I've been focusing on our trip to England for the last couple of months. The title of my blog after all is, The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen. I haven't forgotten at all about home and what it means to me. Home is where my heart lies. Home is where my family is and that is my world and my love. I'll continue to share our trip with you, but it's December and I can't let the month slip by without recording some of our activities.
We had our first little snow that turned the gray, bleak landscape a pretty white.
Our son's birthday was celebrated early on in the month!
The beautiful Long Night's moon lit up the sky early in the month as well. The long nights ahead remind me that winter is knocking at our door.
We decorated the tree with some ornaments that have hung on our tree for 50 years! We don't have a themed tree. Our tree is the history of our family. Ornaments from our parent's trees as well as many we have collected over the years.
I always make cookies with the grands at Christmas. We had so much fun measuring, mixing and some of us eating the dough. Then baking and enjoying the cookies of our labor.
Fun times with the grands snuggling on the couch. These guys are taller than I now so snuggling is a little harder, but I do love that they still sit on my lap for a little while.
It's a busy time in our home as I know it is for you. I always want to clean a little extra to get the house shining for family times over Christmas.
Fun times with the grands snuggling on the couch. These guys are taller than I now so snuggling is a little harder, but I do love that they still sit on my lap for a little while.
It's a busy time in our home as I know it is for you. I always want to clean a little extra to get the house shining for family times over Christmas.
Cabinets needed to be emptied and glassware washed.
How does so much dust get inside of closed cabinets? Also it's quite difficult to take photos of mirrored cabinets!
It's the most wonderful time of the year as we celebrate Christmas. There are more cookies to bake, and presents to wrap and loved ones coming to visit. Yes, home is where my heart is! ♥
It's the most wonderful time of the year as we celebrate Christmas. There are more cookies to bake, and presents to wrap and loved ones coming to visit. Yes, home is where my heart is! ♥
You and I share the same sentiments (and love of those pink transferware dishes! I love the way you express your tree as the history of your family. To me that's all part of Christmas--remembering family--still with us and those gone before. We took a break from our big tree and got a pencil tree this year. Not room for all our beloved ornaments though. Hopefully next year we'll have the energy to go back to our big tree. Enjoy these wonderful days leading up to Christmas!
ReplyDeleteDotsie, I saw your Old Britain Castle dishes on one of your posts. I'm afraid I have a dish addiction.
DeleteI think it's good when we realize when we need to take a break from some of the larger jobs at Christmas. We have discussed this same issue. Our lights gave us a fit this year on the tree. But, I truly believe it's what's in our hearts that really matters the most at Christmas. ♥
A lovely post, and your home is beautiful in more ways than just how you decorate, for it is beautiful from within, with all the love of your family. Your tree *does* have a theme ~ the theme of family history, which is precious beyond words or measure.
ReplyDeleteHome is also where you carry your heart, and you carried your heart to your 'other' home from home Across the Pond, and I look forward coming along when you resuming your journey.
In case our paths do not cross again this side of December 25th, I'm sending warmest wishes to you, and Grayden, and your family for a Very Happy Christmas.
~~~Deb in Wales xoxo
Oh Deb, your kind words filled my eyes with tears. It's lovely to know a kindred spirit that understands my heart.
DeleteThank you for your kind wishes, my friend. Happy Christmas to you and your Mum. I do hope it is a joyful season for both of you! xoxo ♥
Beautiful.. I love your tree.. I love tree full of memories rather than themed one.. your one is just awesome..
ReplyDeleteThank you, Krishna. ♥
DeleteThis post is lovely in all the gentle ways that make Christmas a family affair...usually. Those grandsons are growing so fast. My eldest is about to go by me in height...that will be a big day when we realize that it has happened...just like that and so soon. Have a blessed week ahead as you celebrate this Christmas.
