Christmas Traditions

Christmas traditions! 
Those wonderful traditions that make our holidays feel like home, that make them magical. Traditions that link past years with the present. Each family has their own. For me, the Christmas season begins right after Thanksgiving Dinner. That's when we go in search of our cedar tree to place by the front door. We began this tradition when The Boy was just a little guy. Year after year, we walked down the dirt road, after stuffing ourselves with a Thanksgiving feast, and picked out a special little tree to take back home with us to Louisiana. The tree always took its place next to the front door covered with lights. We no longer live in the city, but our tradition continues, and now The Boy cuts his own tree for his home.
This year was no different. After a wonderful lunch with our family, we loaded up in search of our little trees. My grandsons each picked out their own tiny tree to carry home.

Levi and Dylan choosing the "perfect" tree.

Mine has taken its rightful place next to the front door where the lights will burn until New Year's Day.

Cedar trees tend to be a little like Charlie Brown's Christmas tree...a little scrappy. I like scrappy.

The stars represent the Star of Bethlehem that announced the birth of Jesus.

An old crock holds this years tree.

My Radio Flyer is carrying a cedar tree and firewood.

The old Santa used to stand on my Grandparents front porch at Christmas.

Keeping in mind why we celebrate... Let the Christmas season begin!

Here's a Heart Rock for your Pocket:
“Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus." Luke 1:30-31

Wishing you God's best,
Elaine

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Let's Talk Turkey! Vintage Turkey!

Thanksgiving is in full swing! The family is here, the meal is planned and the turkeys are out...vintage turkeys that is.

I picked this handmade ceramic turkey up at a garage sale several years ago. I just thought he was so handsome.

I'm displaying him this year with a vintage postcard, fall leaves and acorns.

The postcard has a lovely image of a turkey in a tree. Someone had removed the stamp, which also removed the post date, so I'm not sure exactly how old it is, but it was mailed from Ludington, MI to Congers, NY.

It has a fun message on the back... a sister is cautioning her brother not to "eat to Big a Dinner!"

Several years after I found my first turkey, I found another! I found another! What were the odds of finding two of these handmade ceramic turkeys in two different towns about 45 miles apart? I love them both! I am so blessed.

These fine little turkeys and leaves are a new addition to our household this year and they feel right at home.

I really don't remember where I found these little guys. I don't think they are old...just adorable.

I have two old turkey platters. This one is melamine and was a gift from one of my sisters, and the one below I found at an estate sale earlier this year. It has such a pretty picture.

Well, that's my vintage turkey Thanksgiving. I hope you have a wonderful time with your family and friends. Be thankful!

Here's a Heart Rock for your Pocket:
Enter His gates with thanksgiving
And His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His name. Psalm 100:4

Wishing you God's best,
Elaine

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Treasure Hunt Thursday

Holiday Thrift Store Challenge - Christmas Chalkboard Globe

I have so much fun searching for old, vintage and recycled treasures that can be used to create unique pieces for my home or to give as gifts, so when Alice, at Thoughts from Alice, invited me to join in the Holiday Thrift Store Challenge Blog Hop I was thrilled. You're going to love this party. It's full of wonderful, inexpensive ideas to decorate your home for Christmas!
Here's what I came up with:

I found a world globe at a garage sale for $2. That's where my thrifty project begins.

I painted the globe with three coats of chalkboard paint...

...and then used a liquid chalk pen to add Christmas messages. On one side of the globe, I added "Joy to the World, the Lord is come. Let Earth receive her King!"

 

On the opposite side, I added a second message including a manger scene and verse, as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. All I have to do is spin the globe for a quick change. 

 

The options for this project are endless and it can be used year round. Just wash off the chalk pen and change the message. There are lots of great chalkboard graphics on Pinterest to inspire us throughout the year. To follow my "Words" board just click here.

Beginning December 1, I will be counting down to Christmas with a new snapshot each day to encourage and inspire the Christmas Spirit. I would love to have you follow along!

Now for the Blog Hop! Alice has assembled 30 bloggers with great ideas to inspire you to be creative this Christmas season! Have fun exploring all these wonderful blogs! Enjoy!

