Hymn of Promise

In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree; in cocoons, a hidden promise; butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter there's a spring that waits to be, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

There's a song in every silence, seeking word and melody; there's a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me. From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity; in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity. In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. ~~ words & music by Natalie Sleeth, 1986 United Methodist Hymnal

Monday, December 14, 2009

'Cause We Need A Little Christmas!


Hi Everyone! And Merry Christmas!!! I'm joining many others over at Susan's Deck the Hall Party! Everyone is showing off their Christmas decor over there. So be sure and go over to Susan's @ http://thoughtsfromovertherainbow.blogspot.com/. (After you've visited mine of course!;)

Last week I showed you some of my various ornaments. I finally got things finished in the great room and cleaned up a bit around the tree! Many of you wanted to see the whole thing! So here it is!


The star's not as crooked as it looks! I think it's the angle I took it at! I know everyone is doing some fun stuff at the tops of their trees now but I'm just a traditionalist! I love the star at the top of a Christmas tree.

This weekend, before it started raining again!, the DH actually stayed home from hunting and helped me get the yard cleaned up and I got the outside decorated. My oldest son usually puts out a big plastic light up Santa we have and puts some lights out but he's been busy with exams. I got the door done and the mailbox and the little breezeway we have between the garage and the house.
The topiary is an iron frame I wrapped with 3 different kinds of garland! First, a green garland went on and then some holly and then a lit holly garland! The garland above the door has grapevine bells, white hydrangeas and poinsettas with white, green and red lights. You can see my ugly tile floor!!! I made the door basket with a metal basket from Southern Living. Mr. Nutcracker is guarding the staircase!

Just pretend all that wrapping paper paraphenalia isn't over there!! I did the buffet in my entry all in Santas! And the banister garland I've had forever! It's got poinsettas and pine cones and then I dripped it with gold, red and silver bead garlands. You can never have too much bling at Christmas!


I love these snowpeople spelling out JOY! I saw these 2 years ago at Hobby Lobby and had to have them with the trees in a little vignette I made. I took a piece of styrofoam and added some smaller pieces on top to give it different heights then covered it with batting. Hot glued the trees and the snowpeople in place, added the greenery and used the glue gun to make some glue ridges on the batting and covered it with white glitter! I think I've told you I love glitter! Then of course I couldn't stop there! I added glitter to their hats and some on the trees! Do you see the potted trees next to the snowmen? I made those too! The sweet angel trio I've had forever! They're so beautiful! I've used them on the tree and off. This year I nestled them in with the greenery on my mantle.


And speaking of mantles! I've never been quite satisfied with my mantle...but I do like it this year!


I love my manger scene! My set includes the holy family, 3 wise men on their elaborate camels, a shepherd boy (which I bought cause it reminded me of my oldest son), the drummer boy (which reminded me of my youngest!) and a lady with a lantern, (that's me!), I haven't found one to represent the DH yet! I'm sure he'd say he was one of the wise guy's! I mean wise men! (LOL)
My father gave me that angel plate a long time ago! He's been gone now 4 years! It just doesn't seem that long ago! My boss at Curves gave me that beautiful Jim Shore angel last year! The whole mantel is my manger scene and just about every angel I could find!

Well, that's it! My memory card is full! So I couldn't show you the kitchen! I'll have to get a new one and take more pics! This year I added one of Kristen's adorable picture frames!

16 comments:

  1. It looks gorgeous!!!! Your natvity is just beautiful and you are so lucky to have so many "attendants" :) It all looks elegant and festive! Thanks for joining the party!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a warm welcome. Your home is beautiful. Your nativity is gorgeous!. I too, love the snow people spelling out the word Joy. Naturally, I "love" snowmen... hugs ~lynne~

    ReplyDelete
  3. Everything is beautiful and so festive and warm looking. You made the comment one time - you had not be posting because you had not been working on any projects?!?!? Yes you have!!! look at the things you made here! I need to go back and take another look. Have a great evening.
    Glenda

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hello sweet friend...

    Ohhh...after seeing some of your fabulous ornament collection the other day...I'm so happy to get to see the whole tree!!! Girl, it's gorgeous with a capital "G"!!! I know that I could just stand there for hours and look at all of your beautiful ornaments!!! My friend, your living room is sooo beautiful in all of its Christmas finery!!! Your fireplace mantle is just breathtaking...I love it!!! Love the nativity as the focal point and all those beautiful angels are like the icing on the cake!!! I love the Jim Shore angels...what a sweet boss you have to gift you with that pretty angel!!!

