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 23, 2011

Christmases Remembered

From our home (pictured above) to yours,  I want to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas.  George and I are taking next week off from blogging so that we can celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with family and friends, and with each other. 

I went through some of my recent photos looking for some to share with you today.  It was hard only choosing a few 'favorites' since I have so many wonderful memories.   Hope you enjoy seeing what I've chosen...  Be sure and enlarge these photos (10x16) by clicking on them.




 George and I started our own traditions when we got married in 2001.  One of these traditions is giving each other special ornaments each year.  One of the cutest ones I found one year for George was a little fishy.....  I love going up to George while puckering and saying "Kissie Kissie" ----so this little fishy became a puckering ME.... ha ha




My most recent collections (and I have had a lot of collections through the years) are my WILLOW ANGELS.   I have nine now ---but the picture above was taken when I only had seven...  Oh how I love these angels!!!




As you know,  I love my Backyard Birds.   Thanks to George and friends,  I have NINE birds on my Christmas tree now... The one pictured here was my FIRST bird,  a little glass hummingbird... It is very special to me---as they all are!




This little angel has been with me since I was a little girl... My parents got it for me one Christmas ......  They chose her and called her Angel Betsy... Isn't she pretty?????  Like me,  she loved to sing!!!!! ........................WELL---look at the next picture!!!




Can you believe what Angel Betsy has in her back pocket????   She has a  slingshot!!!!!  I guess my parents thought that was the REAL ME.... ha ha... Maybe I wasn't such an angel afterall....   (But--don't tell George!!!!! ha ha)




This beautiful Nativity Set has been in George's family for many years.  It is so important to both of us ---as it tells the real meaning of Christmas.




I went back in my archives and found a picture of my childhood home all decorated for Christmas.   My Dad thrilled his little girl when he would shine a spotlight on a picture of SANTA --which he hung on the side of our home along with some greenery.  The picture was taken in about 1947 ---and I think my parent's home was the FIRST one in our town to hang outside decorations.  That is my sweet Daddy and his little girl with my dolly, Lulu... (The old car --a Pontiac--belonged to my brother, Raymond.)




The picture above was taken on December 12 this year while we were searching for some waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains!!!!  Both of us want to wish ALL of you a very blessed Christmas..  I will blog again on January 2nd ---so come back and check out my post.  It will be on "Nursery Rhymes" --so you may want to polish up on what you remember about nursery rhymes!!!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Hugs and LOADS of LOVE,
Betsy

101 comments:

Rita said...

This is the most precious picture. You could always have it put on canvas. You can do that for around $30. by mail order and they are very good. So much fun to put up in your home.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Oh I just love that picture of your house and your dad!

The ornament tradition is very fun.

Merry Christmas :-)

Ruth Hiebert said...

I think your beautifully decorated home and tree are so lovely. I want to just sit down there in that room and enjoy the together with you. Hmmm,that would be fun.Have a most wonderful Christmas and New Year. My family is coming home today,so we should have a fun time with three children opening gifts.

diane b said...

Lovely memories stemming from your ornaments. It is so nice to see the love you have for each other and your blog friends. Have a nice break and a Merry Christmas.

Arkansas Patti said...

Your house looks just beautiful. Well done. Wishing you and George a Merry Christmas. Enjoy the break and all those hugs.

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Your home looks so festive Betsy, I'd say it shines atop that Cumberland Plateau and is as pretty as a postcard !
What sweet pictures you have shared, I especially love the one with your dad, and the one with you and George, what a precious couple you both are ...
My wishes to you and yours, for a Blessed and Joyous Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year !
{Hugs} dear friend,
~Jo
x

From the Kitchen said...

Betsy: Thanks so much for sharing your Christmas treasures. Speaking of treasures, I love the photo of you and George!

All good wishes and hope of the season.

Best,
Bonnie

JDS said...

Awesome post Betsy. What a wonderful picture with your dad, and I love the hummingbird ornament. Merry Christmas to you, George, and your entire family.

John

MadSnapper said...

daddy bought a brand new 53 Pontiac when I was 9 years old and it looked a lot like this one. I love the fish ornament, so cute. enjoy your week off and your family and we will be waiting to see where you went and what you did. Merry Christmas.

Kelly said...

Merry Christmas, Betsy!

Birdman said...

