I love your crowd. I miss having a big group for Christmas.
My sister spends Christmas with her family in Las Vegas - not on my list of favorite places. My husband's brother and sisters live too far away. So we are just the 4 of us for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
I am sorry for your 6 degrees - we have a fire in the fireplace right now (just had a cord of wood delivered) and it is 50 degrees. I guess cold is all relative.
So glad to see a post from you right before Christmas! I was wondering if you were going to do one. If not, I was going to email you personally to see what you were up to and wish you a Merry Christmas. Anyhoo...I love those red MERRY letters you painted. So pretty on top of your cabinets. Sorry to hear of all the aggravating things going on all of a sudden. Never thought of the flies perhaps coming from the tree, but it makes sense. Ugh. Loved the pics of all the lovely ladies - I think I've said before, Emily looks just like you! And Abby looks like your hubby. I hope you and your family have a wonderful and most blessed Christmas together. xoxo
Jane, thanks for sharing your holiday fun. I'm snuggled in by a cozy fire, enjoying the twinkle of the lights on the tree and the mantel, and reading some favorite blogs. I was at a large Christmas party earlier, so this quiet time is welcomed. Merry, Merry! ~ Sarah
Your family looks fun loving and I can tell you care for each other; now that makes for a great Christmas. We love Christmas at our house too. I think your snowmen look cute on your kitchen window sill.
December 23, 2013 at 9:40 PM
Anonymous said...
beautiful Christmas home and beautiful women! Merry Merry Christmas, watch the squirrels don't chew the wires or upholstery on that sports car, they like to do that, I have seem them destroy cars stored in garages!They make nesting material out of the stuffing from the seats of the cars,
It looks like y'all had a wonderful time at the party! Those cookies look delicious and you have such a beautiful family. Try to stay warm...wish I could send you some warm Texas weather. :) Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas, my friend!!
Merry Merry Christmas! Your family is beautiful! I always enjoy your writing - like we're just chatting over coffee and you're telling me what's up with you. Hope you get a bit more warmth soon!
Jane, your family party looked like a lot of fun and your cookies looked great too! It really is freezing out there and I'm like your husband and still have a couple of things to pick up. Just so darn cold my daughter and I stayed in and baked a flourless chocolate cake and some cookies and candy! Merry Christmas to you! Debbie
Hi Jane I think he should use someone else's car. Glad you are feeling merry. I hope have a fab Christmas and an exciting new year. Carolyn Ps thanks for stopping by Deire Empire this year.
Merry Christmas to you sweet friend! I am sitting with the glow of the Christmas tree lights, enjoying my coffee JUST before getting really busy:) Have a blessed and beautiful day dear friend! BIG HUGS!
Merry Christmas dear Jane!... loved seeing your family photos, and also all of your decorations... your little ducks~geese look so cute!... I cannot imagine anyone (your hairdresser) not wanting to bring a real Christmas tree inside!... yours looks just gorgeous... wishing you and your family a most beautiful Christmas... thanks for being such a dear friend... xoxo Julie Marie
Hi Jane, Just love the way you are keeping it "real." The Holidays are never perfect but always fun. Love seeing your decorations and the pics of the family.
I hope that you and yours have a wonderful, beautiful Christmas filled with love and happiness.
I am taking a break from last minute Christmas cleaning and enjoying your Merry And Bright Post...your Christmas family shots, etc...all wonderful :)
Cookies look yummy! :)
Maybe try this : Get a bag of unsalted roasted peanuts in your grocery fruit and vegetable section and some sunflower seeds as well, if you like, but peanuts for sure! Put some peanuts somewhere away from the garage and get the squirrels interested in that location and since they love peanuts they may start getting trained to look elsewhere for their daily snacks than your garage...
Love your Merry sign, by the way..everything looks very festive and pretty! Have a Merry Christmas! :)
Hi Jane, So glad you are enjoying the holidays. The party looks like fun.....beautiful ladies!! It has been warm and raining here. Finally today it is cold and the sky is a beautiful blue! Your home looks so pretty all decorated. Today I'm having my family, so they can be home for Christmas day so the grandchildren can stay in their jammies all day and enjoy their gifts. I have most of the food ready, just a few last minute things to do. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas!!
