Gratitude #11 - End of the Year!

How could I end the year without expressing some Gratitude??

Here is #11. My last post for 2008.

And once again, these things are not in order of importance. Cousin Sean Martella

Uncle Todd Wright


1- I am grateful for Miracles.
I will testify that they are here around us daily. Children being born, Charity, Giving,Priesthood blessings, The Power of Faith,Hope and Prayer.
We have had an incredible month as my cousin Sean is reported to be in remission from Testicular Cancer, and my Uncle Todd has just completed his 2nd Bone marrow transplant, and is doing great. I have witnessed many miracles and blessings since my Uncle Todd was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma ( Cancer of the Bone Marrow )

7 years ago.

Some of the experiences that I have witnessed and have seen with my Uncles trial are too special to share on the Internet, but I can tell you with all my heart that Miracles surround us daily, and he is a walking and living Miracle.

2- I am grateful for my little Family.
What a blessing it has been for me to experience Motherhood. My children help me to be a better person, and they are special people. I am grateful they were sent to me. What fun we have had this holiday season laughing, dancing, eating, and playing together as a family.
Chad is such a wonderful Father, Husband and provider for us, and
I appreciate his sacrifice for us each day. I am truly blessed.
* Do you know he hasn't complained once at how much
I have spent seeing Twilight in the theatre?
He is Awesome! :)

3- I am grateful for my Cousins.
I always loved my cousins, but being one of the oldest of 66 on one side of the family, we are not all extremely close. This past year through blogging, I can honestly say that my Love for them has increased so much. Many of you have become like sisters to me, and I feel so fortunate to be related to such awesome girls.

4- I am grateful for my Bloggy Friends.
Every time I walk past my Christmas card door, and I see pictures and cards from some of you, my heart is happy. I am still waiting for some cards from Germany and the Netherlands, and I am so exited to have met such inspiring people from all over the world. You teach me. You inspire me. You lift my spirits with your comments. I have never met some of you, and yet I love you. I guess it goes to show that we truly are all brothers and Sisters in this world. Thank you for your friendship.

5-I am grateful for my home.
I feel so fortunate to have shelter, heat, and a cozy place to live.
It is far from perfect, and I have so much yet to do with it, but it truly is my favorite place to be. I have always been the type to like to be out and about doing anything and everything, and this year, I have turned into a homebody. I love to be here.

6- I am grateful for the New Year Church time change.
Yipee! Our church time changes to 11:00 - 2:00 and I cannot be more pleased! It has been very hard to get myself and 3 little ones ready for church with Chad in meetings. Many times I have had to feed the kids cheerios in church and skip breakfast because we didn't have time to eat. Now, I will be able to have a decent breakfast with the kids, and we can relax a little on sabbath morning!

7- I am grateful for Sincere Love and friendship.
I was at a holiday party last night, and a very dear friend to me was standing there holding my hands as she talked to me. She seriously held my hands in hers for 10 minutes. She truly loves me, and I can feel it with her actions. Isn't it a blessing to know people that unconditionally love you despite all of the flaws you have?? This dear friend is one who hugs and waits for you to let go first, and she really listens to me when I talk. She is comfort. She is love. She is an angel to me. This world would be a better place if we all greeted each other with a hug. I have a sweet Aunt who hugs everyone she meets. She is a light to many, and I admire her so much.
I wish I was more secure with myself to be like them.

8- I am grateful to see a light at the end of a dark tunnel.
We may have a new bathroom in early 2009! Yes. That's right my friends.. my bathroom will now be transformed into something lovely. I promise that when this important event takes place in the new year, there will be a party. An open house. And you will all be invited to sit and actually not feel as though you are in a gas station bathroom! Can you believe it?? Whoo hoo!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Best Wishes to you all for a Happy and Healthy 2009!!!

Christmas 2008

Are you tired of seeing my last post? I sure am. I have become L-A-Z-Y.

I have good intentions to get on the blog.. Do a post, and even read all of yours, but then --

I don't get to it.

Chad is home, and will be until the end of the week, and I love it.

We have a yummy breakfast every morning -- thanks to his new Griddle, and I get to wake up to him by my side, and the kiddies coming to curl up in bed with us. What a fun holiday.

The Christmas festivities seemed to start a week ago today with the Tenney family party, and I am ashamed to admit that I didn't get the camera out almost the entire week. There was so much fun going on with my brother here from Virginia, I just spaced it.

