Thursday, November 29, 2012

Returning!... and It's the Christmas season!!

I have been away for a while...for many reasons. I chose to impose my own



But I am coming back to test the waters again. The desktop computer beast is still WAY too slow, but that is the way it is...for now. Lap Top plans for 2013.

I have some things to share from my recent health challenges that may be helpful to some other gals out there, and will do that with several posts. For now, I shall just get right back in to the swing of things.

It is the Christmas celebration season! Two years ago after my mama's passing on Thanksgiving, and Kurt being in Iowa with the new job, I just could not, hard as I tried ...muster up the desire to decorate for the season. For the rest of those in the house, I finally put up the small 4 foot artificial green tree before Christmas Eve. Last year, being apart from the rest of our family for the first time, and Kam being quite ill I once again just put out minimal decor. This year I am committed to doing BETTER!

I've only added a few things here or there to put the "spirit" in our nest, (as we still have pending plans based on our Marine's homecoming status from his deployment) Everything is on standby, or shall we say we are in a "holding pattern" until further informed. Semper Gumby.


The 6 foot white tree is in the living room, and has the sweetest birds added to it this year.


The little wide eyed owls are my FAVORITE!


This tree does not have a manly top branch to hold up a topper of any weight whatsoever...so this frosted pear is doing duty for that special role.


On the settee is a framed stocking that was handmade by Kurt's aunt and mama. *(made from....his mama's wedding gown!)


detailed shot...so pretty and sentimental.


The LR mantel only had some mini trees, small pears, a few balls, and gold deer added to dress it up for Christmas


The family room mantel I only added a small evergreen tree and some red berries...that's it!


And here's the faithful little Charlie Brown tree.


In the guest bath...one small jeweled tree and a candle ring. *decorated in 10 seconds. :-)


The entry hall...one father Christmas.

OUTSIDE


This year, for the front door, I used my swag, but for something different, I chose to hang a framed print (an Old World Santa and Elves wooded scene)


To the left of the doorway, a very old and worn sled with a threadbare scarf of Kurt's gracing the runners. :-)


To the right of the door, my child-size red rocker with the Ice skates that suitably fit these cold days here in Iowa.

And so I will end my annual Christmas Nest post...a little long, but it feels good to be back posting and typing here in my E-journal of life in the Smith Nest.

As I touched on earlier, my Marine was returning from his 8 month deployment with a MEU (partnering with Navy sailors on ships) and right after they hit the Atlantic they were ordered to turn around and go back to sit tight in the Mediterranean right near Israel...and there they remain...on standby. It is hard here at home, but it is what they do. It is their job. Willing, Ready and Waiting to do whatever is necessary if they are needed to assist American citizens in that part of the world. God bless them, every one. God protect ALL our military heroes...and especially bless them when they are away from home and family over the holidays.


God BLESS you Justin. We LOVE you beyond measure...and can't WAIT to see you again.

To any popping in here - who happen to see that I POSTED AGAIN...(miracles do happen) :-p thank you for visiting, and many blessings of joy and God's grace in this special season to celebrate the best gift in all the world. His SON. Emmanuel. God with us.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

WELCOME BACK!!! I sure missed my "teatime" with your blog. Life truly IS what you - WITH GOD'S HELP - make of it.
In Jesus, Paula

Theresa said...

You made my day:) I love you so much and am happy to see you blogging again! I pray for your Justin that he will return home soon to all of you! Your decorations are awesome! I love the little red chair and skates, brilliant use of those skates! Have a blessed day my friend, BIG HUGS!

Sandy said...

Well, as always everything looks lovely and welcoming, Julie. It's so good to have you back. I am praying for Justin's continued health, strength and commitment. He is such an awesome young man. I pray all of you have a great Christmas regardless of where each of you may be.
Love,
Sandy

Lisa notes... said...

Makes me happy to see you posting again. And your decorating skills are just the bomb, as always. Beautiful.

Praying for your Marine and all the others keeping us safe. May they all come home soon! You mamas sure have sacrificed for us all... Love you!

Beth said...

Glad you're back, Julie. You've been missed! You are so lucky to have two fireplaces - I like how you've decorated your mantels. Love the white tree too. Sorry Justin is in a holding pattern instead of on his way home. Soon, I hope!
blessings, Beth

Tete said...

;)- glad to see you back on here and love all of your decorating. Still praying for Justin and you whole family. It looks like you had a little fun spreading some Christmas cheer around your little nest.

Dianna said...

OH WHAT JOY! You are back! I'm so glad, Julie! And what a treat you left us in this post. I love the white tree...especially the word cards tucked here and there...and those owls are adorable!

Praying, praying, praying for Justin!

Your zest for life is contagious, dear bloggy sis.

xoxo

Privet and Holly said...

Since we will be at my
parent's house this year
for Christmas, I'm into
minimal decorating here
at home.....probably just
the tree with lights, some
greens, candles ~ very
simple, if I can get away
with it, as the kids still
like to decorate. Next
year, when it is our turn
to have Christmas AND
our girl will be coming
home from her freshman
year of college, I will be
making the bigger splash.

Glad that you felt the spirit
to do it up big, this year,
and that it made your heart
sing!

God bless Justin and all of
our service people all over
the world. I'm so sorry that
he isn't on his way home, though....

Keep smiling and have a
wonderful weekend!!

xo Suzanne