Merry Christmas Jane....I have enjoyed all of your "holiday posts" You are the blogger who keeps me young and "current" You are truly blessed with that wonderful family. Hope your holidays are as special as you. Hugs, Balisha
I am so glad you are feeling Merry Jane! I know earlier you had mentioned you were having a hard time getting into the spirit this year. I am the same way you are with collections, first of all, our house is small! then i get a few of something and I'm rady to move on. lol. We can be fickle together:>) Wishing you and your family a very merry Christmas and a wonderful New year!
Merry Christmas, Jane! What a GORGEOUS family you have. I know you are very proud. :) Your cookies look delightful (and so does the rum)! And your tree - oh my, now that is a stunner. Hugs, Beth
I am so glad to stop by and "chat" for a moment. Your squirrel story made me laugh...sorry, but I needed a chuckle! We drove out of Illinois in horrible weather and I have to say, Florida is not disappointing us this year. It is actually what they are calling cold tonight (it was 68 today)and it was 87 yesterday. Remind me why we live in Illinois?
We got a wedding gown, I got a dress and we ordered flowers. I will tell you all the details later. For now, wishing you and yours a beautiful Christmas, a happy and healthy New Year and to thank you for being a wonderful friend.
That 6 degrees thing sounds like a living hell!! I have a thing against Nutcrackers. I know a lot of people collect them but they ooog me out. Not a fan of squirrels either. It freaks me out that they have those little hands. Hope y'all had a wonderful Christmas!
Jane, your home decorated for Christmas is lovely. We have been empty nesters for over 10 yrs, and I decided not to put up a tree this year. Bad move! I will put it up next year and all the years that I'm able to. It just isn't Christmas without the tree and all the memories that go on it.
I loved reading about your Dad. I lost mine four years ago. He was also a quiet and gentle man who took such good care of my Mom for four years before she died. I know we will always miss our loved ones.
Well, despite flies and squirrels, it looks like you all had a wonderful Christmas, Jane! :) A house full of love and family! :) I pray that the new year brings you peace, joy, and good health, sweetie! ♥
I love your letters just the way they are, red and cheery! I hope you have time to sit and enjoy the lights on these cold nights! Sweet Irish gal, she'd like the Irish You a Merry Christmas table I did! Happy 2014! Many blessings...
It looks like y'all had so much fun, Jane! I hope that squirrel isn't eating away at your hubby's car and just sticking to your garbage! Your decorations look so sweet, and those cookies looked yummy!
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January 1, 2014 at 5:09 AM
[Image]This is how I feel! Well, no, not all the time, but a good part of the time. First of all, Mother Nature played a bad trick on us and we hit 6 degrees at it's warmest today. The busiest time of the year. Maybe, just maybe, people like The Husband will learn to shop earlier in the month, because you just never know. I know we are all busy and no one has the time to read one of my long rambling posts, so I'll try to keep it short. Things are moving along fine in Blondieville. Yes, we have our problems here, but not anything in comparison to the problems in our world. And that's why we wish everyone Peace at this time of year more than any other...this is a time of goodwill. Random acts of kindness. Less stress and more joy. But there are always those little aggravations...
We have flies. Why? And we have squirrels in the garage (as you already know), that now sit quite confidently on The Husband's sleek 2 seater sports car. I think that they are laughing at me when I catch them, they pause, take another bite out of whatever they're eating from MY GARBAGECANS, and then scurry out. And with The Husband using my car in the winter as he always does since his car is not made for driving in snow, sleet and rain...I depend on my children to get me from point A to Z. They call it, "Driving Miss Daisy". And I broke my glasses as well as a $50.00 platter that was a gift. I lost my internet for a few days and it turned out to be the router coming unplugged in the office. Just stupid s***, (now that you know I use that word a lot).
Okay, I painted these letters from Michael's and they are above my kitchen cabinets. I have little lights in front of them and they look wonderful at night. Maybe I will glitter or distress them one day, but for now I just like them red and cheery. 'Cuz I need that.
[Image]Friday afternoon...3 dozen cookies. The best I took to a family party Saturday night. It was hit or miss with some of those sprinkles!
[Image]Just a few more little arrangements of Christmas happiness on every available surface I could find :) I have these ducks (I have decided to call them ducks even though they may be geese) that I love. This coming from a girl who has lived on a lake for 22 years. And more greenery. My Katie, who does my hair, told me she has an artificial tree because she is a germophobic. "Just think of all those spiders and bugs you bring in your house with those live trees." She said. Gulp. Maybe that's where I've gotten the flies.