Now, I regret that I didn't have the camera out for a few occasions.

I did happen to take a few pictures of Christmas Eve at Chad's parents,

and then at our house on Christmas Day.

The kids get to open up new Jammie's every year on Christmas eve. This year was fun because Grandma made them all Pj pants. Tenney and Amelia loved them..

The boys all got matching Pj pants also. ~ Grandma was quite the busy sewing bee! She did aprons for all of us *older* girls, grilling camo aprons for the guys, and even the little girls got some cute aprons too. Everything was darling!

Even little Mary Caroline got new Jammie's.

We came home from the Christmas party, and made some cookies for Santa. Tenney wrote him a letter, and left a bunch of carrots out for the reindeer too.

We spent the night cleaning, getting ready for Santa to come, and I spent some quite time writing my first traditional letters to the family. I loved my new tradition this year. It was fun to take some quite moments in the busyness of the night and sit and reflect on my children and husband and the things that mean the most to me. I know the letters don't matter as much to them now--as they will when they are older, but it was nice for me. I am grateful for my children, and my husband.

We got to bed at a decent time, and woke up Christmas morning to this....

Snow..... Snow.... Snow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the back yard.

It was beautiful! A Winter wonderland!

The snow just kept on coming too. Lots of it. Where we live, we seemed to get more than other places in Utah. We have spent much of the weekend shoveling, and I have been able to burn off some of the holiday calories!

It's fun to see Snow from the window.. But no fun to drive in it. :(

Would you believe Santa made it through the storm. He spoiled us all. Tenney received her beloved American Girl doll. This is Happy Tenney and Kiersten.

This is Happy Christian with this first "real tool box" and "real tools " like Dad's.


Mary was so happy to get this darling little baby bed. She loves Dolly's, and this bed was her Grandmothers when she was little. It is 60 years old, and was made by her 2nd great grandfather. Mary loves it, and Mommy loves the new heirloom. :)

Tenney and Kiersten ( in her St. Lucia Swedish costume. )

We had a lovely and blessed Christmas.
If I had to use one word to describe our past week, it would be:

Joy.

Joy to have my brother here, and our family all together.
Joy to have our very large family picture taken and over with.
Joy to have lots of Christmas cards from dear family and friends.
Joy to have seen Twilight for the 5th time.
Joy to laugh playing board games with friends and family.
Joy to have lots of family parties.
Joy to have lots of yummy food.
Joy to have received wonderful presents.
Joy to have health and safety during this crazy-snowed in week.
Joy to have had Testimony meeting with the family.
Joy to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

The Best Gifts....

Every year we are out looking for that "perfect" gift for that certain person that we love.

Some people are easy to shop for, and others make shopping not- so - delightful.

I was thinking back about Christmases past, and the different presents that I remember.

I remember the year that I received a "fake cabbage patch kid " and I loved her. I'm sure Santa was heart broken that he could not get me a real one with the high demand at the time. I always loved her though.

I remember Christmases that I received games, clothes, pet birds, Barbies, and a beloved Ghetto Blaster. I can't tell you what ages I received those gifts-- or what years, but my parents always made Christmas special for us even though we didn't have loads of money, and there was 6 of us kids to buy for and please. They always did a good job. We felt spoiled, and loved.

One of my very favorite gifts that I receive most years ( even now ) is from my Mother. It is simple, it is free, and it is beloved. I can't remember the year she started doing it, but I always look forward to her gift each year.

She writes us each a letter and puts it on the tree. She tells us each what we mean to her and things about that year that she has noticed, and it makes us feel cherished and loved. Even when the son-in-laws and daughter-in-laws join in the family, she writes one for them also, and it was so endearing to me to see a letter to my husband from my Mother telling him what a great husband and Father he is. That is what's important to me.

We sometimes forget that it's the little things that usually mean the most, and I have to say that this means the most to me. I still have my fake cabbage patch, and a few barbies, but everything else is gone now-- except for those letters.

I will always have those letters. They are like Gold to me, and because they are so precious, I decided to start one to each of my children this year. Even though 2 of them cannot read yet, I hope that one day they will find all of these letters, and they will cherish them as I do.

How would it be if each person in the world had a letter on the tree Christmas morning?

I'm sure a spouse, parents, and Grandparents would also treasure such a gift.

