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...

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Christmas Morning in the Glade

Well----I guess you are tired of seeing everyone's Christmas pictures --but today,  I'm giving you some more pictures!!!!!!  I just 'have' to share Christmas morning at our home.  Above is our Christmas tree --and below are a few more.  Be sure and click on the pictures to see some larger views.




Here's a picture of my Santa ---checking out the presents under the tree.




George and I always exchange ornaments.   This year,  George gave me some ornaments from some of the places we visited this past June (Bryce Canyon,  Zion,  Grand Canyon and the one above,  Rocky Mountain National Park). They were awesome and brought back such great memories of a wonderful trip.




Some of the ornaments that I gave George were: a Michigan Wolverine football jersey ornament,  a cute little Gardening ornament,  a little cellphone which said "Merry Textmus",  and my favorite---a little train which said  Cass, West Virginia (from our fall trip on the Cass Railroad). 




Santa also gave us new coffee cups  (with a picture of US at the Grand Canyon)....  SO Special!!!!




Santa also gave both of us new hiking rain jackets ---which we needed.  As many of you know,  George and I end up doing alot of hiking in the RAIN for some reason... These new jackets (modeled by George) should help not only keep us fairly dry --but also our cameras.... There are zippered areas and little pouches to hide our treasures...SO neat!!!




Hope you enjoyed seeing a 'sample' of how good Santa was to both George and me.  I guess that proves that we were definitely not naughty in 2011..... Whew--as I'm wiping my brow!!!!!!!!

I'll close with one of the pictures of us --taken by using our tripod...   Hope you had a fabulous holiday season --and are looking forward to 2012...  We certainly are!!!!

Hugs,
Betsy

79 comments:

Anonymous said...

Pretty pics of your Christmas morn, Betsy! I love your collection of ornaments from the places you have visited. Wishing you both all the best in 2012.

Ms. A said...

You two look so cute and festive!

Kelly said...

...you both look so cute in your Christmas sweaters! Glad you had a Merry Christmas. :-) hugs, k

Catherine said...

It looks like you and George had a beautiful Christmas Betsy. I love that you two exchange ornaments. Very sweet.

Isn't it hard to believe we are on our 4th day of January already? It keeps going so fast.

Big hugs,
xo Catherine

pam said...

You two are the cutest couple ever!

Jo said...

So beautiful, Betsy and George. You both get more adorable every year. I think I've been following your blog since I started blogging in October 2008 and love every post you put out there. Thank you for your visits to and comments on my blog. Bless you both in 2012. Love Jo

Arkansas Patti said...

You all were definitely on the "nice" list. I loved the coffee cups.
It does seem a lot of your hikes were in the rain so those jackets will be put to use.
Looking forward to your journeys in 2012.

Big Dude said...

Nice shot of the two of you and you sure brightened up the room.

Diane AZ said...

Hi Betsy, Wonderful ornaments to remember your special trips by beautiful picture of you and George together. Best wishes for 2012!

mamahasspoken said...

You both look so happy! Thanks for sharing a moment or two of your day.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Love the ornament exchanges! How fun :-)

Connie said...

It looks like you two lovebirds had another happy Christmas, Betsy. :D I love that last picture of the two of you by the tree. What a nice shot!

Dar said...

You two sweeties sure had a special Christmas together. Exchanging ornaments is a lovely tradition.
Sweet indeed!
BlessYourHearts

Reanaclaire said...

Beautiful and very colorful Christmas tree, Betsy.. no wonder Santa likes to give you presents!

MadSnapper said...

well you had a super duper Christmas and racked up the presents. hope you get to wear the new jackets many times in the new year. that train is cute.

Harriet said...

Looks like you all had a great Christmas.

Anonymous said...

Christmas ornaments are a good way to save memories of places you have been. I recently began collecting magnets. I don't always remember to pick up a magnet, but I have started to gather quite a collection. Nice picture of you and George at the end of your post.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Looks like Christmas was a very special time for you.Fantastic.

Hidden Haven Homestead said...

Santa was really good to you guys this year!! Love your tree and the ornaments is a special gift to bring back wonderful memories. I may have to steal that idea and use it on the grands. Am enjoying this cold weather but Friday has us back in the 60s... Have a blessed day my friend.

nanny said...

I love ornaments from vacations! I try to always buy one. When I am putting them on the tree, I love thinking about the great places I have been fortunate to visit!

I had a chair that looked just like the fabric of the one George was sitting on with the train. I replaced it this year and have missed it ever since....my it was comfortable (new one isn't)

Anonymous said...

I was so happy to see your cheery
photos, especially the last. You are a lovely couple.

Janice K said...

I enjoyed your pictures. Our outside decorations got put up thanks to Jack, but we didn't get back from our daughter's house until after Christmas, so for the first time in our lives, we didn't have a Christmas tree up of our own. We did get in on the fun of our grandchildren decorating their tree. The ornaments got rearranged everyday by little hands.

penny said...