[Image]I have a little collection of snowmen and I have them on the kitchen window sill this year. Not many, I'm not big on collections. My house is too small. I started a collection of Old World Santa's awhile ago and then decided they looked too somber. Then I started on snowmen and I'm beginning to think they all look the same...I mean how many ways can you decorate three white balls? I'm so fickle.
[Image]And now, just an end table, albeit large so I fiddled forever. Everything seems to be floating. Not sure...maybe I'll come up with a better idea next year. Note: I was just proofreading this and I decided to stick a small, red, dessert size plate under that little tree and it looks terrific. Sometimes seeing things in pictures really helps!
[Image]The first party of the year was Saturday night with one side of the family. I won't bore you. Maybe I will. L to R: Abigail (daughter), Karen (SIL), Emily (daughter), Megan (SIL and hostess), and Gwen (SIL)
[Image]Deirdre, (son Jeff's girlfriend...so Irish and beautiful dimples!), Megan and Abby. Wonderful creamy rum for little shots here and there. :)
[Image]Son Kevin and wife Mary Clare (we call her MC).
[Image]MC and her sister Nora. Could they not be twins?
[Image]Abigail and her boyfriend of 4 years, Tom. He is also studying education and hopes to coach football. I KNOW they will get married one day. We just love him.
[Image]And these are the ladies (I am on the right, 2nd from the front). The guys have the living room and the kids have the family room. We have a ball at holidays and get togethers. We're like sisters. I love my own sisters and it's an added plus to have more. Lots of food, gift exchanges and laughter. How good can it get?
[Image]I'm signing off now. I know all of you have so many things to do, or maybe you are just sitting in front of your Christmas tree, enjoying the beauty of the lights and pretty ornaments. I hope it's been a peaceful season for you so that you've been able to concentrate on "The reason for the season".
Merry Christmas to all of you, my friends! :)
XO,
Jane
posted by Blondie's Journal at 8:59 PM on Dec 23, 2013
"CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS"
46 Comments -
I love your crowd. I miss having a big group for Christmas.
My sister spends Christmas with her family in Las Vegas - not on my list of favorite places. My husband's brother and sisters live too far away. So we are just the 4 of us for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
I am sorry for your 6 degrees - we have a fire in the fireplace right now (just had a cord of wood delivered) and it is 50 degrees. I guess cold is all relative.
Merry Christmas
December 23, 2013 at 9:17 PM
So glad to see a post from you right before Christmas! I was wondering if you were going to do one. If not, I was going to email you personally to see what you were up to and wish you a Merry Christmas. Anyhoo...I love those red MERRY letters you painted. So pretty on top of your cabinets. Sorry to hear of all the aggravating things going on all of a sudden. Never thought of the flies perhaps coming from the tree, but it makes sense. Ugh. Loved the pics of all the lovely ladies - I think I've said before, Emily looks just like you! And Abby looks like your hubby. I hope you and your family have a wonderful and most blessed Christmas together. xoxo
December 23, 2013 at 9:23 PM
Mary Christmas, Jane! Stay warm, and watch out for those darn squirrels:)
December 23, 2013 at 9:26 PM
Jane, thanks for sharing your holiday fun. I'm snuggled in by a cozy fire, enjoying the twinkle of the lights on the tree and the mantel, and reading some favorite blogs. I was at a large Christmas party earlier, so this quiet time is welcomed. Merry, Merry!
~ Sarah
December 23, 2013 at 9:26 PM
Your family looks fun loving and I can tell you care for each other; now that makes for a great Christmas. We love Christmas at our house too. I think your snowmen look cute on your kitchen window sill.
December 23, 2013 at 9:40 PM
beautiful Christmas home and beautiful women! Merry Merry Christmas, watch the squirrels don't chew the wires or upholstery on that sports car, they like to do that, I have seem them destroy cars stored in garages!They make nesting material out of the stuffing from the seats of the cars,
December 23, 2013 at 9:45 PM
Your tree and room are lovely and I do like the Merry! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas!
December 23, 2013 at 9:54 PM
It looks like y'all had a wonderful time at the party! Those cookies look delicious and you have such a beautiful family. Try to stay warm...wish I could send you some warm Texas weather. :) Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas, my friend!!
December 23, 2013 at 10:05 PM
Merry Merry Christmas! Your family is beautiful! I always enjoy your writing - like we're just chatting over coffee and you're telling me what's up with you. Hope you get a bit more warmth soon!
