It was 66 degrees when Louis Dean and I went to bed last night.
When I woke up it was 36!
The warm November wind had blown most of the leaves from the old elm tree that towers over the gazebo yesterday and the COLD December wind blew the rest of them off today!
I did not sleep well last night - even after going to bed at 11:00 - it was after 2 am before I slept.
Louis Dean had coffee - hot and waiting for me when I finally woke up.
He had already let Lucy out and they were both waiting in the den for me!
Since we have sworn off watching so much news and violent TV shows - he was watching a football game. One from several days ago! It was a Texas Longhorn vs TCU game from November 27th!
Life is so much easier when you are not constantly bombarded with all the evil going on in the world.
I'm not saying we will never watch the news stations again - but I sincerely hope it is on a limited basis!
We had coffee, enjoyed the fireplace and the cooler temps, did our Bible reading and then just sat and visited a bit. Planning our week and our goals together.
The den is all clean and decorated for Christmas!!!
This is the one room in which we spend the most time.
This year I removed a good many things and then set the scene with my Christmas decorations.
That's MUCH easier than trying to add so MUCH to what is already there!
I painted the Christmas Duck Tray way back in 1987.
I also made the two little ceramic reindeer in 1984.
I keep just about EVERYTHING!!!
The toy rocking horses are also now 'vintage!'
Louis Dean LOVES 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas.'
Dear friends left the stuffed Grinch and Max on our front porch several years ago.
LD hopes to read the story to the grandchildren this year.
The table is set!
You would be surprised how often I use this den table - especially when we entertain.
I moved my laptop to a new 'station.' This frees up the table and also puts the computer at an easier level for me to type.
Our den Santa Tree!
When I get Christmas pics of the grands - they will then remain forever as Christmas decorations for me!!! You can see my very first grandchild, Sam, and the quads are right there next to him.
I love this grouping on the baby grand!
I bought the sleigh last week and the Sleigh Ride sign weeks before!
Both came from our local Goodwill Store!
It's so cool how things seem to work together!
We have kept the little bench (from Goodwill months ago) in the den after using it last week when the quads were here. It's a good place to hold the Christmas Critters and a few books which we hope to read when the grandchildren visit!
I tweaked the porch decorations this afternoon.
With all that white mesh ribbon - I changed the porch bench cover using a gold and white tablecloth.
The Snow Lady has been fluffed up and is looking good!
So the porch and the den are both DONE deals!
So is the foyer!
I used an angel theme in there.
I removed everything on a few shelves to hold all my angels.
Amber and Benjamin made these coffee filter angels when they were youngsters.
Like I said before - I keep everything!
HOW could I throw away something my children have made??
I spy the clothes pin nativity scene Amber gave me when she was 8 years old!
I have LOVED this angel! She came from Goodwill several years ago!
She holds different things season from season.....
Our Angel Tree!!
Moving from the foyer to the living room......
I took the decorations that normally 'live' here down so I could display my bell wreathes!
We received our very first Christmas Card and displayed it in one of them.
Thank you, Lisa!!!
The foyer is all angel inspired!
The DEN, the FOYER, the PORCH - all DONE!!!
Moving into the living room now.
I am LOVING my 'new' Christmas tree!!!! It is 7 1/2 feet and I bought it at Union Gospel Mission for $17! Win! WIN!!! I had budgeted $200 for a new tree! The money I saved will more than pay for the extra Christmas grocery bill!!!
See the far end of the sofa? It's back there by the lamp and next to the tree. THAT is Louis Dean's FAVORITE place to sit!! The living room is his most favorite room!
He dearly loves to take his nightly glass of wine and we sit and visit and he tells me stories of his glory days and I tell him stories of mine.
We are in our tenth year of marriage so now we have stories together that we revisit.
Is it only an 'old people' thing that we like to remember the past?
Perhaps the young people are too busy LIVING to have the luxury WE have in remembering!
That is probably true.
I am thinking back to MY life - when I was in my 30's and 40's. It was a busy time - I was consumed with my last two children - homeschooling and coping with Life.
Yes, remembering really IS a luxury!!!
My place is the white rocker over there in the corner.
This IS a pretty room and one we both enjoy!
Can you see 'The Chapman Family' written on the mirror?
That was a gift from a friend at State Farm. I used to work at a local agent's office
and still have fond thoughts of my time as a State Farm Represenative.
My thoughts and prayers are with Heather tonight.
She just lost her beloved mother and every time I walk through this room will be a reminder to pray for her as she grieves in her loss.
The bookcases holding Louis Dean's doll collection is a major reason this is his favorite room.
You can see he photo bombed this pic!!!
