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.

Wednesday 7 December 2016

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love. ~ Hamilton Wright Mabie{1845-1916}

Hello dear friends! I have been absent from Blogland for a couple of weeks. It has been a difficult year with so many health issues plaguing me and one wonders how my hubby puts up with me but he does. 



My doctor has me on my fifth pill to try and regulate one of my health issues but this one isn't working either so far. I am pretty much a shut-in these days and can't wander too far from home. I hope in the new year I will be having some good results. In the meantime, I'm trying to take one day at a time and counting my blessings. I have much to be thankful for. We all do!

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

I thought I would share just a little Christmas decorating I have done so far. I generally take the colour theme throughout the house but this year I did it a bit differently. 

Our big tree is in the family room this year instead of the living room. It holds most of my Memory ornaments. Red, gold and green are the colours I've used for this tree with gold and red ribbon.


The birdhouse with the light inside next to the tree was made for me by a lovely gentleman in our church. I keep it out all year round in the family room.




A wee Nativity that I have had for years.




In the living room we have a four foot tree which I have decorated in gold, pink and teal. It too holds lots of Memory ornaments.

Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children they are all thirty feet tall.  ~ Larry Wilde

A Christmas birdhouse with a tin roof and a beautiful glass knob for a perch. I have added a wee Christmas wreath over the opening.

A tea tray set up just as you enter the living room. I have used my red transferware teapot and some teacups and arranged a few cedar clippings around with dried roses. 


A bowl full of Christmas ornaments. 


Like many of you, I have brought out my Christmas teapots and teacups. I am using my cardinal ones today. 



This teapot was a Christmas gift a few years ago.



I have both my fruit cakes made and yesterday I quickly made some mince tarts. So today it's tarts for tea time.


This poinsettia ornament was made by a friend. Isn't it lovely? 



We are all so busy these days and one must take some time to relax and enjoy the season. A hot cup of tea with someone you love is just the thing. 

In spite of poor health these days, I am determined to rise above it and give thanks for this joyous holiday we are celebrating.

Lord, help me this Christmas to reflect the light of Your presence and goodness to others. - an except from Our Daily Bread. 

Thank you for visiting, dear friends. I wish you all much Joy this Christmas season! See you soon.


I am joining the following parties as well~

 Tuesday Cuppa Tea
 Friends Sharing Tea
 The Art of Home-Making Mondays
 Share Your Cup Thursday
 Home Sweet Home

Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi

42 comments :

  1. Dear Sandi,
    so sorry to read you have to deal with health issues. I hope your doctor will find a helpfull treat for you. Anyway, Christmas is coming. Your home looks cosy and wonderful decorated. The Cardinal tea set looks so winterly and sweet. I wish you a blessed Advent time and hope you have a sweet Christmas time.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  2. Thinking of you Dearest Sandi and praying there will be relief soon for you. Your pictures of the season are just beautiful!

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  3. Hi Sandi,
    I hope the medication will help you soon.You have made a cozy place to enjoy the Christmas season. I am slow getting my Christmas decorations up but am busy at it now.
    Take care of yourself or even better let hubby take care of you!
    Carolyn

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  4. All so pretty . Over the years I have been putting up less Christmas decorations I am in the less is more bit lol simple is beautiful thing lol ! I do hope your health improves soon for you and you can get out and about more . Thanks for sharing , Have a good week !

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  5. Hi Sandi
    I am so sorry you are experiencing health problems. I will pray for you, that the doctors would soon find a medicine that will give you the needed relief. Your decorations are lovely! I love the cardinal teacup.

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  6. Hi Sandi, So sorry to hear you have been ill. I pray that you will be well very soon.
    Both of your trees are beautiful and I love the cardinal teacup! Take care and feel better soon.
    Blessings, Beth

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  7. I hope you will soon be feeling well, Sandi. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home at Christmas. Deb

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  8. I truly am sorry that you are suffering so much illness this year. My heart goes out to you and I will continue to lift you up in prayer. I am amazed at all the decorating you have accomplished even while not feeling well. I know it brings a lot of cheer to have Christmas lights and treasures about. They always make me feel so much better and bring a smile to my heart as well. May your Christmas be filled with joy and laughter...and good health again! God bless you, my friend.

