Our Iowa Christmas

It has been a very busy couple of weeks, with work, Christmas parties, winter band concerts and just general holiday happenings. We have been so blessed in 2015 and hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Here it is New Year's Eve and I am just now getting around to sharing a little bit of our Christmas here in Iowa.

 

We chose to purchase a smaller tree for our living room this year and I am so happy with it.  

I use my little woodland tree in the master bedroom.

 

 

Displayed on a side table are some silver snowflake pieces.

Some of these beauties are from Stephanie @ The Enchanting Rose I was the lucky winner of her Christmas giveaway. Thanks again Stephanie.

 

I don't think my style is very specific and my thrift store goodies in the kitchen definitely show that. I do like snowmen though.



 

 

 

This wreath gets a new look every year.

 

 

Spending Christmas Eve with my 2 favorite guys!

 

 

And my little love bug Oakley modeled his new Santa outfit for these pictures. Ha Ha...he does not care for it so much but goes along with it to make mommy happy and also to get his treat afterward.

 





 

Our New Year's Eve will consist of some movies and popcorn in the warmth and comfort of our living room and tomorrow,

January 1st, 2016 will be a big day here as we all sport our Hawkeye gear and cheer Iowa on at the Rose Bowl!

 

 

Best wishes to all of you for a Safe & Happy New Year.

Karen

 

 

Christmas Now & Then

 

As time goes by I cherish more & more those Christmas photos when my children were small. This year I am reminded of that with this photo Brittany sent to me of our precious Ellie's first Christmas and the excitement of meeting Santa for the first time. It's always a roll of the dice whether or not the kiddos are gonna accept or reject the jolly man in the red suit.
 Ellie seemed to be very comfortable in Santa's chair and smiling so big.

 

Back in the day, we made many trips to the mall to stand in line and wait for that once a year chance to talk to Santa in person.

Chad & Santa in 1991

 

Brittany & Chad 1993

 

 

Dylan 2003

Looks like he and Santa were having a pretty serious conversation.

 

2002

Chad 12, Brittany 15, Dylan 18 months

 

Dylan age 2, when Santa & Barney tied for first place as favorite.

I so enjoy going back to Christmas past and I am also looking forward to the memories we will create for Christmas 2015.

Merry Christmas Everyone.

Karen

Recipes and Reflecting

 

 

I was looking through one of my cookbooks to try a different dessert for Christmas dinner. It is a very special cookbook from our home church given to me by Granny for high school graduation. Many years of use have left it worn and discolored. Each time I look through it I find a new recipe but this time I came across something different, something that has been in front of me many times and now that I'm older there is more of an appreciation for these things. Even though I am not a full time housewife I have the great privilege of being raised and taught well by the strong women in my family who always put God & Family first.

I wanted to share this with all of you and dedicate it to my

Granny Clara and Granny Ora who gifted this cookbook to me.

This is a reading that is in on the back side of the cover.

A Housewife Talks With God

As I walk into my kitchen, Lord,

At the birth of each new day,

I think about your Holy Word,

And vow to walk your way.

My daily tasks will be no chore,

Not servile work to do.....

As I decide I'll like them more,

When each is done for you.

Gleaming china, silver shining,

A line of linen, blowing white

Will make a joy of future dining,

Give a loved one rest tonight.

I shall make my home a haven

A refuge of life's storm.....

Show my family that there's loving,

Always to keep them warm.

A housewife's life is not demeaning,

Not a task to make me bored,

But the best of life's gifts gleaming,

As a worker for you, Lord.

Have a wonderful day everybody.

Karen

Happy Saturday!

Hello everyone and Happy Saturday!

The weekend is here...Yea!! I am so excited, happy and honored to be featured on Saturday Spotlight today.

Thank you Kris for inviting me to participate in your fun series.

I have had my blog up and running a very short time so if you would like to know a little more about me you can stop by and see Kris at Junk Chic Cottage.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

Karen