Tuesday, December 17, 2013

MORE CHRISTMAS & SOME MEMORIES

Also on my dresser I have these little choir girls.  Do you remember these?  I sure do, and years ago I found reproductions in the Vermont Country Store catalog.  I remember these as a child; where my mother had them displayed, I'm not sure.  But I remember them vividly.  I had five and The Husband broke the head off one the other day.  I tried to melt the wax with a match and it just turned black.  So sad.  These are on my dresser as well and the sun was shining in so perfectly.  I would never light the wick...who wants to see their little heads burning off! :(

I am so not organized (as Chandler would say).  I don't mean to complain but I will anyway.  I sleep so poorly...in bed at 10:00...toss and turn til 1:00...get up and look at emails, go back to bed and toss and turn til 4:00 a.m. and then sleep pretty well til 9.  Okay. big deal.  I make my plans for the day, especially for the holidays, like today...wrap gifts and make cookie dough.  Oh yeah, more like laundry, running to the pharmacy and vacuuming up tree needles!!  Thank goodness we can order pizza!

So I'm off to bed.  Tomorrow is another day to wrap and say Hello to that guy in BROWN, if you know what I mean!!!! :)  And then wrap some more.  But oh...so ever grateful for the abundance and blessings we have!

Happy Holidays to all of you, my friends! :)

XO,
 Jane

46 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh I had to stop by and see what you were up to. Lots of wonderful decorations and I love that you call the dog your grandog.

I hate it when I have insomnia. Only you get allot accomplished when you can't sleep. You certainly have lots done already.

Happy gift wrapping.

Karen

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

That flower is just so beautiful Jane! I love your tree filled with all of those special memories.

Claudia said...

Hi Jane,

Your flowers are beautiful! And the ornaments on your tree are lovely. I know this must be a bittersweet time for you as you remember your father. Sending you a big hug.

xo
Claudia

Lulu said...

Years ago someone gave me an amaryllis and for whatever reason I stuck it in the ground after it had bloomed. Now I have about 17 plants all from that one bulb and I love when in Feb/March they are all blooming.
My mother died 2 years ago Christmas Eve so it's hard not to think about parents no longer here during this season.

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Your flower is beautiful! I don't remember those cute choir girls, but they are darling! I don't blame you for not wanting to light their heads on fire. :)Abby's list is pretty funny! Sounds like your dad was truly a wonderful man. You're lucky to have had a dad like that. :) Little Rusty and his Santa sweater are too cute! Happy Holidays to you, my friend!

Kathleen Grace said...

Ugh, your sleep patterns resemble mine except that no matter what time I FINALLY GET TO SLEEP, I wake up at 6:30 a.m. Stink.
Your flower is so pretty, Victoria got me a red and white amaryllis and two blossoms are open now and I see two more for later. Yay!
Sending you a hug as you remember your father. I know it must be hard to think of the anniversary of his passing.

The Charm of Home said...

Jane have a super great Christmas! Enjoy your family,eat something delicious, and take a moment to remember all those who are still with us in spirit. Many blessings for 2014!
Hugs,
Sherry

Lynn said...

G-Mom-B had those choir girls Jane, I remember them well! Lovin' your cute owl ornie with the snowflake and Rusty is just too funny:@)

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Ah, you must miss your dad so much.

Those choir candles!!! We had them too!! a big set of them and years later I saw a set like that in an antique store for over 100.00. It drove me crazy because I wanted them to re-live my childhood :)

Amaryllis...I've done them off and on after Christmas. Then in the bleak and dreary month Jan-Feb there is something fun going on. I need to find a kit! :)

Sleep: Grands stayed over last night and I had to drive Kate to school. Of COURSE they couldn't sleep so I ended up with 2 kids, 2 dogs and a cat in my bed. HA ! Then I couldn't sleep but they could! :)

Vel Criste said...