LOVE to look at bloggers special ornaments this time of year. GREAT Pontiac too!

Fred Alton said...

My favorites are the one of you and George (It's number one) and the one of the little singing angel with the slingshot in her pocket! (That one is so "you"!)

Snap said...

Merry Christmas Betsy and George!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

I love the picture of you and your dad, with the old car and all. It's so nostalgic. The waterfall picture looks like Cataract Falls. Am I right? :) Merry Christmas to you and George.

Larry said...

A very merry and wonderful Christmas to both you and George... sincerely, Larry

TexWisGirl said...

i love your little angels, too. God bless you, Betsy and George! enjoy your holidays and may your hearts be overflowing with love. :)

Mary said...

Merry Christmas to you and George! Enjoy the time off. Love your ornaments.

Kay said...

Betsy,

Merry Christmas to you and George.

Hugs,
Kay

Tabor said...

What a nice collection of holiday photos. Looks like you are more than ready!

trump said...

Betsy i love your blog and your Christmas post, with my favorite picture being the one with your dad along with the Pontiac. I'm going on a blog break and wanted to wish you and your family a merry Christmas and a healthy and happy new Year to come. I've just published my last post for the year and wanted to say this before my blog break. Yours truly Richard

Sylvia K said...

I do love your very beautiful and happy holiday captures for the day, Betsy! Wishing you and George a very Blessed and Merry Christmas! Enjoy the beauty and the joy!

Sylvia

Tracy said...

Betsy,
Enjoy your time off and have a great celebration...I love the photo of your home; so festive and inviting! Also, love 'Angel-Betsy' Hahaha, moms really do have us all figured out, don't they?
Blessings to you my friend..

Sandy said...

Love your willow angels. They are unique. Have a wonderful time with family and friends (o:

happyone said...

A Very Merry Christmas to you, George, and your whole family.
Enjoy your time off.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Lovely memories...Merry Christmas to yall and enjoy your trip
I am taking time off of blogging too

Karin said...

Love your Christmas traditions and treasures! What a great shot of the two of you. May you be blessed with love, joy, peace and good health in the year ahead as God goes before you! Love, Karin

Anonymous said...

I love your tree and fireplace! How beautiful! Your photos are such a treat. Love you! Wishing you and your husband a very merry Christmas and healthy new year!

Elettra said...

Peaceful and Happy Christmas to you and your family with so much friendship
so much joy Electra

imac said...

Julie and I wish you both a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Big Dude said...

We hope you and George have a very special Christmas.

HolleyGarden said...

I loved seeing your unique and adorable ornaments and angels - especially Angel Betsy! Have a wonderful time with family and friends. I wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

May you have a beautiful special Christmas. I love the ornament you selected for him. Your house is festive too. We are just grateful to be together this year. The three kids are on their way to pick up our ordered turkey just now and they spent the morning baking cookies.
It feels like a special time. God Bless :)

Ginny Hartzler said...

I love all your pictures, Betsy!! I remember the slingshot angel from last year! My favorite ornament is the glass hummingbird. Your room is so pretty, and I love the way the tree is reflecting in the T.V., also the darling little candy cane tree. What a special picture of you, your dad, and Lulu!! I hope you and George have a wonderful, healthy, and blessed Christmas weekend!

Ginny Hartzler said...

P.S. the willow angels now have their own nativity. You can buy a starter set with about four pieces, then build on it each year with their extra pieces, the camel is huge and extraordinary! Your nativity is really nice!

Unknown said...

I really enjoyed the Christmas memories Betsy, thank you for sharing! I especially liked the one with you and your Dad, it’s wonderful!

John
connectedtothevinephotography.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas to you and George Betsy!

Lynda said...

My daughter loves those Willow figurines, too.
Christmas - - a time to reflect on treasured memories and friends while being thankful for life in the present. Hope you all have a great time with family.

~mel said...

Oh! I remember the fish from you posting about that before:) Have a wonderful Christmas you two love birds!!

Ms. A said...

Love the photos, Betsy! My favorite is the one of you and your Dad. Merry Christmas to you and George... and Happy New Year!

Connie said...

These are all wonderful pictures, Betsy. I especially like the one of you and your Dad. What a neat memory. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas! :)

Janice K said...

