New Years Eve and more...

New Year's Eve is a special day in its own right, but in our family there's additional significance. December 31st is my daughters' birthday. Last year, on her birthday, she gave birth to our first grandchild. That's right, mommy and son share the same birthday. But it doesn't stop there, New Year's Eve was also my maternal grandfathers birthday and is the birthday of one of my nephews. Four family members with a New Years Eve birthday...what a special day!

Wishing you and yours a blessed and Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

I'll be without computer access for a bit, but wanted to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas.

Blessings of the season!

I need a silent night!...

...maybe you do too! If so, listen to this wonderful Christmas song by Amy Grant when you have a few minutes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci95b7Or0mk&feature=related

Christmas memories...

If you're like I am, certain Christmas decorations hold special significance of past holidays and loved ones. Though scaling back on Christmas decorating this year, I managed to scatter a few of my "special" decorations throughout my home...

         

These are two of my favorites...a nativity candlebox handcrafted by my father-in-law (shown below in blue and gold backlight)...

...and a VERY old lighted church that belonged to my maternal grandparents. My grandparents lived by very modest means, the little church is one of the few Christmas decorations they had. As a child, I  gazed at it for hours, thinking it was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen (I still do!)

I'm so thankful to have these pieces, but more importantly, I'm thankful for the people whose memories they bring to mind. 

Flip flopping...

I took a break from holiday tasks today to try my hand at a new project. A visiting, out-of-state,  family member has a side business of adorable infant and toddler clothing, accessories and embellished ladies flip flops. She was kind enough to share her flip flop tips and pointers...here's my first attempt...

The possibilities are endless!!! I can't wait to refine my skills and become a "flip flop" making machine!!!

Lighted garland...

I was inspired to try a project I saw on Pinterest. I used Kiwi and White tulle on a strand of clear LED lights. The muted glow of each tiny little light creates a soft and dreamy appearance atop my sideboard...

So many possibilities for use...these garlands would be lovely for special events such as weddings and little "diva" parties as well.

A break in tradition...

Gosh, time has literally slipped by since my last post! Hope this finds everyone out there embracing the joys of this special Christmas season.

My husband and I opted NOT to put up a tree this year for reasons I will share later. This is a big break in tradition for us as we've ALWAYS had a tree. I can remember our first Christmas together as a married couple, money was tight, but we splurged on a beautiful blue spruce tree...what a wonderful memory! However, not having a tree does NOT mean no hint of Christmas in the household! Here's a few photos of Christmas touches in our home...

Blessings of the season to you and yours!