Dear Jane,

The holidays is not just a time to remember those who are around us but those who no longer are with us... it's both poignant and celebratory in a way that you talked about your dad, Lenny to us. I know he passed away with happiness still because he was loved and he knew how to love. And in the end, isn't that what matters most? Hugs to you dear. I can only imagine some heartaches still with your dad gone and sister too.

On a brighter note, love the amaryllis, it is my favorite for the season, but right now all I have are paper whites! I usually get them after Christmas once their on sale! :-)

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas dear!

XO,
Vel:-)

Unknown said...

Love your tree! Beautiful flower, and beautiful memories of your Dad. Love the sweater on your granddog! Too cute!! Have a great day!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Janie, all the wonderful picture aside, I want to say how much I loved reading your tribute to your dad. Me thinks you are a lot like him, and that is a high, high compliment. I think you love your family as much as he loved all of you. Heaven sure is getting full up there. I am starting to know more people over that way than here, but we press on to the prize in Christ Jesus. Love you, my sweet friend!

xoxox

Sheila

Wanda said...

Jane, how I loved your post and all the cute and special pictures, but what touched me most of your tribute to your father. I lost my dad to cancer when he was way too young 58. I have so many memories of him, and miss him so. He was a story teller, best I ever knew...could he spin a tale and have you on the edge of your seat...I have hoped and prayed I got that and was able to relive those stories to my children and grandchildren who did get to meet him.
I'm Christian and find so much comfort in knowing I will see my dad again...in heaven..forever and ever.
Thinking of with soft and tender thoughts today.

Wanda said...

I was typing too fast... I meant to say my children and grandchildren "didn't" get to meet him as he passed away when our oldest was just small.

Anonymous said...

I remember my mom having the little choir people candles years ago too. Just LOVE them to pieces.

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Jane,
I loved reading about your Father and what a wonderful tribute. I just know he would be proud.
My Dad is gone now too and I think of him everyday. It's hard not having our Daddies.

I love those little candles and I remember them. My Mom had a set and we were not allowed to light them.

Your tree ornaments look wonderful and little Granddog looks great in his new sweater.

Love that gorgeous flower too. Just the right shade of pink.

Merry Christmas to you and your family. I hope that all your wishes come true.

hugs
Sissie

Primitive Stars said...

Evening Jane, beautiful flower, and love the tree ornaments to......I remember those sweet little Choir singers, my Mom had them when i was small.....Your Father was such a sweetheart, Big Hugs Francine.

Beth said...

The flower is so pretty Jane.

The tribute for your father is very nice. We always think of things we should have said or done after a loved one is gone.
HUGS!!

Something Nice and Pretty said...

My mom had those too! Remembering parents at this time of year is so hard, at least we have good memories!

Ivy and Elephants said...

Nothing says Christmas like amaryllis and paper whites! Love your variety, so pretty! Love your tree of love and memories.
Hugs,
Patti

Julie Marie said...

Hello sweet friend... I know how very hard the holidays are when we have lost our loved ones... I am having an especially hard time this year, missing all of my loved ones who have passed away... thank you for sharing your feelings about your daddy... I can just picture him and what a wonderful man he is... I say "is" because he still IS that same, wonderful daddy of yours, just in Heaven now... his love for you has not changed... and he is always close by in your heart... your tree is so pretty, filled with special ornaments and lots of precious memories... Rusty looks adorable!... Tessy loves to wear sweaters and such as you have seen in my posts... her fur is so short and she gets cold easy too... I have been seeing our "m an in brown" alot lately too!... we always even give our UPS guy a Christmas gift!... enjoy these days leading up to Christmas... sending much love, xoxo Julie Marie

bj said...

Hi, dear Blondie girl..."tis the season to be jolly"....how we love this time of year.
I am going to make that popcorn over at Kathy's Cottage to go into gift tins, too. Also making the BEST Cho. Peanut Clusters....and a grand or two and I will be making our Almond Sugar Cookies this weekend....
I love it ALLLLLLL.......:))
hugs, bj

podso said...