Last weekend, one of our neighbors passed away in his sleep during the night. He was not an old man, and his family and many of us have been in complete shock. I have thought of this dear family, and my heart has ached for them this week. How will Christmas be magical? There hearts are heavy and many times I have thought about and wished for them that they could each have one of these "special letters" on their tree from their father. --Something telling each of them how special they are to him.

This experience has made me realize how blessed I am today to have my family. I have gotten caught up in the many stresses that this holiday season can bring, and after this happenend this weekend, I realized that all of the presents don't matter so much as the blessing of having my little family together with me. I cherish them, and hope they will know how much I love them when I write the letters this year for Christmas...

Favorite Christmas Recipes

Things here are crazy busy. I have thought about abandoning the blog until after the New Year, but I'm not sure I can be without it for that long. If I don't post as much as usual, you will know why... I'm sure it's the same at your house. Here are 3 of my most asked for recipes this year. They are SUPER yummy. I don't lie.

Aunt Nesa's Yummy Caramel Popcorn

1 16 oz. pkg. brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 cup light Karo Syrup
1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk

Mix all ingredients except Milk in pan. Bring to boil. Add milk and boil 3 minutes.
Salt Popcorn a little before pouring on the caramel.


Aunt Kaye's Sweetheart Crunch Treat

1/2 box Corn Chex Cereal
1/2 box Golden Graham Cereal
1 pkg. Angel Flake Coconut
1 Pkg. Red Hots Candy
1 to 2 c. Slivered Almonds

Put dry ingredients in a bowl, and set aside.

Syrup:
1 C. light Karo Syrup
1 C. Butter
1 C. Sugar

Combine wet ingredients in medium pan. Heat to boiling; boil 4 to 4 1/2 minutes.
Pour over dry ingredients; toss and spread out evenly on wax paper to cool.


Aunt Carolyn's Blueberry Stuffed French Toast ( this is sinful! )
( Serves 10-15 )
12-15 slices of bread cubed
2 8oz. Cream cheese
1 cup blueberries ( frozen whole )
12 eggs
2 cups milk
1/3 c. maple syrup

* Place 1/2 of cubed bread in a buttered 9x13 pan. Cut up cream cheese into cubes (like butter size )and spread over the bread. Then top this with remaining bread. Sprinkle whole blueberries over the entire dish. In separate bowl, mix eggs, milk and syrup. Pour over the top of dish. Chill overnight or for 8 hours. ( this is best made the night before )
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes covered. Then uncover, and bake an additional 25 minutes.
Serve immediately with sauce.

Sauce:
1 c. Sugar
2 T. cornstarch
1 c. water
( Boil those 3 for 3 minutes )
then add 1 cup whole blueberries. Simmer 8 minutes.
Stir in 3 T. butter, and 2-3 teaspoons lemon juice.

This French toast is my Favorite Breakfast. It tastes like something you would eat in a ritzy hotel or nice bed and breakfast.. My favorite!!

If you have any questions about the recipes, call me, or leave it in the comments..
Happy Christmas treats and Breakfast that will not disappoint!!

Finding/Making Joy

Joy. Happiness. Christmas Cheer.

They all are such wonderful things yet- many people are struggling to find these things this year.

We are living in a Recession right now. Many people have lost their Employment, and many are worried about the uncertainty of their employment. For some, it is really hard to get into the Christmas mood and spirit of the season.

Even though we all know what the season TRULY represents,
it is difficult for some to have any sort of Christmas joy.

I personally know some people that are going through this at this time of year, and it seriously breaks my heart.

How I wish I could give every person I know and Love a Merry Christmas..

6 years ago when Tenney was little, we were hit with hard times after 9/11. My husband is a computer programmer, and could not find work ANYWHERE. We really struggled that year.

We were fortunate to live in his Aunt's basement where we only had to pay utilities, and we had to receive help from the government in many ways. I learned alot during that hard time about gratitude and Humility. I will forever remember that difficult time in our life, because of the lessons I learned about life, prayer, love, sacrifice and faith.

During that hard year, Christmas came, and we didn't feel so jolly. We were sort of in a pity-us state. We were embarrassed. We put on a good act with our friends and family. We tried to focus on the "real" meaning of Christmas---but felt such sadness at the thought of what we couldn't put under the tree for our little family. -- One night we came home from a family get together, and there was an envelope taped to the door with " H " family typed in small letters. The owner did not want to be detected with their handwriting. We opened it up, and there was $100 and a note that said " Merry Christmas.. Please keep this a secret."

