““Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).”
Matthew 1:23 ESV
With Christmas Eve two weeks away, I know some of you have completed your decorating and gift buying and are now able to rest, relax, and enjoy the season. If you are one of those, please consider writing a book so the rest of us can learn how it’s done! It is so hard for me to move beyond the activity and find that place of true rest that only comes when the focus is on the reality of the baby in a manger, the Christ of Christmas, Immanuel; God with us!
You may recall the year this nutcracker took a nose dive off the cottage porch during a storm. I did make an attempt at repairs but decided this very old nutcracker and his cousin of the same old age were done. Time to retire them. But, after public outcry, I placed them back in service and decided I would use them 1): as long as they can reasonably stand up, or 2): as long as I can stand them up; whichever comes first. I think they might be doing better than I am! We’ve had them about 20 years, which I understand is close to 100 in nutcracker years.
Everything takes on thoughts and images of 3’s around our house these days for obvious reasons. Our Christmas choir consists of EM, WL, and EK. They are being directed by PJ, seen on the right as she leads in a Christmas carol. I assure you they weren’t singing “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer”! I’m listening to Karen Carpenter sing Christmas music as I write. This group loves the music of The Carpenters so that is a possibility!
Hanging out by the Sunshine Cottage…When coming up with something new, it is definitely quite a challenge (and expensive) to acquire 3 of everything. I learned this lesson the hard way! Some of you deal in numbers that far exceed three. Our prayers are with you!
WL will always be smiling when he is outside and near a tractor, especially one that is John Deere green. It’s a win, win combination!
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 1:5 ESV
I know all of you have Christmas memories, whether from last Christmas or those long ago. I hope to share a few today and next week. Maybe you will recall some of yours. Ornaments often have a story and/or a sweet memory. No story connected to this one, but we’ve had this Radko a long time. I call them the “Snow Family”. They are a close, happy family that love each other and love the gift of Christmas…it’s written all over their faces!
I rarely think about a particular trip Pam and I were fortunate to make to places like the homes of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson over 40 years ago. But each Christmas, the Mount Vernon ornament brings to mind the memories and we talk about the places we visited and a few interesting things that happened along the way. It was so long ago, but a small ornament can help keep it fresh and new.
This hand painted ornament from Rocky Mountaineer is from a 2009 journey on a train through the Canadian Rockies. We briefly make the trip again each season when the ornament is placed on the Christmas tree. If you ever have the opportunity, go for it. You will create a wonderful, unforgettable memory!
Some memories are connected to traditions. I was able to once again put together the Williamsburg fan that I have managed to construct every year for over 30 years. Often called a Colonial Williamsburg fan, decorative door wreaths with real fruit did not actually originate in Colonial times or in Williamsburg, but in the early 20th century. I understand however, that beautiful, popular door wreaths like this one are everywhere in Williamsburg and visitors from far and wide enjoy visiting at Christmas. Finding quality small red apples and a really nice pineapple gets more difficult each year. Southern Living magazine had this fan and how-to instructions in an edition sometime (we think) in the late 80’s and I made it that year, and each year since! The back board holding all the fruit and other decor is the original plywood piece.
Today’s throwback pic is from December , 2017, but old Santa and his T-bird go back much further. Pam’s 2003, 007 Thunderbird was coral and looked a lot like this one. My guess is this is a 1956 T-bird, but Mr. Claus has possibly been around a while longer. He needs to stick with driving a sleigh!
Mallard pond was low on water last week, and the normal group I find there had relocated to a spot on the lake about 100 yards away. They thought they would go unnoticed, but I discovered the hideout.
I named this one “grumpy heron”. He just looked mad to me, sitting up in a tree, refusing to join the others in the water. And, how can you expect an opportunity to catch a fish by sitting on a tree limb if your not an osprey or an eagle?