ReplyDeleteWow, it will be something for you and your grand when he passes your height, Vee. I bet the youngest won't be far behind! It's great to have the boys reach into the upper cabinets for me. We didn't even need the step stool when we baked cookies. Merry Christmas to you and your family! ♥
DeleteWhat a beautiful written post! You're tree is so pretty. Happy belated birthday to your son! My birthday is on Christmas:)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pilar! Happy Birthday to you on Christmas! Our daughter was born on Christmas as well. ♥
DeleteOh, Martha Ellen, it snowed! How wonderful! Your home is nicely decorated for Christmas. The crocheted ornament of the little ones is so sweet. Those old ornaments are the best and always have a story behind them. The nativity set is beautiful on your mantel. I know what you mean about taking pictures on a mirrored cabinet - that always hard for me to get the right angle. But you got a good one of the red dishes in your cabinet. Your family did some baking also! Love these pictures of the boys helping out. For some reason, many of the men in my family can cook haha! I love that little silver tree and snowman. Your home looks festive and charming for Christmas, Martha Ellen. Thank you for sharing it with us. I enjoy seeing my blog friend's homes, cause they tell me a little about them. Yours tells me that you love your home and family and are so very thankful.....and they love you too.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
~Sheri
Thank you, sweet Sheri, for your kind comments. The crocheted ornament was made by my mother-in-law many years ago. It holds the photo of our daughter and son. Those years surely pass by quickly. The cub scout is our son as well. He made this in scouts a long time ago. I hope your week is joyous as it leads up to Christmas Day. With a new granddaughter I can bet it will be! ♥
DeleteI liked your post so much, Martha Ellen, that I came by to see it again. The ornament made by your mother-in-law is truly special. : ) Wishing you a merry Christmas week.
DeleteOh my friend!
ReplyDeleteEverything is so beautiful!!!
I love your home at Christmas.
And I love your spending the times with your grandchildren.
I sometimes get sad, thinking that my children are growing...and Christmas will not be the same.
But...you give me hope and joy for the blessings of grandchildren someday!
Have a wonderful week of preparation!
Billie Jo, being a grandmother is one of life's greatest joys! I know you will be a wonderful one as you are a wonderful mother. My grands mean the world to me! They always bring joy to my life. Merry Christmas to you and your family! ♥
DeleteYour house is lovely warm decorated for Christmas, the old tree decorations with memories are much more valuable than new themed ones. It's fun to have your grandsons at home, they seem to be of about the same age as mine. I'm also looking forward to spend the Christmas days with them.
ReplyDeleteRegards, Janneke
Thank you, Janneke. I love the old history that our tree displays. Have a wonderful time with your grandsons! Enjoy a warm and Merry Christmas! ♥
DeleteNo matter the name of your blog, it is nice to go around England with you then coming back here to see what is going on at home. Looks like you have been busy, it is that time of year! Also looks like you have had a great time with the grands and doing the house up. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pam. I will be resuming our travels to England, soon. I do enjoy sharing about our home and family as well. Merry Christmas to you! ♥
DeleteThe first snow is always so magical! Your tree looks BEAUTIFUL! Have a great week. <3
ReplyDeleteThank you, Madison. We don't get a lot of snow so I do believe that's true. It is magical. Have a wonderful week leading up to Christmas. ♥
DeleteThere is so much I could say about this home-y post! I love the photo of your son with his boys. And, what?! All of your grandsons are taller than you now? Isn't that bittersweet? It is such a delight to see your children and grandchildren grow into fine adults, but they're still our "babies." Always.
ReplyDeleteA tree that is full of family history is the best. I love that you have a cookie-baking day with your grandsons. See, I could go on and on . . . but I have a to-do list awaiting me today! :)
Merry, merry Christmas to you and yours!
Cheryl, the boys just shot up while we were in Great Britain. You are right they will always be our babies!
DeleteMy to do list is on the counter as well. We need to finish getting up the last of the leaves today-UGH. I'm thankful for those leaves in the summer, but not so much in the fall. Have a wonderful week leading up to Christmas! ♥
Nice to see your decorations, Martha Ellen. I'd like your question about the dust answered, too!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cathy. Dust certainly creeps in uninvited. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas! ♥
DeleteLooks like fun times at your home and the decorations are lovely. Happy Holidays to you all, dear Martha Ellen.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Thank you, Amalia. Happy Hanukka to you, my friend! xo ♥
DeleteSo much lovliness and beauty here! It's true, there's just no place like home... enjoy and have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jill
Jill, after traveling, home greets us like a big hug. Merry Christmas to you and yours! ♥
DeleteI love seeing bits and pieces of your home. Your tree is pretty and full of great memories. It’s nice to have the time together with family. I have to clean my china glass cabinet too but I think I’m going to wait until January and make it a winter day project.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and yours a Very Merry Christmas!
Liz, my china cabinets could not wait any longer to be cleared of dust! They were really bad. I host my family and extended family at Christmas.
DeleteMerry Christmas to you and your family, Liz!
Home is definitely where the heart is!
ReplyDeleteI love that your tree is the history of your family.
Enjoy the Christmas Season.
All the best Jan