My early Christmas gift

Look at what has been going on in our house this month.

 So, all I wanted for Christmas was a place to hang our stockings. We have a fireplace in our family room but it is hideous. I mean, I feel like I can deal with most quirky things in the house that I wouldn't have chosen, but there is no excuse for a fireplace this ugly. Especially because we never use it and it is in a weird spot.

 I searched everywhere for a "before"picture. Turns out there aren't many because it is so ugly (just getting my point across). But I found this picture. It was taken two years ago a few days after we moved in. Look past the boxes at the fireplace framed with floor tiles then finished with some painted wood.

Now look at this beautiful site. My wonderful little brother putting in tons of time and amazing amounts of talent to build me a mantle. I should also mention Shawna and the time that she spent helping, consulting, and giving up time with her man so he could be here working. Isn't that an amazing gift?
So here is how mean I am. I am not even going to give an "after" photo yet. Steve is finished with the mantle but I have to do some paint touch ups and frankly I can't be totally happy until we paint in there so that the white mantle with white tile just pops!
So stay tuned!