Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Friday, December 21, 2012

Our Lights are LIT

Today is December 21... Are you READY for the birth of Jesus?  We have our lights shining in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ.  I have shared the inside of our home ---so today, I'll share the outside.  We decorate outside --but it's not elaborate like some people's decorations.  However,  it's 'us' --and the way we like things!  Hope you enjoy them.

The picture above shows our little house from the front.  We have 3 lit wreaths,  a small lit tree on the porch, and various lights/candles/bows around...




Here is a close-up of the garage side of the front..




This is a picture of one of our three wreaths in front...  They are all pretty,  each in their own ways!




Here is a close-up of our porch.  The little tree is filled with lights, red bows and candy canes... (That is a lamp shade glaring from inside.)




And here is another of our wreaths from up close.




Here is another angle of the porch side of our home.




And,  from our backyard,  here is one part of our deck.  Note the wreath on the wall also back there.  The lights on this one quit working a couple of years ago,  so it is now 'ruler' of the deck!!!!! ha  (If you are fairly new to my blog,  I'll tell you that the arbor was built when we put in the new deck to hold my bird feeders--which get put away at nights to keep the raccoons out of them.)


And the next three are pictures taken from our back yard.







For your information (in case you are wondering),  that big black looking thing in the picture is our umbrella --all folded up for the winter...  Looks kinda strange from this angle... ha




Finally,  here is my favorite wreath picture this year.  I guess the red bows and poinsettias just make it easy to get a good 'dark' picture....

Hope you and your family have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and  a HAPPY NEW YEAR... George and I plan to ----but we'll be on another Blogging Break from now until JANUARY 2, 2013.

God Bless Each and Every One of YOU ---and let's all pray for each other and for our country and world.

Much Love,


86 comments:

joy said...

Oh! Your home is beautifully decorated inside and outside. I dont't have anything ourside because of strong winds and bad weather here. Anyway, Merry Christmas and Happy new year to you both:)

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Your lovely decorated home makes me feel happy and Christmasy.

Have a lovely Christmas break.

Love and hugs to the both of you,
FlowerLady Lorraine

Elizabeth Edwards said...

wow, you all really go all out. so pretty. love the glow of the pics there. i love your home so festive Betsy. great views. big hugs. ( :

Neal said...

Very pretty!!! Merry Christmas to you and George.

Snap said...

Lovely! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

From the Kitchen said...

Your home looks so warm and inviting. I just want to stop in and have a cup of wassail with you and George!

Best,
Bonnie

Anonymous said...

Very festive and I love the warm glow of your tree. Merry Christmas with love.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Oh love it! Your house looks so festive with all those lights.

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

Your lighted wreaths look so pretty!

Dorothy said...

It's beautiful, Betsy!!!! And so YOU!

I Am Woody said...

So very festive!

Hidden Haven Homestead said...

Have a very blessed Christmas Betsy. Melody is back at home with kids (except Zack) and Joseph is staying at his sisters. Melody's boss was awesome and her job is secure. Will be spending a couple weeks with her to help where I can. Will check in with you on facebook. Hugs my friend

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Lovely pictures...

And since you are on another blogging break, wishing you a Very Happy Christmas.

Nellie said...

Very festive, Betsy!

Wishing you and George a Merry Christmas!

xo Nellie

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

You do have a talent for creating a cozy and welcoming look to your home, no matter what the season. Your Christmas decorations are beautiful. Merry Christmas to you and George and many blessings in the new year.

Shug said...

This is a beautiful place. I hope you and George have a wonderful Christmas and I look forward to all that you have to bring us in the days ahead...be safe and many Blessings.
shug

MTWaggin said...

Merry Christmas Betsy, have a wonderful holiday.

imac said...

Lights alive Betsy, wonderful show.

TexWisGirl said...

i like your wreaths. merry christmas, betsy!

Betty Manousos said...

dear betsy!

omg! i adore your home and your christmas decorations!!

they are simply gorgeous!

wishing you and yours the best this holiday season!

merry Christmas!!

big, big hugs!

Small City Scenes said...

Your home is lovely. I like the idea of lots of wreaths.

Enjoy Christmas that special time of year we celebrate the Birth of Jesus. MB

mamahasspoken said...

Merry Christmas Betsy! Enjoy the holidays.

Jeevan said...

Lovely decorations Betsy! Looks so neat and elegant… completely fascinating and enrich the spirit of Christmas.

My advance Christmas and New year Wishes to you and George! Cheers :)

Rose said...

Beautiful shots...Merry Christmas to the two of you. Love the header shot.

Anonymous said...

You And George have a lovely home. Love your lights!

Have a blessed Christmas
hugs :)

Ruth Hiebert said...

Have a wonderful Christmas. Your home looks warm and festive.

happyone said...