Beautiful flower--my uncle used to grow them in a hot house (I think). I love seeing those choir girls and yes such a vivid memory from my childhood too! Christmas is never quite the same when we lose a loved one at this time. This is our first Christmas without my mother. It's hard to believe that Christmas was the last time she was at my house … as she got sick right after that. Have a wonderful Christmas, it looks like you are all ready!

Theresa said...

I feel your pain missing your Dad! I miss mine too each and every day! BIG HUGS coming your way dear friend and I feel them coming back:) Love your tree, precious ornaments all over! HOME is where I am happiest and I also journal my day here on my blog! I also have some of those little candles:) I ADORE them! Have a blessed day!

Beth said...

Merry Christmas, Jane. I do so enjoy your blog, the journal of your life. It struck me as I reflected on "journal" how different people's blogs are. You are real, and honest, and tell the story of your daily life. Some people showcase their decorating, or their cooking, or their gardening and don't get personal. I do enjoy reading your story.
Your tree looks beautiful, Jane. It's neat when every ornament has a memory associated with it. I love the photo of Rusty! Adorable sweater! Hope you aren't too busy, take time to relax and reflect.
Oh, and about the insomnia..I have that problem too. My dr. suggested Benadryl 50 mg (or 25 works too). It works for me, but I won't take it any later than 10:30 pm or I can't get up the next morning! Just a thought of something that helped me.
Merry Merry Christmas!!!
Beth

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

You write the homiest posts, Jane. So enjoyable. So nice to hear about your wonderful Dad. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family!

Charlene said...

I LOVE YOUR POST TODAY! So many pretty photos. Love the flower, your tree, the naughtey list but, most of all that puppy in his sweater!!!! Too Cute! Merry Christmas! Enjoy every minute. And PS... I loved you mentioned your Daddy. Mine is gone too & I miss him so. We'rent we lucky girls to have had them.

Decor To Adore said...

Oh dear Jane I too miss those I loved most of all at this time of year. I do hope your happy memories will be of comfort to you.

Your tree is just gorgeous.

Mary said...

Yes, we do all miss our parents so much - was just saying to Bob this very evening how much I miss my mother at Christmas. We never had a lot of money as I grew up after WW2 in England, but it was at this time of year my mother really shone so brightly. Making Christmas very special with the delicious fruitcake, plum pudding, trifle and mince pies etc., these all being very special English traditions - never any store bought goodies. She worked a full-time job always, had to ride the bus (we never had a car) loaded down with groceries etc.
Now I realize how hard life was for her and would give anything to have her back and be able to spoil her. Dad too of course - he was a good man who died too soon of cancer in 1976.

Your amaryllis are SO pretty Jane. I'm guilty of displaying IKEA's vintage red ones this year - they are the nicest faux ones I've seen though.

Looks a lot like a lovely Christmas at your house Jane. Wishing you, A, and the family a wonderful time.

Mary (and Bob) XX

Melanie said...

Your amaryllis is beautiful. Have never seen those choir girls/don't remember them from my childhood. They're so cute! Devilwoman on the naughty list, hmm?! I hope Abby realizes that Devilwoman does not give Christmas gifts then. She's too mean for that. ;-) The part in your post about your dad really tugged at my heart. Beautifully written, Jane. And that picture of Emily's pup is just too darn cute. Should be on the front of a Christmas card! Love and blessings to you and your family this holiday season. xoxo

KarenB said...

Your last comment made me realize that there is a box on my front porch. Gotta go!

Lori said...

You have been on fire ~ and all the posts ~ so hard to keep up over the holidays. Wishing you and your entire family a very Merry Christmas Jane! xoxo

Traci said...

I hope you're comforted by all of the wonderful memories you have of your parents. Don't dwell on what you didn't ask.

Is Friends not the best show EVER????

Anonymous said...

