John went out in the rain earlier today and gathered quite a few boughs for me to use for some fresh arrangements. He is such a sweetheart.
I really tried to shop in the brick and mortars this year. Last Friday, I followed Susan B's "Be An Elf" advice, which I interpreted as dressing up, wearing a poinsettia pin, wearing make-up, perfume, and a smile. I had just had my hair cut (medium length) and so I looked very cute. Very. Well I did so, too. ☺ After six hours of shopping, I gave up and returned home defeated.
All was not completely lost as I did get that particular thrill that one sometimes feels in an aisle of gaudy merchandise while listening to Bing Crosby croon White Christmas. Nostalgia is a terribly heady thing.
Saturday, I ordered online and by Wednesday all my items had arrived. So, if you had been wondering, everything is good, which is why I get to play with the boughs today and with tweaking my decorating.
Amy at Love Made My Home hosted a Christmas card exchange and I participated this year. It was a simple and easy thing to do in a busy season and introduced me to a new to me blogger—Joan who writes at A View to the Fells. Isn't that a great blog title? Joan lives in the UK and her header shows her beautiful view. These are the lovely cards she sent me...two! One specific to her hometown and the other a beautiful handmade card.
At some point Wednesday, I decided to unpack all the Christmas boxes again! Unheard of! I found the little church I was looking for and set it up on a windowsill in the living room. We are enjoying it so much. It's also one of the grand's favorite things.
Hope to be back before Christmas, but just in case, I'll wish you a blessed one and a Merry and Bright one. May you enjoy all that the season offers and celebrate The One Who came to be our Savior.
I participated in Amy card exchange too -- and mine just arrived today too from the UK. Isn't it fun? Your cards look lovely and your church display is beautiful. So cozy in the soft light.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a beautiful day... and a wonderful Christmas for you, John and all your loved ones.
Brenda
xox
The card exchange looks like it was fun and interesting.
ReplyDeleteI always laugh with delight when I read your blog ! Merry Christmas to you too from a sister blogger who loves our Savior.
How fun! I will have to check out the new blog. The lighted church is so pretty, anything lighted makes me happy this time of year :) Online shopping rocks my world this time of year. No matter how elflike I might be, crowds and lines deflate me. Merry Christmas to you and the family!
ReplyDeleteVee, you always make me smile. Many Holiday Blessings to you and John...Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning, Vee. Oh, I love the cards Joan shared with you. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Vee! I love your little church -- so pretty! How sweet of your friend to send you those lovely cards. I gave up this year and ordered things online. Just didn't have the stamina to fight those crowds. But this weekend I'm entering the fray to get my last little things.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards and a darling little church...I just love little Christmas houses....lovely Vee.
ReplyDeleteHow refreshing to hear an adult twitching with "excitement" at this time of year. I sense your joy this morning and feel it is contagious.
ReplyDeleteI am, however, a tad disappointed that there are no photos of you all dressed for "Be an Elf" day. :D
How fun to participate in a Christmas card exchange. The cards you received from Joan are so pretty. We have received one from friends in the UK for years and that sweet little robin has become a familiar sight.
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas.
Those are lovely cards...what a fun idea!! Of course, I just purchased my cards yesterday (yikes!) and one of my online orders has not arrived, so I could easily allow myself to get frazzled (one week, did you say?!), but I am asking the Lord for a quiet heart and grace for the day.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you found the little church. It is beautiful!!
Merry Christmas to you and John and your family!!
I love getting Christmas cards in the mail. I'm excited every day to go to the mailbox! And I made some for my post today and mentioned YOU! Happy holiday hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteI love the pretty Christmas cards you received. I'm visiting from Amy's card swap too. It was fun to receive a card from someone we don't know. Have a Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteJulie xo
Vee, your church in the window is so pretty all aglow. The grands will be happy to see it I'm sure. I have a box full of houses that will not be making an appearence this year. Since we have so many coming for Christmas there is simply no room! I'm sure your home is smelling lovely with the fragrance of fresh greens. Have a very Merry Christmas! ♥
ReplyDeleteHow fun to receive cards from a new friend! It sounds like you are ready for Christmas and now have time to play! If I don't see you before have a Merry Christmas Vee.
ReplyDeleteHi Vee :)
ReplyDeleteThat church glowing in the window is about as perfect as it gets. You home looks cozy, warm, and magical. I can't imagine feeling anything but content there.
Have a wonderful Christmas.
xo,
rue
All sound fine and happy with you. : ) Love the church!
ReplyDeleteNo snow here this morning.
That church is so pretty! I actually sent out some cards this year as one of my 2015 goals was to update my personal address book (which contains family, friends, and blog friends addresses).
ReplyDeleteNo snow here, lots of mud. There is the slightest amount of hope for flurries on Christmas Eve. We will see.
Hello Vee. Your church in the window is a beautiful sight, full of warmth and love. I think of Van Gogh's painting of the church over the Oise river where the church is dark and uninviting. I think he found little light when he needed it most. Your church, on the other hand, represents what a church should be! I can see why the grands love it.
ReplyDeleteI took part in the card exchange, too, and mine also had a red bird on it. I'm done school for 2 weeks and am looking forward to puttering around the house as well as spend a wee bit more time on blogs.
Only one grand loves it. =D The other pays no attention.
DeleteAmy was sweet to pair us up for the card exchange. I haven't received mine yet but there are a few days left for it to arrive. I'm glad you found the church and put it out, so pretty. My village is still in a tote, without snow the motivation level is low.
