Friday, December 26, 2014

A DAY OF MERRY RENEWAL


Papa went back to hosting Christmas for the O'Hara side of the family.  His daughter took it on a few years ago and this year Papa reclaimed it.  It was very happy yet bittersweet to spend Christmas in his home again.  We miss Nana, but the tradition goes on.  My kids were tiny, tiny, tiny when we  began celebrating Christmas here almost 30 years ago.  And as always,  his house is packed with fabulous food and fun! 






















I'm working on a Year In Review post.  I had good intentions last year and then succumbed to tiredness (laziness?).  A bit of hard work but so worth it for ourselves.  And I have a few day of delightful nothing!!

I hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas!

Jane x

55 comments:

Brenda Pruitt said...

Sounds like everything went well and everyone was happy. A successful holiday with family and the dogs!
Brenda

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

What a very Merry Christmas you had, Jane! : ) It sounds like a wonderful time and just how the holiday should be.

Kelly said...

Looks like you had a wonderful Christmas with your family. I'm looking forward to following you in the new year.

Debby said...

You were really busy. Sounds lime fun for everyone. With babies arriving things will begin to change.
That is a huge dog.
Have some restful days.

Shirley said...

Merry Christmas, I have enjoyed catching up with you this evening. Family is so much fun at Christmas. I don't care if I get a present as long as all of the family are there. Christmas Eve afternoon at the nursing home with hubby, grandsons and parents. Tomorrow to the airport to get our oldest.
Then another dinner on Sunday plus back to the nursing home just don't know the exact day to get a family picture since everybody will be home. Have a wonderful New Year. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend Shirley.

Sarah said...

Looks like a festive holiday at Blondie's. It's nice you have a large family that celebrates together. It's just the two of us and our Sadie girl. Things here are quiet and simple. '-)
Happy Holidays!

Linda said...

Christmas is a lot of HARD WORK, isn;t it??? Rewarding though and done in love. I'm trying to REST over the weekend. Loved seeing and hearing about your Christmas!

Elaine said...

Wow, you had a full couple of days. Glad you enjoyed it all and now have time to relax.

That puppy sure got big!

deb @ frugal little bungalow said...

What a wonderful and varied time you have had with all the celebrations here, there and everywhere !

I had to laugh at your Christmas MOOSE...is he done growing yet, lol!!! :)

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Sounds like the perfect Christmas. Tons of family and food, that's is definitely perfect.

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

What a lovely Christmas with your family! New Years wishes to you :-)

Susie said...

Blondie, It all sounds like a grand time. I love the surprises you found while setting the table. :) My daughter's dog Sam weighs 108 pounds and thinks he is a lap dog. . LOL. Blessings to you, while you get a bit of rest. xoxo,Susie

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Jane,
As always I enjoyed this post. Looks like your holidays were merry, bright and filled with family love and get togethers.
I'm on a blogging break until after the first week in January but I'm visiting my favorites in blog land. Plus I'm busy making my giveaway's to mark my first anniversary blogging.
Hey, guess what on Christmas I had food poisioning from the Eve at my SIL's!!!!
Looking forward to blogging with you in the new Year. Wishing you and your family a wonderful New Year's Eve.
Xoxo,
Vera

Betsy Brock said...

Wonderful stuff! I could relate to so much of it. Yesterday and today I've been in a post-Christmas relaxed bliss kind of mood..just puttering around and enjoying that feeling of good memories and the fact that all the work is done!

Love the new photo of you on your sidebar! Gorgeous!

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. I love how we still have a week until the kids go back to school and we can just relax around the house (and eat leftover cookies) :) Looking forward to all your posts in 2015!

Kathleen Grace said...

It all sounds wonderful Jane! Your son's house is just gorgeous. I fell wayyyy behind in baking this year. It all just got away from me, but I still have a week to make treats for friends and family. I'm looking forward to your year in review!

podso said...

It sounds like you had a busy and wonderful Christmas with your family. Next year will be a bit different, maybe! :-)

Stacey said...

All sounds wonderful and much like ours in many ways. :)

Happy New Year friend.

Stacey

Primitive Stars said...

Hi Jane, looks and sounds wonderful, love the table and lights on the mantle.Blessings Francine.

Lulu said...

You do enjoy life and sharing it which makes your chatty blog so much fun to read.

Art and Sand said...

We have such a small family and no one lives in town so we keep Christmas small. I do miss the loud crazy family get togethers from my childhood.

Your Christmas sounds like a whirlwind of fun.

Lynne said...

Jane!!!!!!
Merry Christmas Day plus two!
I am finally back in blogland!
Missing for almost a week as the house and the calendar were packed with people and activities!

Gosh...before I get into Christmas...You will and The Husband
G R A N D P A R E N T S by this time next month! I am so excited for you!

