A mother's love...

A Mother's Love

There is no love, like a mother's love, no stronger bond on earth... like the precious bond that comes from God, to a mother, when she gives birth. A mother's love is forever strong, never changing for all time... and when her children need her most, a mother's love will shine. God bless these special mothers, God bless them every one... for all the tears and heartache, and for the special work they've done. When her days on earth are over, a mother's love lives on... through many generations, with God's blessings on each one. Be thankful for our mothers, for they love with a higher love... from the power God has given, and the strength from up above. ...Jill Lemming     Sweet cedar, juniper from Santa Fe, NM Topper from an estate sale somewhere a few favorite things my favorite picture of my boys some books and a vintage Mexican pottery platter alabaster little people from Florence, Italy

2010 Vignettes - and we have a winner!!!

It's always a good thing to have a retrospective on past events. It's how we learn what worked, what we could have done better and what we won't be doing again! I looked at the stats on the blog and these are your favorites; the links below the pictures will take you to the original post.

Steak au Poivre

Red, white and black all over

Fall on the patio

Ushering in 2011

Merry Christmas and a gift for you

Second Advent

Bienvenidos a nuestra casa

Welcome to brunch on our patio

Winter Garden

A couple of my favorites were:

winning the beautiful placemats (Pheasantly Fall)  from the Twiggery on Susan's Between Naps on the Porch blog

 

and winning Mikasa votives and a Mikasa vase and the platinum black dot coffee cups from Mikasa as shown on the Black and White Affair.

Random.org choose number 26... Now who might that be? 199 equals the total number of followers, comments and those who added a link in their blog. So number 26 came from the followers and Jeannie is the winner! Congratulations to you. Jeannie, if you will go to: Embroidery Arts

and pick out a single monogram style, then email me back with the letter and style and color you would like to have embroidered on your white linen napkins I can begin working on them this weekend. Thanks all who played. The napkins came from Accent Linens - you need to check them out for lots of fun styles and colors! We will do this again!

Silent Night....

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright

Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight

Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!

Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:11

The origin of the Christmas carol we know as Silent Night was a poem that was written in 1816 by an Austrian priest called Joseph Mohr. On Christmas Eve in 1818 in the small alpine village called Oberndorf it is reputed that the organ at St. Nicholas Church had broken. Joseph Mohr gave the poem of Silent Night (Stille Nacht) to his friend Franz Xavier Gruber and the melody for Silent Night was composed with this in mind. The music to Silent Night was therefore intended for a guitar and the simple score was finished in time for Midnight Mass. Silent Night is the most famous Christmas carol of all time!

May the blessings of Christmas be with you today and always. 

Merry Christmas! 

Remember to POST HERE for a chance to win 8 monogrammed linen napkins! 

I am linking up to My Romantic Home's Show and Tell Friday.. what a fun place to visit!!

Baby, it's cold outside

I really can't stay
(but baby it's cold outside)
I've got to go away
(but baby it's cold outside)
This evening has been
(been hoping that you'd drop in)
So very nice
(i'll hold your hands, they're just like ice)
My mother will start worry
(beautiful whats your hurry)
My father will be pacing the floor
(listen to the fireplace roar)
So really i'd better scurry
(beautiful please don't hurry)
but maybe just a half a drink more

(put some records on while i pour)
the neighbors might faint
(baby it's bad out there)
say what's in this drink
(no cabs to be had out there)
i wish i knew how
(your eyes are like starlight now)
to break this spell

(i'll take your hat, your hair looks swell)
i ought to say "no, no, no sir"
(mind if i move in closer)
at least i'm gonna say that i tried
(what's the sense in hurtin' my pride)
i really can't stay
(oh baby don't hold out)

both:baby it's cold out side

i simply must go
(but baby it's cold outside)
the answer is no
(but baby it's cold outside)
your welcome has been
(how lucky that you droped in)
so nice and warm
(look out the window at that storm)
my sister will be suspicious
(gosh your lips look delcious)

my brother will be there at the door
(waves upon the tropical shore)
my maiden aunts mind is vicious
(gosh your lips are delicous)
but maybe just a cigarette more
(never such a blizzard before)
i've gotta get home
(but baby you'd freeze out there)

say lend me a coat
(it's up to your knees out there)
you've really been grand
(i thrill when you touch my hand)
but don't you see?
(how can you do this thing to me?)

there's bound to be talk tomorrow
(think of my lifelong sorrow)
at least there will be plenty implied
(if you got namonia and died)
i really can't stay
(get over that old out)

both:baby it's cold
baby it's cold outside

Cast:

Fire- Pinion and oak

Tray- hand painted

Crochet cover - purchased placemat

Glass mug - gift from oldest son and wife

Inside glass mug - Gluhwein

Dishes - Spode Christmas Tree

On plate -  Stollen

Bird - purchased at Hobby lobby? TJMaxx? Tuesday Morning?

Napkins - St. Thomas

Napkin rings - Home Goods

Stocking holder - Ballard Designs

I'm linking up to Artie's Vignette Friday, be sure to drop by on Friday and admire the other beautiful vignettes!

Tableside Greetings

We have a great grocery store here... a United Market Street. Not only great groceries, but also some really wonderful accessories. Sweet Husband purchased this lovely tree plate for me. Aren't I the lucky one? I think it was the y'all that got him - what do you think?

I added a silver Revere bowl filled with some faux greenery, berries, an ornament and a Christmas card. I have life as it is this moment figured out! The King of the House - aka Regan (our now 8 month old kitten), likes real greenery and will leave the faux stuff alone!

 

 The bowl sits on a holiday square. I purchased this remnant while I was home (German) visiting my parents decades ago. I really wanted enough of the fabric for a tablecloth, but alas, that was not to be. The star is cross stitched and the pine branches are hand embroidered.

 

A gold trim edges the piece. The shiny gold stars are woven in the fabric.

Thanks for dropping by today. I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into our home. Be blessed this holy season.

I'll be linking up to the Tablescaper's Seasonal Sunday be sure to check out some real inspiration!

Tis the Season - a small display

The top of the antique bookcase that houses the crystal has evolved  is evolving- just watch closely!

I started with some greenery that didn't fit anywhere else. 

Added some stylized trees I had made last year. 

 And a round candle on my grandmother's candle holder.

The sweet cherub stayed in his spot.

And then I found these great salt and peppers at Tuesday Morning and they had to  join the ongoing decorating effort.

They just seem to balance out this end of the scape.

So I thought I was done.....

And then I found this glittery Noel ornament!

And now, I think this is complete.. 

Glad you stopped by. Hope you were inspired. At our present rate, maybe by Christmas the tree will be up!

Merry Christmas to all!! I'm linking up with Artie's Vignette Friday.. be sure to check it out!