Sunday, December 29, 2013

Looking Back at 2013


2013 was a good year!

Family population explosion- Five new babies
Son's college graduation
 Creative pursuits
Fun adventures
Connections with friends, old and new 
Appreciation for the small things
Gratitude for our many blessings


Wishing a very HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!!




Friday, December 27, 2013

106!!! Decluttering Goal Reached

I reached my 2013 decluttering goal back in November.
But I was so busy getting ready for company to arrive and the holidays
that I never got around to posting about it.

So here goes:
68. Sorted through my yarn bin and donated ones I won't use in future
69. Sorted through three mountains big piles of papers
70. Shredded a huge mound of personal/financial papers
71. Cleaned out under kitchen sink (And discovered we have a slow leak! Eeeek!)
72-76. Tossed old yucky stuff from kids bathroom cabinets and drawers and
organized all the hotel sample shampoos/lotions into a jar for guest use.


77-82.  Organized and tossed a bunch of old grungy stuff in master bath drawers
83-84. Cleared and sorted dresser tops in son's room and master bedroom
85-86. Cleared and sorted two boxes under beds in kids rooms
87. Sorted and donated unwanted white/cream quilting fabrics
89-90. Packed up two boxes of children's books and mailed them to my daughter


91-97. Sorted, sized and donated clothes from seven dresser drawers
98. Recycled another pile of magazines and catalogs
99- 102. Organized and tossed old junk from four shelves in upstairs cleaning closet
103-105.  Tossed outdated food items from three shelves in kitchen pantry 
And...
106. In December I packed up a box of my Christmas ornaments 
and mailed them off to my niece.
Her very first tree was looking kinda bare, and I had way more than I could use.

So that brings me to a grand total of 106 spaces (drawer, shelf, etc...)
cleaned-up/cleared-out/donated/recycled/organized/decluttered for the year!  
What a liberating feeling to send these things I no longer needed to a new home.

How did you do?




Monday, December 23, 2013

Still


Still, still, still,
He has come, the Holy Child.
With awe and wonder we behold him,
Mary's loving arms enfold him.
Sleep, sleep, sleep,
O, Holy Son of God.
                            - Austrian Carol




Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Merry Christmas To You!


Sending wishes for a very
 Merry Christmas
to you!




Monday, December 16, 2013

Gurley's


 Who else besides me collects these little wax Gurley's? 

 Deer.   
Trees.



Angels.


And you may recall the Gurley nativity and  choirboys (and girls) 
that I've pictured in past posts.

These novelty Christmas candles from the 40's, 50's and 60's really tug at my heartstrings
 and often make their way into my basket when out vintage shopping. 





Sunday, December 15, 2013

Vintage Advent Tree


One of my favorite Christmas decorations is this felt advent tree 
that I hang in my front hallway every year. 

It has been in my family for a very looooong time.
My Mama found it at a church bazaar in the late 60's/early 70's.
It is such a perfect way to help little children count down the days til Christmas.
(The ornaments are numbered 1-25 on the reverse side.)

I'm noticing a few worn spots that need TLC.
So I'll have to perform felt and yarn surgery before I pack it away this year.
I have to keep it in good shape so it will last for another 40 years. 





Thursday, December 12, 2013

Crocheted Snowflakes


I crocheted snowflake ornaments to give to the girls in my book-club.

I found the free instructions here.  
It's a Russian you-tube, with English subtitles. 
(So now I know how to count to six in Russian.)

I used a much thicker yarn (Baby Bee Sweet Delight) and larger hook (F) than she did,
because that is what I had on hand.
My stars ended up being about 7 inches across; a nice size to hang in a window. 

I starched (spray starch) and blocked by lightly pressing them between cloths.
After drying overnight, I sewed a few sequins and beads to the points 
to add a wee bit of sparkle. 




Monday, December 9, 2013

Little Ceramic Tabletop Tree




THIS is what I returned to the vintage shop for.
I've always loved these little ceramic tabletop Christmas trees.
:-) 

How many of you gals still have one of these?


Monday, December 2, 2013

Green Roof


This pretty little white barn with the green roof caught my eye 
and I had to pull into the drive to take a picture.

It was for sale. 
But, Mr. Garden does not want to move to the country.
Sigh....