Monday, December 27, 2010

CHRISTMAS FUN

Whew! What a whirlwind of activity it has been around here. Coming and going and eating and socializing...it never seemed to end. It has finally calmed down a bit, the girls are at the mall spending their gift certificates {as if they didn't get enough clothes, jewelry and perfume from Santa!}. I finally have some time to catch my breath and then it is back to trying to make sense of the chaos of my home. To me, it looks no different than it did when the kids were younger, really young. And Christmas morning resembled the same this year. Wrapping paper and boxes flying, shouts of happiness, son Jeff wheeling in a vintage Schwinn bike for The Husband to use at the Lakehouse {it is sitting in my den right now}, and lots of eating and making merry. We had a little brunch around 11:00 with an egg casserole I threw together and a hot buffalo chicken wing dish that Abby made. Santa was good to everyone, I received some decorating books, a new IPhone {still haven't completely figured out the Blackberry I got last year}, a gift certificate for a spa {I NEED that}, some jammies, perfume, goodies for the home from Marshall's and a whole lot of good stuff.

The Husband did surprisingly well with his last minute shopping on Christmas Eve. He was feeling a little bleary eyed after coming home from his office Christmas party at 2:30 a.m. the night before, but he made it through the throngs of shoppers and came home weighed down with packages. He was most proud of his trip to The American Indian Store downtown where he picked up these hand made hats for Emily, Abby and Mary Clare. Don't they look darling? Christmas morning is always fun...it brings out the child in us all.
I felt a little bad that I wasn't able to show you a lot of my Christmas decorations, and as I was walking into the family room the other night, I saw my little Christmas Village and thought I'd share that with you. Actually, it is Emily's village, I gave it to her after getting tired of setting it up. Do you know how many cords and light bulbs go into one of these things?
I collected all of it in about a year, a piece or two every month, anxious to have a whole town. It's made by the artist Thomas Kinkaid. Emily had a blast fiddling with it.
Isn't it precious? I love all the little people and dogs and trees...

Christmas Day was spent with Mary Clare and her family. They were so gracious and welcoming to us. Since son Kevin and Mary Clare became engaged in September, we have all become the best of friends. Dinner was served at two long tables put together in the dining room, lit with candles and Christmas Carols in the background. Mary Clare and her sisters cooked all day {giving mom Peggy a nice break!} and served steak and lobster tail, mashed potatoes, gravy, fresh green beans and asparagus. What a feast. Afterward we played games and just had a wonderful time. On top of an evening with Papa's family and Christmas Eve with The Husband's side of the family, you can see why I am so tired {and stuffed}.
December was my month to win giveaways. I won a pretty collection of vintage ornaments, tinsel and mercury glass tea light holders from Melanie at Pretties And Posies. I used the ornaments to decorate my little stick tree.
A very special gift which was not a giveaway, came from my good friend Julie Marie at Idyllhours. She was such a Godsend to me when my father was ill. Her comments and emails lifted my spirits and we actually spent some time talking on the phone. Knowing I was feeling down, she made arrangements to have this new book by Jo~Anne Coletti, The Feminine Home, sent to me. Above is a picture on Julie Marie's blog that is featured in the book. She is an incredible animal and nature lover and she took this gorgeous picture of wild roses growing along the path that she takes on her daily walks.
I am sure you have seen the book around Blogland...it is beautiful. You can order one for yourself at Vintage Rose Collection. Thank you so much Julie Marie and Jo~Anne

I also won this gorgeous sachet from Rebecca of A Gathering Place. I just met Rebecca a few months ago after seeing her pretty face around Blogland. She is a real sweetheart. She has a shop that you must visit if you love all things pink and romantic. Thanks, Rebecca.
Isn't it beautiful?
It seems all things Christmas came to me late, including this magazine from Matthew Mead. I had such a great time going through it. It reads like a book. If you know me, you know I love to read books and magazines, and love pretty things, so I hold these treasures and sweet people close to my heart.

Well, I've rambled long enough. I have won 2 more giveaways that I will tell you about in an upcoming post...as I've heard before, I should play the lottery this month. Here's wishing that all of you had a wonderful Christmas. I look forward to hearing all of your great stories! :-)

67 comments:

La said...