Your house looks lovely with all it's decorations.
A very Merry Christmas to you and George!! : )

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

Your home is beautiful ANY day of the year, Betsy, but it looks particularly festive now with those lights and wreaths. May you have a truly blessed Christmas and look forward to reading your posts again in the New Year!

Sylvia K said...

Beautiful decorations, Betsy, but as Kathleen wrote, your home is indeed beautiful all year! Again, hoping you and George have a most beautiful and very Merry Christmas!! Enjoy and celebrate!

Love,
Sylvia

Big Dude said...

Your place looks so good Betsy and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and maybe even a white Christmas week.

MadSnapper said...

have a wonderful blog break and see you next year. LOVE the 3 wreathes in the macro shots. so beautiful and so is your deck

Joe Todd said...

Nice job Betsy.. I would probably have a backache after that much decorating LOL

Connie said...

Your home and decorations look lovely, Betsy! Wishing you and George a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Ms. A said...

Everything looks lovely!

Merry Christmas, Betsy & George!

Ginny Hartzler said...

The last wreath is just stunning, your house is so beautiful!!! But your header!!! My word, the both of you look like frisky youngsters! Guess either the hiking or the waterfalls have turned back the clock for your bodies!

Out on the prairie said...

Very nice decorations. I just found out that our wreaths and such were carried over from Romans after the 5th century when they made our religion a national endeavor.

Sally Wessely said...

It all looks very merry and bright. I love the new deck all decorated up. I wish I could slip by and drink some wassail with you dear friend. Enjoy the coming of the Light, and the lengthening of hours of daylight also. Love, Sally

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Beautiful! Love the lights.

Merry Christmas.

Elizabeth said...

Dear Betsy and George, your decorations are beautiful and show much love and delight all through your home, inside and out.

My daughter and I hang candy canes on our tree inside the house and we were just talking about how we don't know anyone else who does this! And now I see that YOU do this with your front door tree...hurrrahhh!! Candy canes are SO perfect because they already have a hook!! Kindred spirits, eh?!

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2013. Your blog is always a highlight of my day!

hugs,
Elizabeth

eileeninmd said...

Betsy, your house looks beautiful lit up at night. The wreaths and decorations are beautiful. You and George must have the prettiest house on the block.

Ann said...

Your house looks so pretty all lit up. I love all your wreaths. We don't have any lights up outside. My husband never did get around to hanging them.

CottonLady said...

Your house is beautiful, Betsy.
Merry Christmas and God's blessings to you and George.

Chatty Crone said...

Your home is as beautiful outside as it is inside - and as beautiful as your heart.

Chatty Crone said...

Your home is as beautiful outside as it is inside - and as beautiful as your heart.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Your home looks beautiful, Betsy. I love the wreaths on the house and the deck looks so pretty, too!
I've been so busy lately that there isn't time for blogging or commenting. I hope to post something before Christmas, but if not, I wish you and George the merriest of Christmases and a wonderful New Year! Have a great time on your break. And thanks for being such a wonderful blogging friend. I'm looking forward to your lovely photos and posts next year!
Hugs, Cheryl

BlueShell said...

Oh, Than you, Thank you dear!
All is so beautiful...so joyful

God Bless you

I am having physiotherapy because I have tendinitis in my right shoulder. I can hardly write, either with pen or computer. But I had to come to wish that happiness will fill your soul..and rejoice in all that is good.
God bless you and George and all your family.
BShell/Isabel




Beth said...

Just beautiful, Betsy...I really love those lighted wreaths. Your home looks lovely the whole year long! I'm afraid we don't look very festive this year---we gave our tree to Ariel and her husband, so we are treeless! But I did get my creche up...and that means everything to me. A blessed Christmas and New Year to you and George!

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, I adore your Christmas wreaths and colorful lights.. your home sparkles with Christmas cheer!

I wish you a blessed Christmas.. see you next year :)

Marie said...

I love the last photo! Red is my favorite color anytime! Your house is so very lovely! Do you live in Tennessee? I'm from NC and visited Tennessee years.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Elettra said...

Serene Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you and your family
a hug Elettra

Donna said...

You have a ton of decorations, LOL! It looks very pretty.

Serenity Cove said...

Very pretty Betsy. Was this before the wind blew everything away:)
We ended up getting less than an inch of snow but some places north of us got 6 in. We had high winds all day and night though.
I wish you and George a Merry Christmas!

Karin said...

So beautifully done - now all you need is some of our snow! Have a meaningful Christmas and God bless you both with your families! All the best for a great move into the New Year!

Picking up hubby today for two day passes! Yeah! The kids are all here too and we plan on having a special time!

~mel said...