ReplyDeleteI could get used to on-line shopping, my how things have changed for our age group.
Merry Christmas to you and John, Vee.
I love the sweet card with the English robin on it. Such a popular design on gift bags, dishes and cards at Christmas. I can't believe it's just a week away! Christmas that is. Your church is pretty in the window. Have a blessed and joy-full Christmas Vee and John. Hugs. Pam
ReplyDeleteYou're not excited or anything ... *giggle* I know, this time of year brings out the little kid in us all. The card is pretty. I like cards with 'Red Birds' (cardinals), of course. We've had a bumper crop of Southern Cardinals this year. They are so pretty dancing in and out of the feeders. Merry CHRISTmas to you and yours at Haven for Vee. ~:)
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you enjoyed the card exchange! Happy Christmas! xx
ReplyDeleteI did a card exchange this year too, the Afternoon Tea Across America group on Facebook! It has been very fun!
ReplyDeleteI bet you looked adorable, with your new haircut, and 'Be An Elf' attitude! Even though you didn't find what you were looking for, you brought cheer with you into the stores! I bet the employees enjoyed seeing you, considering most shoppers are so grumpy at this time of year and wearing sweat pants or pjs!
I love that church, it is beautiful and I love seeing your fence with the plates and lights too!
Very beautiful and festive!
Deanna
Very nice, Vee! I really like your lighted village house - it's so cute!
ReplyDeleteYou are a brave soul to go to actual stores this time of year - I am not so courageous!
Hope to see you = have a merry happy Christmas! ♥♥♥
Well I'm glad online came to the rescue! The lighted church is quite nice. So dreamy. Oh boy we are less than a week out now. The cards you received are sweet. I'll have to check out A view to the Fells. Have yourself a very Merry Christmas...
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderfully blessed and Merry Christmas Vee!
ReplyDeleteThat's a sweet little church, though in the photo it doesn't look so little. Enjoy these days as we celebrate the Birth!
ReplyDeleteI love your pretty post...things seem merry and bright and comfy in your sweet home.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed and Merry Christmas..
xoxo
I love the little church. It's magical. Have a blessed holiday my dear!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to stop in and say...Merry Christmas!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Vee - Thank you for your lovely words about the blog I feel famous at last. I shall be posting your cards later. Love your church decoration. I wish you and your family a very merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year. Joan at www.aviewtothefells.com
ReplyDeleteJust popped over from Amy's blog, what a lovely blog you have. Merry Christmas . Maria
ReplyDeletePopping over from Amy's blog. The card exchange was fun wasn't it. You have a lovely blog and will follow to find out more. Have a wonderful Christmas.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos! Have a very Merry Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jill
How lovely to receive two cards, such a surprise when you were expecting one. Wishing you a very merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI love your header, Vee, and the first thing that I noticed was the church. I can see why it's your grands' favorite! Merry Christmas Blessings to you and John!
ReplyDeleteI to have enjoyed Amy's well organised card exchange, its been such fun. Handmade cards always feel like they have that extra special thought to them.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas.
Angela - Garden Tea Cakes and Me
Such pretty cards. And the church fits perfect on the windowsill. Happy holidays!
ReplyDeleteYour cards are so lovely. And, I love the picture of the church in the window. Have a Merry Christmas, Pat
ReplyDeleteLove that you are 'twitching' with excitement, we sound very similar on that score x
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfectly wonderful thing to do - a Christmas card exchange!
ReplyDeleteGood for you in dressing up and going out and feeling that moment where you are right THERE in the middle of a Hallmark Card Commercial!! I personally would love yo be on a sleigh behind those Clydesdale horses in one of those Budweiser commercials!
I do so love that beautiful glowing house all lit up on your window sill! I could sit and watch that for a long time!
Merry Christmas to you and John!
Hi Vee!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and Yours!
I love Christmas cards, what a fun way to get to know those wonderful people you blog with! Your little lighted church is just beautiful and cozy, just like the whole post!
Hugs,
Barb
Love your pretty lighted church and the pretty cards you received in your exchange!
ReplyDeleteI put out less decorations than usual this year because of my eye surgery/recovery but I still managed to have a very joyous season and do many traditional things, all which made me happy. Now I'll be doing the other eye right before the new year so I'll begin 2016 very quietly--please keep me in your prayers! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I love that little church. You know, I have a few lighted houses, none of them expensive at all. In recent years we have displayed them around the base of the tree. And I enjoy that. But there is just something about that lighted church, all by itself with the trees, that is so simple and so effective. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteDressing up ... yes, I wore a very Christmasy, sparkly vest to the grocery store last week, and jingly, Christmaa ball earrings too. Will probably do the same again this week!
Oh, Vee, you crack me up. I love your description of shopping!!
ReplyDeleteYou did the right thing there by getting out that church. How beautiful! It looks so pretty lit up in the darkened room. A fitting metaphor.
i love your house, all lighted up. so festive. wow, your blog has changed a bunch since my last visit. i am enjoying seeing what every one is getting this year. i just hopped over to see your Christmas card swap from "Amy's at Love Made My Home". that you had a nice Christmas. here's hoping the New Year will be a great one for all. take care. ( :
ReplyDeleteLove the little church and your new header. After several weeks of being overwhelmed, I'm finally getting back to read your blog. Haven't posted on mine for a while.
ReplyDelete