January...

I went to the library on Friday, because with the new year comes the need to read!  There were too many books I wanted to take home with me.  I settled on a dozen or so, and have looked at each one and am reading one that I can't put down. (I'll talk about that in another post.)

The titles are many, with some decorating, some craft, some gardening. I even found a book by the American Pickers on how to find good junk.  (Like I need help with that ;-)

The need to craft is great in the new year...and I have a salvaged set of old encyclopedias just waiting to be folded and cut.

Once the Christmas decorations come down, the house will need some refreshing.  Looking through this Shabby Chic book, reminded me that you don't need new things to make your home a welcoming place.  Rachel does it with worn chairs, frayed fabric and many things I already have around the house.

 We had a quiet New Years, it was great to have nothing I had to do.  I made my favorite meal, and found a spud o love in the bag of many weird shaped potatoes. 

Of course I had to photograph it, and send it to my kids. 


I received this special gift during the holiday rush, but wanted to show it to you.  My dear friend Barb from Babs Just a Babblin' sent me this charming package with a vintage linen towel she found for me this summer, and saved for my Christmas present.  She thought it said, "Penny", and it does!

The little bean bags are actually hand warmers that you put in the microwave and snuggle in your gloves.  Such a thoughtful gift, though dear Barb is gift enough for me.  A friendship I cherish.

The sad work of taking down the decorations is on my agenda for this week.  Luckily the Sun is shining this morning.  It's not as hard on the spirit when the day is bright.  Back to the real world...but it sure was a great holiday, with so many happy memories to keep me warm on this cold January day.  Take care my friends! 

Happy New Year 2012

Wishing you health, happiness and love!

In the Bleak Midwinter

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,

earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;

snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,

in the bleak midwinter, long ago.

                      

 Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain;

heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign.

In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed

the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

Angels and archangels may have gathered there,

cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;

but his mother only, in her maiden bliss,

worshiped the beloved with a kiss.

                                              

What can I give him, poor as I am?

                                                 If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;

if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;

yet what I can I give him: give my heart.

I woke up with this song in my head.  The photos I took yesterday, on a mild and sunny winter day.  Today is bleak and raining, but my heart is still full of Christmas cheer.  Everyday is a blessing, even the bleak ones!

It Was the Best Christmas, and then some...

 The house was all decked out...

 all the small touches that make me happy.

 Things that no one will notice, except me.

 When night fell on Christmas Eve, and the luminarias were lit...  the house glowed with the love within.

Every Christmas Eve, I walk across the street and look at our home.  It's my moment alone.  If I could bottle that moment every year, it would be filled with gratitude, happiness, faith, love and something more... The essence of Christmas.  All that I love safely snuggled inside.

 I remembered to take a few photos, and my brother took the one of my SIL's and me.

I opened the door to this great group.  The sweetest girls...my favorites in all the world...Kristen, dearest daughter o mine and mom to be, Gina, Amy, Emma and the sassy "little bird".

 My beautiful SIL's, Elizabeth, Mindy, Monika and Lynette.

My wonderful brothers,  Greg, Larry, Tony and Jeff. (aka my rotten brothers;-)

 Tracy and Tyler...and baby #2!

 Pal o mine, Marci... glowing!

 dearest darling husband, oh how I love that man o mine...and Mikey, my son, sigh, my son...

dear Charlotte and #1 son Jon Jon...  My heart overflows... 

It was the happiest Christmas I can remember, and the best gift was having all of us together.

The house sure is quiet.  Everyone has gone home.  The New Year is on the horizon, and I'm ready!  The New Year will bring a new baby to the family, along with a Grandchild to our lives.  Time to plan.  Time to reflect.  Time to nap...I'm pooped!  Enjoy this beautiful day.

PS  The only people I missed photographing were our dear Doug, sorry sweetie, and Tyler's brother Andy, who was a welcomed addition to our festivities.
PSS ...and  my wonderful nephews, Greg and Jimmy, sorry guys!

A Christmas Wish

Peace on Earth

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, from all of us here

 At Home in English Valley.