    Now...we can talk snowmen!!! Hehe! One of my favorite Christmas decorations!!! I have a little collection! Your little snow people are just adorable!!! Ohhh...and I just love the vignette that you made with them...sooo pretty, Girlfriend!

    Laura...you have really outdone yourself with decorating your beautiful home!!! From that gorgeous entrance...right into the your entry hall! Love all of your Christmas garlands...you did GOOD, Girl!!! This has been such a treat...thank you so much for sharing your home and your creativity with us!!!

    I love ya, Darlin'!
    Chari @Happy To Design

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is just beautiful!! I love every single thing! Outside is so pretty and the tree! Beautiful! I don't have enough adjectives!!

    Great job!

    Lou Cinda :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hello! I am so glad you found me, cause now I've found you! And looking at your followers - we have a lot of the same friends!
    Without even knowing it, you did a great job with your Doors of Welcome. :)
    Your home is great - and hey, what is a picture without a little something extra in it, like a dog or a pr of slippers or wrapping paper! These are our "homes" not showcases. Mine is definitely lived in! LOL.
    Thanks for stopping by!
    Merry Christmas! Karen @ Some Days Are Diamonds

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh Laura, that picture of your tree through the double doors is stunning (even with the wrapping paper in the room)! Your mantle looks beautiful (I love Jim Shore, and that angel is so pretty). I also love the way you varied the heights on your mantle. Your snowman vignette is so precious! I really enjoyed seeing your holiday decorations. Everything looks so elegant and pretty. laurie

    ReplyDelete
  8. Laura- WOW! You have been working hard girl making your home into such a lovely winter wonderland!! The mantle is lovely with all the layering and beautiful nativity. Your bannister is gorgoeous!! Oh how I would love to have a stairway that looks like this!!

    Your topiary out front reminded me that I have one of those iron thingys- I should have thought of that! My front isn't finished and I doubt I will get it done at this rate!!

    I am almost done getting all the newsletters- donor letters out (500)- It's a big job but such a blessing to as I am reminded of all those precious people who are behind this ministry!!

    blessings
    mary

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks for sharing your home in its holiday splender. Your mantel is beautiful and I love the photo looking in through the doors.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh Laralu your home and Christmas decor' are gorgeous! What a beautiful and welcoming home you have. I see your sweet kitty as well!

    Many blessings to you this Holiday season! ~Melissa :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Lauralu! Your home is beautiful...so warm and inviting! I love your tree...and so many pretty ornaments! I especially love the eggs! Your mantel is very elegant with your beautiful Nativity! Have a wonderful Christmas!...hugs...Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  12. just a quick visit to say Merry Christmas to you my friend and a very happy new year

    ReplyDelete
  13. Christmas Greetings, sweet friend!

    Mornin' Laura...just making a few stops this morning before my day gets crazy busy! I still have a couple of baking projects to do and Russell's kids will be here late this afternoon...then let the festivites begin! Hehe! Just wanted to stop by though...was thinking about you!!! I hope that you and your family have the best Christmas ever!!! I pray that the Lord richly blesses you and your family with His love, peace, and joy during this Christmas season and in the New Year to come! Ohhh my...can you belive that we are about to see in 2010? Just doesn't seem possible...where does the time go? I love you, sweet girl!!!

    Chari

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh Laura Lu, your Christmas decor is just beautiful home is gorgeous. I like how you decorated your mantel too, love all the layers. Enjoy your holidays..Christine

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hey Girlfriend...

    I just jumped for joy when I seen your note today, Darlin'!!! I was wondering how you were doing...if you had a great Christmas...so many questions...Hehe! Have you been keeping busy with work? I bet that January is a busy month for Curves...especially with so many New Year's resolutions! Hehe! I am still just pluggin' along! Going much more slowly these days...the cold really hurts my old fibromyalgia bones and muscles. The trick is to stay moving though...so I do! I was just thrilled to hear from you, Darlin'! I hope that the New Year is finding you and your family all well!!!

    Love ya sweet friend,
    Chari

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Friend! Haven't been doing a whole lot on the internet these days- been just a dragging for some reason- those winter blues maybe! Have several different house guests coming the end of this month so I really better get on the ball and snap out of it!!

    How are you doing?
    blessings
    mary

    ReplyDelete

Hello and God Bless! Thank you for visiting "Hidden Promise"! It's wonderful to get comments from you all! I think they are a great way to show our love, care and support of each other! Have a wonderful day! Lauralu :)