Saturday, December 4, 2010

My Thankfulness Continues!

Wow! What a busy week! When you have teenagers life is never dull. This week I have been extremely busy with the girls. Catie is working hard to turn in all of her college applications and most of them require a separate scholarship application. Carson has been busy getting ready to record several of her original songs (part of her Christmas present). It feels as though time is passing by at breakneck speed. My simple country life is not quite as simple as I would like for it to be. However, as I was cleaning this morning to prepare for the live tree that John and Carson have gone to pick up, I just took a moment to stop and thank God for blessing me with these precious girls who bring such life into our home. I would be lost without them.

With all of that said, I need to make a confession. As I stroll through all of your blogs, I am very jealous of the beautiful Christmas decorations that I see. I have only managed to hang a couple of wreaths and put up the tree in the sunroom. Everything else is still in boxes. I must get busy!



I have always enjoyed putting a wreath on the courtyard wall...but this year the wreath blends in with the creeping fig that has started growing rapidly. Thank goodness the wreath has lights so that I can see it!



This morning was very cold and we actually had a little sleet. I was very thankful for one of my blogging friends who so graciously hosted a giveaway that I won. Denise at Den's Daily Life sent me the most wonderful things. I spent the morning drinking some of the hot chocolate that she sent while curled up under this beautiful red throw that was also part of the prize.



She also sent me this great Christmas stationary...



...the Snoopy mug, candles and Christmas pretties that will soon become part of an arrangement of greenery!

There were even some gift tags, gift bags, tea, cocoa, and coffee. What more could I want??? It was my first time to receive a gift from one of my blogging friends. When the mail lady delivered the package, I felt like Santa had been. Thank you, Denise, from the bottom of my heart. Every time I wrap up in my soft, Christmas throw, I will think of your kindness! I thank God for all of my blogging friends! May He fill your houses with love and happiness this Christmas season!

12 comments:

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

Congrats on winning, its always shocking when I enter and win, I never expect it. Looks like you have a cozy spot for enjoying your winnings.

The best to your Catie, choosing a school is quite an effort, been through that 2 times here. And the best with Carson recording some music, What memories you will have.

Have a blessed Christmas from one southern gal to another.

(I followed from "Fron a Writer's Kitchen)

Denise said...

Oh my gosh, that throw looks so pretty on your chair along with your cute pillow. I'm so glad you're enjoying your goodies, it looks so cozy and festive for you. I hope you get the rest of your decor up (if you want to) don't stress about it if you don't ;-)
Have a super Saturday Carla.
xxx
hugs
Denise

Blessed Serendipity said...

What thoughtful and happy gifts!

-Danielle

tina said...

Congrats on the give a way. Your sunroom is so comfy looking-that's the place to be with a great book.

Joan Elizabeth said...

Carla, I haven't begun to put up my decorations yet so I am way behind you.

Glenda said...

I really enjoyed your pics of your cozy home - and your gifts! I love red, so the throw would be special to me, too! I'm just getting my decorations and tree up - very traditional - and putting out some simple treasures from the past and from some special people. I enjoy thinking of them as I decorate. My tree is filled with inexpensive ornaments that I've collected over the past 37 years.

Hope the weekend allows you to move at a slower pace! You still have plenty of time to decorate. Love your wreath!

Allison said...

I have felt so many of the same things you mention here, Carla. You touch me with your honesty! Sometimes I think.. "Look how talented all those other people are!" And then I remember that we are like stained glass in a church sanctuary. It is the variety of color that makes the windows so beautiful!

Do get going on your decorations and let us have a peek! May I suggest some pine boughs with twinkle lights on the front of your GORGEOUS home? :)

Love the simplicity of your wreath, too; I wish I could stop by and have some of that hot cocoa with you and help bring your boxes down out of the attic! Hugs!!

Paula@SweetPea said...

Congratulations on winning! Receiving a little something in the mail really can make one's day.

penny said...

Carla, You are taking care of what is most important.. your girls and family! Everything else is just stuff and will get done eventually.
Congratulations on winning these beautiful prizes, it could happen to a nicer person.

be well, be happy :)
Blessings,
Pam

From the Kitchen said...

What a nice gift to enjoy in your cozy little corner. Congratulations! I've gone both ways with decorating the house for Christmas--doing it early and doing it late. I finally figured out that doing it less was the real answer.
That gave me the time I needed/need to really contemplate what the season is all about and to separate the religious and the myth.

Best,
Bonnie

myletterstoemily said...

what a precious friend you have! i love all your gifts!
i sat down to write some letters and was wishing that
i had some lovely Christmas stationery. :)

i think your wreath looks lovely with the gorgeous
vine climbing behind, as if it had always been part
of the vine.

and, how much fun are you having at the recording?
when our sunday recorded, i always wanted to tag
along, because it brought me such joy to watch this
child of mine singing songs that i couldn't in my
wildest dreams imagine.

enJOY!

Ola said...

very interesting blog!I am living in such a hurry that I am always late with all those decorations, hopefully this week I will make the home more Christmas-like:) Greetings!