Your tree and all its trimming are beautiful, Betsy. I enjoyed Christmas morning with you and your Santa.
I am freezing here in south Fl, it dropped to the 40's last night.
Maybe we'll get some snow after all!
Warm hugs,
Pam :)

Cheryl said...

Dear Betsy, I have to tell you first of all that I appreciated your lovely comment on my blog AND I am using what you posted as my mantra for the new year! The message was just what I needed to hear! Now on to your post...first of all you two are the loveliest couple! Your tree was just gorgeous and I loved peeking at some of your dear angels. I love your Christmas gifts to each other of ornaments...we buy an ornament each year signifying a special memory from the past year. I think we shall have to pick up more ornaments from now on to signify special days and special trips. Wishing you and George a Happy New Year!

I Am Woody said...

You guys look so festive! And I love your tradition of exchanging ornaments:) I bought a new ornament this year when I was in Plains, GA. It is a hand-carved 'peanut' wearing a Santa hat and a huge Jimmy-Carter grin!

Anonymous said...

Betsy, you have such a beautiful home and you both look so happy. Glad that Santa was so good to you. Love the mugs and the rain jackets.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Beautiful photos, beautiful tree and beautiful couple!! Thanks so much for your visits and comments on my blog last year. I'm looking forward to a new year of your wonderful posts and photos!

TexWisGirl said...

i love that last photo. may you have many more trips, many more hikes, many more ornaments to exchange! :)

LV said...

I really enjoyed seeing such a great and happy holiday. Your tree was simply gorgeous. I love that shot of you and George together.

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, I just love the idea of useful things that commemorate a special trip. The mugs are so wonderful! I adore your Christmas tree - just gorgeous! It is a neat thing to have the pictures of your tree and gifts - a nice memory for later on, too! Have a great day! It is expected to be warmer. Our pond froze last night. I'll be happy to have warmer temperatures.

Karin said...

So happy with you that you had a fabulous Christmas! You two sure know how to celebrate every moment of every day! That's awesome! Love the ornament idea - so much fun! You both are the sweetest couple! Great photo!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

That picture of you and George in front of the Christmas tree is a keeper. You need to blow it up and frame it. And you could use it on next year's Christmas cards. :)

Photo Cache said...

Happy New Year to both of you. Betsy I am a regular reader of your husband's blogs. I'm just starting to read yours.

Lynn said...

Well goodness this is weird. As I was shutting everything down to leave, the comment box popped up. Ok, I am so excited that Jeff and his girlfriend is coming. Yes, mom I can see the big smile all the way from TN. You and George, your Christmas pictures make me smile too. You two are so cute! For anyone who reads your blog today, especially, seeing these pictures is like a huge, big hug for all of us. The love between you and George just jumps off the page and reaches out and hugs each me. As it should be. I just said almost the same thing on FB cause we are leaving for the beach, yes, the beach. I love beaches when it is cold for photos. We will see what I get and how long I actually want to stay outside. It is really sunny out but still cold here. Blessings.

Sylvia K said...

Oh, I'm so glad you both had such a fantastic Christmas! What fun and colorful captures! Thanks so much for sharing it all with us today, Betsy! Hope you've had a great week so far! Enjoy!

Sylvia

Out on the prairie said...

A lovely share. I have a similar jacket but also matching pants.i have been caught in some real drenshers and happy to always have these with me.

Diane said...

I'm so glad that you had a wonderful Christmas. Great pictures Betsy. Diane

imac said...

Al dressed up very pretty too I see.lol.
Love your Header Betsy.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Aren't you two just too stinkin' cute??? I love your very bright and beautiful sweater girl.

You tree is absolutely stunnin' sweetie!

God bless you both and have a fantastic New Year!!! :o)

Rose said...

Oh, Betsy, it was nice seeing your Christmas pictures...

amelia said...

You are a lucky lady Betsy, having all those treasures!!
Beautiful pictures and a lovely home!
xoxo

Neal said...

Betsy, you fooled Santa again...congratulations. :>) Those ornaments are very nice. I need to get me one of those raincoats.

Ann said...

Loved seeing a little of your Christmas. That picture of George peeking at the presents is perfect.

JDS said...

Looks like a fun time was had, which is as it shoiuld be! That was a great idea to exchange ornaments of the places you went during the year.

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

George makes a cute Santa.
Great gifts. Perfect to remember your trips and plan more!

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

Such happy photos, and I love the one with the Mug..so great. Happy New Year and many blessings for more happy times with your hubby George.

Angela said...

Well, I for one am not tired of looking at Christmas at all. I still have all my Christmas out including the tree! lol I might take it down this weekend though.

Love all of your pictures! How sweet to get ornaments from all your travels like that!

Hugs,
Angela

HolleyGarden said...

haha - So glad you both were good this past year! It's hard, isn't it? ;) I love your tradition of exchanging ornaments, especially ones that remind you of a wonderful time together on a trip. Sweet memories. Your rain jackets look perfect - I know they will come in handy. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Busy Bee Suz said...

Christmas at your house looks so warm and lovely! I am so relieved that you were not naughty. This year. :)
Love the travel/ornaments idea...so sweet.
Happy new year,
Suz

CottonLady said...