This looked very “Christmasy” to me as I noticed it while in a drive through line. Strange I guess, but I loved the color combination so much that I circled back to the edge of the parking lot and made several pictures. The Carolina coralbead with the heart shaped green leaves and red berries against that blue sky simply got my attention. Then to realize the vine was winding its way around glossy privet with all those deep blue berries just made my day. Why not find a way to get something beneficial from the wait time in a drive through?
Have you noticed how expensive everything is these days? Inflation is a much used term and it seems that Christmas time brings more challenges when it comes to making ends meet. It’s just hard to keep your head above water sometimes!
We’ve had some really nice December days this past week here in N. Alabama. The predictions for yesterday and today call for significant, possibly heavy rains. If the rain turns out to be what I would call significant, it will be the first “significant” amount since probably late July or early August!
Praying you have a peaceful and blessed week!
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 ESV
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
Good morning Pam and Butch, last night I watched your radar all evening and the storm finally hit here around 3:30 AM. Hope you all are ok. Not much sleep for me! The Williamsburg fan turned out as gorgeous as always, and the little choir of 3 and gingerbread family are adorable. Have you noticed it takes much longer to decorate than it did 20 years ago? Is it more stuff or my creaking bones!?! There are a dozen church ladies coming for brunch on Tuesday, so my decorations are complete and I can sit and simply enjoy them.
Roxanne, we were spared the really bad storms. We praise the Lord and are thankful you are ok. We have noticed it takes us a lot longer than 20 years ago 😉 Enjoy your brunch on Tuesday. Please share photos. Merry Sunday!
Pam
Yes Butch we’ve noticed how expensive every thing is. Saw that the food in 1990 the little boy in Hone Alone cost $19 but today would cost $78. Inflation you think? Hope those that are living high on the hog from ill gotten gains will soon be aware of the harm they have caused our nation. I think you must be a very patient soul because you fix the toy soldiers just for us. I love your sense of humor. We have a new snow fall, 8 inches total. Know you need rain and I do hope you get a substantial rain fall but no storms please dear Jesus🙏
Alice, we have had a great deal of rain over the past couple of days. Thankfully, no severe weather here last night! Be safe and as always thank you for your visit!
Pam
What beautiful post… Made me smile! Wyatt is so cute and adorable. Amazing Christmas ornaments. Love all of them. Happy Advent!
Thank you sweet friend! Wishing you a most blessed Christmas!
Pam
The shots are beautiful. We’re so glad the nutcrackers are up again. Hope the storms yesterday didn’t harm them. Your outside decorations are so cute. We didn’t decorate as much this year as we normally do. We went all out for Fall. After that was put away, we decided Christmas would be trimmed down. It’s always fun to see the ducks. Happy Sunday. Clara❤️
Thank you, Clara. We escaped the bad weather. Did you go on a trip this past week? Enjoy some restful time!
Pam
Yes, we met up with my lifelong friend and her husband. We had a wonderful time. It just wasn’t long enough. Clara❤️
I am so happy you enjoyed a getaway, Clara❤️
It rained last night, bringing some much needed relief for the wildfires in our mountains. I wish I had more people to give gifts to, I love the shopping and the music and decorations in the shops, but I have no reason to go, other than just to walk through. It is hard to get into the Christmas spirit this year, so much is stressful in our lives with family problems. Having to miss the last three events/parties we planned to attend because my husband got covid (again), has kept us at home this past week. Ah well, nothing can be done but endure, and hope for better days ahead. But this is a depressing year.
I am so sorry, Carole. I do understand. It has been a stressful year for us. Praying for better days ahead.
Pam
Love your beautiful Christmas ornaments. Lots of memories attached. Wyatt is such a sweet little guy. My newest grandson will have John Deere tractors to ride with his daddy some day. They live out on acres of land and the John Deere tractors and equipment is a staple. Have a good new week ahead. Hugs. Kris
Thanks so much, Kris. Your little grandson will enjoy growing up on acres of land! Merry Week to you!
