Faith Family Friends

Celebrating the Joy of Living & Home Making ~

Baking, Cooking, Decorating, Tea Time, and taking Inspiration from those I love and the world around me...

A sharing of my heart and my home from a Christian perspective

...with a wee bit of whimsy added.

Monday 17 December 2012

Tea Time Tuesday



"The heart, like the mind, has a memory. And in it are kept the most precious keepsakes." ~ H.W. Longfellow
  
Welcome to my last Tea Time Tuesday before Christmas, dear friends!

The holiday season is a magical time of year. Twinkling lights grace evergreen trees, cinnamon and gingerbread fill the air, and greetings of "Merry Christmas" and ''Happy Holidays" can be heard around every corner.



It is one week before Christmas and I am enjoying the sights and sounds of this beautiful season. In the midst of all the merriment, however, my heart hurts for those who have lost loved ones in that terrible tragedy last week. Indeed, it will not be a joyous time for some and my thoughts and prayers go out to them. May God bless and comfort them at this time!

Christmas Past
"Each Christmas I remember
The ones of long ago;
I see our mantelpiece adorned
With stockings in a row.
Each Christmas finds me dreaming
Of days that used to be;
When we hid presents here and there,
For all the family.
Each Christmas I remember
The fragrance in the air;
Of roasting turkey and mince pies,
And cookies everywhere.
Each Christmas finds me longing
For Christmases now past,
And I am back in childhood
As long as memories last." ~ Carice Williams




I love Christmas, the past as well as the present! I have been blessed in that my parents made Christmas a very special time and it is a tradition which I have passed on to my children. My hubby also shares this same love of the holidays and so we savour each day and moment. For all too quickly, it will be over for another year.....

Peace and goodwill in each loving home,
Beauty and magic so surely your own.
Sweet Christmas angels - moments of love,
Part of the wonder God sends from above." ~ Garnett Ann Schultz " - Victoria magazine




Christmas is family time....Here are two of my lambies; Zachary 4 and Jenna-Lynn 2. They are excited for Christmas this year.



"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other." ~ Burton Hillis 

Last night we had our son and his family over for our family time and we had a feast of finger foods. I served mini cheese balls, pigs in blankets, veggies and dip, pretzels and chips, cheese and crackers and smoked oysters, as well as olives for BJ and me.
For dessert I served my fruit cake, chocolate, pumpkin pie with whipped cream and yes, tea. Even the little guys drank tea. Sorry I don't have any pictures of them drinking tea. Maybe next time. It was a lovely evening.....

My beautiful DIL Joanna.


Joanna and Cameron, BJ, Jared, and my son Jeff.


This Thursday we will know how well my son's surgery took. Fingers crossed!


Now on to today's tea.... I have a new teapot to share with you which Hubby gifted me with for Christmas. He had special ordered it for me and I am totally loving it! I have had it for about a month and I have been anxious to share it with you.

This is one side of it. You know how much I love little birdies.


My favourite, red transferware, is adorned with florals and birdies, making it a delight to my eyes. It has a nice sturdy handle which is comfortable to hold while pouring tea. No name on the bottom but it matters not in this case.

This is the other side. Isn't it sweet? It has such nice lines and it's a lovely size for a tea party.




Snow flakes in the air
Carols everywhere
Olden times and ancient rhymes
Of love and dreams to share.

Sleigh bells in the air
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there.

Christmas time is here
We'll be drawing near
Oh, that we could always see,
Such spirit through the year....~ From A Charlie Brown Christmas




"Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas." ~ Peg Bracken


Cuppa tea?





"Tykes on sleds and shouts of glee, icy-window filigree, sugarplums and candle glow, part of Christmas long ago." ~ Jo Geis


I have baked you some fruit scones drizzled with almond glaze and there are chocolate wafers to nibble on.



Please help yourself to a cup of Darjeeling. 




"Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall; the genial flame of charity in the heart." ~ Washington Irving





I want to wish you all a lovely holiday and the Happiest of Christmases!  Thank you so much for your wonderful support and friendship over the past year. You are the ones who make my tea parties a most lovely pastime. Hugs to you all, sweet friends; God bless you and your families!



And let's remember to pray for the families of those who lost loved ones in the senseless shooting last week. God bless and comfort them.



"And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.
And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." ~ Luke 6-7

"For behold, I bring you good news of great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." ~ Luke 2:10-11

Let every heart prepare Him room....

Merry Christmas!