We had a joyous Christmas! The "Grands" always kept us on a level of joy and laughter that is pretty close to heaven on earth! You crossed my mind several times this past week.

I too found things that I forgot about purchasing last year. (Thankfully more gift wrap, as the boxes were big this year!)

Your living room and tree are beautiful. I like the new location of your tree. I placed our tree in a different location, as we had to squeeze 12 plus into our living room.

I love the craftsman style of your son's home.

Those Grinch kabobs...a must remember for Holland and Ben next year.

Yesterday, I crashed. I missed work. I fought a virus all the way through Christmas day...No one knew, other than people said that I looked a bit tired...but who doesn't at Christmas?

Looking forward to meeting you in 2015!
~Lynne
w/L.





Lynne said...

Oh no!
a correction is appropriate..."You and The Husband will be
G R A N D P A R E N T S by this time next month!"
w/L.

Gypsy Heart said...

Sounds like a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. You are very fortunate!

xo
Pat

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Jane, sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas. You did so much. My son and granddaughter spent Christmas with me and I was so very happy. Kelly is growing up so fast, not a baby anymore.
Rest you had quite an ordeal with your hands and that does take a lot out of you.
Have a wonderful Happy New Year, my dear friend.
Sounds like our weather is colder than yours.
Mary

Stonecropsister said...

Hi Jane,
Your blog reminds me of my home, dad, and sisters and brother, and cousins, and aunts and uncles, and all the comings and goings and meals that are so much a part of the holidays. Love it. Thanks so much for sharing with us. It's very special. xx Nancy

Cranberry Morning said...

Tulo looks like a mighty big lapdog! And I loved those Grinch kabobs. :-) Looks like a busy but enjoyable Christmas. And yes, I am tired...for now. :-))

Anonymous said...

Jane,
I think those photographs of family and friends' living rooms with Christmas trees ablaze are so welcoming and warm. It is nice to have relations with good environments where everyone can meet.I went to my brother's knotty pine paneled house, the perfect location for Christmas.I agree with what you said about the higher-end stores having the best sales. Some of the independently owned smaller clothing shops on Main Street America are the same way. Remember when you asked me for my email? It is foxandfinch@aol.com
I enjoyed seeing the lovely homes. I am afraid if I were you though and had all that work (just wrapping is a job) I might have found myself curled up under the tree taking a little nap with your lovely 8 month old "puppy" as a pillow.
Ginene

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

You sound tired, but a good kind of tired I sense? I used to bake a LOT every year too. Hundreds of different kinds of cookies. Not anymore, things change, but new traditions are made, just like you have experienced. I did a year in review post too. Helps to keep things in perspective I think. It's scheduled for the beginning of January. I don't usually schedule posts, but we're traveling as you may know, currently in Savannah.

Happy New Year Jane!

xxx

Anonymous said...

I had to smile at the co-incidence-- for our Xmas meal we both had mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, rolls, asparagus…. w/ glazed ham on our table…... Guess I'm becoming southern (or is it midwestern? or Chicagoan? )LOL
Your holiday photos make me think of New England…what a mashup we all have become….!!! (Mashup? is that a word and/or do i use it correctly? Modern life and language are too hard to keep up with….)
I must make a trip to the city and look for 79 cent dinner napkins….mine are all damask or restaurant style white …and I need more color…thanks for giving me a push in that direction. I love love that red and white tablecloth….also on my shopping list….
Thanks for sharing your holiday with us….

Julie Marie said...

Hello Jane... looks like you all had a wonderful Christmas... love the photo of the dogs!... so happy your family is all close by for you to get together with... that's the most important thing of all!... your table setting is so pretty!... much love, xoxo... Julie Marie PS Please email me your link to Instagram so I can follow you...

The Quintessential Magpie said...

What a wonderful, wonderful Christmas post, Janie! I always enjoy reading what you and your loved ones are up to, especially for Christmas. Looks like you had a great time for which I give thanks. And what a blessing that you enjoy your children's inlaws so much. We were blessed that way as my mother (my dad was deceased) loved Mr. Magpie's parents and grandparents and vice versa. We also love each other's aunts and uncles. They were all friends. That really makes for happy family relations, but I would think everyone would love you. That's a given. :-)

I hope you two do make it to Florida and will get in touch. I plan to be up to my game by spring as I am trying my best to rebound from the fall bout with Shingles. Get the shot, Janie. You do not want this in any shape, fashion, or form.

We had a quiet Christmas for the first time in our lives, and it was actually nice. Mr. M had to work Christmas Eve so we did not travel to our typical haunts and turned down offers to dine with friends. It was the two of us and Cracker Barrel turkey and dressing which was really delicious. A friend tipped me off to this several years ago, and it was the smartest move I ever made!

Sending warm hugs to you and yours for a blessed 2015!

xoxox

Sheila :-)

bj said...