Enjoyed seeing your Christmas pictures, Betsy! You two look so great!

Blessings!

Mary said...

If you two keep exchanging ornaments you are going to need another big tree! We buy an ornament when we go on trips, too. Sure makes for memories on the tree.

Mary said...

If you two keep exchanging ornaments you are going to need another big tree! We buy an ornament when we go on trips, too. Sure makes for memories on the tree.

Shug said...

You both are just precious...A cute, cute couple if I've ever seen one! I think it is very special that you all share ornaments from throughout the year! Sweet, sweet memories...
Loved seeing your Christmas.
Shug

Lisa said...

Betsy! You for one look wonderful , so happy and both of you do .
Lovely photos.
Thanks for stopping once again. I was making my way this way and there you were. Blessings for this a New Year.
Always keep your camera handy.
I will be away for a few weeks soon. I will be going back to Hawaii .
Hugs to you my dear

carolina nana said...

Looks like you all had a great Christmas and got some nice surprises. Hope the new year brings many blessings for you and George.
Marilyn

Chatty Crone said...

I love your beautiful header...
and it looks like Mrs. Claus and Mr. Claus are very happy and very much in love! sandie

Lynda said...

That is an excellent photo of the two of you in front of the tree. You should frame it and hang it on the wall.
The color of your rain jackets is one of my favorites. Yes, you do hike a lot in the rain - - - guess it's cuz you don't miss many weekends going places!!! Praise God for time with a loving spouse!

Dorothy said...

Wonderful Christmas in the Glade!! Very sweet pictures and special gifts!!
Happy New Year!

Carletta said...

What a fabulous shot of the two of you!
Sweet pics of a sweet couple!
I don't have any resolutions for the new year. My only goal is just to get it right the best I can.
Definitely looking forward to the adventures you and George will share with us. :)

SquirrelQueen said...

The tree is gorgeous Betsy and that's a very handsome Santa under your tree.

I love the your and George's tradition of the ornaments. Each year when you look at your tree you can relive the memories.

Beth said...

Thanks for sharing your wonderful Christmas pictures, Betsy. George makes a very cute Santa, and I love the shot of you and Santa George together.

All the best to both of you in 2012---may you discover many new wonders in your travels! (or should I say "wonders in your wanders.")
:-)

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Never tired of Christmas pics...like seeing the happy pics of George and you.

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

Great Christmas photos. I love how you guys are all dressed up. Around here there is hair sticking up every which way and in our jammies. It is a sad sight!
I love the jackets and with clever camera pockets!

Anonymous said...

What fun Christmas shots!

Christine said...

Wonderful Christmas photos Betsy! I love the idea of collecting ornaments from your travels; might have to try that this year. Love those rain jackets, where did you find them? I wish you two a blessed 2012!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful Christmas... God bless you both! =)

Annie Jeffries said...

My smile just got bigger and bigger as I watched your Christmas unfold. Love the C.C. mug. Happy New Year. Annie

Pat Tillett said...

It appears you had a great Christmas! Here's to many more!

trump said...

Thank you Betsy for sharing some of your Christmas with us, and i love that tree man is that a full one with lots of stuff on it! Welcome to the new year and thank you so much for your visits to Amish Stories. Richard

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing your Christmas! Santa brought me a nice poncho that fits perfectly in the small front pocket of my camera bag. I was wondering what to put in there because nothing else fits. Now I'm waiting for the rain cover for my big lens to arrive.

happyone said...

WOW 70 comments!!!
Looks like a wonderful Christmas. Beautiful tree. The two of you make a happy couple!!! : )

eileeninmd said...

Hi Betsy! It looks like you and George had a great Christmas. Your tree and decorations are beautiful. It is a great idea to pick up ornaments from places you visited. The rain jackets are a great idea too. Wonderful photos, I wish you and George all the best in 2012.

Andrea said...

Your are the sweetest, inspiring, cutest couples here in blogosphere! I really am awed at your stamina in travelling and hiking those wonderful places, in lovely uniform outfits too. That is something i really love for you both. I am sure you are already reaping the full blessings of 2012 with health, prosperity and contentment. Good cheers. Thanks also for being a kind blogger friend.

Lady Di Tn said...

Especially like the last photo and have you had a cup of your favorite brew out that new mug? Peace

Fred Alton said...

Betsy, You both look great in these pictures! I think you are a wonderful couple and it's obvious that you are in love.

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

I never get tired of seeing Christmas pictures -- and yours were wonderful, Betsy! Happy hiking in 2012!

Janie said...

What a beautiful tree. I like the tradition of exchanging ornaments. Santa was very thoughtful to get rain jackets for each of you!

Cicero Sings said...

Love that last picture of the two of you. Glad you had such a fine Christmas!

Annesphamily said...

You will have these beautiful Christmas memories for many years to come! How cute the two of you are! I love to see such family photos! The gifts were amazing too! You two must have been so extra good! Ha Ha! Anne