I'm so glad you had such a wonderful Christmas. We enjoyed a wonderful one as well.

You have been though quite an emotional upheaval in the past weeks. I hope you will be able to take some time for yourself in the coming weeks so you can replenish your energy.

Happy New Year, Sweetie. La

Julie Marie said...

Hello dear Jane... so glad you had a nice Christmas... looks like everyone got lots of goodies from Santa!... Thank you for the pretty card you sent Jack and I, that was so thoughtful of you!... and how nice of your in~laws to be to host Christmas dinner for you all... sounds delish!... Love all your giveaway wins, Rebecca makes the most incredible treasures and I am lucky enough to own several of them... I am also so very happy you are enjoying The Feminine Home... and how very sweet of you to post my page with my precious roses!... Jo~Anne Coletti is the best!... much love to you... xoxo Julie Marie

ShabbyESP said...

Blondie,
What wonderful pictures you have shared of your family at Christmas.
I also have a village I collected but have not put it up in 3 or 4 years even though it is so pretty when I do.
Thanks for sharing your Christmas with all of us!
Happy New Year!!!
Suzann

Shellbelle said...

I LOVE those hats! I also love the fact that you had such a beautiful Christmas with your loved ones and your new friends. Isn't it nice when we add to our extended families and everyone gets along?

You reminded me of a Christmas when the weather was so gorgeous here in Florida and my dad and his brother grilled lobster tails for us on the BBQ. Wonderful memories you've brought my way. Thanks!

Gorgeous gifts you've received from other bloggers and yes, get out there and get that lottery ticket!

Hugs coming your way.

Sue said...

Blondie girl- you ARE one lucky duck! There's still time left in the month for you to go out and play the lotto! Glad you and your family enjoyed a wonderful time together! I hope that the new year will bring us all that we hope for.
xoxo Sue

Lori E said...

How cool. Winning so many. You had better play the lotto. We are amazed here if someone wins one dollar on a scratch ticket.
It sounds like you had a lovely Christmas. Love the last minute shopping husbands do. A new year is coming. Can't wait. Can you.

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Hi Jane Sweetie...
So glad to hear that you all celebrated and had some fun with family and friends. I too love the hats that DH bought for the girls, but what I want to know is where is yours? Did you get one as well? I am sure with all the snow that you all received you could sure use it.

I love Thomas Kinkaid and that village you gave to sweet daughter is so beautiful. Yes it is quite time consuming with all of the cords and pieces, but look how beautiful it looks all set up. Just gorgeous sweet one.

Love your wins and treat from Julie Marie it is beautiful and will give you pleasure for many hours browsing through.

Did you go to Oklahoma, you mentioned that you met Rebecca?

Have a beautiful New Years sweetie. You will remain in prayers for peace and comfort. Many hugs and so much love, Sherry

Denise said...

Love those hats :) were they hand made? I have patterns for that style, just never can find the time to knit them, but I will one day!
Sounds like you all had a wonderful Christmas Jane, here's wishing you a happy New Year too. Thanks for your friendship this year and taking the time to visit my blog and Etsy store.
Hugs
Denise

Donna said...

Boy, It's hard to leace a comment after Sherry...she writes THE BEST ones!!! She said all I ever would have, only better. Love the Village. Glad you had a good Christmas after all you have been through! Happy New Year!!

Connie Eyberg Originals said...

Sounds like such a special Christmas! I love the Christmas village and can just imagine the work that goes into setting it up. I had a really nice Christmas with family. My favorite part is when Santa comes to visit the kids. It is going to be so sad when they get older and no longer believe in Santa. Take care, Connie

Gloria said...

I am so happy to hear you had such a wonderful Christmas with your family. And I love the hats that your husband got the kids!
Best,
Gloria

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

I'm so happy you had such a lovely Christmas, even though you had sadness, right before.

Gentle Winter hugs...

Charlene said...

Jane, It looks like everyone had a GRAND time on Christmas at your house. I can only imagine with 3 girls all the squeals. And YES I do know how many lights & cords a village contains. I have A LOT of pieces & have gotten to the place I only set up a small portion just because of the time & WORK it takes. But, it is beautiful. Thanks for sharing sweet friend. HUGS!
Charlene

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
Looks like lots of fun around your house for the holidays. I love the hats, they are adorable. I love all of your giveaway presents too.

hugs
Sissie

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello sweet friend...