Your Christmas tree looks so fun…it is so full of ornaments. Your amaryllis is beautiful. I used to have red ones growing in my gardens when we lived in Florida. Hope you can get a couple nights of good sleep…take care.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
I love this post, that little dog looks adorable!
Oh my goodness, when you grandkids you will be in heaven!
Your flowers are blooming beautifully and your tree looks so pretty.
And the tribute to your Dad is so heartfelt and beautiful.
The last few days I have taken care of a very sick little Addison. Her Mom is very sick too. But they are on the mend now.
Hugs and Merry Christmas dear friend,
Cindy

At Home in English Valley said...

Dear Jane, I am so glad that you wrote about your Dad. I lost mine just before Christmas over a decade ago, and miss him still. Christmas brings out the memories, good and bad, happy and sad. I have a good cry before each holiday, missing those that have passed, but grateful to have had them in my life. Your Dad is always alive in your memory, and in your heart. Merry Christmas, Jane. Love, Penny

Maria Elena said...

Jane, just wanted to stop by and wish you a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy this special time with your family! We also lost our Mom a few years ago just a week before Christmas. It is hard. The good memories always help you a little to make it through it. Big hug to you, my friend. Maria

Lynne said...

I can't think of a better time to share feelings and thoughts about the loss of love ones.

Your father sounds like the exemplary heart and soul of the great generation before us. He expressed his love by hard work, action, and devotion. 7 kids.
WOW. Didn't we grow up at in unselfish, simple and innocent times, Jane? We never knew what we didn't have, and so appreciated what we did have.

My grandmother had the little choir boy and girl candles.
She bought them at the five and dime store.

I CAN'T WAIT to read your journal at the immediate "notion" of your first GRAND!

That perfect bloom looks divine in your new bedroom!

Season's blessings to the beautiful B's!
w/L

Susie said...

Sweet Blondie, You can see how far behind I am...just getting to some blogs. I am sending you a warm hug...just because. I like that you had a great hard working father. I never knew any grandparents growing up either. None. But I had a guardian angel that God sent to me. She was like a grandmother...she hugged me, took me to church,taught me manner and showed me love.
Yes, if you go gaga over pets you will be a wonderful grammy. So don't worry there girl.
Maybe you could hot glue the choir girl's head back on. I never burn any painted candles or figurine candles.:):) Seems mean. LOL
Blondie, if I do not get back to say this to you....I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas filled with love....I have enjoyed visiting with you this year. Much love, Susie

Kit said...

Oh how I love your tree! It is truly a Christmas tree. Mine is so like yours. All sorts of ornaments, so many memories and I can't help by buy more each year. I know a lot of folks love to go with all one color balls, or they have themes each year, and that is fine. But not with me, I have to have my Memory Tree each and every year. Merry Christmas my friend. Kit

Savannah Granny said...

Merry Christmas, Jane. I did so enjoy your remembrances of your Dad. I do know how your feel at losing your Dad. It brings back memories of my own precious Dad and being with him when he went to meet our Lord. He too, was such a good, loving and hard working man.
I know you cherish the memories and especially the ones the the two of you shared alone. That was the hardest for me. Realizing that there were so many fun times and I was the only person on earth who remembered.
You will cherish and remember.
I haven't been around much but I am always uplifted after my visits with you.
Have a Blessed Christmas,
Ginger

must love junk said...

Rusty looks so cute! And your flower is so pretty :)
Have a wonderful holiday!
Susan

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Jane, what wonderful Christmas decor! Everything is so pretty and festive! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Stacey said...

Merry Christmas Jane!

Val said...

Your dad sounds wonderful. Handcrafted ornaments are the best. That list!! :) Good for you with the flower. And the dog picture is so funny. This post has a little of everything, and that's what makes it seem especially Christmas-ey to me. My aunt Laurie sent me a little book for Christmas with quotes in it, and this one about the holiday came to mind as I read your post: "Christmas is a time of Do You Remember? Of family jokes. Of family rituals. Sometimes a little sadness--but always love." (Pam Brown)

Merry Christmas, Jane. ♥

Cindy Garber Iverson said...

Your amaryllis is the exact colors of a yummy candy cane! It's the perfect Christmas flower!!!!

Merry Christmas to you and yours!