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  9. The trees and other decor are very festive Sandi. I've seen the same cardinal teapot on-line but wondered what it is made of. How do you find it for use? I'd really like the Lennox cardinal one but several hundred dollars is beyond my budget.
    Hope you get some relief for your ailments - prayers for you, my friend.
    xx

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  10. I do hope you are feeling better soon....your home looks beautiful at Christmas time.

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  11. Dear Sandi, you have done such beautiful Christmas decorating of your lovely home! Sounds like you are on your way in getting your baking done for the holiday! I plan to start next week! Praying that you will soon feel better and be able to enjoy this special season!
    Hugs, Nancy

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  12. I'm sorry to hear that your health issues are interfering with your daily activities. I enjoyed seeing your cheery Christmas decor. I have also brought out my seasonal tea sets.

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  13. Dear Sandi, you have done such beautiful Christmas decorating of your lovely home! Sounds like you are on your way in getting your baking done for the holiday! I plan to start next week! Praying that you will soon feel better and be able to enjoy this special season!
    Hugs, Nancy

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  14. Such pretty photos. I love that red cardinal on your teacup. The teapot is lovely too.

    I hope you're feeling better soon. Love to you for a Happy Christmas season.

    Brenda
    xox

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  15. PS. MY SIL gave me her set of those Johnson Brothers British Castles dinnerware a few years ago. I love it and look forward to using it more over this festive season. I see you have a set too in your header.

    B

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  16. Dear Sandi. I'm sorry to hear that you're not feeling well. You've done a great job decorating your beautiful home. Praying that you feel better soon to enjoy this special season with your family. Thelma xo

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  17. Very beautiful cardinal tea cup and tea pot! I like your Christmas tree, you did a great job decorating it. Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

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  18. Dear Sandi ~ I pray that you will have some relief from your health issues soon.

    Your trees lovely and your home wonderfully decorated.

    What a sweet cardinal tea setting.

    Happy Christmas holidays ~ Love, hugs & prayers ~ FlowerLady

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  19. My dearest Sandi, I'm so sorry to hear of your continuing health problems. Hopefully some med will be found to help soon. Of course your sweet hubby "puts up" with you because he loves you, as we all do.
    You did a marvelous job of decorating your trees, your pretty tea vignette, and even baking while not feeling up to par. You are in my prayers, sweet lady. Love and hugs are sent to you!

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  20. Sandi, your home looks so beautiful!!! I'm in love with your poinsettia ornament and your precious cardinal tea cup! Sorry to hear you are struggling! Praying for your heath issues to improve soon!!!
    Rebeca

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  21. I opened my computer this morning and Sandi you popped into my mind. I didn't know you weren't well but now that I know, I'm praying for you that this new pill will work and you will feel 100% better. Sending hugs. And lots of prayer.

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  22. Sweet Sandi, I hope that you feel better soon. I will be sending lots of prayers and good thoughts your way. Your home looks beautiful adorned for Christmas. Your Christmas tree is gorgeous! Again, I hope that you feel better soon, and I hope that you have a Merry Christmas season!!!

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  23. I am so sorry you have health problems. Also I pray you get the right medical attention to take care of this.
    Your decorations are all beautiful however the red and white transferware is always my favorite
    Take care and get better quick

    Merry Christmas

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  24. Dear Sandi, Praying for you right now and asking our Lord to stoop down from heaven and touch your body. Health issues can be so mentally challenging for us as well as physically. Praying you feel better soon my friend. Sandi, I love all of your beautiful Christmas! May you feel the joy of our Lord. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  25. I'm sorry you haven't been feeling well! Bad health is no fun. When I wasn't feeling well it did make me appreciate the things that matter more, especially this time of year. Now that im feeling better I'm all stressed out about silly things again. Sigh. I hope you have a great Christmas with your family!

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  26. Hi Sandi, so nice to "see" you! I enjoyed seeing your trees and some of your favorite ornaments. A post from you would not be complete without beautiful teacups and teapots and something good to eat! Wishing you well and a Merry Christmas!

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  27. Prayers for healing and doctor discernment. Bless you this season

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  28. Sandi, it was wonderful to see your post. Hope you find medicine to help your health. Your home .looks wonderful. Love your smaller tree and colors. Enjoy seeing your dishes. My thoughts and prayers are with you

    Cindy

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  29. I'm so sorry to hear of your health struggles Sandi! I will be praying for you that the doctors will help you find the right medication! Your mince tarts look like a wonderful snack at tea time! Your cardinal tea pot is just gorgeous, what a delight to have tea in such a pretty setting. Your home is lovely decorated for the holidays. Will be praying for you!

