pictures, pictures, pictures...
The visit with my mom and grandpa was perfect. I love vacations like that - almost always involving antiquing, watching old mystery movies, relaxing, eating, almost no actual responsibility. To me, that's vacation perfection. We had our Christmas with my family on New Year's Eve. We ate pizza, watched "Candleshoe" with a young Jody Foster from 1977, opened presents, and rang in the New Year. Even my 93 year-old grandpa stayed awake right till the end. Here is my Grandpa, Evy, and my mom before my grandpa left to go back to North Dakota.
I think it's picture overload for this post. Since I haven't posted in a while I've accumulated some settings and a project that I want to share with you. In my next post I'll show you the project that my mom and I worked together - a very, very old, small crib that's been in our family for a long time. We painted it and made a cute cushion for it - pictures to follow in the next post.
This is the journal and bookmark I made for my mom while she was here.
This is a side view with the tabs and pockets that my mom added to it.
A view of the kitchen.
This is an old basket that I picked up while antiquing with my mom. I also got a couple more 1803 candles which are absolutely the best candles I've ever used. Some how those little cups ended up in a picture again. I think they've been in my last three posts.
My mom gave me that little tray for Christmas. It has chalk board paint on it. Such a cute idea.
Cranberries, orange slices, evergreens, and floating candles. They smell so nice.
My riding hat collection is growing. I just can't seem to refuse a riding hat when I see one. I think they're so fun!
A couple of old horns that I picked up recently while antiquing. Steve was bummed that he couldn't honk the horn sitting above the trumpet. He couldn't quite understand why I would get a horn with a falling-apart honker. I looked at him in disbelief and said, "why wouldn't I get it? It looks like the perfect horn to me". ;o)
Hope you all are well my friends. I'll be back soon - I promise!
Just found you through another blog and really enjoyed my visit. Your kitchen is so cozy and I love the candles on your island.
Posted by: Mandy Baker | January 13, 2008 at 05:48 PM
You did a wonderful job on the journal and bookmark. I'm sure your mom loved it.
I love the color of your kitchen walls. Do you happen to remember where you got it and the color name?
Posted by: Amy | January 13, 2008 at 05:50 PM
The journal is so lovely as well as your family . I love your kitchen and you are one of my daily blog reads -- I have a trumpet -- never played one but about 5 yrs ago bought one to display with antique toys - for some reason it looked right . Keep writing and creating , I love it all __ Kathy
Posted by: kathy lowry | January 13, 2008 at 06:04 PM
Hi Allison,
Nice to see you back at blogging. Have a look at my blog as I have left you an award.
Sarah x
Posted by: Sarahs House | January 13, 2008 at 06:11 PM
Welcome back! Your home is so pretty. I love your kitchen, is that snow I see out the back window??? How lovely! I love the candles in the kitchen, did you make them? Do you just put the cranberrys and orange slices in a vase and add the floating candle? They look so pretty!
I also really like the chalkboard tray, I think I might try to make one!
Happy 2008! Sharon
Posted by: Sharon | January 13, 2008 at 06:18 PM
Hi Allison,
So glad you are back. What a lovely picture of your mom, grandpa,and Evy! It looks and sounds like you had a wonderful time. Love all of your new things.
Can't wait to see more.
Rosemary
Posted by: Rosemary | January 13, 2008 at 06:21 PM
I love the chalkboard tray! Your home is gorgeous - great photos!!
Posted by: Katrina | January 13, 2008 at 10:56 PM
everything looks so beautiful! And I'm so glad to hear a review on the 1803 candles. I'm thinking of carrying them in the shop. I love the fact that they are completely made by her right here in the USA.
That journal is charming!
Posted by: joyce | January 14, 2008 at 12:12 AM
everything looks so beautiful! And I'm so glad to hear a review on the 1803 candles. I'm thinking of carrying them in the shop. I love the fact that they are completely made by her right here in the USA.
That journal is charming!
Posted by: joyce | January 14, 2008 at 12:12 AM
lovely to see you back, I came across your site at Christmas time and have been checking every day since! The floating candles look great.
Posted by: Jackie | January 14, 2008 at 04:32 AM
Glad your back, and what wonderful pictures. Ha, love your new horn! Steve...Steve...Steve...- ha!
I also love the candles with the cranberries. So gload you enjoyed your time with your family. Moments to treasure. I'll be back again soon.
Rose
Posted by: Rose @ Classic Charm | January 14, 2008 at 05:31 AM
Allison- Love the picture of your, mom, daughter and grandpa. Your house looks wonderful as always.
Happy New Year.
Bristol
Posted by: Bristol | January 14, 2008 at 07:48 AM
The kitchen is beautiful!
I love the idea of the cranberries/oranges with evergreens. I'm sure the smell is wonderful!
Posted by: Laura T. | January 14, 2008 at 08:01 AM
Love the journal!
Posted by: Christine | January 14, 2008 at 08:44 AM
Welcome Back!
Janet
Posted by: Janet | January 14, 2008 at 09:09 AM
Love your posts. You certainly have a great eye for detail. Glad your holidays were great. Love the journal. You have given me a great idea for next year. To make a Christmas card garland. I think I saw one in one of your pictures. Enjoy the day, janie
Posted by: Jane | January 14, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Love all the pictures,but the first one wins my vote... what sweet memories.
Posted by: Brenda | January 14, 2008 at 10:08 AM
what a lovely kitchen! I enjoyed seeing every photo.... May the Lord continue to bless you and yours...
Have a happy day
cielo
Posted by: cielo | January 14, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Looks like you had a fabulous time! Your Mom, Grandpa, and Evy are all so gorgeous! Great photo. The journal and bookmark are perfect. Love the chalkboard tray! I see Cottage Living in the background - definitely one of my favs.
Karla
Posted by: Karla | January 14, 2008 at 01:03 PM
I love your kitchen! I like that neat black cabinet where your calendar is hanging - is it a pantry? Love your eating area, love the snowy trees, love the whole thing.
Posted by: Thirkellgirl | January 14, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Allison, your photos of family and home are just beautiful. Love that chalkboard tray gift from your mom...really, really cute! "A view of the kitchen" picture has to be my favorite. Thanks for sharing your cozy home. Glad you are back. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Sandy | January 14, 2008 at 02:05 PM
Beautiful!!! Everything is so beautiful...... Smiles
Posted by: Mary Issabella | January 14, 2008 at 03:27 PM
Sounds like vacation heaven too me. Happy New Year to you.
Posted by: carolyn | January 14, 2008 at 03:41 PM
What a heart warming and sweet post - loved all of the family photos,your creations and pictures of your warm and beautiful kitchen! I covet that marble countertop on your island! I'd love to have those for our counters.
((hugs))
Kim
Posted by: Daisy Cottage | January 14, 2008 at 09:05 PM
the journal you made is awesome. love it. and your kitchen - so pretty. glad to have you back - missed ya.
Posted by: traci | January 14, 2008 at 09:26 PM