Sunday, November 23, 2008

Home For The Holidays! :-)

We are going "home" to Idaho for the Holidays, so I probably won't be posting on here until I get back in January.

This is the first time I will get to spend Thanksgiving with my family since 2001. In 2002, I was visiting Ben and his parents during Thanksgiving. Then we got married in September of 2003.

This will be our 3rd Christmas in Idaho since we got married. Which sounds like a lot, I know. We have spent 3 Christmases here, too, though. And although there are some similarities in the way Australians and Americans celebrate Christmas, the differences make me feel a little sad and nostalgic during the holiday season here. Of course, the weather is so much different- the middle of Summer. I am looking forward to a cold, if not white, Christmas. :-) We can always hope for snow! Haha

I am staying past New Years in Idaho, and will be going to a dear friend's wedding in early January. Fun! :-)

Since I won't get to decorate our house for Christmas this year, I plan to have Christmas in July, or maybe June next year. So then I can enjoy all of our Christmas decorations, too. :-)

I hope all of you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:11

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

~Embellishments~

I added some beaded fringe from our local crafts/fabric store to the plain shade that came with this lamp.
This beautiful lace edged mantel scarf (which is actually a runner) came from a temporary stand/store at our local mall. I changed around my mantel display since last time I posted a picture of the fireplace, too. :-)
The bead trimmed shade I found at a discount store called the Reject Shop. Haha That name makes me laugh. The white base was on sale at Target. I love that store. :-)


Sunday, November 16, 2008

Jessica K's Victorian Tea Party

Jessica putting the finishing touches to her ensemble. :-)
The Jessicas in hats. Haha

The pink and green tea table.


L to R: Julia, Sarah, Jessica K., Melissa S.

Jessica's mother, Julia.


Lighting the candles.

What a gorgeous birthday cake!

Sarah preparing the tea.

Opening presents
My friend, Jessica, is turning 13. She had a Victorian Tea Party to celebrate the occasion. Ah, a kindred spirit. :-) I thought I'd share some pictures of the party. I helped Jessica decorate the tables the night before. Doesn't the party look so pretty? And very Victorian. Jessica's sister, Sarah, put on a British accent the whole day. Haha So cute.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

My shabby "new" fireplace! :-)

On Tuesday, Nathanael and I went on a little trip to Mossvale in the Southern Highlands with our friends, Dan and Melissa. We went shopping, of course. Haha There are so many cute shops in Mossvale. I was so excited whe I spotted this beautiful fireplace surround and mantel piece in an antique shop. I was told that it is circa 1910-20.
Here is the firplace in our formal living room. Doesn't it look cozy? The owner of the antique shop was kind enough to deliver it for free. :-)
I'm not sure I will leave the fireplace in this room yet. It may end up in the family room. We shall see.....