Ohhh my...you did have a busy, busy Christmas, my friend...but it sounds absolutely glorious!!! How wonderful to be able to spend it with your dear children! I sure missed my three girls this year. I enjoyed seeing all of your lovely photos...of your girls...that gorgeous Christmas village...and all of your lovely gifts! Girlfriend, you made out like a bandit! Hehe!

Don't work to hard, Janie...you and I both know that the housework isn't going anywhere...it'll be there waiting for us...when we get to it! Hehe! And Girlfriend, my energy level is shot...the fibromyalgia is worst in the cold weather. Sheeesh...that's why I'm always so slow to get things done and post about them! But...God is GOOD and I seem to manage to get it all done...slowly but surely! Well sweet friend, it was such a joy to have you stop by today! I always enjoy your visits and sweet notes!

Many blessings to you and your sweet family for the coming New Year!

Love ya, Darlin'!
Chari @Happy To Design

Unknown said...

Hi Janie,

Your Christmas looked festive and happy. I love those hats your husband got the kids, so cute. Your village is really pretty. Thanks for sharing.

Leslie said...

Looks like a great christmas. I love the village, very pretty.
wishing you a relaxed wonderful 2011.

savvycityfarmer said...

happy new year dear friend

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane and what a wonderful Christmas you've had. I love the snap of your girls in their caps - so cute. Get some rest and we'll talk again soon.
Be a sweetie,
shelia :)

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Jane, I am so glad you had such a wonderful Christmas surrounded by family and friends....that is always the BEST! Love the village and what a great heirloom you have passed on...

I know the heartache you have...take time for you....

Wishing you the BEST New Year ever!

Much love...

Lou Cinda

Shirl said...

Hello Blondie, love your Christmas pictures! Your village is beautiful, I have one but have never set it up yet with lights. Just have the houses setting in a curio cabinet. Yours make me want to get working on it! I also love your little pillow hanging that you won, those hats are adorable!
Thank you for stopping by!
Have a Happy New Year! Shirl
Shirls Rose Cottage

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Jane,
Sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas. The hats are adorable. I love your Christmas village, too!

Heaven's Walk said...

What a wonderful Christmas you had, Janie! So much fun, food, and sweet new memories! I can't believe the number of giveaways you've won, girlie! You better go buy a lottery ticket! lol! Hope that you can now relax and kick back and enjoy all of the goodies that Santa brought! :)

xoxo laurie

Unknown said...

Jane,
It sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas. This time of year we rush through so much, trying to embrace every last morsel of the holidays. I often think we should start earlier. Today I was so tired that I just stayed home. Of course we had a blizzard so I had little choice. It was nice to just relax.

Wishing you a lovely New Year.
Karen

xinex said...

Congrats, Janie, you won so many beautiful things! You got so many lovely Christmas gifts too. I am glad your family had a merry Christmas and I hope you have a Happy New Year too....Christine

Sarah said...

Jane, I'm happy you had a wonderful Christmas. I know it was a difficult one for you.
Loved seeing your snow village and the funny hats.
Enjoy the week. Happy New Year!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
Boy, are you ever on a winning roll!
Congrats girlfriend, you've done good!
I love your Christmas village! I think it may be the prettiest I have ever seen!
And the girls look so darn cute in their new hats! Al did really good.
Your home looks so pretty all decked out for the holidays.
My son and dil have been visiting so I am behind on blogging and card sending.
Thank-you for the lovely Christmas card!
Miss Ya,
Hugs,
Cindy

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Looks like a wonderful Christmas for you and your family - I have never seen a Kincaid snowvillage and it's adorable!

Happy New Year to you and yours from This Old House -

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

What a lovely Christmas!.... And, some glorious wins.... Lucky Chickie! Congrats....

Happy, happy New Year...

Hugggies,
Spencer

Fishtail Cottage said...

Those homes of yours are darling! So much character! Wanted to say i am so sorry to read about your father. I hope you find some peace within yourself by surrounding yourself with loved ones.
Hugs to you.
~tracie

Theresa said...