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  30. Sandi.
    Love all your beautiful decorations. I adore the cardinal tea pot and tea cup!! I will be doing cardinals in my Kitchen as Winter decorations!!
    I am so sorry that you are still not feeling well. I hope they will find the right medications for you. I am sending prayers your way for your good health.....
    Many hugs to you, my friend!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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  31. I'm sorry to hear of your health issues, Sandi. I'm asking God to remind me to pray for you.

    I love what you've done with your beautiful decorations, and I am thankful that you've been able to decorate and bring the season's beauty and joy into your home.

    Merriest of Christmases to you!

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  32. Greetings of the Season, Sandi!
    It has been awhile! I'm sorry to hear of your health issues & hoping that you'll find something that works to help you feel better very soon. I've had a busy year year & have been away from Blogland but hope to get back soon with a holiday post. LOVE your angel trio ornament & that cardinal teacup! Hugs.
    Wishing you a beautiful day,
    Linda at Beautiful Ideas

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  33. Dear Sweet Sandi:
    I am so sorry for your health and will take time right now and pray for you. I am praying that this Doctor will be able to get a handle on how to best help you. Your decorations look lovely! Take care Dear Friend.

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  34. Sandi, I am sorry to read that your health has not been well. Like Bernideen, I will say a prayer for you.
    Loved seeing all your lovely decorations & am very impressed that you've felt well enough to do it all. I'm especially enamoured by the teapot on the tray with the little lamp & angel. I may copy that idea, as I find it very charming!
    I hope you feel well enough to experience the joys of Christmas! {{Healing Hugs}}

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  35. Sandi, I hope you'll soon get some relief from your health issues. It's very frustrating, isn't it? I think you're pretty amazing! I'd like to sit down with you and enjoy a nice cuppa tea and a mince pie.

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  36. Dear Sandi, I'm sorry you are not feeling well these days, and do pray that your doctor will be able to help you find the right treatment. What a blessing to have a good husband, and as Kitty says, he "puts up" with you because he loves you! Your decorations look so pretty. I have the same issues with trying to have a consistent theme. I have the traditional red and green and gold, but can't resist the aqua and hot pink look as well! And I love the red transfer ware any time, but it looks so nice at Christmastime I think. Your home looks very cozy and those mince tarts look delicious! Blessings to you this Advent season. Love, Deborah

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  37. Hi Sandi! So great to hear from you! Your home looks beautiful; I love those little paper houses. I hope you're feeling better soon. I know how frustrating it can be. I wish we lived closer so I could stop by for a visit. Maybe someday? Take good care and I wish you a Merry Christmas.

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  38. Dear Sandi,
    I am so sorry that you are still not feeling well. You are so amazing to post a blog and decorate when you are ill. Thank you for visiting me and always leaving such kind words. I love your turquoise and pink tree and all of your other pretties! Such fun to enjoy our Christmas china, isn't it? Blessings, Karen

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  39. Sandi,
    I am sorry that your health issues are bothering you. I will say a prayer for you and praying your are better soon! You and your family have a beautiful Holiday season! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!

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  40. Sandi, I'm hoping that fifth pill will work for you and that you'll enjoy better health in 2017. We'll be happy to see you more active in Blogland whenever you're able, but I hope it won't be an added pressure. Just relax and go with the flow. :-)

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  41. Hi Sandi. I miss coming to your party so am a little late in visiting. I'm so sorry to read that you are having health issues. Hope you will be feeling better soon and that the doc can get you on a med that works. Your trees are so lovely and I just love the quote from Larry Wilde. So true. How welcoming your tea service must look to your guests that come by. I have a few pots but have never gotten a Christmas one and I enjoy seeing them all out throughout blogland. Hope you have a very Merry Christmas and hope you start feeling better. From one kindred spirit to another..xxoJudy

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  42. Everything is lovely - your tree, the decorations and the sweet teapot.

    I will be looking at your back posts for ideas this weekend. I invited 3 friends over for high tea on Tuesday.

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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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