Weekly Words To Live By #80 . . .

Our Greatest Need
If our greatest need had been information,
   ...God would have sent us an educator;

If our greatest need had been technology,
   ...God would have sent us a scientist;

If our greatest need had been money,
   ...God would have sent us an economist;

If our greatest need had been pleasure,
   ...God would have sent us an entertainer;

But our greatest need was forgiveness,
   ...So God sent us a Savior.


For God so loved the world
that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him
shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Christmas Tree Bling . . .

This year we have 4 Christmas trees.
You've already seen the kitchen window tree here
 & the grand kids tree here.
Now, take a look at 2 more.

This tree is blinged out with many ornaments collected over the years.  I love how hanging each ornament brings back memories from Christmases past.

Here's our son when he was in preschool.
He made the glittered tree in Sunday School when he was 2 years old.

Hallmark ornaments . . .

Ethan's hand print from last year . . .

Santa & an angel both party favors from class parties when I was in elementary school.

Did you notice there were no gifts under the tree?
Wrapping is on my to do list for tomorrow.

Piano room tree . . .
It's decorated with red and white.
Snow flakes, candy canes and a few ornaments.
I bought the deco mesh at Sam's.  I cut it in half so it would go further.
Kari did most of the decorating.  She did a great job!

I'm linking with . . .
At The Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday
Courtney for Feathered Nest Friday
Kelly's Korner for
Show Us Your Life ~ Christmas Tour of Homes 
Kate for Flaunt It Friday
Sassy Sites for Free For All Friday
Sherry for Home Sweet Home
Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays
What's It Wednesday
Kim for Wow Us Wednesdays

Dear Santa . . .

I love Santa!  I have a nice collection of the jolly old guy.

Two years ago I did sell a few in a garage sale.

Santa on the mantel . . .

Looks like he's singing,

"You'd better not pout!" . . .

Left side of the entertainment center . . .

I love the kneeling Santa.

I also have the book written by Debbie Boone.

Second shelf . . .

Most of the Santas on the bottom shelf are grand kid safe.

Ethan had a good time the other night playing with them, 

especially Santa praying beside his bed.

These OSU Santas are always displayed upstairs in the TV room, but I decided to bring them downstairs this year since we won the Big 12 Championship.

A few more Santas. . .

Remember . . .

I'm linking with . . .
Show Off Your Cottage Monday
I'll Be Home For Christmas Linky Party
Marty for Table Top Tuesday
Kim for Wow Us Wednesdays 
Kristen for Share Your Creations
Delightful Order for Delightfully Inspired Thursday

Weekly Words To Live By #79 . . .

This is one of my favorite Christmas folk songs written by John Jacob Niles in 1933.

I hope you take the time to listen and ponder the wonder of Christ's birth.

I Wonder As I Wander 

I wonder as I wander out under the sky

How Jesus the Saviour did come for to die

For poor on'ry people like you and like I

I wonder as I wander out under the sky

When Mary birthed Jesus 'twas in a cow's stall

With wise men and farmer and shepherds and all

But high from God's heaven, a star's light did fall

And the promise of ages it then did recall

 If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing

A star in the sky or a bird on the wing

Or all of God's angels in heaven to sing

He surely could have it 'cause he was the King

I wonder as I wander out under the sky

How Jesus the Saviour did come for to die

For poor on'ry people like you and like I

I wonder as I wander out under the sky

Christmas Bling In The Dining Room . . .

I'm finally finished with Christmas Bling 2011!

Today I'm featuring the dining room.

If you've been reading my blog you may remember my post about

 "red and white inspiration" for decorating this year.

I made the window valance with a tablecloth I made several years ago.

No sewing!  I just folded it over the tension rod.  Simple!

The table runner was made by cutting some fabric with pinking shears.

Again, not sewing!  

Red napkins were folded to make a place mat for the plates and scalloped dishes.

I found the red and white ornaments at Hobby Lobby for 1/2 price.
The little red snowflakes are from Target's $1.00 section.

The only new things in the centerpiece are the 1/2 price snowflakes from Hobby Lobby
and the real, mini candy canes from Target.

Side table decorated with old porcelain pitcher and
 Santa cream & sugar set . . .

Sweet angel and hurricane lanterns . . .
My sister, Mary, gave me the lantern about 27 years ago.

The china hutch . . .
The milk glass cake stand belonged to my grandma Ruby.

Nestled in a corner of the dining room is this tree for the grand kids.
Most of the ornaments are unbreakable and
safe for them to play with.

My plans for today include a lot of REST!
I'm pooped! I'm going to drink another cup of coffee,
 read the paper and enjoy the fragrance of the red velvet cake candle
 Kari and Bobby gave me last night.

Enjoy your Friday!

I'm linking with
Debra for Christmas Block Party, Vintage Inspiration Party
Courtney for
Feathered Nest Friday ~ Holiday Vignettes 
Kate for Flaunt It Friday
The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays
Marty for Table Top Tuesday
Kristen for Share Your Creations
Tablescape Thursday
Kelly's Korner for
Show Us Your Life ~ Christmas Tour of Homes 

Christmas Kitchen Window . . .