So glad you had such a great holiday...so did we...and we are so thankful for it all.
Even got a tiny snow a few days after Christmas. :)

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
I loved, loved this post!!
I think you had the perfect Christmas! The kind everyone dreams of.
Loved your beautiful tablesetting.
And I loved getting caught up on your family happenings.
Thanks for the card,mine is late and in the mail. Katie started a new job at a bank as a teller. She loves it and I am so happy for her. We had a nice Christmas but missing my son and dil, and AZ. grandbaby. Thinking I need to head out there soon. Sometime you should go with me. Would be so much fun...a girls get-away!
I have been learning my new serger while Dan works this weekend...may shop a bit today. Love ya friend,
Cindy

TexWisGirl said...

lots of meals, lots of family. sounds great. :)

Kit said...

It all looks totally wonderful! Fun times and lovely homes. You rest up and start planning next year's celebration....LOL Kit

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
I'm so glad that you had such a wonderful Christmas. Celebrating with family is what it's all about.

Ours was a rather quiet one. Mr. Sissie started having ear pain on Christmas Eve and ended up at the ER because of the pain. He's on the mend but it did dampen spirits a little. But nevertheless we still had a joyful Christmas.

I'm looking forward to your year in review. I've been a lazy blogger and I vow to get back into it a little more.

hugs
Sissie

Debbie said...

Whew...so much fun, Jane! So glad that you enjoyed this year's festivities with your family.
Lots of gatherings, food, fun, and love all around for you!
That's what it's all about.
Now it's time to relax, and reflect.
Have a very Happy New Year, dear one.
Debbie
xoxo

Carla from The River said...

Hi Jane,
It sure does sound like a busy, fun Christmas. :-)
Thank you for sharing it with us.
:-)
Carla

White Lace and Promises said...

I stumbled upon your blog while reading another. I really love the Christmas photos, such a pretty table. I enjoyed reading about your families. The white elephant sounds fun to do with a family. I've done it at parties but never with family. Sounds like great fun! I am following you and hope you'll drop by and visit sometime.

farmhouse-story said...

so glad your christmas was filled with loved ones, yummy food and fun, jane! the grinch kabobs are too cute and your table is beautiful:) wishing you a very happy new year!

Theresa said...

I felt right at home with you looking back at your fun Christmas! What a wonderful time, lasting days and now finally over! I am ready for the New Year! Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

deb said...

What a beautiful Christmas you had Jane! Love the photo with the dogs :-D

Traci said...

It sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas season full of celebrations! I love the dog pic! I'm so ready for "normal" food. We have so many leftovers & sweets it's ridiculous.

J said...

I loved reading your version of Christmas! Many aspects of it were just like my own, but the fun is seeing differences, and maybe picking up an idea or two for next year! Your family is so blessed to get along well and to value people (and pets!) and their comfort during this happy time of year. I loved reading about your terrific bargains too! What a nice surprise to find that "bonus" table runner included with the cloth!
Happy New Year, Jane!

xinex said...

Fun celebration, Janie. I am glad you had a nice Christmas. Her is hoping the New Year brings you more blessings, lots of happiness, peace and love and better health....Christine

Scribbler said...

I can't believe your weather! It has been so wet and chilly and dark here, not like the South at all! Looks like you all had a great Christmas. Happy New Year!

Linda said...

What can I say Jane?
Everything looks beautiful....festive....and delicious!
Enjoy your week...
Cheers!
Linda :o)

Junkchiccottage said...

Jane,
Looks like you had a great Christmas with your wonderful family. Enjoying being together is what it is all about. So happy you had a wonderful couple of days.
Happy New Year.
Kris

Melanie said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful and busy Christmas! Tulo is getting so big...cute how he tried to climb into the lap of a pregnant woman, lol. Guess he wanted to snuggle against the baby!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

You have been BUSY!!.. love all the decorations, the warm rooms in your photos... just lovely. Happy, Healthy 2015 to all!

oldgreymareprimitives said...

Well it all sounds magical. How blessed you are with friends and family. Wishing you a wonderful dm healthy New Year! <3

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Wow, I can't keep up with you, but I send you love and best wishes for a happy, healthy 2015.

Take care dear Jane,

Sharon

Bluebird49 said...

Wow--what a busy, lovely holiday you had, Jane! Some 'new' things--(Papa's reclaiming and Jeff's new house!)---and M.C.'s family meal and your brunch--- "older traditions". I wonder where you get the energy--but I'm so delighted you have it, and then share your holiday with us. I loved the "Grinches", (stealing that for next year!), and your photo vignettes. You always weave your words and photos with such humor and a dear "next-door neighborly feel" that I love so!
I look forward to hearing that you've rested and will soon have a new post after a "quiet?" New Year's Eve!
Trudy xx

Stacey said...

Jane, you've had a busy year! I always love reading about your days, your yummy food, and your decorating.