~ Welcome To Our Home ... Part 2 ~

The little BLUE domino (the only thing allowed that isn't pink or white) is the necklace that wonderful sweet friend Cherry Jelly/Sherry (Country Wings in Phoenix) made for me.

Love it!

The darling little cupcake ornaments were created by our precious friend Gail (Shabby Cottage Shoppe). You are so sweet. TY

This is my Belleek nativity, very precious to me.

I love my Irish heritage. This is out all year round.

The little lady on the mantle r. is a Lladro that was signed by Madam when I met her. She remains throughout the year.

This is our front room mantle, the tree is to the left.

Isn't it delicate & wonderful

This frame was in an old bank in Chehalis, WA, & when the bank closed Mother received this frame. She kept all 5 of we kids graduation pictures in it. When she joined Jesus, I created her life within, returning the kids pics.

This mantle is in our TV room/office.

Here she is unlit ... in all her splendor!

.

.. and how she shines in preparation for His celebration.

WHO STARTED CHRISTMAS?

A woman was Christmas shopping with her two children. After

Many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything

else imaginable, and after hours of hearing the children ask for

everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it

to the elevator with the two children and her many purchases.

She was feeling what so many of us feel during this time of the

year: overwhelming pressure to go to parties and housewarming,

taste all the holiday food and treats, get that "perfect gift" for

every single person on our shopping list, make sure we don't

forget anyone on our card list, and make sure we respond to

everyone who sent us a card.

The elevator doors opened -- there was already a crowd in the

car. She pushed her way into the car, dragging her two children

and all the bags of stuff in with her. When the doors closed she

couldn't take it anymore and loudly murmured, "Whoever started

this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up, and shot."

From the back of the elevator car, everyone heard a quiet, calm

Voice say, "Don't worry. We already crucified Him." For the rest

of the trip down, the elevator was so quiet you could have heard

a pin drop.

Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole

Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word.