Peaceful Moments

 In between errands, baking, and cleaning there have been quiet moments to sit back and take in this special time. One day this week was special for me. I kept Tallulah and Etta while Lauren went to a dental appointment. Boy, that was an experience I haven't had since my early thirties. Thankfully no major problems on my short watch. My admiration for Lauren grows and grows. She is handling so much but bravely facing each new day. The mantel stockings and tree ornaments are reminders that Justin is not here to celebrate Christmas with them.

I keep making little changes to my decorating, such as 

tiny additions to the kitchen window garland and

 using velvet ribbon in places.

 Etta's sweet smile

Tallulah's Play-Doh Christmas tree

It's the small moments that bring big joy.

Merry Christmas!

Holiday Bits and Pieces

tiny trees on a bedroom dresser

When I open my writing desk...keepsake card surprise from Mary

part of a larger display...the little deer is made of carved wood

another one dollar ornament that's new on the den tree

 holiday cards on the entry table

keepsakes in white, especially

the kissing angels from Kaye 

 dining room wreath and plates

another tree on the kitchen counter

This skinny tree is in a crock and needs another bird or two.

I'm Done!

With a few changes I'm finally done. I woke up very early Wednesday morning and took down a display on top of the refrigerator. I was not pleased with the way it turned out so down it came. 

Presents for Tallulah and Etta

I tried a cluster of ornaments and liked the look so well I did two more for the living room tree. The sheer red and green ribbons I had saved came in handy. 

Soon I will put out the Christmas placemats.

These containers of Shiny Brites are perennial favorites.

The ribbon tree was a gift from a friend.

The green one I once placed in my mother's nursing home room.

I attached the tag that read

Thank You,

Mom, for lots

of Christmas memories. We

love you today

and every day.

The white one I found at a thrift store in Covington last year.

It seemed to go with the cotton in the picture. 

 

I like to decorate the organ top in the same way year after year.

There is a small tree in the garage room. It has only lights and two strands of garland. You can't tell it from the pictures, but that garland is absolutely beautiful.

Since we play Dirty Santa in the garage after our big Christmas Eve meal, I wanted that room to have a festive look, too. 

I'll end tonight's post with a few ornaments. This first one is new this year.

It came from a dollar store in Munford. I wanted it for the word COZY.

The shine sparkle twinkle ornament is a cute one from Les and Pennee.

And you know why I chose this one.

Holiday Touches

Love these little lighted houses!

This one sits beside the teapot I once gave my mother.

Together they make a bright spot in the kitchen, reminding me of wonderful past times and recent shopping fun.

  

Small Christmas trees keep showing up in many places around the house. 

Kitchen window

I must show the four special ornaments that arrived in the mail this week from my dear friend Mary.

It was an amazing surprise! I love that she made the tiny Shiny Brite boxes!

They are perfect miniature replicas.

What treasures!!!!

Yipes, Christmas will soon be here! Maybe you'll drop by one more time. I have a few more details I'd like to share.

This December the old advent calendar is on an easel near the backdoor.

It reminds me that this special time is going fast.

Christmas Details, Part 2

 Instagram and Pinterest provide so many ideas for Christmas decorating. I love seeing how others decorate their rooms and spaces for the holidays. And I hope you enjoy these glimpses into my decorating style.

 This is the first year I have decorated the small window in the den. Usually a pair of birds are perched up there. This may be my new favorite space for Christmas decorating.

My desk bookcase shelves have special mementos.

 

The hall tree always gets decorated.

The entryway bookcase is loaded down with Christmas keepsakes.

I admit it has too much, but I love seeing all the objects on display.

I have placed the nativity in several different places over the years. This time I chose the top of the piano and hung a star over it from the mirror.

Hope to share a few more decorations next time. 

I am tired tonight as I spent the day at Lauren's, playing with Tallulah part of the time and holding Etta during nap time. Lauren was able to set up her tree and get a few things done around the house. This will be a tough Christmas for her without Justin. She has been amazingly strong while tenderly caring for the girls.

Christmas Details

 Decorating the house for Christmas brings me so much pleasure. Many of the lovely ornaments and objects have fond memories attached to them.

I believe the trees were first this year. Or maybe it was the mantel.

Many ornaments never reach the tree.

.

 collection of tiny trees high up on architectural wood piece

ornaments in a wood box

arrangement in a sewing machine drawer

More to come...stay tuned.