Warmth of Home Wednesday- Reflecting on time spent with Family!

Christmas 2010 is over.  The house is once again quiet.  As I begin to deal with the aftermath of wrapping paper, boxes, leftover food, laundry etc.,I reflect on the time spent with my loved ones.

 First of all, my husband.  Here he is opening a present and holding his grandchild.  What a man of God he is!  He works so hard and always puts the comforts of his family before his own wants.  I helped him out with shopping for me and gave him a couple ideas which he followed through on but the thing that blessed the socks off of me was a card that he gave me.  He took the time to pick a card that was exactly what he wanted to say and it deeply touched my heart.  It made everything all worth while.  My worth and value rose about a 100%.  I know that it is not easy for him to put his feelings into words and that is why he takes extra time to find just the right card.  The card  was the best gift he could have given me.

A new granddaughter makes Christmas pretty special.  Here she is with her Mommy.  She is modeling a new hat which I knit for her.  It is another hat from the book, "Itty-bitty Hats" by Susan B. Anderson.  If you like the hat, you might want to visit her blog.

It was a blessing to watch my daughter.  As a first time Mommy, my daughter is a natural.  She is so loving and gentle with our granddaughter.  She has such a tender heart.  Seeing all that she has gone through the last 31/2 months, I realize that Motherhood is truly a sacrifice, it is a giving of ones all, for a cause bigger than oneself.  Motherhood is the Lords work!  There is little glamour in it, as one has to deal with dirty diapers, around the clock feeding and pants that don't fit anymore.   You might ask yourself is Motherhood all its cracked up to be?  Well look at that healthy, happy baby and answer that!!!  The potential within that child which will come forth with the guidance and nurturing of two parents.  Mollie I applaud you!!!  You are a wonderful wife and Mother.  Your value and worth is far above gold or silver. You are truly a beautiful woman of God, inside and out!

Thank you Lord for families.  People that care for one another, that serve you by serving others.  Families are your plan and never are we more like you than when lay down our lives to better someone else.

Cozy Blessing and Warm Christmas Memories!
Bev


 

The greatest gift of all-Jesus Christ!

In the midst of trying to create a beautiful Christmas one which lets my family know just how special they are, I find myself wanting to give my all.  I want the tree to not just be nice but to be beautiful.  From the moment they walk in the door, I want them to know this is the place where they are greatly loved. Consider the presents as an extention of the decorating, matching your style, color, etc.  Think outside the box and try something that you have not done before.  The presents this year were wrapped using the end of a roll of newsprint gotten free from a local newspaper co.  It already has a vintage look and after all it was free.  This was a little secret I learned from Traci, at Whimsy.        

 The goal is to have the present be just what the recipient wants, to make them oh and ah when they open it. I also want them to enjoy looking at the pretty presents and anticipating what is inside.  Maybe this sounds a little corny or too "Martha Stewart", but there is just something so special about receiving a gift that has been wrapped careful just for you.

The presents were tied with twine and a twig of fresh greenery.  The name of the recipient stamped on it.  Simple but so special.

On this package is a paper mache flower with a black button in the center.  Isn't that fun!

As I look at the tree and spot one of my favorite ornaments,  I am reminded of the important part the angels played in the birth of Jesus.  Announcing the birth of Jesus, "Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace goodwill to men".  God gave us His very best, the very best He could give.  Why because He loves us, each and everyone of us.  He came not to condemn the world but that through Him you might be save.  If you have not yet received that gift, do it now.  Invite Him (Jesus Christ) into your heart, to be your Lord and Savior.
He will touch your heart and you will never be the same. 
From our home to yours,
Merry Christmas!
Bev   

Warmth of Home Wednesday-Hand Made cards!

The Christmas cards are done and in the mail.  Another item to cross off the "to do list"!  A family post card with a few hand written words was it for this year.  A few select people will receive a hand made card. 

These are some vintage gift tags I made for a rubber stamp party I had for a friend of mine.  Each person at the party made a set of 3.  The stamps are Stampin' Up.  They are embellished with glitter.

This is one of the projects for card club.  It is made with the stamp set "Bells and Boughs".   It is the same set used for the gift tags.  Very versatile!

