In the Storm

December Daily 2015 | 15

For no other reason then creativity I made this day. Plus, laughter. I loved these papers from One Little Bird and knew I'd include them in some way and multiple times within my december daily. I made the wood elements and the word art and just had fun moving papers around until I liked the arrangement. It was a couple hours of just playing fun. And I wanted to include it in the album. Doesn't tell a story except 'laughter'. I've done a bit more this month as it's been rather lacking over this past season and past year for that matter.

I still have a few more stories to tell and then I'll call this project good. I'm not going to worry about it being a full 25 'day's of stories.

December Daily 2015 | 14

We watched Savannah Christian Church's The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with our little adopted family, The Trumps. It'll be our last 'together' time with them before they move to their next duty station as he is in the Army. It has been special getting to know them and making them a small part of our family. Jessie told me recently that we have been such a blessing to their family that they feel like we are family. We just listened. Invited them into our home and our lives. Gave them our time. Shared our table. Humbling to say the least when it is this couple, who've adopted five kids, who are blessed.

December Daily 2015 | 13

'Tis true. I'm losing momentum in this December Daily but there are still simple little stories to tell. This is another story I've been pondering for awhile. Actually, for weeks, each Wednesday and Sunday I walk through our church doors and see that awesome sweater-like backdrop set up for 'selfies' of each families #bestchristmasever. Honestly, I couldn't name just one. Again, honestly, I don't think there is just one. The year Ashley and the boys were staying with us over Christmas. The year we began the tradition of giving one gift from each person. The year we began going to Brewers Tree Farm to cut down our own tree, which has since become a tradition. The year we began giving Jesus gifts in various ways. 

I'm thinking the best Christmas ever will be the ones we keep Jesus in our hearts and minds, embrace the spirit of giving instead of receiving, filled with laughter and merry and peace in our home.

Digital Products: Ali Edwards and One Little Bird

December Daily 2015 | 12

Remembering Jesus this season. We've done a lot of giving this Christmas season. It feels so good. For me personally I'm getting a jump start on my One Little Word for 2016 - GIVE. I cannot express how awesome it has been to move beyond myself and give, sometimes money, sometimes large tips, sometimes gifts to young friends. So, in the spirit of Christmas and the reason for the season and the reason for living with a giving heart all year here is December Daily - Day 12.

I used a Paislee Press template with One Little Bird digital products for these pages. Added some of my favorite Christmas Bible verses (ran out of room though). Love how it turned out!

Photo of our lighted Nativity glass and vinyl blocks. Probably my favorite decoration for Christmas. This year, besides our tree, it is the only decoration we put up for Christmas. 

December Daily 2015 | 11

Just a simple little story. Even the small stories, the reflections of the season contribute to the Christmas memories. 

Digital Products: Ali Edwards

Struggling through some health issues and still dealing with personal issues but the season is much more tranquil, calming, and peaceful.

December Daily 2015 | 10

I'm slowly plugging away at this December stories album. With 'day' 10, or story #10 complete I only have 15 more to go and there are still plenty I have on my list to tell about. Keeping my digital pages simple has been so freeing and I see actually completing this album. Of the four years or so I've done December Daily I've only ever completed one and partials of others. But, I actually see myself finishing this album and I'm so excited about that.

Traditional Santa hats worn by the boys (only they're not really boys anymore). And Joan's tree skirt she brought with her when she moved in with us last year around the tree for the second Christmas. This year, because our tree is so small Jeff had to build a box for the tree and tree stand to set on. The skirt wraps nicely around both. Makes watering the tree easier too.

Digital Products: Ali Edwards

December Daily 2015 | 9

An amazingly simple page and another Christmas story about my favorite ornament. As I mentioned at the start this years December Daily, for me, is about the stories of Christmas and not any particular 'day'. While some of the stories may have a 'day' attached to them, this is one that does not. A favorite ornament and the story behind.

Digital Products: Ali Edwards and One Little Bird

December Daily 2015 | 8

Our December stories include everyday life. Final exams, semesters ending, receiving grade reports, and playing board games when I come home from work. With no school work we enjoyed filling our time with a few hours of fun and laughter.

 

Digital Products: Ali Edwards and Paislee Press

December Daily 2015 | 7

This story has nothing to do with Christmas.

This story is about giving.

Christmas is all about giving.

John, spreading a little 'love' around.

This story did happen in December, and therefore is, a December story.

Digital Products: Ali Edwards, Sahlin Studios, One Little Bird

December Daily 2015 | 6

This story does my heart good! Giving truly is better than receiving. We were giddy giving this stack of books, something to read, to a young couples' 5 adopted kids (4 brothers and 1 sister) who we've befriended over this past year. They've called us family. We are going to miss them when they move at the end of the year for a military change of station.

It really was wonderful watching the kids open their individual stack of books, ooh and aah, and so excited we got the youngest, Caiden, on camera, hugging his books with such gusto and - joy!

Digital Products: Ali Edwards