I remember I instantly started sobbing.

This $100 felt like a million dollars.

I had all sorts of thoughts rushing through my head.. Who would do this for us? Oh no.. are we one of those "Charity " cases that look needy? And wondered if we should actually spend this anonymous gift.

It was hard to swallow our pride and accept the money, but we did, and we really stretched that blessed money.

That simple little note changed us. It is stapled in one of my journals as a reminder that Angels are among us....

Chad and I made a covenant that day. That when we ever had the means to help out another during Christmas the same way we were blessed, then we would do it. Since then, we try and help out those who are in need of a little Christmas cheer.

So, how do you know who to give to? Many of our friends and family may secretly be struggling. I have found that if I pray about whom we can help, we are usually guided to were we should go.

I feel very fortunate that as of today, Chad still is employed, and we are once again able to help others this holiday season. I feel blessed to have my family, friends, home, and to have met some great people this year through blogging. Your friendships are very dear to me, and I love to know you.

I hope we all may remember that many are struggling this year, and if we have any means to bless another life with money, service, or love.. we will.

You've got Mail!

Can I just tell you how much I LOVE to go and get the mail everyday in December??

I look forward to it. Does that mean I am old??

How fun is it to find one or 2 cards each day from the people I love!

I Adore this time of year!

This is where we post our cards. I know.. Pretty boring huh..

But, it's not ever going to change.

I love the simpleness of it, and that's how my Mom and Grandma do it, so why break the tradition?? You may not be able to see from the picture.. But, this is where my OCD can be spotted. I can't just put them up.. Oh no.. They have to be in a pattern.. They have to be the same style of card and even on both sides, and if it isn't,

I wait for a card to come that is.

Am I wacky or what? He-he!

This year was an extra fun year for me. I sent out 11 bloggy friend cards, and one of them was to Germany! Oh what fun!

I love that I have made new friends this year, and I want you to know that I cherish you.

So, what about all of you that I see on my sitemeter that I have never met before? I wish we were friends. Why havent you commented?? I'm waiting...

Patiently....

Hopefully I will be sending out a card next year to you also!

Happy Mail day everyone!!!!!!!!

Holiday STrEsS!!!!!

See my little Angels. Well, all are mine minus the little darling all in red. Well, contrary to popular belief, they are not always little angels. In fact, tonight was a night that if Chad wasn't home to put them in bed... Maybe I shouldn't go there...

We are only a few days into a heavy snow storm, and the cabin fever is abundant here.

Great.... 3 more months to go with yucky weather.

Welcome to Utah.

It has got to be easier raising Children in Arizona or California where the temperatures never get in the 20's.

I wonder how it would be to live in a climate that you can send your kids outside all year long.

I'm sure it's quite Heavenly.

Jealous. So Jealous.

So, while I sit here in my room and pout about how the day has gone at my house,

I seem to not be able to get out of my bad mood.

Then, I remember... what always puts me in a good mood.....

Dwight. That's who.

Do you know Dwight? Well, he is the miracle to my bad mood. If you do not watch the Office, it is seriously one of the funniest TV shows on the air. Last Thursday's Christmas episode was one of the best I have seen in a LONG time. ~ And when days like today come about, then we turn on the DVR and watch it over and over again.

I'm glad I didn't erase it.. It's therapy to me.

Do you watch the office? If so, I have a special Christmas present for you.

You can peek at it right here. Make sure you check it out!! Ha-Ha!!

I hope tomorrow is a better day. I have a house to clean, baking to be done, kiddies to tend to, and a Baby shower to host. I know. I am crazy. Please pray for me?

Are you having some Holiday Stress? If so, I sympathize!!!

Ornament Love...

I love ornaments. Especially bargain ornaments. As I have said in earlier posts, my tree is pretty pink. Many of my ornaments have come from the thrift store during the spring when everyone is de-junking from Christmas. I tend to love ones that are vintage, and that look all *blingy* since that is more my style. It thrills me to see gorgeous ornaments that don't cost very much.

What can I say? I am easily pleased.

I found these Victorian Santa ornaments in a box of 8 at the thrift store 3 years ago for $2.00.

Sah-weet! The one in back of it is an "H" representing our last name. ~ And most of the pink balls all came from thrift stores also. Love my pink.