I hope you add a whole lot more of wonderful memories this Christmas.
God's blessings to you both!...Janice

P S. Yes, the little girl in my blog is our youngest granddaughter. We have been staying with their family in St. Louis for about 6 weeks now because our daughter is ill. We are heading home for a couple weeks break after Christmas before we come back again.

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Beautiful home and decorations! I like the picture of you two with the waterfall in the background at the bottom of today's post! By the way, I saw a lot of Bufflehead Ducks on Lake St. George today - some by the dam and others by the closed marina area. Have a super great Christmas!

Ann said...

Your tree looks so pretty. I enjoyed seeing all your Christmas memories especially that angel. How cute with the little slingshot in her back pocket...lol
A very Merry Christmas to you and George. See you when you get back

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Merry Christmas!!!!!

D said...

Beautiful and cozy is your room.

Betsy, we hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and may 2012 be filled with many blessings for.

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas dear friends. I enjoyed seeing your precious keepsakes and collections. They are so very special. Love seeing you with your dolly, Lulu. I wish you and yours a blessed Christmas. Happy New Year!

Lynn said...

Merry Christmas to you and George and your family. Enjoy next week. Travel mercies as you never know when there will be ice/snow almost anywhere but down here in FL, hehe. Love the pictures! I can see you now as that precious little girl of so long ago, even all bundled up, I can still see your precious smile. Awesome. Talk to you next year. Lynn

Susie Swanson said...

Very nice and I love the photos.. Merry Christmas to you, George and your family..Susie

SquirrelQueen said...

Wonderful memories Betsy, you have collected some great ones through the years. I love your Christmas tree and fireplace. It all looks so warm and inviting.

Wishing you, George and your families the very best this holiday season.

Merry Christmas
and
Happy New Year!

Diane said...

Very cute decorations Betsy. Merry Christmas to both of you. Diane

Chatty Crone said...

Just stopping by to wish you and George the best Christmas ever.

sandie

♥ my diary♥ said...

nice post! thank you for sharing...happy holidays...blessings soraya

Sally Wessely said...

I enjoyed seeing your special ornament. Merry Christmas, Betsy and George! Enjoy your blog break.

Adrienne Zwart said...

Wishing you and George a very memorable and merry Christmas!
Blessings,
Adrienne

Out on the prairie said...

What a lovely selection,celebrate the holidsays well. It has been a pleasure reading you and sharing this last year.

Beth said...

I enjoyed taking a stroll with you down memory lane. I'm having ups and downs physically, but more ups, so that's a plus. The kids and grandkids are coming tomorrow Christmas eve for dinner and opening of presents. Sara and her family are up from Texas.
Merry Christmas to you and George. May you have a blessed time together and with family and friends.
Blessings--Beth♥

Donna said...

May you and George have a wonderful and blessed Christmas! Thank you for sharing your treasures and memories!

Neal said...

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to both of you from all of us. It is such a blessing for us to have you two as friends.

Pat - Arkansas said...

A Blessed and Happy Christmas to you, George, and to all your family.

cyclopseven said...

Christmas remembered, but you are not forgotten. May you and your loved ones have a Blessed Christmas experience, and Happy New Year. God bless.

Betty Manousos said...

i LOVE your home, looks soo cozy and warm. beautiful decoration, too.
thanks for sharing these lovely photos.

wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

blessings!

lots of love.

Tammie Lee said...

Wishing you a lovely week off with loved ones! Merry Christmas!

Eat To Live said...

What beautiful ornaments and decorations you have Betsy. I love that each one has a meaning for you.

Your blog header picture of your house is so nice. Looks so homey.

Merry Christmas!!

Beatriz said...

Beautiful photos Betsy!
My best wishes for you and your lovely family. I hope you have great moments at Christmas and New years eve!
Kisses
Bia
www.biaviagemambiental.blogspot.com

Pedaling said...

Merry Christmas!

Love your home. I can tell it was one full of love and many memories!

How I love your tree today--the multicolored lights are so pretty!

Love and a very Merry Christmas to you and George!

pam said...

Merry Christmas Betsy and George!

Susan said...

Love the fish! Paul and I used to call that kiss fishing. =) I was hoping you were in Knoxville! You aren't TOO far, though. Maybe on the shop hop next year, we will meet!

Catherine said...

