So Long 2009

I bought the BELIEVE ornament on sale after Christmas, but tonight it seems right to BELIEVE the new year holds the key to necessary changes, tender hopes, and steadfast dreams.

Brownies, Anyone?

It worked! This was a Christmas

gift from one grandson. He was

here today, and we put it to the test.

His fingers couldn't resist poking

holes in two of the fresh out-of-the-oven brownies. And we couldn't resist

snacking on the evenly sliced treats.

Monday's Mood

I tried rearranging objects and changing color schemes. For all the time spent puttering I accomplished very little. Maybe in a few more days the after Christmas decorating will come together. Maybe I'll even get around to dusting.

One Day After

The house has seemed so quiet today with just Cork and me inside these walls. I packed away all the Santa Clauses, took down cards from the mantel, and changed out some decorations. The decorated tree and garland on the mantel will stay to give the house a festive look for New Year's Eve. When I do start the storage of ornaments I plan to take my time and organize them better. These two new cases are for some of the more delicate round balls. Happy Weekend!

Merry Christmas!

Sending Christmas Wishes Your Way...

Our family gathering took place on Christmas Eve.
Tasty servings, delicious desserts, gift exchanges, chatter, laughter, and fun were part of our memorable time together. Hubby insisted on plastic tableware this year for easy cleanup. I think the lovely centerpiece gift would have looked even better with china and crystal. Today was spent seeing Pennee and Les off at the airport, having the traditional Christmas breakfast at oldest son's home, watching the little ones play with Santa's surprises, and visiting my mother.

Ornament Parade

Tradition of Place Cards

It's a simple tradition that the kids and grandkids look forward to at holiday meals. Some take them home. Others leave them behind, and I place them in a memory jar. Cards are also made for those who are miles away but are remembered at family gatherings.

Sunday Snippets

leftover salt dough ornament

Walmart had all the word signs marked down to $2.50.

Skating Santa remains a favorite.

This Limoges bowl was given to me by Xenia King, my children's grandmother.

Lester and Pennee will use the guest bedroom this week. They are arriving later tonight.

This garden statue is another favorite.

Early Morning Shopping

I left home soon after breakfast to do a little shopping. Lo and behold, my cart soon filled with decisions I had made. Yeah! Not many shoppers out on this cold morning, and most aisles were clear and checkout lines short. Yeah again! Home again I did a little more layering to the mantel. The Santa "Christmas Joys" postcard I have had for ages, but the "Christmas Wishes" card came in the mail today. Love it! Also happy about getting to use another favorite of mine - green floral frogs. Have a great Saturday.

Some Extra Little Details

The cranberry picker and the tin basket are

on the garage walls near our back door.

Little trees and ornament balls are lined along the computer room windowsill.

The Willow Tree nativity always graces our bedroom mantel.

A small sweet Christmas tin in the laundry room

garland of simple tags

Decorating is more or less finished. I think I have something Christmasy in every room of the house. Last night I hung one last garland in the kids' nook in the utility room. I had some gift tags from Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion magazines that I had never used. The tiny tags made the laundry room a bit cheerier. Yesterday and today I was at my old school attending morning Christmas programs for grandsons Gunner and Garrett. Oh my, the memories that came flooding back as each group stood, took their places, sang or performed. Ah, Christmas will always have special wonder and awe for the little ones, but we adults must hold onto them, too, for we should know the real reason for the season.

Surprises in the Mail

A beautiful card from one of my dearest friends

A beautifully expressed poem "For a Special Friend" by Emily Matthews

Two glitter word ornaments inside the card

Happiness inside an envelope

But now in my heart

Thank you, Mary, for being my friend.

Christmas Is Coming!

My day doesn't seem complete unless I open up the blog and post something new. Thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to visit. I think we all desire the same thing - people to care about us and to share the good times and bad. Christmastime reminds us how precious family and friends are, how much we need meaningful connections. So hug a dear friend. Smile at that person you pass. Tell a family member you love 'em. Thanks again for connecting with me here at B&P.