I am joining the following parties as well~

Heart and Home ~ http://angelwingsandapronstrings.blogspot.com/
A Return to Loveliness ~ http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/
Tea Cup Tuesday~ http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/
Tea Cup Tuesday ~ http://www.marthasfavorites.com/
Tuesday Cuppa Tea~ http://antiquesandteacups.blogspot.com/
Friends Sharing Tea ~ http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com/
Tea Talk ~ http://the-teaist.blogspot.com/
Tea Cup Thursday~ http://missspensersblog.blogspot.com/
Share Your Cup Thursday~ http://jannolson.blogspot.com/
Cottage Style Linky Party~ http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com/
Home Sweet Home~ http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

37 comments :

  1. Sandy, thanks for sharing photos of your family with us and that beautiful red transferware tea pot and cup and saucer.

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  2. Merry Christmas, Sandi,
    Thank you for sharing such a heartwarming post. Your family is precious...Just look at those sweet faces!
    Your husband knew just the perfect gift for you. Your new red transferware teapot is so lovely!
    My mouth is watering at the sight of your Christmas goodies...and, they are twice as tasty, I'm sure, served on your pretty dishes!
    Have a lovely week, my sweet friend.
    Carolynn xxx

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  3. Merry Christmas, It's a wonderful time of year I think as well...Such a wonderful present your husband gave to you..beautiful red transferware tea pot, with the bird on it is just beautiful and cup and saucer. Happy Holidays with love Janice

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  4. What a beautiful family party! The children are so sweet and it shows their excitement in the photos at Christmas time. I am praying for your family and son. The tea party with the pretty red teapot is so great for Christmas! The yummy goodies are always fun. Merry Christmas!

    Thanks, Pam

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  5. Warm and beauitiful post, Sandi. LOVE the teapot and your family pics. Merry Christmas!
    Hugs,
    Linda at Beautiful Ideas

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  6. You have a beautiful family Sandi, and I love your new teapot. Thanks for a wonderful Tea post today, I really enjoyed it.

    Merry Christmas!
    Sylvia

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  7. What a beautiful family, dear Sandi! I love the pretty teapot from your sweetie. It'll be perfect all year to enjoy your tea. Blessing and hugs to you and yours this Christmas time. Thank you for hosting your party.

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  8. Beautiful family -- making beautiful memories! Love your new tea pot! We do love our birds! Gingerbread men and scones and all things lovely and bright! Merry Merry and thank you for hosting.

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  9. Your hubby has done it again Sandi; a fabulous teapot, with a nice shape and birds on it too.
    Lovely family photos and Jenna Lynn is growing into a real sweetie, I love her dress.
    Thank you for having us all to your home each week for a gathering of ladies that like to drink tea and chat with each other.
    Hugs,
    Judith

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  10. Your new tea pot is perfectly lovely. Nice photos too. We also have a Cameron in our family.

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  11. Hi Sandi, wonderful photos of your sweet family and grandchildren. Your new teapot is so pretty and the teacups coordinate very well with it. Wishing you a wonderful last week before Christmas! Blessings, Pamela

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  12. Merry Christmas Sandi! Lovely photos and teapot.

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  13. Sandi, You have such a beautiful family! I love your new teapot and your teacups - really pretty! What a sweet hubby you have! Praise God for His unspeakable gift - Jesus!
    Merry Christmas, Beth

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  14. Sandi, You have such a beautiful family! I love your new teapot and your teacups - really pretty! What a sweet hubby you have! Praise God for His unspeakable gift - Jesus!
    Merry Christmas, Beth

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  15. I enjoyed seeing pictures of your lovely family! I LOVE that teapot! And it goes so well with the red transfer ware.

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  16. Sandi you have a lovely family. I am so looking forward to next year when our own granddaughter will be sharing her first Christmas with us. Not due till February but we are so excited. Loved your tea things and delicious treats. Merry Christmas. Valerie

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  17. Hi again, Sandi!
    Thank you for visiting me today and your warm comments and congrats on my blog. I have been down with the flu these past couple days and it was uplifting to see that you had visited and left your sweet footprint. :-)))
    Lind at Beautiful Ideas

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  18. Hello Sandi, your family looks beautiful - so delighted you shared your heartfelt post - loved it. I have moved my blog - it happened faster than I expected - but, am happy! I do appreciate you sharing and hosting,
    Kathy

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  19. I'll start by saying..you have a beautiful family dear Sandi, your son is soo handsome, his wife and kids! Your hubby is a dear, gave you just what you wanted! The transferware teapot is gorgeous in red. Such yummy C'mas sweets I see..wish I had one of each..pretty please, just one!! Have a wonderful C'mas sweet lady.
    FABBY

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  20. Waiting to hear good news about your son.
    Your family is beautiful. How sweet is your hubby to get you that teapot. It is just perfect for you. I love it too. He and it sure are keepers!
    Ruthie from: http://www.ladybstimefortea.blogspot.com

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  21. Hi Sandi: Your family is beautiful. I just love your transferware teapot. Everything is beautiful and hoping all is well with your son. Blessings, Martha

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  22. what a beautiful and handsome family. I will be praying that Thursday brings the results you are looking for.
    I was going to use my transferware teapot today, but don't have a cup and saucer to match. Bought one at auction last week and cup and saucer don't match each other. Have never enjoyed unmatched ones.Your teapot is beautiful, I love it, love birds too. God bless and have a Merry Christmas...