Glam Christmas Throw Pillows by Thoughts from Alice

A Deer Thrift Store Makeover by Ciburbanity

Ugly Ducklings (Thrifted Sweater Stockings) by Maison de Pax

A Deerly Beloved Thrift Store Vignette by Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

Holiday Thrift Store Challenge: Deer Mount Advent Calendar by Primitive & Proper

{Vintage Cookie Tin} Cake Centerpieces by Little Farmstead

DIY Embroidery Hoop Wall Hanging: Holiday Thrift Store Challenge by Simple Stylings

DIY Christmas Decorations from Thrifted Books by T-Shirt & Jeans

Christmas Cloche by Craftberry Bush

A Vintage Mantel for Winter by Finding Silver Pennies

Holiday Thrift Store Challenge - Christmas Chalkboard Globe by Heart Rocks in My Pocket

Thrifty DIY Part One: Faux Fur Throw Rug by Creating Vintage Charm

DIY Holiday Walling Hanging by House of Hipsters

Holiday Thrift Store Challenge: Modern Christmas Village by Number Fifty-Three

Christmas Decor from Thrifty Find by Town and Country Living

The Trellis Tree by Cozy Little House

Holiday Thrift Store Challenge Blog Hop by Shabby Love

DIY Centerpiece Tray by Cherished Bliss

Holiday Thrift Store Challenge – Vintage Sock Stretcher Stocking by Alex Inspired

A Merry Thriftmas Challenge: Re-purposed Holiday Tablescape by Home Remedies

Light Fixture Update - a Thrift Store Challenge by Nest of Posies

Holiday Thrift Store Challenge: Simple Christmas Decorations by Two Purple Couches

Rustic Christmas Tree by Delineate Your Dwelling

Oh Deer, It's a Holiday Thrift Shop Challenge by My Sweet Savannah

Simple Elegant Winter Vignette | Holiday Thrift Store Challenge by Cloth and Patina

365 Days of Crafts

DIY 3D Christmas Star Wreath - Holiday Thrift Store Challenge by The Chronicles of Home

DIY Crocks by So Much Better With Age

Simple Holiday Vignette | A Thrift Store Challenge by Restoration House Interiors

Thrift Store Christmas Decor Challenge by BrocanteuseRose

Here's a Heart Rock for your Pocket:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Wishing you God's best,
Elaine

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Scenes from the Country - No. 13

Beautiful golden light...

Here's a Heart Rock for your Pocket,
The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine on us. Psalm 118:27

Wishing you God's best,
Elaine

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Burlap Bunting with a "Thankful" Message

I am thankful.

As much as I enjoy Christmas, I believe that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It's all about being thankful to God for His blessings and provisions, gathering up and loving on those He has given us, whether family or friend, and enjoying delicious food.

I created a burlap bunting with a "thankful" message that hangs over my fireplace. It was a quick and easy project. I simply cut triangles from burlap, stenciled the letters on with craft paint and then hot glued the burlap to vintage seam binding. Taa Daa!

 I used old mouthpieces from band instruments that I picked up at a flea market as my anchors to hold the bunting.

Be thankful!

Here's a Heart Rock for your Pocket:
Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:19-20

Wishing you God's Best,

Elaine



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The Inspiration Gallery
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Wonderland and Company
Treasure Hunt Thursday

Scenes from the Country - No. 12

This weekend we took a day trip up to Oklahoma and back down through Arkansas to see the changing leaves. I snapped this photo at Beaver's Bend State Park. 

Here's a Heart Rock for your Pocket:
“Be still, be calm, see, and understand I am the True God.
    I am honored among all the nations.
    I am honored over all the earth.” Psalm 46:10 (VOICE)

Wishing you God's Best,
Elaine

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Creating a Fall Mantel

I had my favorite kind of day yesterday. It began with a slow leisurely morning at home. It was clear and cold, but began to warm as soon as the sun came up, and I went out for a walk soaking in the beauty of fall. One of my crepe myrtles is in full bloom, so I pruned a couple of limbs and brought them in to decorate my mantel adding the perfect touch of fall with very little effort and no expense.

I hung one branch with a piece of vintage seam binding, which you already know I'm addicted to, over an old mirror. It created an instant swag, and the mirror reflects the leaves beautifully. The reds and wine colors of the front side of the leaves reflect orange and yellow in the mirror.

I inherited this lovely old tattered mirror. It makes a great addition to the mantel. Many of you know this old trick, but if you move things around in your house from room to room, it's like getting new stuff!

I'm hanging on to my pumpkins from Halloween. They are just transitioning into Thanksgiving decor.

I wish I knew the history of this mirror. I wonder how many faces have looked into it.

Where did it originate? Was it a wedding gift? I could go on and on, so I'll just stop.

I added another branch to the opposite side of the mantel in a large glass vase filled with shredded paper and rice...

...and surrounded it by bricks and old heater grates.

I hope I've encouraged you to bring a little "fall" in the house. Have a great weekend!

Here's a Heart Rock for your Pocket:
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. Psalm 16:6

Wishing you God's best,
Elaine

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Scenes from the Country - No. 11

Last night's full moon as seen from my backyard!

 

Here's a Heart Rock for your Pocket:
When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers- the moon and the stars you set in place- what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Psalm 8:3-4

Wishing you God's Best,
Elaine

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