Vintage Angels Sing

 'Wishing all my readers a very Merry Christmas!

For Cocoa Lovers

 

Who loves a nice, hot cup of cocoa on a chilly morning?  That would be just about everyone I know!

Book Review: Miracle on I-40

 by Curtiss Ann Matlock

Re Vamping Old Ornaments for New Theme

 It's hard to say just how many color schemes I've embraced through all the Christmases Past.  It is also difficult to count the number of ornaments accumulated.  How sad that most decorations remain inside the crowded Christmas Tree closet year after year!

The lights on our little pre-lit tree have died.  I'm thinking a new tree is in order and have been shopping what's available.  All websites are inundated with stunning seasonal decor.  With a new tree comes a new theme, me thinks!  

I am currently very drawn to black and white and gold color schemes.

The Season's are Changing (and so is my sign)

It's the first week of December!  Have you noticed?

Merry Christmas!

My blog will be quiet this week as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Warm Cookies and Soft Blankets

When the days become cold and dark, don't you just love curling up with a good book, some cozy covers, and a tasty snack?

Bubbly Bath Bombs & Fizzy Tub Tabs - Dollar Store Craft Challenge

Welcome to the Christmas addition of our Dollar Store Craft Challenge!

Winter Holiday Link Party Features

'Sending a big thank you to everyone who participated in our Holiday Link Party, especially all the co-hosts:

Across the Boulevard

My Husband Has Too Many Hobbies

Two Chicks and a Mom

Sew Crafty Crochet

Dazzle While Frazzled

The Boondocks Blog

Purple Hues and Me  

Olives & Okra

Gift Wrap Theme for 2017

Our Christmas shopping is almost complete, so wrapping has begun!

I'm generally not a big fan of traditional paper, but

Transforming a Brother's T

Granted, this cutie pie with a missing front tooth could pull off any look, but...

Winter Holiday Link Party

I've joined a group of talented blogging friends to bring you a month long holiday party.  We’ll be sharing ideas for holiday decor, crafts, cards, tree trimmings, recipes, holiday traditions, activities, and more! 

We invite you join us and share yours, too. There is no limit on the number of links as long as they are family friendly and related to any of the Winter holidays.  New or older posts are welcome.

Sentimental Photos

Have you noticed the date?  June has flown by just like all the other months.  Christmas will be here before we know it.  

Speaking of Christmas...  

Each year I give our children a copy of at least one photo that is special to our family.  It's been baby photos, family photos of us or older generations.





They love having these treasures passed down to them.  What should I choose this year?

After my husband's adopted parents passed away, their lovely farm was sold.  Just recently, the new owners dozed down the home.





Their barn is still standing even though no one is using it.  After asking for permission, I spent an evening there with our camera.  

Handsome Husband built the door on the right.

The horses and saddles are long gone.

Even though it is in disrepair, our children will recognize any photo of it.

They've spent many hours on this piece of earth.

Running and playing and laughing.

Maybe one of these photos will be cherished by our children?  I'll have to choose one or make a collage?  ;-)  Which photo is your favorite?

Will you please come back tomorrow and join our Christmas in July party?  It will run the entire month.  New and old posts are welcome as long as they are family friendly.

;-)  -Marci

Merry Christmas

There just wasn't time for sending Christmas Cards this year.  If we had though, one of these photos would have probably made the cover!  ;-)

I'm so glad we finally got a remote for the camera.  It's much nicer than setting a timer and racing to my spot!

This pose is my favorite, but our family and friends seem to prefer the first one.

I always love the ones where we are laughing though.  My husband is the Master of Misbehavior  ;-)  especially when pictures are being taken!  He cracks me up!  Which pose do you like best?

(We get lots of questions about beard care.  We should probably name that thing.  ;-)  It's almost like another member of the family!  ;-)  He is currently using products from 2 Guys Beard Co.)

Merry Christmas, Everyone! 

;-)  -Marci

Cookie Cutters and Snowflakes

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  One of my favorite ways to spend the evening is going for a slow drive to look at Christmas lights!  Our little Christmas tree is placed at our front window so its lights can wink at our neighbors.  I'd like to share it with you, too!

Last year, the lights on our pre-lit trees fizzled!  Only half the lights were working on our larger tree and not a single one would blink on the smaller tree.  I used them anyway last year, but with no lights, they were a little disappointing for me.

This year, I wanted something simple for our tree.  It's a nice table top size, pre-lit with clear lights.  The ornaments are mostly tin cookie cutters and crocheted snowflakes, a few made by my mother. Silver and white balls are tucked here and there, too.

We still have one featuring our Grandson's First Christmas!  ;-)  That one always makes me smile.  Isn't he a cutie pie?!  ;-)  The cookie cutters are pretty big.  There's one in the shape of our home state, Arkansas.

We also have a Razorback cookie cutter, the University of Arkansas mascot!

A simple white poinsettia has been placed at the top.

Merry Christmas!

What are your favorite things about this time of year?

;-)  -Marci

How We Met and Gifts for My Guy

When my Handsome Husband walks into the room, my knees still go weak and my stomach flutters.

I always want him feel loved, especially on holidays, but buying gifts for guys can be difficult!

This year, his beard is long, so I went with selections from

 2 Guys Beard Company

They have some cool options for furry fellows including beard oil and mustache combs.

It's OK.  He already knows.  We've been together 31 years.  ;-)  Here's how I found him!

It's funny what memories are clearer than others.  I can tell you every detail about meeting my soul mate.  He was wearing white Nike basketball shoes, a pair of Levi's jeans, a black shirt, and a black baseball cap with a round yellow logo.  My guy was (and still is) tall with a dark tan and a beard.  There is lots of Native American heritage in his family.

The first time I saw Handsome Husband, my first thought was, "Dang!  That is the best looking man I have ever seen in real life."  He had walked into the restaurant where I was working.  

My first words to him, "Would you like a booth or a table?"

His first words to me, "A table."

On the day we met the restaurant was quiet.  No other customers were there.  After bringing his order, we chatted until closing time.  He kept coming back day after day.

I was (and still am) completely smitten with this man.

I can hardly wait to watch him open his gifts.  What have you chosen for your sweetheart this year?

;-)  -Marci