This card uses the same set "Bells and Boughs",  and  "Bright Christmas"  The background is done with an embossing folder and ran through the Big Shot.

This card is from a stamp set called "Come to Bethlehem".  It is one of my favorite, well actually they all are.

Another card made from the set "Come to Bethlehem".  Love the colors used!  Most of the designs were found on "Splitcoast Stampers"  website.  A great place to get ideas!  Stamp classes will continue in January.  I will  post the class project, time and date for those of you interested.   Also I have the Christmas catalog for those of you who want stamps under the tree Christmas morning.  Hand made items are so much fun.  Fun to give and fun to get.  Take a little time to create!  It does the spirit good!  

Cozy Blessing! 

Bev

Warmth of Home Wednesday- Keep the Peace!

The days are flying by and my "to do list" is growing longer.  I think everyone feels the same way.  With the expectations of a perfect Christmas I am aware that if I lose my peace, Christmas will not be enjoyable for me or those around me.  My goal is to have a warm, cozy Christmas at home with those I love, cherishing  the time spent with my family.  That goal starts with me staying in peace even if somethings don't get done.

My husband and I are in a Marriage Small Group.  We just finished a study called "Love and War" by John and Stacey Eldridge.  The last chapter of the book really sums up our daily walk.  We are called to walk in love and that is walked out in a 100 little choices we make everyday.  Choose to listen when you want to speak, encourage someone when you are discouraged, give when you would rather receive. The old expression "little foxes spoil the vine", is really very true.  Little offenses build.  If we are honest, most of us are still trying to pass "Love 101".  Spending some time each day meditating on the word of God and just being quiet in His presence keeps me on track.  When I get too busy for that daily quiet time, look out!

  My husband and I spent the weekend at an old log lodge in a  beautiful state park.  As we were just about there it started snowing.  When we woke up Sat. morning, this is what we saw. It was like a scene right out of "White Christmas"

During the day we decorated for my husbands Company Christmas Banquet.  It was at a Country Club close to the lodge. This picture was taken coming home after the banquet.  What a wonderful time we had.

It was really fun to see the banquet come together.  I took a few pictures but you can really see the details of the amazing decorations at  whimsydecor.blogspot.com. Traci, from Whimsy's did the decorating.  She is very talented and super creative.

The centerpiece sat on a real log.  The table numbers were made of moss and attached to the log with an antique nail. There were individual arrangements by each plate. 

Each person had an individual small arrangement by their plate.

The charger was actual wood.  The menu was printed on wood paper.  It was really cool! 

This was the table as you enter the banquet.  The little logs had each persons name and table number on the outside and some goodies on the inside.

This was one of the many presents.

Be sure to check out the blog whimsydecor.blogspot.com.

Remember, keep the peace, walk in love, and let your home reflect what is in your heart!

Glory to God!   

Finished Friday- Decorating Inspiration!

Good Morning!  Well the Christmas decorating, for the most part, is done and that feels GREAT!  To continue on with what motivates me to tackle this project with enthusiasm, I will share with you a couple of my favorite shops.  I can go there and come home inspired.  They always have new and exciting ideas.  Some times Lots of times I come home with a treasure, other times I might just be inspired to try something new in my home using what I already have.  The shops motivate me to think in new ways.   Think about what you have and incorporate it in a new and fresh way.

This store is called "Whimsy".  It is located in downtown Morris, IL.  As you can see by the window the owner is quite creative and that is an under statement.  She is amazing! 

This was a must have!  On my last visit, I bought this oval chalk board picture.  It was the perfect shape for a spot in my dinning room. 

The owner, Traci makes a lot of the items.  Here are a couple handmade items.  As you can see they are so vintage looking!  I like the long cones they are very unique .  The ball was decoupaged with sheet music.  Great ideas!

This picture was taken at a shop called "DeJa Vu" located in Ottawa, IL.  It has a little different feel and is also very inspiring.  The store has a lot of architectural elements.  The rustic with the elegant appeals to me. 

 More old world elegance!  The store has two floors of Christmas delight.  If you are in the area its worth seeing.

The carolers are so cute and on my want list, I might add!

Came home with a few of these pretties!

Pure Christmas Inspiration!