He is such a good sport!
He's always willing to wait to eat until I take a pic!
He also knows that THIS is what I do!!!
He's ready to go to bed and I'm documenting my day via my online dairy - aka - my blog!
It's been a good day! I accomplished a lot. Not as much as I PLANNED to do! Still, I am pleased.
I do so love to decorate for the seasons.
As I go from room to room - transforming the Normal into the Magic of Christmas - I think of the grandchildren who will come and gaze in wonder at all the lights and decorations. I also think of all my friends who will visit us during my annual 'Cup of Christmas Tea' I will be hosting on December 16th. Then there are the family gatherings that will happen in December and the special friends who will hopefully drop by. The big question is - do I do all this decorating and work for THEM?
Yes! But IF none of them could come - I would STILL do every bit of what I do!!!
Why? I do it - first and foremost - for ME!!!!
I enjoy it more than anyone!!!
Louis Dean went off long ago to turn on our elctric blanket! That leaves me to turn off all the lights and check the doors.
THIS is a reality shot of the next room on my list!!
Trust me! Tomorrow this will look MUCH different!
I know because I have already seen it in my mind's eye!
Goodnight to all!!!
Your home looks like a beautiful Bed & Breakfast decorated for Christmas, or a gorgeous Christmas store filled with wondrous things. SO much beauty and interesting things to look at!! I love the way you have put the plaid tablecloths on your end tables. Your trees are beautiful! The Quads will be amazed at everything in every room! I got a couple of these little wooden rocking horses at Goodwill, but I have not put them out yet and have no idea what to do with them! We have a small house. I love the tray you painted!! My theme is bells this year, so I LOVE yours! I think I may do a BELL post!! I also had FALL colored bells for fall! It was 70 here today, and beautiful, like summer! Now tomorrow we are to get sleet, ice, and snow!
ReplyDeleteWow it all looks beautiful! All the sweet memories...that is what Christmas is all about!
ReplyDeleteA Christmas Wonderland Linda! X
ReplyDeleteYou have transformed your home into a Christmas delight. We'll want to see those awestruck expressions! It is very special that you would do it even for yourself and says what a Keeper of Christmas you are!
ReplyDeleteGood morning! Thoroughly enjoyed seeing all of your Christmas delights. You have transformed it beautifully! I asked myself this year if I would still do all the decorating if no one but hubby and I ever saw it, and the answer would be a big YES! lol Love it too. Enjoy your day
ReplyDeleteI was thinking as I was reading your post, that you should have Tours and then I see at the end that you will have. Every inch is beautiful and we have had a tour as well.
ReplyDeleteSo many pretty things but my favorite is the angel that changes with the seasons:)
ReplyDeleteSanta would be right at home in your home... it is all ready for him. my favorite decoration is Lucy in her bed my second favorite is that Merry Christmas angel, so beautiful, your table is wonderful and what a great idea for you computer desk.
ReplyDeleteLinda, You are one amazing decorator. I like that you kept your kids angels. I have things I get out each year that my girls made. Can't part with them. Blessings to LD and you for a great week. xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteOK, Linda... I really think you need to sell tickets to tour your whimsical house. There would be a line around the block. If Linda decorates.....they will come!!!
ReplyDeleteLove so much all you do. You know how to celebrate Christmas. Love and Hugs
Can't tell you how much I enjoyed the tour of your home set a glow with all the pretty Christmas things. My favorite is always your wall of Santa paintings - I spied them amidst it all. I enjoyed my "visit" with you!
ReplyDeleteLinda this is gorgeous! I thought the Mrs. here did a lot of decorating, but you have her outdone here. Love all the details, and how you go from room to room. I agree with some of the others--a magical Christmas tour would have people lined up down the street!
ReplyDeleteIt's all just lovely. I'm glad that you and Louis Dean have each other to share life together. I am sure the quads make life more fun and interesting! Sweet times!
ReplyDeleteDeanna
My mama decorated every room and the outside too. We loved it and the children loved to do Christmas there. I know your grandchildren are having a ball. I especially love the Santa tree and all the Santa pictures. How on earth did you get enough to cover a wall. I love it!
ReplyDeleteYour home is so beautiful. AND I also have pictures from my boys past Christmas'. I pull them out every year and they are my favorite Christmas decor. :)
ReplyDeleteSo many beautiful treasures and great memories! I don't decorate like I used to...don't have the space and I've given so much away too. I do love to sit in a darkened room with only the Christmas lights on, have a cocktail and just relax. There are so many memories as well as a HUGE gratitude list to think about as well as the real reason for this season.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing your life with all of us!
xo
Pat