Tuesday, December 8, 2009

That Tree

Angels and boxes of ornaments were waiting for me....
they shouldn't be here...they should be on that tree.



I went through the boxes as you will soon see...
while Alivia was busy, relieving the pizza...of it's cheese.
~





I had already gathered and placed the snowmen.....
~



I especially like this one.....here by the hen!
~




Father Christmas looked lonely.....all by himself.....
~





Here's our Christmas stockings.....mine is on the left.






I once sewed together...this famous Christmas Fable.....
~





and repurposed a decoration.....
....to make a centerpiece for my table.





The smell of fresh pine.....I thought it would help.....





and also these angels.....high up on the shelf.






The wreath had been hung...high on the chimney....






the bears found their place.....ones my daughter had given me.






The lights on the staircase were strung there by me.....





Soooo.....
Why haven't I finished.....decorating that tree???






When I woke this morning....there was something to discover...






A dusting of snow.....the drive.....it had covered.





It put me in the mood immediately.....to just go.....and finish that tree!



But first I'll have...


some mincemeat pie.....and just a bit more.....of good coffee.






Then I must go and finish that tree.....
or little Miss Alivia.....may be upset with me!






Here's the fair angel.....we put on the very top...







and the two mice.....that I like a lot!






Here's a few things at the base of the tree....






and the Santas....my mother.....once made for me!






Pinch their cheeks..........and they will give you a kiss.





~Hershey Kiss~



Here's a few others.....don't want you to miss.




For as you can see.....





I finished.....decorating that tree.





And...
that makes two...there's one upstairs...you see!




and then downstairs.....is number three....


Granddaughter Alivia decorated.....that tree!





65 comments:

stregata said...

Wow - you did a whole lot of decorating! Lovely tree - er, I mean, trees! Over here, we traditionally put up the tree on Christmas Eve.

Midlife Roadtripper said...

You have much more energy than I do. Always fun to see the favorite ornaments again, but such task to make it look good. You seem to have tackled that well. Come teach me, will you?

Your trees are mahvelous. Truly beautiful.

June said...

Beautiful, beautiful!
I do love Christmas lights, was admiring them on the houses, on my way home from work in the dark at 5:00pm!

Anonymous said...

Fabulous Wanda. I love your staircase by the way, and you've had snow! One Christmas in the future if I'm fortunate to have grandchildren then I will be able to retrieve treasures of memories too from their boxes currently in my attic. You have worked so very hard during the last few weeks so I hope you find opportunities to relax and enjoy the splenders you have so beautifully created. X

Delwyn said...

Hello Wanda

I have enjoyed myself catching up with the festivities in your home and celebrations, decorations and changes with the seasons.

I must say I haven't yet given Christmas a thought. Being in the subtropics in full summer,the end of the school year with the annual holidays ahead for many families this time of year means winding down and hot days at the beach...BBQs and languid days...

Happy days Wanda

Arkansas Patti said...

Really loved the staircase and those little mice are so dear.
What beautiful decorations and one can tell you put a lot of love into the project.
If mine looked like that, think I would keep them up till March. Since I am going to Florida for Christmas, I am doing nothing here. Thanks for letting me enjoy yours.

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

What beautiful decorations - laced with many memories.....and what incredible ones you are creating for lovely Alivia.

Thanks Wanda for a peek into your Christmas preparations.

Donna's Book Nook said...

Wow! I was going to do a post on my decorations, but they pale in comparison. Your home is lovely, and you have a sweet little helper.

Rae said...

Very nice. Your decorations are fantastic and the trees are really beautiful.

Blessings each day said...

Where to start with all of this??

Just amazing that you have so much energy and get so many wonderful things done, Wanda!

And that poetry...you not only commented on your lovely photographs but you did it poetically! Bravo for you! And it's not even Wordful Wednesday...is it?...nope, it is Tuesday.

Your stairway is exquisitely lovely as are your trees...think I need to rest after seing all that you have done!

The ornaments you pointed out are both clever (the kissing Santas your mom made) and adorable!

Thanks for the lovely tour, I truly enjoyed it!

blessings and happy hugs,

marcy

Jinksy said...

Goodness me, what enthusiasm! 3 trees are enough to make anyone need a rest once they're done!

Sandy aka Doris the Great said...