December 23, 2013 at 10:31 PM
Merry Christmas to you and your family Jane...I so enjoy your writing! Your tree looks beautiful!
December 23, 2013 at 11:13 PM
I have a bottle of Rumchata all ready for tomorrow - so yummy :-)
Merry Christmas!
December 23, 2013 at 11:13 PM
Merry Christmas sweetie! xoxo
December 23, 2013 at 11:14 PM
You have a lovely family Jane! You are very blessed.
Have a wonderful holiday my friend, and may 2014 bring you many joyous times.
December 23, 2013 at 11:40 PM
Jane, your family party looked like a lot of fun and your cookies looked great too! It really is freezing out there and I'm like your husband and still have a couple of things to pick up. Just so darn cold my daughter and I stayed in and baked a flourless chocolate cake and some cookies and candy!
Merry Christmas to you!
Debbie
December 24, 2013 at 1:48 AM
Everything looks so pretty and festive Jane! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas-enjoy:@)
December 24, 2013 at 4:06 AM
Hi Jane
I think he should use someone else's car. Glad you are feeling merry. I hope have a fab Christmas and an exciting new year.
Carolyn
Ps thanks for stopping by Deire Empire this year.
December 24, 2013 at 4:15 AM
It all looks wonderful. You have done a super job, Janie, and I loved seeing the smiling faces.
Merry, Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Love you,
Sheila
December 24, 2013 at 5:19 AM
Merry Christmas to you sweet friend! I am sitting with the glow of the Christmas tree lights, enjoying my coffee JUST before getting really busy:) Have a blessed and beautiful day dear friend! BIG HUGS!
December 24, 2013 at 5:39 AM
Merry Christmas Jane, beautiful family pictures.....Have a wonderful Christmas and all the Best in the New Year, Holiday Hugs Francine.
December 24, 2013 at 6:25 AM
Merry Christmas, Jane! Yes, we loves us some crowds - especially when it's family, right??
December 24, 2013 at 6:33 AM
Merry Christmas dear Jane!... loved seeing your family photos, and also all of your decorations... your little ducks~geese look so cute!... I cannot imagine anyone (your hairdresser) not wanting to bring a real Christmas tree inside!... yours looks just gorgeous... wishing you and your family a most beautiful Christmas... thanks for being such a dear friend... xoxo Julie Marie
December 24, 2013 at 6:36 AM
Hi Jane,
Just love the way you are keeping it "real." The Holidays are never perfect but always fun.
Love seeing your decorations and the pics of the family.
I hope that you and yours have a wonderful, beautiful Christmas filled with love and happiness.
hugs
Sissie
December 24, 2013 at 6:59 AM
Merry Christmas, Jane! I always enjoy catching up with you ~ you keep it real! : )
December 24, 2013 at 7:28 AM
Glad to see you are enjoying the holidays Jane. Loved this post - sorry about the pesky squirrels and nasty flies though!
Your trip east will soon be coming up so make sure you rest and relax some once the next few busy days are over.
Stay safe in those chilly temps.
Blessings for Christmas and may 2014 be the best year ever for you and A.
Hugs Mary (and Bob)
December 24, 2013 at 7:41 AM
I think a few teeny flies popped in with our tree too!
Let Heaven and nature sing!
The best of love and blessings to all in Blondeville!
To beautiful "B's"...Merry Christmas!
w/L
December 24, 2013 at 7:53 AM
I am taking a break from last minute Christmas cleaning and enjoying your Merry And Bright Post...your Christmas family shots, etc...all wonderful :)
Cookies look yummy! :)
Maybe try this : Get a bag of unsalted roasted peanuts in your grocery fruit and vegetable section and some sunflower seeds as well, if you like, but peanuts for sure! Put some peanuts somewhere away from the garage and get the squirrels interested in that location and since they love peanuts they may start getting trained to look elsewhere for their daily snacks than your garage...
Love your Merry sign, by the way..everything looks very festive and pretty! Have a Merry Christmas! :)
December 24, 2013 at 8:07 AM
Hi Jane,
So glad you are enjoying the holidays. The party looks like fun.....beautiful ladies!! It has been warm and raining here. Finally today it is cold and the sky is a beautiful blue! Your home looks so pretty all decorated. Today I'm having my family, so they can be home for Christmas day so the grandchildren can stay in their jammies all day and enjoy their gifts. I have most of the food ready, just a few last minute things to do. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas!!
