All Dressed Up For Christmas ~ part 1

I always start in the kitchen because it's so much fun to decorate that happy place. And it's actually easy to decorate because it is an all white room. This year I decided to put this tree right next to the sink. 

I had those little wood houses last year, but found the felt garland this year, and it was the perfect touch. 

I love the charm of that sink skirt and the cabinet doors off. It adds such a sweet touch that makes me smile every day.

I love the Christmas in here but also just the simple look of it all. 

Another look at those wooden houses... I was thrilled when I found a pink house since there is a lot of pink in my kitchen (on the vintage plates) and that gingerbread rug (above pictures) has pink also. 

I decided to fill this little wire baskets with dishtowels from special Christmas Getaway trips. They make me smile. A favorite childhood book - oh how I love this one! 

My baking center at Christmastime is so lovely to be in. I make sure that it is all stocked up and ready for baking all of our Christmas treats. Our Christmas morning tea cake is already baked and tucked in the freezer, just waiting for us. 

I moved my vintage pink canisters right up front where I usually have my clear jars, and I love the pop of happy pink in there. 

And here at my canisters tucked right in below along with all of my baking sheets. 

Right through the kitchen is our mudroom/laundry room. I took off those doors too and made it sweet with a towel bar on the dryer, right next to the sink. And I love the sink skirt on that mudroom sink. 

Teapot and my husbands Bible... swoon. 

Looking into the mudroom/laundry room. One of our favorite antiques is our vintage Hitchcock table and chairs.  My MacKenzie-Childs tea kettle always comes out at Christmas. 

Peeking into my vintage toy oven is a sweet little gingerbread and book painted by a teacher mentor that I adore. 

So grateful for this bright, white room to hold so much of our daily life. 

So our kitchen is all dressed up - even though I am 'done' in this room, I keep rearranging and I'm sure I will until December 24. 💖

Moments Like These

 I am so grateful to have moments like these... 

Putting up our Christmas tree felt so so wonderful this year. 

It felt like a celebration with this little family of mine. 

Fill Your Soul With Wintery Night

There is nothing more wonderful then snow on the day our tree comes into our living room. 

We had planned on putting it up on Sunday but when on Saturday morning I looked out and saw the magic of snow... I called Scott, "plans are changed... quick... before the snow stops!" 

He smiled and stopped everything - because he knows me - and really, he's just the same. 💖

This view from my bedroom window. I've always, always loved this view. Especially in the winter. Well, everything is better in the winter. 

Just look at that... it's magical. The brick chimney, the wreaths. all of it. 

So in the tree went and I clicked away to "Tara, you know this is really heavy..." 

"Freshly cut Christmas trees, smelling of stars and snow and pine. Inhale deeply and fill your soul with wintery night." John J. Geddes 

Oh Goodness... We Miss Our Church

I tear up when I type this... we miss our church so very much. So when we had the chance to get at least to see (last Sunday, Advent Sunday) it I was thrilled. 

They coordinated a take and 'make at home' advent wreath kit. It was all put together by the Confirmation class this year. 

They were all outside of the church handing them out - you didn't even have to get out of your car but I just wanted to park and walk toward church - just like every Sunday for the past 25 years. 

It felt wonderful...

Starting Advent

"May you treasure wisely this jeweled, gilded time 

And cherish each day as an extra grace."

Andrew Greeley 

Never more than ever has Advent meant more to me. This year there is so many traditions that just won't happen. This weekend is supposed to be our very special 'Christmas Getaway Weekend'. We already miss it terribly. But we will find beauty in this weekend and have planned wonderful things that will fill our hearts. 

On Advent Sunday (the first Sunday of Advent) we had a little family tea party with yummy hot teas made just the way we like them and we picked names out of a bowl. 

This year after reading "The Last Straw" story we decided to make it a new tradition. 

In the story a very exhausted mama decides to get her children to do nice things for each other in secret. They each pick a name and throughout the week make a little magic happen for that person without them knowing. Each time a little something is done you put a piece of straw in the manger. 

I promise to show you those pictures soon. 

This was our very yummy tea party and listening to the story. 

This week I also attended an online retreat with poetry, readings, and music after school and it was so so good for my soul.  

I know for sure that years from now my girls won't remember what presents they opened this year. They might not even remember the traditions that didn't happen. But I know they will remember the time we were together; the time listening to them, praying with them, guiding them, teaching them. It is my present to the Lord this year to walk in patience in all of those things. And in all of those moments. For truly this IS a jeweled, gilded time. 

"May you treasure wisely this jeweled, gilded time 

And cherish each day as an extra grace."

Andrew Greeley 

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