Three big trees and a wonderful rhyme! You simply amaze me all the time!

Rae said...

Just wanted to stop back by and say it is fine by me if you want to copy my blog post. No problem. Glad you liked it.

Gail said...

HI WANDA-

Oh my it is ALL so beautiful. I love your home and your warm welcoming Christmas decorations - I could just stop by for a piece of that pie.

WE are all decorated too and it feels and looks wonderful and it snowed here too andm ore coming tomorrow.

Love to you this blessed and loving Christmas season.

Gail
peace.....

Rebecca said...

You HAVE been busy, Wanda! The end result is so soothing and welcoming. I love the variety and abundance of your ornaments. Makes for the loveliest of trees (in my opinion).

Be sure to let Alivia know that "her" tree is beautiful, too.

I don't know if I've seen your spiral staircase before. It is absolutely gorgeous!

Jenny said...

Really cute. No wonder you haven't been blogging. But it was worth it. Wow! You all did great! And cute poem, too!

Bernie said...

Oh my gosh Wanda, everything looks absolutely beautiful....it must of taken you days to do all this. I love everything, your trees but especially your ornaments and Alivia's tree is so pretty and special....what fun to have her with you when you decorated. I feel I could drive up to your home and know it is yours, thank you for inviting me in for a lovely visit, I love your home, luv you and a special big hug to Alivia.....:-)

Janet Metzger, Artist said...

You bring us right to you doorstep and then invite us in with your words..I love it. Mince pie was always my dad's favorite and my mom baked him one every Christmas. Thanks for making me remember that.
your friend,
Janet
PS...your trees are wonderful!

Jackie said...

I love looking at your decorations...your tree...no, make that TREES! My friend, if I had to decorate 3 trees, I'd have to take some medicine for a headache. :))
They are gorgeous.
I like the angels on the mantle...they have that cuteness to them that makes me smile.
Your blog makes me smile, too...
Always,
Jackie

Eileen said...

All three trees are very beautiful, I cannot pick a favorite.
And I like all your other decorations too, the banister is beautiful, and those 'gifts' look great too!
We used to do our banister up in garland, lights, and little bells that played lots of Christmas tunes, but Ray refused to even bring any of that down from the attic ('Let's wait awhile and see if we need it' he says. Huh???). Maybe I'll try tulle & lights because I miss a little something there.
I love the needlepoint Santa's that your Mom made.
I have a whole slew of Santa's that my Mom painted for me (they are made out of pecan shells), but I haven't bought them out since she passed away. I don't know why, I have other things she's made for me, even these crazy little pictures she drew for me in the nursing home when her mind was far gone, I love looking at all those things, but for some reason it hurts my heart to think of the Santa statues.
I can't make rhyme or reason out of me anymore.

But I'm grateful I have this peaceful oasis to visit every once in awhile. It grounds me.
Thanks.
Love to you, Eileen

Jann said...

Your background music is just perfect for your posts Wanda...I so love your post today, makes me want to decorate too...the boxes are sitting out in the great room...but hubby's not here, so tomorrow will do. I adore your little snowman; I collect them, one new one a year, they're my favorite C'mas figure. Again, what a lovely post!

Maria said...

Hi Wanda! I'm enjoying blogland at Christmastime... How wonderful it is to see everyone's trees...
Your decorations are wonderful! I love the stairway ... so gloriously lit!
and
I loved your coffee break with a piece of pie (favorite dessert!)
Thinking of Diana... and wonder how she's doing~
~Maria
ps. Thank you, Wanda, for the sweet comments you left on my "Remembering Mom" post. You always write with such thoughtfulness~

Elaine said...

Very enjoyable photo story and lovely decorations. I'm still in the process of putting mine up.

Loree said...

Wow Wanda. Such lovely ornaments. Your house is looking so pretty and that snow looks so powdery soft, I wish I could roll in it.

Sunny said...

I'm so sorry that I'm so far behind with my comments.
Your trees are simply lovely. Such lovely, festive decorations.
I had to buy a couple of things for our tree but we are in the middle of a snow storm, I guess it will have to wait until tomorrow.
Sunny :)

Teresa said...

