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! :-)