Luckily, Tai-pan usually has some sort of pink tree -- so I can find a few new ornaments each year. These pink hearts were a good price, and soo cute! Do you have a Tai-pan where you live? It's a favorite store of mine.

I LOVE ornaments that are from people that I love. My friend Leah gave me this back in the day when I was a poor newly wed. It is one of my favorite ornaments. How did she know I would one day have a pink tree??

That Leah is a mind reader. I also love to find ornaments that remind me of people. I bought this ornament the month after my Grandmother died. She played and taught the Violin for many years, and every year that I put up the violin ornament, I think of her. Pretty much if there is a way to be sappy or sentimental, I am a part of it.

In our family, another tradition we have is to get a new ornament each Christmas. I pick a new one out that represents Chad and I together, and then the kids each pick a new one. I try not persuade the kids to get one that would look better on my tree ( even though I'd like to) but rather- I tell them it needs to be under $4.00, and let them find one THEY like.

Well, last year Christian chose these turquoise bells. They would normally be pretty on a tree with similar colors, but one my tree it sticks out like a sore thumb. I seriously have to kind of hide them on the back of the tree. My siblings had a pretty good laugh about them. I tried to persuade him to something else, but he was set on the bells. I'm sure when he is older, the bells will be one of my favorite ornaments...

These are the ornaments chosen for 2008. I write on the bottom there initials, and the year so they can remember each year, and it is also the ornaments that they get to hang on the tree.

Tenney's is a crystal snowflake ( she usually has some sort of cat ) and Christian chose a snowman. Mary has a little cat on a bell. After we took the picture, we hung there ornaments up. And...............


...Little Mary had a meltdown. So, rather than listen to her scream.. we gave in, and she carried it around for the next hour or so... ( Hi Ann's Pj leg. )

Happy Mary Caroline... As long as no one messes with her Ornament.

She is PRETENDING to put it on the tree. She really didn't though...

She's good at faking us out.. She's quite the little bean.. Has us all wrapped around her little finger....

Twilight Christmas

I'm dreaming of a Twilight Christmas.

Just Kidding. -- Kinda.

I read on a blog that someone had a twilight Christmas tree. Since I was lurking, I didn't want to chime in and ask "where is this tree? " -- so I googled it. Nothing.

I have searched for a while, and then early this week, my fabulous friend Heather went to the Festival of trees, and took some pictures, and what do you know??

Twilight tree. Dang it!!!

Heather is so awesome she even let me copy these pictures for my post. So, here they are in case you want to see some cool twilight Christmas themed stuff.
(Hopefully you can click on the picture to see the stuff better )

This picture cracks me up. Hellooo Mr. Bodyguard of the Twilight tree. Are you afraid people are going to steal something? Okay... Twilight fans are a little obsessed ( like me ) -- you can stand there and ummmm stand there with a totally serious face. Good Job.


I'm kind of snobby about trees, and I actually like this one.
Whomever you are that decorated this tree, You. Are. Rad.


I love that they put licorice in the display. All of the special things like the chess board and such.. This person must be a Twi-hard fan too. Yep.
( Oh and Santa informed me that the boxed set right there in the corner..
Yes.. That won't be here until January.. )Bummer....I'll just have to re-read my thrashed paperbacks.


The BEST gingerbread house. I seriously L.O.V.E it.

I wonder if people that have not read the books or seen the movie wondered why a greaser dude is peeking into the window there???

Look at the little Bella truck.. So cute!



And... do you know what Christmas CD I have listened to the most this year is??
Yep.. Twilight CD. OK. I know it's not Christmas. But, I. Am. Addicted.

And poor real Christmas music has been on the back burner..

I do listen to Christmas music sometimes, but I'm still not sick of the Twilight yet, so until I am sick of it, it's gonna be played!
I seriously think this is one of the best Soundtracks ever...
Warning: This is not soft music.
It's like the kind I listened to in High School.
Not for everyone, but being Enjoyed by ME!

Happy Twilight Christmas!!

I love Christmas Treats!

In the phrase being "Naughty or Nice, "

do you think that Naughty treats count?

If so... I am in trouble.

Christmas goodies... mmmm.

There is so many to choose from, and yet...

Can you believe that I REALLY only crave to have these 3 treats to keep me

Merry and Jolly?

Well, I really don't have to have them.. I just adore them ALOT!

I know most people would say * Anything Chocolate* ... not so for me.. In fact I only like Chocolate if it has nuts or something in it. Plain chocolate... Blech.