Oh Wanda,
This was a fantastic, wonderful post, and I enjoyed it so much. I love your decorations and that pie looks delicious!!! I think Alivia must be getting so excited!!! It would be lovely to drop by this Christmas and say hello...Blessings to you and your family Wanda, and I hope Santa fills those stockings to the brim...!!! (((((HUGS)))) T

Cindy said...

Hi Wanda. Love all the trees and lights. Really beautiful decorations. Most of all I love the snow. I really need to live somewhere other than Florida.

Great post as always. Have a great and wonderful Wednesday.

Cindy

Anne said...

Wow! Wanda! Your home looks so beautiful all decorated for Christmas.
Wishing you a bright and happy holiday to you and your family.
Take care,
Anne

Barb said...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...at WANDA's house! Your trees and ornaments are a feast for the eyes - I am enjoying yours and may visit to see them again - I am not putting one up this year. I did get some of my Santa collection out of storage - took some to Denver and used some here in the Mts. Thank you for showing the curvy lane with its dusting of snow. Your home looks cozy and magical for Christmas. I took Amanda to the Nutcracker last Sat. We will ski with Amanda and Ben this weekend at Beaver Creek (they are playing hooky from school on Fri). Wishing you the Happiest of Holidays!

Barb said...

Oh Wanda, I forgot to mention - I have that sewn book of The Night Before Christmas. It was given to us by a dear friend when our children were small. She died a few years ago, and I thought of her as I unwrapped the book and put it in a place of honor.

Claudia said...

Wanda, you are quickly getting me into the Christmas spirit - how beautiful everything is. Including the mincemeat! I haven't looked at my Christmas decorations. Sigh. The perils of directing a holiday show. Your holiday gets postponed.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

You have created the most magical Christmas ever!! Everything is so lovely...Alivia and all your family must LOVE coming to your house!! Your post makes my heart so happy!!! Gorgeous! And what happy words to accompany your beautiful photo story! Sending you warm, Christmas wishes and much love, Janine XO

Dee said...

I am impressed..three tree's! You did a great decorating job and your home looks so warm and inviting. I have never had mincemeat pie...it looks interesting.:-)

Intelliblog said...

Beautiful post, lovely decorations and tree! Now I want to go out and sing a carol!
How many sleeps till Christmas? :-)

Jean said...

like your deco at the staricase

A smile from SJ =)

Unknown said...

Wanda no wonder you had a hard time getting started when you had 3 trees to decorate! I struggled for 3 days just looking at all the 6 huge bins full of decorations to put out. We haven't put them out for 2 years since we have been gone each Christmas. But after all was done, I was so pleased...now I think I leave it up for a month or so! hehe

Kelly said...

Beautiful! You are farther along than I am with your decorating. What has happened to the tim? It is flying away faster than ever. Your trees and house look wonderful. Glad your Granddaughter was able to help...her tree is gorgeous!

Looks like we survived the winds (sorry your carport was crushed). My brother who lives deeper in Mason is without electricity. Hopefully it comes back on soon, or they may have to come and sleep with us. With temps dropping into the low 20s, it might not be too fun in the morning!

Patsy said...

Wanda, it is so good to hear from you today. The cat does think it is his tree. It is really great to see how he turns and nestles in. Thanks for visiting and have a great evening.

Andora said...

I missed your post the other day!!!don't know how I always check in on you...but anyway beautiful decorations and the trees look beautiful..no wonder you put it off..I mean with 3 and all...but the end result..gorgeous...

Cindy said...

Delightful!

Jain said...

Likewise here, Wanda, flurries but no accumulation, lots of wind, and bitterly, frigidly cold!
Your trees are so pretty! Especially love the mice, and your mother’s Santas must hold so many memories. Alivia’s squinched face and her decorating skills delighted me.
Keep warm, my friend!

Sue said...

Beautiful decorations Wanda! My mother made mincemeat pie - haven't thought about that in awhile. Thanks for jarring a sweet memory. Haven't been around - had rotator surgery Nov. 11 so am about to get closer to being myself. Prayerfully I go to the doctor Monday and he will tell me I can drive. It's been funny trying to wrap presents with one arm, but just joke about it.
However, did you get it to "snow" on your blog? You clever woman!

Anonymous said...

These are beautiful photos of a lot of work.

Tranquility Speaks said...