Pam
I love all your trios! The gingerbread people are adorable! WL does look like he loves the outdoors, such a cutie! Beautiful skies and Mother Nature captures. Ornaments are full of memories and how special to have so many from your trips. I always admire Butch’s annual Williamsburg fan, so beautiful! I love Santa in his T-bird! Have a wonderful week, time is flying!
Thanks so much, Jenna. That T-bird photo was taken in Trussville! Merry week to you 🎂🎶
Pam
Good Morning Butch and Pam! Wyatt looks so happy holding a stick and being close to the tractor.
I always enjoy seeing your Williamsburg Wreath above the door. It’s so pretty and so welcoming. I am always glad to see it. The trios of decorations and the nutcrackers are such a joy!
I hope you get some rain but no horrible storms.
Enjoy your week my friends!
Thank you, Nancy. We have received significant rain and no severe weather here, but it did come close by. Merry Week to you!
Pam
WL! He is so handsome! I love all the thoughtful work you put into Christmas, Pam and Butch. We sure got the rain like summer last night, and it’s continuung raining all day today. yesterday we enjoyed so many holiday activities, and it was more like summer weather than winter! Anyone who doesn’t agree with or acknowledge the inflation since 2021 is a fool. Cheers to a healthy and hopeful second Sunday of advent.
Thank you, Rita. It was very warm here and that is the reason several areas in AL had severe weather. It happens often here in December. How fun to enjoy holiday activities yesterday. I agree, how could anyone not acknowledge the big inflation problem! Merry Sunday!
Forgot to sign, Pam!
To get our Williamsburg arch over our door in time with yours always calls for celebration. Our original “plaque” came from CW and talk about inflation; although no longer sold, if you could find one, $$$$oh my. I challenge the rush of the Season by carrying that Babe of Peace in my heart in anticipation of the time to place Him in the awaiting nativity manger. In sharing your preparations, family and memories with us, you enhance ours through your wonderful photos and comments. You always bring such a sense of goodness, beauty and fun to the process. Thank you for resurrecting
the nutcrackers, carolers and adding that delightful trio..it would not feel
like Christmas at Sunshine Cottage without them. A blessed week to all.
Thank you Mary for your sweet thoughts! Merry week to you!
Dear Butch and Pam, I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to see the beautiful pictures and read your words of wisdom. I’m slowly coming back. I couldn’t comment on reader, but trying here. The Colonial wreath is outstanding! The grandkids are always a win! The nature pics, the Nutcracker back in service, and the ornaments and history made me smile. Your wisdom, love for life and Christ, and your prayers have influenced me in amazing ways. Much love during this season of celebrating our Savior! Love, Karla 💚
Thanks so much, Karla. I don’t know why you can’t comment on reader. We have had all kinds of issues. You are so sweet dear friend. We are praying for you. Much love to you ❤️
Your tree is like mine — Radko and ornaments from travel and all those personal, meaningful ornaments. I love your Williamsburg arrangement. Well done — it’s smashing!
Thanks so much, Jeanie! Merry Week!
So beautiful. I hope the storms didn’t hit you last night.
Thank you, Leslie Anne. Thankfully we had no severe weather!
Great pics and great post Butch! I’m so glad the nutcrackers are around for at least another Christmas. Love the memories from your Christmas ornaments – I have a boxful of ornaments (toys) from when the boys were small that I’ve saved for them when they have their own children. Loved the berry picture and the one of the grumpy heron. WL does indeed look like a happy camper. I didn’t realize that it was still so dry there so I am praying for some rain for you. Happy week to both of you!
I have fallen so far behind in my blog reading (again!) and it is such a joy to relive the Christmas season through your wonderful posts! So much good information packed into each one, and the Scripture verses are the very best parts. Your blog is such a special blessing in my life. I really wish I could express how much I enjoy it and how much your stability means to me. God bless you dear ones in this new year!
Cheryl, you are a blessing to us. Thank you for reading and commenting!
Pam