December 24, 2013 at 8:21 AM
Jane,
Loved all the pictures of your family. So beautiful. What a fun group. Merry Christmas dear blogging friend. Enjoy.
Kris
December 24, 2013 at 10:04 AM
Merry Christmas Jane....I have enjoyed all of your "holiday posts" You are the blogger who keeps me young and "current" You are truly blessed with that wonderful family.
Hope your holidays are as special as you.
Hugs, Balisha
December 24, 2013 at 10:36 AM
I am so glad you are feeling Merry Jane! I know earlier you had mentioned you were having a hard time getting into the spirit this year. I am the same way you are with collections, first of all, our house is small! then i get a few of something and I'm rady to move on. lol. We can be fickle together:>)
Wishing you and your family a very merry Christmas and a wonderful New year!
December 24, 2013 at 10:40 AM
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas Jane! We call our Mary Claire...MC too:)
Blessings,
Linda
December 24, 2013 at 2:22 PM
Merry Christmas, Jane! What a GORGEOUS family you have. I know you are very proud. :)
Your cookies look delightful (and so does the rum)! And your tree - oh my, now that is a stunner.
Hugs, Beth
December 24, 2013 at 2:39 PM
Looks like a festive party and a very Merry one. The house decor looks so cute too. That's the best!
December 24, 2013 at 3:08 PM
merry christmas, jane!!
December 24, 2013 at 6:14 PM
I am so glad to stop by and "chat" for a moment. Your squirrel story made me laugh...sorry, but I needed a chuckle! We drove out of Illinois in horrible weather and I have to say, Florida is not disappointing us this year. It is actually what they are calling cold tonight (it was 68 today)and it was 87 yesterday. Remind me why we live in Illinois?
We got a wedding gown, I got a dress and we ordered flowers. I will tell you all the details later. For now, wishing you and yours a beautiful Christmas, a happy and healthy New Year and to thank you for being a wonderful friend.
December 24, 2013 at 9:35 PM
looks like you are all ready. What a happy bunch.
Happy holidays,
Evi
December 24, 2013 at 9:52 PM
Merry Christmas, Jane. I hope you and your family have a wonderful day. Karen
December 25, 2013 at 8:48 AM
May the spirit of Christmas bring us
love, hope and peace!....love you !!!..thanks for your friendship !!!....xxx !!
December 25, 2013 at 10:46 AM
I so enjoy your merriment, Jane, and look forward to more of the same in the coming months.
December 25, 2013 at 9:30 PM
That 6 degrees thing sounds like a living hell!! I have a thing against Nutcrackers. I know a lot of people collect them but they ooog me out. Not a fan of squirrels either. It freaks me out that they have those little hands. Hope y'all had a wonderful Christmas!
December 26, 2013 at 11:26 AM
Jane, your home decorated for Christmas is lovely. We have been empty nesters for over 10 yrs, and I decided not to put up a tree this year. Bad move! I will put it up next year and all the years that I'm able to. It just isn't Christmas without the tree and all the memories that go on it.
I loved reading about your Dad. I lost mine four years ago. He was also a quiet and gentle man who took such good care of my Mom for four years before she died. I know we will always miss our loved ones.
Here's to you in 2014. Let's have a great one!!!!
December 26, 2013 at 4:20 PM
Well, despite flies and squirrels, it looks like you all had a wonderful Christmas, Jane! :) A house full of love and family! :) I pray that the new year brings you peace, joy, and good health, sweetie! ♥
xoox laurie
December 26, 2013 at 8:41 PM
What a great bunch of ladies! Looks like a fun time. I hope your Christmas was wonderful and everything you hoped it would be. Kit
December 28, 2013 at 10:29 AM
I love your letters just the way they are, red and cheery!
I hope you have time to sit and enjoy the lights on these cold nights!
Sweet Irish gal, she'd like the Irish You a Merry Christmas table I did!
Happy 2014! Many blessings...
December 28, 2013 at 9:25 PM
It looks like y'all had so much fun, Jane! I hope that squirrel isn't eating away at your hubby's car and just sticking to your garbage! Your decorations look so sweet, and those cookies looked yummy!
December 29, 2013 at 9:21 AM
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January 1, 2014 at 5:09 AM