To begin with I really liked the falling snow effect on the blog. All these pictures make me feel so warm and good. Like I was telling Bernie, we don't do this at home, so it's such a treat watching you decorate your homes so beautifully to herald Christmas :-)

Lovely lovely decorations Wanda. Loved each and every picture :-)

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Dearest Wanda, I think something went wrong when I left a comment earlier, and so I'm back...I just wanted to say hello...and Merry Christmas to my dear friend!!! I love your snow effect...and yes, I do like snow...as long as I can admire it from inside...and can avoid driving in it ;-) Have a wonderful, lovely, and snow-covered weekend, dearest Wanda...Love you! Janine XO

Jerelene said...

Hello Wanda!
Your home looks beautiful! I love all your snowmen and all 3 of your trees :) I love the little mouse ornaments..they are so cute!!
We got a little snow one night too. It didn't stay around long...
Hugs....Jerelene

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful post. Your trees are beautiful and all of your decorations are just lovely. In fact, your entire blog is so pretty and I love the music. Merry Christmas and many blessing to you and your family this New Year.

Jacquelyn Stager said...

Wanda everything is so lovely! Great photos and great memories! Have a most wonderful and blessed holiday season and enjoy your family as I know you will!

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Your blog looks fabulous!!!! So gorgeous and Christmas-y!!!! And as always, I love your music!!! Just stopped by to say "Hello!" and to see what you've been up to! Love you~Janine XO

Debra said...

Hi Wanda!
I felt so at home here in your blog! I fell right in love with that little wren on your side bar, and the kissing Santas your Mom made-so cute!
Love you-Debra

Brenda said...

Once again, I loved it all. If I have to pick some--I chuckled at the angels way up high. I love your trees. Tonight for the first, I played Christmas music, lit candles, wrote Christmas cards, made tea and enjoyed my decorated home. AHHH. Life is so good. I had better get back to those cards. Just have been away so long that I couldn't wait to check on your blog. Merry Christmas, friend.

Regina said...

Wow Wanda! Such a delightful and gorgeous decors. Very festive. I enjoyed it. I also put an angel on top of my Christmas tree ( I have one only:).
Happy Holidays.
Regards.

alaine@éclectique said...

Hello Wanda, I love your blog and what you've prepared for Christmas. I gave my tree and all decorations to the local aged care home last year, so I'll have to start collecting again! Happy
Season! xa

Rowan said...

Your tree looks lovely, I have enough trouble getting one tree decorated, the thought of doing three makes me feel quite faint!

Hildred said...

Wand - A beautiful and touching Christmas posting, - I love your background (and wish you could teach me how to accomplish it) and your trees and the lovely music and all the precious ornaments and the memories that accompany them. Thank you for this peek into your home at such a special time.

Janet Metzger, Artist said...

Wanda...I finally found Christmas!!!!!!

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Hello, dearest Wanda! Just wanted to stop by to wish you a very Merry Christmas, and send much love to you and yours!!!! Janine XO

Jientje said...

Your house looks so cozy with all your beautiful decorations up. The tree is stunning and I can smell the pine scent as well as all the lovely baking aromas coming from your kitchen. I am sure Miss Alivia is having a great time. She will cary this Christmas memory in her heart and cherish it forever. I wish you and the whole family a very mery Christmas, Wanda!

The Retired One said...

Everything looks so wonderful!
and your poem??? Adorable!

Rebecca said...

Merry Christmas, Wanda. Can't wait to see how winter looks outside YOUR house!

squirrel said...

You home is so beautiful and full of love. Blessing to you and your loved ones.

Patsy said...

Isn't this a great time of year? I love all your decorations and the little miss is adorable! Merry Christmas to you and your family, and may the blessings of the season be with you and yours for the coming year!! Thanks for stopping by and God bless you!!

Anne said...

Hi Wanda,
Just stopping by again to wish you and your family A very Merry Christmas. I hope all is well.
Take care,
Anne

Unknown said...

Once again Miss Wanda you captured my heart with such a warm fuzzy peek into your beautiful cozy home! Oh sweet Alivia! I wish I had a granddaughter close by! Well in Feb we will be welcoming into the world a new grand daughter! We are excited! She will be spoiled! Have a Merry SAFE Christmas Holiday and New Year! hugs and smiles across the miles...linda

Sunny said...

Totally magical. What wonderful Christmas memories Alivia will have.
Sunny :)