Calico Camping 2013

We found ourselves in the California desert for a couple days of camping fun! We estimated that this was our 25th year of my family going to the Calico Campground to celebrate New Years with shooting, off-roading, and Ghost Town touring.  Ryan and I are planning a little shindig at our home for New Years Eve so we were only able to stay a few days this year. I am so very thankful that Ryan is willing to join in on this, and that my Parent's allowed us to stay in their RV for a couple nights.

Deck the Halls 2013

We were super excited to Deck our halls for Christmas this year! Living in a new place adds a new perpective to all the little nooks and crannies you can fill! I am joining Kelly at Kelly's Korner on her Tour of Homes 2013

Welcome to our home all dressed up for Christmas!!

My sweet husband couldn't wait to put up lights on this house! Its so fun to see some of his childhood dreams come true!

We are a Charlie Brown Gang Family!

I made these Wreaths a couple years ago for our condo in Lake Forest, I am still pretty proud of them!

Jesus the reason for the Season! We say "Merry Christmas" at our house, you won't find much "Happy Holiday" around here.

Joy and Peace - One of my goals of the Christmas Season is to get closer to finding both. I am so thankful for my Lord, and knowing that he continues to provide both of those things! 

30 something years of collecting Christmas stuffed animals creates for a cute staircase!!!

A mistletoe crystal hanging in our entryway. A new addition to our home this year and a fun reminder to snuggle up with Mr. Schaaf during the Christmas rush!

Our guest Bathroom. The Santa on the wall is a counted cross stitch that a dear friend gave us. She passed away a few years ago, and I treasure having some of her hand work here in our home.

Our Advent Calendar, felt figures and velcro, reminds me of old sunday school felt boards

Our Christmas Card Santa - We use him to hold all of the Cards we receive!

This is my Pink Angel Tree, I plan on writing a post describing it in more detail. The short story goes a little like this…My Grandma was in a woman's club in her younger years, they had a party and a tree very much like this was one was the center piece. Our family has re-created a few of them through the generations. It is my very favorite Christmas Decoration in my home!

We have a few nativities about. I need more shelve space to put them all out!

Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year! We look forward to every moment we get to share celebrating the birth of our savor!

Christmas Simmer

I love it when my house smells yummy. From the smell of Pinesol and Pledge to Candles from Bath and Body Works, I am always interested in finding new ways to add to the comforts of home.

I found the following holiday simmer on The Style Dossier via Pinterest.

Ingredients:
1 Lemon
1 Orange
4 Cinnamon Sticks
2 Tablespoon Whole Cloves
3 Bay Leaves
1 Cup Cranberries
4 Cups of Water (Add more water as it simmers)

Pinterest

I just love me some Pinterest. I normally have my iPhone, iPad, or Laptop near by when working on a project.

Slice the Orange

Slice the Lemon

Put all the ingredients in a pot, bring to a boil, and then turn down to a simmer.

I simmered this for about an hour on a very low flame. Our house smelled just divine.  It provides such an organic Christmas Smell that moves through the home quickly, and lasts for some time!