Wishing you and George a beautiful holiday weekend Betsy. Peace to you both!
xo Catherine

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Your tree and decorations are all precious. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Betsy!

Living In Williamsburg Virginia said...

Fabulous post with beautiful Christmas decor old and new.

Merry Christmas.

Darryl and Ruth :)

Cassie said...

Merry Christmas Betsy, to you and George. Hoping you have many blessings in the New Year too.xx

Anonymous said...

Merry Merry Merry Christmas, Betsy! =)

Elzie said...

I do wish you have a beautiful Christmas in your lovely decorated home (can tell you I love those angels too!) and the old picture was great to see.
Take care and enjoy!
Love Elzie

eileeninmd said...

Betsy, Merry Christmas to you and your family!!

Small City Scenes said...

Merry Christmas to you and George. MB

Anonymous said...

Great pictures and one happy couple.

Unknown said...

Merry Christmas to you and George too! We are recovering from all the festivities and now are ready to usher in the new year! See you in 2012~!

Anonymous said...

Lovely shots. Hope you've had a magical Christmas!

SmilingSally said...

I love those nativity sets!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

Hello Betsy, all your photos are wonderful but I especially LOVE the one of you and your dad outside your home, and the lovey one of you and your hubby today. God Bless you both and your week rest in Him. xx
From an Ozzie who once lived in TN. x

Anita Johnson said...

Joining late to wish you a Merry Christmas...love to look at these photos, both old and new!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I hope you and George had a terrific Christmas and that you both have a wonderful and Happy New Year! Love the photos, your house is beautifully decorated!

trump said...

Very warm wishes Betsy for a healthy and happy new years. Richard

Beth said...

Hi there, Betsy. I'm a bit late to wish you a Merry Christmas, but I would like to wish you and George a very Happy New Year.

I love all your pictures, especially the last one. That's a great picture of you two---the love you have for each other is evident. I also love the picture in your header---it is stunning.

All the best to you and yours in 2012, Betsy.

Eat To Live said...

Stopping by to wish you a Happy New Year. I know everyone is busy, busy, busy.....

Terry and Linda said...

LOVE YOUR HEADER!!! Happy New Year!


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

Patty said...

Dear sweet Besty, I can't let the year come to an end without visiting your blog and letting you know I think of you often I hope you have a wonderful New Year. I will try and come read more often in 2012...Hugs from your blog friend Patty of Autumns Meadow

myonlyphoto said...

Betsy this is one beautiful tradition. Sorry I missed you for Christmas, and I am sure you had blessed one. Wishing you all the best in a new year, lots of love, health and peace. Enjoy. Anna :)

Becca's Dirt said...

Hope you and George have a blessed New Year Betsy.

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Betsy,
I love the Christmas photos. They bring back many happy memories and are so lovely.
I hope you and your husband had a wonderful Christmas and will have a very happy New Year!

DeniseinVA said...

Wonderful Christmas photos Betsy. Just popping in today to wish you and George A Very Happy New Year!

Elenka said...

Love the photo of you and your dad.
Have a wonderful New Year both of you!

eileeninmd said...

Hi Betsy, Lovely Christmas decorations and photos. I hope you enjoyed your Holidays. And I wish you all the best in 2012, Happy New Year to you and your family.

penny said...

Hi Betsy, your Christmas tree and special ornaments are lovely. I'm sure you enjoyed wonderful Christmas with family.
May the New Year be a healthy and happy one for you and yours.
Hugs, Pam

Birdman said...

Best to you and your family in 2012.

Rohrerbot said...

Fun shots. Ilike your hummingbird ornament. Happy new year to you and your family.

Elettra said...

a happy 2012 to you and your family!!

A Colorful World said...

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, you two! Great picture! Oh, Betsy, we DID move to AZ to be closer to our kids (our daughter, son-in-law and grandson) so you were not wrong at all.

A Colorful World said...

Very sweet post, by the way. I enjoyed seeing many of your Christmas memories here!

SquirrelQueen said...

Oh Betsy, love your new header shot!

I just wanted to stop by and wish you and George a very Happy New Year!

Annesphamily said...

I have a Willow Creek angel my youngest daughter bought me. She is holding a green teapot. I love it! I want more but need to get my new hutch put in a good place before I fill it! LOL! Love all your beautiful shares here Betsy. You are a remarkably talented and kind lady! Hugs Anne