WHEW, I am tired just reading what all you did thru the Holidays! I LOVE the Village and can certainly see all of the work it must take to put it together! I LOVE the hats that your Sweetheart of a husband bought for the girls! My husband and I decided NOT to give each other gifts this year and take a trip to somewhere warm:) I was good with that and he hates to shop!

Have a blessed day dear Jane, get some rest... Christmas will be here again before we know it! HUGS!

Linda said...

Beautiful holiday moments perfectly captured! You have a lovely family AND a lovely life! Blessings in 2011 for you and yours!

Melanie said...

Oh Jane, I am so happy that you had a good Christmas. I know that it must have been hard for you but you did good and came through:) I love the Christmas village and love that hubby did some shopping! I want you to post about his bike. Did he love it?

Pondside said...

I enjoyed that glimpse into your very cosy Christmas, Jane. I hope that you have time to nestle in with your new books, a glass of wine and a few hours to yourself!

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

May your New Year be filled with many Blessings and abundances of Joy for 2011. From my mountain to yours, Until next year
Hugs and Smiles Gl♥ria

Anonymous said...

Your village is beautiful Jane. I am so glad you took the pictures!

Love those hats! So cute.

Your gifts and photos are wonderful.

bj said...

So glad you had such a great Christmas. We are all sooo blessed.

I am in the middle of putting Christmas stuff away for another year. Now, I need to clean, rearrange, redo, but first...I feel a nap coming on. :))

I LOVE those hats for the girls.:)and I have been a fan of Jo-Anne Coletti for years and years. She is so talented.

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Hi Jane....Your Christmas looked to be lots of fun regardless of the sadness you recently experienced. I love that Christmas village...gorgeous! I want to wish you a very Happy New Year! ~Hugs, Patti

Kathleen Grace said...

I am glad your Christmas was so beautiful Jane. Now maybe you can relax and get a fresh start for the new year. Keeping you in my prayers...

Kathy

White and Rust said...

Hi Blondie, I am now getting caught up on your blog.. My deepest sympathy for your fathers passing. You are in my prayers! It looks like you still had a beautiful Christmas :).

Rebecca said...

Hi Jane
I know what you mean about hectic, it just seems to get more and more because we grow in size but that's with all our family gatherings. We were fighting a 24 hour flu bug so it took some of the fun out of it and added a little stress to the girls, I am afraid but it all worked out and now it is time to do a little hibernating at least for me...
Wishing you a most blessed new year
Rebecca

Sonny G said...

Glad to hear ya'll had a great Christmas..
the girls in their new hats are adorable..
Oh I love that village but I dont have the patience to put mine together anymore... Thomas Kincaid anything is a fav or mine..
Thanks so much for visitng me..

hugs and happy new year
Sonny

Elaine said...

Nice to hear your Christmas went so well. I absolutely love those hats your husband got the girls, been looking for one for myself actually.

Funny you should mention it, my copy of Holiday magazine arrived very late too! They are in New Hampshire and I'm in Mass so I think it could have arrived sooner than the 6 weeks it took to get here. I complained after 5 weeks and then they priority mailed one. Evidently they had major issues with the bulk mailing.

Enjoy all your gifts. Someone very thoughtful gave you the spa gift certificate. You certainly need and deserve it!

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

It sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas, you have a beautiful family. I adore the village, vintage ornaments and the book looks awesome, might have to check into that for my home.. From our family to yours Happy New Year! hugs ~lynne~

Anonymous said...

Aaahhh... your kids look absolutely adorable in their hats that their dad got for them! They look like they couldn't be happier... really sweet! :)
Love your Christmas village... so pretty!
Congrats on winning all those giveaways... lucky girl!
I've had such fun getting to know you through cyberspace in 2010, Jane, and look forward to getting to know you even better in 2011!
XO,
Jo :)

Deb said...

Jane...just stopped by to wish you a very Happy New Year....

raggygirlvintage said...

Sounds like a very fun time Jane! Love that little picket fence around your village, so quaint!
Tracey

Renee {Shabby, Chic and Charming} said...

Just love your little village! Glad you had a great Christmas. Take care of yourself.

awal.ny said...

I love how you have your Christmas houses set up on the table. I have not put mine up for a couple of years because of the hassel.

All That Glitters said...