Have a wonderful Christmas ~ may it be filled with love and joy! I enjoyed your Christmas photos throughout the years on your prior post. How fun to look back:)

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

WOW! you are really well adorned all around the house. This looks so cheerful. We only have front window lights, double door wteaths and a planter ful of seasonal branches and decorations by the front door outside.

DeniseinVA said...

Your home is beautifully decorated Betsy. Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year to you and George.

Mary said...

Very beautiful and a great photo of you and George! Have a Merry Christmas!

Connie Arnold said...

Your home looks lovely, Betsy, and the lights are so appropriate for welcoming the Light of the world at Christmas! Blessings to you and have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

diane b said...

A welcoming scene. Santa is sure to stop by. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Mountain Mama said...

It sure is looking like Christmas at the Adams!!! Very nice Betsy. Have a woinderful Christmas.

pam said...

Merry Christmas!!!

Anonymous said...

How very lovely!

Wishing you and George a wonderful holiday season!

SquirrelQueen said...

All of your lights are so pretty Betsy. I love all of your wreaths but I think the last one is my favorite too.

Hope you and George have a very
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Hugs,
Judy

Grandma Bonnie said...

Beautiful decorations! Merry Christmas.

Starry Dawn said...

Hi Betsy, sweet dear friend,
Oh! Your house looks so beautiful from inside and out, just as much as your heart is.
Betsy and George, you are both a very inspirational couple, and an example of happiness for every eye that sees your wonderful blog.
Thank you for sending me your lovely Ecard, Betsy!
You are an amazing friend, and an amazing woman, sweetheart.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you, to George, your dear family and beloved ones!!
All the Best & Warm Hugs,
Poet Starry.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Your home looks so festive...Merry Christmas

Krishna/à´•ൃà´·്à´£ said...

wow! your home is beautifully decorated with lights... excellent photo shot...

happy newyear to u and George

belated xmas wishes

thanks

BlueShell said...


Wishing you and yours a prosperous and very Happy New Year, full of joy, health and God’s Blessings!
BShell

Diane AZ said...

Your home looks so cozy and cheerful with all the lights and decorations. I love the little candy cane tree on the front porch. Happy New Year to you and George!

Cheqna said...

Hi Betsy,

The views from outside look cheerful and lovely for your Christmas... hope you all have had a lovely and great time too.

Have a wonderful break!

:-)

A Colorful World said...

Gorgeous Christmas decorations, Betsy! Hope the two of you had a very blessed Christmas!

Rohrerbot said...

Happy Holidays!!!! I love when the lights are lit! There's nothing better than turning them on this time of year. Very pretty. Hope you had a great Christmas. We just got back and I'm catching up with everyone. This is such a difficult time of the year for everyone to try and fit everything in....and still make sure you get work done:) Wishing you all my best. Chris

nanny said...

Your home looks so festive and inviting.....
Hope you and George had a wonderful Christmas....
Everyone deserves a break (I took a 3 month one) ha
See you soon.
Take Care.

Terry and Linda said...

I love your decorations! We don't decorate outside anymore. It is just I who does all the decorating and the energy for it (by oneself) is just way too much.

Happy New Year, Dear Friends!!!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

¸.•*¨*•♪♫♫♪HAPPY NEW YEAR ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥

HolleyGarden said...

Love your new header! You are such a sweet couple. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Happy New Year, too! :)

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Betsy you home looks like a beautiful winter wonderland!

I hope you and George had a very Merry Christmas and that 2013 will bring many more joys and blessings to you both!

{{Hugs}}

Pat

Wendy said...

Your decorations are tasteful and beautiful! You don't need extremes to have a lovely Christmas decor. I like the lights you shine from your home - to welcome the birth of Jesus and passersby.

Enjoy the holidays - your header says it all.
God bless

Dar said...

Your decor is beautiful and festive. I love the wreaths and that gorgeous tree.
I'm sure you had a very Merry Christmas and now welcome a wonderful New Year.
BlessYourHearts

Hootin Anni said...

Gorgeous Betsy.
I am back to blogging now, and hope to make this a special year for myself and enjoy all the blogging friendships throughout the year!!!

Here's to you....may your 2013 be blessed.

Grandma Bonnie said...

I am stopping by to wish you the best in this New Year!

joy said...

Dropping by again to greet you happy new year and thank you so much for visiting my blog and the nice comments:)

SquirrelQueen said...

Hi Betsy, I hope you and George are enjoying your time off.

Happy New Year!
Judy

Ruchi Jain said...

Happy new year..god bless U..

BlueShell said...

Thank you for being there for me. thank you for your strength...
I will never forget it.
Happy New Year, full of joy, health and God’s Blessings!
BShell

Betty Manousos said...

happy new year!

all the best in 2013!

xoxo

amy @ Life in Pink Hi-Tops said...

Beautiful decorations! Hope you and yours enjoyed the holidays!