I’ve decided that a home school family can’t have a photo shoot ready house. ever. I feel like I end up chasing my own tail all.day.long. So for those of you who think that bloggers actually live in a house that looks like their pictures…don’t be so easily fooled. At least if they have young children. It’s just not possible. And I am a little OCD about my house being picked up. But picked up, dishes done, coats away, toys out of sight, and kids not in the picture. Well that’s near impossible. So I’m showing you pictures in stages, cause that’s how our life is rolling at the moment…and I’m choosing to be okay with that. And hey, I hope it makes some of you feel better about your lived in homes as well:)

The dining room is one room that can stay *somewhat* clean, so we’ll start there.

and it even looks quite similar to last year, with the addition of a few new pillows and a sign…

If you remember, this was my Jo-Jo inspired Christmas tree sale sign that also sold amazing at Whimsy! I’m so glad so many of you liked it as well:):) And if I’m going to be selling christmas trees, I better have some close by right??

Ryan cut me a few toppers from his land up north, and these seemed to fit the spot perfectly. I love having fresh greens in my house, and get jealous when I see everyone’s beautiful garlands adorning every area of their house. But then I think how would that realistically work in my house?? Needles would be everywhere. So for the most part all of my greenery is fake, for sanity for myself. But this is one area that if a few needles fall I don’t mind.

and I had to bring back the hot chocolate bar…because it’s just too festive.

I found these little mini Christmas trees at Ikea a while back. They are real, and I thought surely I can keep them alive through Christmas! Surely I can not. So that’s our little secret…I’m pretty sure they are D.E.A.D. Shh..don’t tell. They still look pretty enough to display.

I have often wondered if you can display the word JOY too much in ones house. :) Oh well, I’m rolling with it.

and this may just be one of my favorite views in the house….

I will forever say that those open stairs were one of the biggest debates when we were re-doing the house, but one I am the most happiest about!

and that garland, the one adorning the railing…Is also from Ikea. It’s $8 for an eight foot piece. I loved how simple it was, but it was just a tiny bit too sparse. So I doubled it up, used a tiche of lime green spray paint to give it a textured look, and added a few berries to it. I was able to do my whole open staircase for $64 and had enough left over to make a few small wreaths I’ll show you soon:)

Can you even believe how much color you are seeing in this house of mine??

I’m not gonna lie, I’m a little proud of myself…and I think my mom is gonna be too;)

1 room down, now to go clean another…or have a cup of coffee by the fire…hmm…I’ll let you know what wins:)