LUCKY ME!

I have just found out that I have won a contest! The very sweet and most talented Fifi of Fifi Flowers has chosen my photo entry of my darling granddaughter as this week's winner! I am so excited because Fifi will paint my photo and place it on frameable notecards for me to enjoy. Thank you, FIFI! I just love Fifi's whimsical style of painting, so I know I will love her creation! I will post it on my blog as soon as she finishes it.

Hope everyone had a wonderful CHRISTMAS! I know I feel very blessed to have a loving family and a warm home and I will not ever take that for granted. God has blessed me over and above what I deserve. May His riches blessings be with you all in the new year, 2009!

Today, my husband and I went to see " Seven Pounds" and it is sooooooooo good! Very touching and quite thought provoking. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a good movie to see.

From OUR House to YOURS!! Merry Christmas!

Our FIVE little ANGELS.........Elizabeth, McCartney, Samuel, Max and Sarah Gray...........................God Bless you all now and in the New YEAR!!...............

The time draws near the birth of Christ,
The moon is hid; the night is still:
The Christmas bells from hill to hill
Answer each other in the mist........

TENNYSON

Figurine "finds" made in Occupied Japan

While scouring one of my favorite charity shops , I came across some figurines for Fifty-cents no less that are stamped with "occupied Japan" on the bottom. I understand that these were made after the WWII ended until 1952. They are really collector's items so I was thrilled to find them. The above one is my favorite I think!

This is a beautiful duck planter which I paid a little more for but loved it!

The girl with a rabbit, china plate with basket and watering can are so cute and what about the DOG drinking from a bowl! These make me happy!

This last one is an oriental vase and also was made in Occupied Japan.

IT's Beginning to Look Like Christmas...Part TWO!

My Front door with a simple wreath with red bow....at night I have a spotlight which really shows it up from the street!

The hearth in my family room with the Nutcracker standing guard!

I love my Christmas plates that I purchased at an Estate Sale many years ago.....these are by CHASE and are embellished with 24 karat gold. I can use these all winter which makes it nice!

A corner in my kitchen......the wine glasses were sent to me by my niece as a joke of sorts, but I LOVE them......One of them says, "My Party affiliation is COCKTAIL!" Too Funny!

THe plates again......How did that happen??

This crazy INTERNET.......a repeat too!

I bring these ANGELS out each year with delight and place them on my piano..........Aren't they lovely?

For several years, I have placed FRESH garland on my mirror in the livingroom.......I just LOVE it!

Fresh garland on my mantel in the LR with Blue ribbon and gold birds that I have had for years.......added white lights since I am not having a tree this year..........

My family laughs at my Sporting Santas which I have collected, but I still put them out with pride and a laugh or two! This one is a fisherman!

Here is my GOLFING Santa .....isn't he just the cutest??

Last but not least, my CANOEING SANTA which is my fave!

LAST BUT NOT LEAST, I SNAPPED THIS PICTURE THE OTHER DAY OF A PLASTIC LIZARD MY HUSBAND USES FOR FISHING AND A REAL ONE THAT THE CAT BROUGHT IN! CAN YOU TELL WHICH IS WHICH? THIS SAME CAT HAS ALWAYS GOTTEN IN MY HUSBAND'S BOAT AND BROUGHT IN THE FISHING ONE SO WHEN SHE BROUGHT IN THE REAL ONE AND IT MOVED, I LET OUT A SCREAM AND GOT MY CAMERA! LOL!





Blessings to each one of you and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!

It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas!!

My Granddaughters with some local 'Rockettes'!!

Dining Room decorations.......

With friends at the HOLIDAY DANCE......what fun!

A Christmas arrangement I did for a friend.

My diningroom table with Feather Trees and Angels........ Feather wreath on Mantel


Well, It's that time of year again!! I am getting started with few decorations and fun parties with friends and family. I do love the SEASON and wish I wouldn't let myself get FRAZZLED! Why do we let ourselves do that?? For we KNOW that the REAL REASON for the SEASON is the CELEBRATION of the BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST, our SAVIOR AND LORD! Halleluah!

Blessings to you all and MAY YOU remember the REASON FOR THE SEASON! I know I am !!!