason to buy.

Life is full of seasons and that is my mantra lately in so many areas of our life whether feast or famine. Speaking of seasons, it is Christmas time and one of the most magical times of the year. (Did you enjoy that transition:) ) Like many of  you, one of our festive Christmas outings is getting a tree. There is something so special about picking out a tree, dramatically driving it  home without it flying off on the freeway and then trying to position it just right in the tree stand - "a little to the left, sweetie....no, back to the right...okay, now a bit forward...back to the left..."

Well, this year we headed to the tree farm with our budget in mind and were unsettled at the thought of spending anywhere from $50 to $80 on a tree especially when we will be traveling a lot this month. We walked around and took some photos, but couldn't bring ourselves to shell out the cash.  I realize that we sound bah humbug but it is what it is.

Tim and I put our heads together and came up with a diy Christmas tree. It doesn't have pine needles or smell wonderful, but it was thought up with love and consideration for the season. Holidays (and everyday) are about making memories and investing in ways that last. I think I will always remember this year's "tree". The best part is that I honestly love how it turned out. I just might keep the branches around year round - tamed down anyways.

Merry memory making!

With just the glittery ornaments (favorite)

With added memory ornaments