We got Rick's tree this week and it's very pretty -- apart from the fact that after we got it in the stand we realized the stand was off kilter. (The tree, on the other hand, for a change, was straight as an arrow!) It's currently leaning a bit but tonight we will put books or something under the right tree let to see if we can get it straight! It's always something!
I did another round of baking so after one more batch of nuts and a little more cookie decorating, that's good to go and I can clean the kitchen. So, maybe I'm not as ahead as I thought!
The shopping is done and almost all wrapped. Everything for Christmas dinner is bought and hopefully I can do some mise en place on Saturday so it's faster on Sunday for Julia's Boeuf B.
We even have snow! My little Southern Exposure bunny looks cold out there but I am cheered whenever I look out and see him! He needs a bow. Bow is on the list.
Inside it is cozy and colorful.
The poinsettia is filled with the red and white I love.
And even Santa doesn't look like he wants to venture outside!
Once the kids started having more collective parents than they had Christmas days, we began celebrating a little early and that's what we did last weekend, driving to Livonia, MI (metro Detroit).
Of course there were presents...
...a lovely Christmas dinner...
...puzzle time...
...mellow time...
...and fun!
Time for toasting...
...and lots of anticipation as we look forward to our newest family member, coming in February!
Best of all was being with our tribe, all together!
And home again. These little angels and wooden figures are in my kitchen. Long ago, before there was a World Market chain store, our local Y would host an event called "World Market" which was a bit like an art/craft fair before they became so common (we're talking the mid-'60s here). I collected these little German wooden figures. Later some were supplemented with shoddier mass-marketed pieces, but these are my favorites! (You see, everything has a story!)
And of course, there is the nativity, which is actually in kind of an ugly little stable here -- someone went wild with the yellow paint and I didn't have time to age it out before Christmas. So, close-ups! (Really, what were they thinking?)
The angel was bought last February and has very special meaning. On the day I stopped at what claims to be World's Largest Christmas Store, Bronner's in Frankenmuth, MI, I had just made the final visit to my friend (and my mom's best friend) Fran, the Lady of the Lake. Her daughter so kindly let me come sit with her for a bit. On the way home I stopped at Bronner's, specifically to find an angel. This one stays out year round.
And so, we're almost there! Time for the final preparations, the last wrapping, Time to find the cat collar. (Note to self: Next year remember that taking a selfie holding a cat with claws that doesn't like to be held is difficult. After the wounds heal, we'll try again -- with another photographer!)
Whatever holidays you might celebrate this year -- be it Christmas or Hanukkah, Solstice or Kwanzaa or Festivus -- Rick and I send you very good wishes for a wonderful holiday season.
And peace in 2017.
Today I'm joining friends at Share Your Cup , Pink Saturday and Sweet and Simple Fridays. Check them out!
28 comments:
I hope you enjoy a wonderful celebration weekend!
from mae at maefood.blogspot.com
You look happy and ready! I love the candy cane poinsettia, and look at all your snow! We are supposed to be 70 here Christmas day, not very Christmasy, but at least the kids can go outside! Merry Merry!
Jenna
What beautiful kids..she looks radiant..lucky you..a new bébé..!
It has just snowed here too..it's all on the trees like cotton candy!
Looks and sounds like you are very ready..that santa is quite a Santa!
Happy Holidays to you..
May angels always watch over you! I'm way behind you on Christmas preparations, but will be playing carols and baking today and tomorrow.
Glad you're calm. There's no reason to be nuts.
Love that green tea thing.
Happy Christmas and boogie boogie.
What a wonderful post, and your decorations are fabulous. My Kitty was always a gentle soul, and liked being held, just not when a camera came near!
Have a great Christmas with you family and loved ones! And thanks again for th recipe! Hugs, Valerie
I love that angel holding a cat! That's right up Phil's alley. :) I wouldn't be able to get a pic of me holding Oscar. Phil could, but not me!!
I'm feeling fairly calm going into Christmas weekend, too. I cut back on Christmas present this year. I used to get them for all my nieces and nephews but going forward I'm just getting one for my Godson as they all get so much anyways! So we don't have many gifts under the tree, but that's ok.