So... What are my 3 favorite treats you ask??

Thanks for asking and let me show you....3rd favorite treat)- Chewy Caramel Popcorn. Chad's Mom makes this for Camping treats, and Christmas, and it is sinful. I like it hot and gooey. ( Oh I hope no one googles that line ) and basically, I can't make it or I'd eat the whole thing. Yep. I would.

2nd Favorite treat)- Sugar Cookies.

Just seeing this picture makes my mouth water.

This is the best *make me happy* treat.

They are the best when they are soft ( with sour cream inside )

and frosted with Butter Cream frosting. Yum...

And the 1st most loved Christmas treat ( and any special day for that matter ) goes to the BELOVED Sees candy. There is no other chocolate better. Sorry but true. This is also something that generations in my family have loved ( on both sides )

and it is Always given as a gift during Christmas.

I have my favorites, and yes.. I stand in line to hand-pick them.

Chad gave up a long time ago, and he is happy just to see me enjoy it as much as I do.

( Shhhh..He's hooked too )

Sees Candy is Celestial. I am sure that if we can eat in Heaven, Ms. Mary Sees will be there with her secret ingredients, and we will all be able to abundantly partake of it without gaining any weight. Nice dream huh??

What are your Favorite Christmas Treat(s)???

I Love Christmas Decorations!

Welcome to my Christmas Decorations.

They are not the best photos, and I always feel that things look better in person, so I hesitated about posting them, but whatever. One day I'll wanna look back and see how I styled it back in 2008. If you don't believe me that things don't look as good as in person... try it yourself. You'll see what I mean...

I love the feeling the decorations bring into our home. The warmth, coziness, and memories they bring me make me so happy. I wish it always felt like it does with Christmas Decorations up. These are not ALL of my Decorations, but there is too many to post.

My front door hanging. I love that you can take a simple greenery and adding berries, pine cones, a few ornaments, some sticks, and walla! Door hanging. I have to be selective with what is on my door now because of the storm door.

My kitchen Hutch. I am ADDICTED to Apothecary jars. They are so much fun!

These can be used year round for so many things, and seeing the candy canes in there reminds me of candy stores in olden days.

The Candlesticks on the top shelf belonged to my 2nd great grandmother Kindness Wright. I LOVE heirlooms! ( Did you know that?) The doll on the bottom is a St. Lucia doll. I have Swedish heritage, and my talented Aunt Jackie made it for my Grandmother. After my Grandmother passed away, my Aunt knew I loved family history, so she gave it to me.

I LOVE it!

My entry way table. Starting to collect pretty Christmas trees.
Joy. Heather Perry.. This is prize #2 for winning my contest. You are awesome for following me the whole month. I love you!
The garland above my door and on my railing.
Again, I like to just put a little of this and that, and create!!!

These ornaments are why we need a second tree. I really want one downstairs that the kids get to decorate, and then to have my pretty pink tree upstairs. We have too many ornaments for one tree. Christian decorated these this year. Next year he will be off to school, so I'm glad he got to help be my "special decorating buddy".

What do you do when you have too many ornaments???

I would de-junk, but they are sentimental. Ya know???Christmas here, Christmas there.. Little bits of Christmas everywhere..

You still can't see how "pink" my tree is, and when I get too close, the ornaments look orange.
This is the only thing that doesn't change from year to year. I like it just the way it is.

More decorations...

Mantle decorations....

Nativity Table. I love "little Nativity's." My Aunt Ginger used to always make them each Christmas, and I loved them. Whenever I can find a cute new one, I buy it. Love this table.

Again, Aunt Jackie made these DARLING hearts.

I love homemade things that are put together with LOVE!

Chad's Mom stitched this for me last year.

I love it! -- How many times have I said love it?

So lucky to have these. These 2 guys were in my home growing up. Funny that they are now vintage. They mean alot to me. Memories of a happy childhood during Christmas time.

It is dark outside-- it's not black behind my french doors. Promise.

Ornaments hanging over many pictures of past Christmases.

My bookshelves are filled with memories of those pictures!!

Did you notice that I showed this cute blingy tree 3 times in my post?? FYI it is not the same tree. Yep.. 3 different. I loved it so much, I bought 2 of them for me, and the third one.. goes to Heather Perry again as prize #1 for all of your hard work!

( and 1 more prize not shown.. )

Happy Decorating!

I hope to see all of your decorations too!