Hey Jane!!! I'm way behind on my blogging reading so please excuse me! Your house looks like so much fun for Christmas! Love their hats!!!!

Happy new Year!
Jennifer

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Jane! I love your snow village...especially the little old-fashioned car...so cute! And I am still lovin' that oh so frenchy banner! I hope you had a peaceful Christmas. I know it wasn't easy this year. I am sending you a big hug. Happy New Year...hugs...Debbie

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

Looks like a lot of love and fun in that house this season! Wishing you a fabulous New Years Jane....looking forward to our visits in 2011!
Karla & Karrie

Gypsy Heart said...

Sounds like a delightful time for you and your family! You really hit the jackpot with the goodies sent your way ~ you are so deserving too.

I've really missed you and your posts. I'm anxiously anticipating a day to sit at the computer with coffee and in my PJ's and just read and comment. :-)

Have a wonderful New Year's!

xo
Pat

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

I can't believe you won so many giveaways! You lucky thing!!

Your Christmas village is so sweet and festive! I'm glad your daughter has taken on the chore of setting it all up for you!

Happy New Year!

Sarahx

BonjourRomance said...

Bonjour Jane,
It looks like you had a wonderful Christmas with your family, everything looks lovely. The village is so pretty.
COngratulations on all your giveaways - you deserve eery one. Thank you for coming by with all your kind comments.
I wish you a Happy New Year!
Mimi

Unknown said...

G'eve Jane ~ You have been thru a lot & it is nice to see that these beautiful wins have given you a smile. May comfort fill your heart in the New Year.

What lovely pictures of your family & Christmas celebration. Your little village is wonderful.

Have a joyous celebration as you greet the new year.

TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

Lori said...

You have been a busy girl ~ loving those hats on the girls! The spa day sounds like just what you need so after you get Christmas all packed up for another year I hope that you take some time for you ~ because you need it and deserve it. Happy New Year sweet lady. xo

Sharing with Sherri said...

Sounds like you had a very nice Christmas surrounded by your loving family Jane... What a blessing.

The Christmas village looks so cute, and how to wonderful that you've won all those giveaways too! I'll be looking forward to seeing the rest of your goodies!

Have a very Happy New Year!
Hugs, Sherri:)

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Thank you for your well wishes darling. They mean the world. From our home to yours Happy New Year! hugs ~lynne~

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Dearest Jane..you wear the little girl inside you in the most charming way! It shows and adds to the woman!
Mona

stefanie said...

I am so glad you had a great Christmas...the hats are adorable!!!

Unknown said...

Well you certainly had a lovely Christmas! :) That Thomas Kincade village is darling! If anyone can do a village it should be him! :) Congrats on all the great give aways! I got the Joanne Colleti Magazine as a gift and LOVE it. I could never live in a home like that but sure love looking at the pictures!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
~Liz

Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

What a wonderful post Jane:) My mom had a Christmas village display, she absolutely loved it. She passed away 10 years ago and I haven't thought of it til now, till seeing your post. Next conversation with my dad will be about boxing it up and sending it to me~ thank you Jane!
Happy New Year!!

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Congrats on your beautiful wins Jane! Those were extra special gifts on top of all your wonderful Christmas gifts too. It sounds like you had such a great Christmas. I couldn't help but laugh about the role reversal of Christmas gifts with your husband getting the bike and it still feeling like the Christmas's you had when the kids were small. The girls are all so cute in their winter bonnets. LOL!

Mary said...

Jane dear, I'm so glad that your Christmas turned out to be a joyous time despite your very deep loss so close to the holidays. Your always beautiful spirit was shining through!

Sending love and best wishes to you and your loved ones for the coming year.
Hugs, Mary

Sue said...

Oh! Jane, How I have enjoyed reading of your family Christmas, I loved the hats the girls got! and the Christmas village by Thomas Kincaid is beautiful,
Congrats. on all your wins, and Yes I think the way you luck is going, maybe you should try for the lottery. lol
I always enjoy visiting, and find when I am absent from blogland I miss so much
Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year.
Hugs, Sue

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

Well you're a winner in my book, too. :-)

We've been literally buried in snow in NJ -- for five days no plows in our town. :-/ Next time I'm dreaming of a white Christmas...kick me, please!

Have a wonderful, healthy and winning new year!