Molly looks so cute pregnant! 2017 will surely be an exciting year for all of you!!!
Jeanie, it looks like you have an exciting year ahead with a new baby coming. I see a lot of travelling in your future. :) I have loved being invited into your lovely home at Christmas to share in all the preparations. I wish you and Rick a very happy Christmas. Give Lizzie a hug for me whether she likes it or not. ;-) hugs, Deb
Jeanie, sweet photos! Love the one with you and Rick (no claws) and the selfie with claws! Wishing you and yours peace and joy. Always time for "another round of baking!" :-)
Howdy Jeanie, so glad to see you had stopped by and yes, the tree lighting ceremony is a big deal and we attend every year--it's fun! Loved this post and also the yummy cookies yesterday. Your poinsettia is GORGEOUS and so unique!! Your nativity is pretty too. Can't believe this Christmas season has passed by so quickly!
What a joyful post. I especially liked the photo of your son's home with the tiny trees. I thought I had a lot of trees. I was really, really impressed.
I was most impressed with your original World Market pieces. And of course, the angel with the cat is so special, very special.
I hope you are still caught up and mellow, because I'm so far behind, I barely have time to use the toilet (TMI?). Here's to a lovely holiday, although I'm sure I'll be back again before Christmas.
Hello dear Jeanie!!! Your house looks beautiful. You look like an absolute stunner in that emerald green sweater! Hope you have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!xxoo
Sounds like your holiday celebrations are off to a great start... Glad to hear it! Hope the rest of them are as much fun. Happy whatever! ;)
What a lovely family, Jeanie - and such a beautiful celebration. It is a joy to read your posts. Merry Christmas!
Absolutely beautiful photos! Thank you for sharing your Christmas with us. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and safe New Year!
Count down indeed. Just reading your post raises my anticipation. As I write, snow is falling heavily and I think I'll just right here at home all day. Merry Christmas to you (if I haven't sent my greetings) and look forward to more beautiful posts in the coming year!
Merry Christmas Jeanie! I LOVE that red and white poinsettia and your home looks so beautifully Christmas cozy! We are all done with prep and just cooling our heels here waiting for the day. Hubby took today off so we grabbed coffee and did some fun small town gift shop shopping since the mall would be a mad house. I'm playing catching up on blogs while he wraps my gifts. Later we will cuddle in front of the tv and watch a movie. Perfect! Sunday we will have Christmas with the kids :)
You two have the best smiles! I so enjoyed this post. It read like a letter from a good friend.
Merry Christmas to you!
I had my holiday panic yesterday, but now I feel like its Christmas weekend and I am ready to enjoy it. :) Your house looks beautiful. Your family looks beautiful. Its exciting to think of new member coming soon. :) Enjoy your holiday days...I think spreading out the holiday over several days makes it more of a season than a day and even better. Hugs-Erika
Jeannie! So nice to hear from you after all this time that I have been absent from blogging! No!, you haven't passed by the Bend on route to London!!
Please contact me next time and we can meet up! Email me. mysilverspiritatgmaildotcom
We can catch up! Christmas Blessings to you and your family.
You look very festive and relaxed. Thank you for the card. Merry Christmas.
xo xo Esme
Those little German figures are adorable, and I forgot to mention on a previous post how much I like that red chair. Red is my favorite color. It looks so comfy.
You've taken such care with your decorations and it shows. So beautiful. Have a wonderful Christmas, Jeanie. All the best to you and Rick and all those you love.
That was me up there... Bella Rum. Oops. Don't know what happened.
I'm reading this on Christmas Eve, Jeanie, and it sounds to me as if you'll be all set and totally ready to go. Unlike.... er.... me......! Must get wrapping some presents now. :) Have a great day tomorrow!
And the fun is STARTING!!!!!!!!! I am off now from school, I am going to make a cake this morning, I am SO HAPPY! Merry Christmas dear Jeanie!
Merry Christmas, Jeanie! You inspire me!
Family time no matter when is extra special. That baby looks like it could pop sooner than February. Love that angel holding the kitty. Sending love!
What a cute family you have Jeanie. And exciting to have a new little one coming in February! It sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas holiday. Love your beautiful nativity and sweet German ornaments. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
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