I'm still decorating, but I did want to show you my kitchen window decorations.

This window is right over my sink and it's one of my favorite spots to decorate for any season.

During the Christmas season I have a beautiful view of the lights on the entrance to the subdivision across the street. Also, the first house has a gorgeous light display.

I just love my sweet little gingerbread man light that I won from a giveaway three years ago.

I bought this tree from QVC several years ago.

I decided to add some icicles this year.

There are no 'real' lights on this tree, just strings of faux lights from Hobby Lobby.

I don't have many ornaments on this tree, but each one has special meaning.

Hallmark ornament bought many years ago . . .

this house belonged to my Mother . . .

felt snowman, a gift from a student . . .

Santa baker & a gingerbread house . . .

Okay, time to start fluffing the house again.

Come back soon to see more Christmas bling.


I'm linking with . . .
Marty for Table Top Tuesday
Kim for Wow Us Wednesday
Kristen for Share Your Creations
At The Picket Fence for 
Blogger Block Party~Christmas In The Kitchen
Courtney for 
Feathered Nest Friday ~ Holiday Vignettes

Weekly Words To Live By #78 . . .

Jesus is the reason for the season!

One of my Nativity scenes . . .

For a child will be born to us,
a son will be given to us;

and the government will rest on his shoulders;

And His name will be called

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God, 

Eternal Father, 

Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Jesus Is The Reason

In Bethlehem, God gave to us

The source of Christmas joy;

A star shown on a miracle:

The virgin birth of a boy.

He was born both God and man,

A Savior for us all,

The way to get to our heavenly home,

If we heed His call.

So as we shop and spend and wrap

And enjoy the Christmas season,

Let's keep in mind the sacred truth:

Jesus is the reason.

By Joanna Fuchs

Wishing you a Sunday filled with celebration of His birth . . .

We Won!

I'm so proud of the Cowboys!

They are Big 12 Champions!

From KTUL News Channel 8 website

Stillwater, Oklahoma. . .Third-ranked Oklahoma State dominated No. 10 Oklahoma in a Bedlam that was never close. The Cowboys made a statement, blowing out their rivals 44-10 Saturday night in Stillwater.

The win not only gives the Cowboys bragging rights for Bedlam, it gives the Pokes their first outright conference title.

OSU (11-1) rushed for 254 yards while at the same time, the defense forced five turnovers and limited the Sooners to just three points until late in the fourth quarter, when back-up quarterback Blake Bell scored on a 28-yard run.

Joseph Randle and Jeremy Smith each had two touchdowns on the ground. The defense also got into the scoring column when Richetti Jones scooped up a fumble by OU's Landry Jones and took it five yards to paydirt.

All week, Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy refrained from stumping for his team when it comes to the national championship game. But, that wasn't the case Saturday night.

"I think people have to decide whether they want to see a 9-6 game or a 39-36 game. And I think this is the opportunity for people to find out how good the defense is in the SEC. We'd love to have that challenge. I think our defense is better than what other people say. So, last week I said Alabama should be there. There's no question Oklahoma State should be number two right now, no question."

We'll have to wait to find that out. The final BCS rankings will be released Sunday evening.

Orange & Black . . .

While I continue decorating with red & white for

 'Christmas Bling 2011'. . .

I will be wearing orange & black today . . .

The big 'Bedlam' game is at 7:00 tonight on ABC!

Happy 1st Day of December . . .

Let me be one of the first to say, Merry Christmas!

My house looks like it has been through an Oklahoma tornado or earthquake!

Boxes & tubs full of Christmas bling look like they have exploded all over the place.

Despite this overwhelming mess I'm a happy lady.

Remember my post from Tuesday?

Those frustrating strings of Christmas lights went into the trash!

Last night Hubby and I went to Target.

Presenting my new string of LED lights!

Their bright white glow has made my little Christmas village sparkle and shine.  I bought this little set of houses many years ago at a neat little discount store in my hometown for about $7.00.  It came with little trees and figures.It was not lighted so I had to buy some lights to put in each one.  I added a little school house I found at Dollar General and two larger trees from Hobby Lobby.

It looks like the children are having fun playing in the snow outside the elementary little red school house.

Next door to the elementary school is another school house for the village jr. and sr. high students.

In the center of town is the church.  I can almost hear the bells ringing.

A bakery and train depot complete the village scene.

I think I'll write a story about the village so I can read it to Ethan and Emma every year.

I'm linking with . . .
Delightful Order for Inspiring Thursday
No Minimalist Here for Open House Party
Kristen for Share Your Creations

At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday
Courtney for Feathered Nest Friday
Debra for Vintage Inspiration Friday
Chic On A Shoe String Decorating for

Red & White Inspiration . . .

I recently became inspired to decorate with red & white for Christmas Bling 2011.

Of course the inspiration came from Pinterest!

Here are a few of the ideas . . .

 I have a tablecloth like this . . .

 I have a big spool of  red checked ribbon . . .

 I have these white scalloped dessert dishes . . .

 I have a ton of red candles . . .

 Great idea for easily covering pillows . . .

Love the look of the wreaths on the chairs . . .

Keep checking back to see my decorating progress.