Just this past Sunday, Nancy N and Timi treated the For Keeps Sake staff to a traditional Christmas get together in Kimmswick. We love going to The Blue Owl for lunch. It's homey and warm and delicious. Not only that, their levee high apple pie made it on this year's list of Oprah's favorite things. We knew about this Kimmswick landmark long before Oprah ; )
While at the Blue Owl, we enjoy lunch, then dessert (a must have!) and then exchange Christmas gifts. We all agreed that our gift exchange is one of our all-time favorite Christmas gifts. It's because we all love the same stuff. Some of the gifts are handmade, some store bought but all chosen with love and meaning for each of us.
Gathering them all up and unwrapping again when we get home is like another exchange all over again.
Take a look . . .
Amy decorated this adorable box, each one personalized with our initial
and then
it opens to display this tiny Christmas seen:
It now sits on my counter right next to the candy jar.
Did you notice that Snicker lasted between photo shots?
This beautiful little bird from Missy
that was all wrapped up in this beautiful packaging
along with a black wrought iron *N*.
The bag will go in one of my books.
Sue gave us this beautiful candle. The inside looks like Mercury glass.
Nancy N gave us each our initial decorated by her daughter Michelle.
Way to go Michelle!
It's a perfect backdrop for some of my snow angels.
After Christmas, I'll take the holiday decoration off and hang the initial on the wall.
Timi gave me this adorable *Let It Snow* light.
It is on the kitchen counter, lighting the way for more of my snowmen.
Mary's homemade treats are always a favorite
(and now you know why that Snicker bar was left uneaten.)
After displaying all these wonderful gifts on bookshelves and tables
I started looking around the house at more handmade Christmas
and get a bit nostalgic.
This is part of a banner we made with Sue last year
using Graphic 45's Christmas Past papers.
I took my banner apart and nuzzled it into the greenery on the banister.
This little guy was stitched years ago.
How many of you remember Jean's?
It was the most wonderful counted cross stitch store in Imperial.
Nothing like it since.
Then there's my tole painting period.
I was very lucky to have three of the most wonderful teachers.
And it all started at Maud's Tole Shop.
Remember?
Renee, I know you have both of these painted Santa's!
The Christmas angel above holds a baby.
Anytime I see a Christmas figure holding a baby I have to have it.
At this time, 27 years ago, we found out our baby boy was ready for adoption.
It was a crazy time. I had just a few days to get his room ready
before we were to go to court on
December 28.
I can't think of that day without being forever grateful for such a special gift.
It really is the most wonderful time of the year!
I agree, Nancy, Jean's Corner was the best. And the nicest people worked there. Do you remember Jan? I just saw her in church Sunday morning. I don't remember Maud's as I went to The Idea Shop on Hampton to learn tole painting. I, like you, have probably tried every hobby there is, but was never successful at tole painting. To this day I still can't paint. I enjoyed seeing all your treasures.
Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Jackie Caruso | December 20, 2011 at 11:02 AM
I love this time of year, I wish the feeling could last all year long. You received some awesome gifts .. still need to get to the Blue Owl, never been there (I know, only lived here all my life :) Have a great day !
Posted by: Cim Allen | December 20, 2011 at 02:40 PM
Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to Bau.
Posted by: Sue Benedick | December 20, 2011 at 06:11 PM
Love your gifts from the girls and your tour around your home, Happy Holiday.Mary june
Posted by: Mary Walker | December 20, 2011 at 06:20 PM
Your gifts and decorations are everything I love!
I think of you this time of year when we get "our" Santa's out.....I still get a thrill inside when I look at them! Merry Christmas friend!
Posted by: Renea | December 22, 2011 at 09:00 PM