Celebration

We had a wonderful anniversary celebration Friday night. 

After we got all dressed up, we headed out.

Dinner was at the Accomac Inn.  It was a Firelight Night, so all light was provided by the fireplace (which we sat right next too - wonderful!) and candlelight.

The food was fantastic, as was the company!  What a great time we had!

We first dined together at the Accomac the night after we were married.  I wore my gown (it's a formal gown, but not a typical wedding gown. )  Mister wore his tux.  On our second anniversary, we did the same thing. 

Next celebration coming up.....New Year's!  (that's a pretty low key one, for us ;))

Happy Anniversary, Mister!

Eleven years ago, to the very day, and on a Friday morning, Mister and I became husband and wife.

I was pretty scared, but God told me to marry him, and I did love him so, so I did. Mister was confident and happy about us. I am happy to report that our marriage continues to blow me away and far exceed my expectations of how wonderful an earthly relationship could be.

But I know why it is that way. It's because my man is sold out to God. (As am I!) As Ecclesiastes 4 says,  

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Not only does our marriage enable us to each serve God better, but it makes us better.  It brings us closer to God, and closer in Him.  It surely is nothing we could even come close to on our own.


I have never been happier in my life.

Merry, Merry Christmas!

The snow arrived this evening. We're having a White Christmas!

Wishing each and every one of you a Blessed, Joyous, Merry Christmas!

Carol

The Beard

My darling Mister.  Remember, I asked him to grow a beard - something he had never done before, for me, for Christmas? 

It's coming in nicely.  This picture isn't bad, but it does not do him justice, btw.

Our 11th wedding anniversary is coming up next week.  I marvel at how every single day he loves me enthusiastically, steadily, increasingly, and thinks I am wonderful.

How great is that?  I am a blessed woman.

Note Card Party - December - Christmas at Home

Linking to Vee's December Note Card Party!!!
Join the fun with me!

Last year we strung our banister with poinsettia and garland.
This year the poinsettia have gone AWOL, so I have a few unbreakable baubles wired on instead.  A few, not lots.

One of our favorite ornaments is this kitty tangled up in lights.  We do all we can to prevent such shenanigans in real life.

Using Vee's tip she gleaned from somewhere, I took this picture last year through a kitchen strainer.  That's pretty high-tech for me, and I can't seem to replicate it yet this year.

Baubles under glass.  I'm always a fan.  This year the cloche resides in the upstairs hallway on a table, on a red Santa plate, on a lovely white runner from Goodwill.

I am so thankful for our home.  I am blessed to say it is my favorite place to be.  It is a refuge and retreat for our family.  Making our house our home is one of my great joys.

Comfort and blessings,

Carol

Christmas on the Porch

Mister got the lights hooked up out front this weekend.
Everything was already in place.....just not lit up!

It was a pretty easy job this year.
Two trees, a wreath and the Sleigh Bells Ring sign.

This sign is a favorite decoration of mine. I just hang it here on the bottom of the mailbox.

And there you have it.

Merry Christmas,

Comfort and Joy.

morning quiet time

In the morning, before anyone else is up, I slip downstairs.
Brew the coffee, feed the cats.

Light a candle, light the tree.
Gather my Bible and journal.

And start my day off right.

Blessings and comfort,

Carol
(one well-fed cat in the background ;))

Dining Room Christmas

One mantel I decorate.  The faux fireplace mantel in the dining room!
(the other 2 mantels are occupied by a) Mister's TV and b) cats)
The extent of my craftiness is exemplified by the 2 trees over the candlesticks to the left.

I took a cue from Kathy at Sharing Shadymont and took an antique sewing machine drawer, filled it with mason jars, greens, and twinkle lights.  Each jar has Epsom salts for faux snow - I could also sub out tea light candles.

My 3 Santas come out every year.  A bargain buy years ago which Chickie was just a little tot.

The stockings are hung over chair backs with care.....

Blessings and Comfort, as our prayers go out for those affected in the Sandy Hook tragedy,

Carol

Jar of Baubles

The jar's contents change with the seasons.  This time of year, it is filled with Christmas baubles.

Since I am attracted to shine and sparkle, much like a magpie, it catches my eye all day long as I work in the kitchen.

This is my eye candy.

Have a shiny and sparkly day!

Carol

Simply Savoring, Slowing Down

I am choosing to live intentionally.  To savor the process.  The process of baking, of cleaning, of working, of blogging, of Pinterest!!
A Christmas tin catches my eye.  I stack them in the kitchen.  They are empty (don't tell!) but they add the feeling of the warmth of the season.

I remember Chickie's first Christmas.  And her early Christmasses.  Making the holiday meaningful, warm, cozy and invitingly delightful for her.

I look, I see, I slow down, I savor, I serve.

What a blessed time of year!

Carol

Christmas in the Kitchen

The kitchen hutch always lends itself nicely to the change of seasons.


I just keep putting more things up top as I find them.



The bookcase gets tweaked, too.



I'm using the Christmas mugs for tea and coffee. Love the feel and shape of them. They are displayed where I can enjoy them all day.

 
The Santa was a treasure given to my by a client who was downsizing. I love having it here on the counter.

 Have a blessed, wonderful week!

And see the amazing vulture above??!  I WON it from Anne, who made it herself.  She makes O'Kringles too, from okra pods, and is extremely talented.  Check our her blog for more!

Carol