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  23. Oh SANDI!!!

    Hubs picked o ut the BEST teapot for you- it is so so so so awesome.

    I am sharing a simple post today - has a couple red and green teapots, no party. I have pics to share but no time to edit and prepare - time slipped away from me.

    Thanks for hosting.

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  24. OK- had a late (very) dinner, felt better and posted a teacup too.

    There! I feel lots better, haha.

    BTW- you have the nicest looking family, Sandi.

    Hope all goes well with results from son's surgery!!!!

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  25. Hi Sandi, You have a lovely family. Your lambies are just precious, look at those little bare feet! How cute! Thanks for sharing all the quotes and scriptures. Your teapot is beautiful and those scones look delicious! Have a blessed Christmas. Gina

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  26. What a lovely heart felt post Sandi!
    You have a dear family, and it is wonderful that you get to spend time together over the holidays.
    My but your new tea pot is gorgeous! You must be thrilled!
    Your scones do look so delicious!
    Happy Holidays!
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  27. Hello, hello! What a BEAUTIFUL family! SO blessed to spend time with them all. I ADORE your teapot. My goodness, it is charming. Might I ask for the vendor info? Pretty please! I have a birthday coming up on Epiphany, and this lovely pot would be treasured and well used at our home.
    hugs
    Shawn

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  28. Hi Sandi,
    Lovely photos of your family.I love that teapot-it is beautiful!!!

    Thank you for hosting once again and I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.

    Carolyn

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  29. Sandi, gorgeous transfer ware- perfect for the season. The photos of your family are beautiful... it's amazing to see the sparkle in the little ones' eyes this time of year. Wishing and sending prayers that your son's surgery has been successful and he is feeling better. Many hugs to you all and a Merry Christmas. xo and Blessings, C. (HHL)

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  30. The teapot is so pretty; I like the bird design on it. Your family, of course, is even more gorgeous!

    Merry Christmas, Sandi.
    -Karen

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  31. Your hubby has excellent taste! Love the red transferware teapot he special ordered for you. Enjoyed seeing your beautiful family too! Christmas Blessings!

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  32. Hi Sandi,
    Lovely family photo's and what a beautiful teapot from your hubby! Thanks for hosting and wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
    Blessings,
    Lisa

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  33. Hi Sandi,
    What a lovely Christmas tea! Your new transferware teapot is adorable! I love the birds decorating it! You have a wonderful husband!! I enjoyed seeing your beautiful family during this holiday season. Such cute Grandchildren! I'll be joing your HOME party later this week. Have a lovely evening!
    Nancy

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  34. Oh honey I'm so sorry I anoyed you again with your Blog address!! I fixed and wrote it in my note book. I have a special note book..YES!..written by hand and I love it! Have a merry, merry C'mas, darling Sandi!
    FABBY

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  35. Merry Christmas, dear Sandi!
    You do have a beautiful family!
    As to your husband's gift, that teapot is just sublime!
    Thanks for hosting this lovely tea.
    Hugs

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  36. Sandi, you have a lovely family. Spending time with the ones we love is what brings us such joy at Christmas time. I wrote that quote about being 'wrapped up in Christmas' on my chalkboard last year. I love it. Your teapot is precious! I am a bird lover also. Hubby did good! Thanks for sharing with Share Your Cup.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  37. Hi Sandi - Catching up with all my tea ladies in this new year. Am posting a teatime today - but not at Rose Chintz Cottage it would appear.

    I am glad your don has come through his surgery well as in your latest update. Blessings to him as he recovers fully!

    As to your red birdie teapot - I have one of those, too! Garage sale find a couple years ago for $5! Then, I saw it for sale in my favorite catalog - Victorian Trading Company - also online. It sells for about $30 through them - and has a matching teacup and luncheon plate for about $20. I have my eye on that matching teacup and luncheon plate some day when I can splurge!!

    Joy to you this new year!!
    Kathy

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I am delighted to have you visit me and I read every comment. Please forgive me for not being able to visit you all as there are so many of you lovely bloggy friends now. I will visit as much as possible. I wish you a day filled with JOY!

Also, due to the amount of spam I've been getting, I have had to set Comment Moderation. ~ Sandi

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