Sunday, December 27, 2009

" It's One of THOSE Years "




Tomorrow the Christmas decorations are going to start getting packed away. It's just one of those years. I have in the past left them out until after New Years Day and I have also taken them down the day after Christmas. Just depends on the mood, if ya know what I mean.


Actually, had I not put them out before mom passed, I would not have put them out at all this year. I didn't even get a tree. I just couldn't do it. The spirit was just not there this year.


I did however manage to add to my Christmas decoration collection this year. Again. I keep tel
ling myself year after year that I have enough already. But I can never seem to listen to my own advice!


I started out with one nativity that my mother had given me a few years ago. It is one of my favorite decorations. And now I have five. I really wasn't trying to collect them, but when Ginny and I went thrift shopping, well you can guess the rest.

This is the one that mom gave me for Christmas a few years back. I remember being so excited because I didn't have my own Nativity and thought this one was quit
e beautiful.




I also acquired two Nativity's that were mom's. One she had since I was a teen. But they will all be neatly and safely packed away this week. I just don't want to look at them anymore.

I will put my sewing machine back in it's rightful place on the dining room table.




I would like to start focusing on baby Jack's quilt. He is so sweet and into everything.
Also, very much a mama's boy right now.





We had a quite Christmas this year. Except for the little one's I don't think any of us were overly enthusiastic about Christmas this year. But we were together. That was the important thing.



32 comments:

Terrie said...

Hi Di,
Looks like you and me, each for our own reasons lacked a bit of spirit this year. Next year will be better though. And hey, I just noticed, we have the same background, I guess that means we have good taste, right?

Here's to a better new year, Cheers!
Hugs to you
Terrie

Jackie said...

Your post is lovely, Diana.
The nativity set is beautiful...and I also admire the "Hosanna" crochet that it is placed on.
The photo of you at your sewing machine is sooo good, Diana. You look like you are in your element...and I know that you are an excellent seamstress.
The photo of Jack is sooo cute.
I send you an extra hug.
Warmest smiles to you, Di.
Jackie

Wanda..... said...

Hi Di...I noticed your beautiful Christmas scarf with The Siebels printed on it, is it something you made or bought? It's nice to see you doing something you enjoy...take care and of course show us Baby Jack's quilt when you finish, Di.
Love,
Wanda

Gail said...

HI DI-

I love, love the nativity set AND I am love how you are planning to get things done/made. :-) Lil Jack will love his quilt. I am not good at sewing or any arts-crafts stuff - I really admire and appreciate that you are.
Love to you
Gail
peace....

Bernie said...

I can feel the old Di returning in heart and spirit....I loved seeing all of you elves dancing....bet Frank got a laugh out of that....
Take care sweetie, I am home now, the heart was willing to keep going but the body wanted some badly needed rest....luv ya...:-) Hugs

Donna's Book Nook said...

I'm glad you are looking forward and planning projects. I wish I had your seamstress abilities.

Little Jack is precious. Would love to see the quilt when you are finished. God bless you and keep you in His care and comfort. Donna

Anvilcloud said...

Ah, it's been a tough time for you. Hopefully, your projects will take you concentration and lift you up. Hugs.

Tranquility Speaks said...

I am glad you had a peaceful Christmas. The nativity decorations are so beautiful! And so is your picture sowing away :) I hope the coming New Year is full of love, happiness, good health and cheer for you :)

Diana said...

Hi Terrie,
See we have more in common than you knew! And I am glad that your business is doing so well but hope that next Christmas you will be able to enjoy the special time a little more.
Love Di

Diana said...

Hi Jackie,
I will take the extra hug as I think it's going to take me a few day's to pack all of this stuff up! I am not a great seamstress but I can follow a pattern. The quilt is fun because I don't have to follow a pattern!
Love Di

Diana said...

Hi Wanda,
I love the Christmas scarf too. It's actually for a mantel, which I have used it for in the past but it just goes better in the dining room. I ordered it years and years ago. I don't even remember where I ordered it from now! Love Di

Diana said...

Hi Gail,
I am trying to get back into my life. I am going to go and work out today and work at church. It's just been a little difficult being around people but I am feeling stronger now and if I break down and cry, so be it. Right? Love Di

Diana said...

Hi Bernie,
I am glad that your home safely. And hope that you had a wonderful time with the family. I do understand about the body. I had to use a wheelchair at wal-mart last week as my arthritis is HORRIBLE. Very hard to walk. I am going to work out today and other days this week to see if it will help. I could use it anyway! I am glad that you enjoyed my families performance! Everyone got a kick out of it! Love Di

Diana said...

Hi Donna,
Thank you for the blessings as I can really use them right now. Things are getting easier at times but still having that disbelief feeling.
I will post Jacks quilt when it's done. It will be a while though as all I've done is cut some squares! Once the decorations are put up I can get back into it.
Love Di

Diana said...

Hi AC,
Yes a tough time indeed. It is very slow going for me. But I am trying to get on with things and you are right, keeping busy does help. A lot.
Love Di

Diana said...

Oh Tranquility, from your mouth to God's ears! I would love a peaceful year. Love Di

Jenny said...

Some Christmases are meant to be quiet and reflective. I'm glad you found some joy in the season. Prayers continue for you from AZ as your path through grief continues, Di. Hugs and hope.

Diana said...

Thanks Jenny, next year should be better, God willing.
Love Di

Bill ~ {The Old Fart} said...

Hi Di, glad you made it through Christmas. I understand how you feel, my Dad passed in July 1983, but his Birthday was on Christmas Day. It does get better as the Christmases pass. I think it helps to have family around.

You take care of you.

Dr.John said...

Being a close family both causes the pain at your mother's death and gives you the support to get through it.
Your mother's manger scenes will become more and more treasured as the years go by.

Maria said...

Yes, family - together, is so very important~
I love sewing in the dining room too~ especially for bigger projects. I still feel 'connected' instead of locked up in a room alone (which is nice sometimes too ;o)

I've thought of you often, this Christmastime, Diana... still sending you tenderhearted prayers~

blessings always ~
Maria

Maria said...

ps. Your embroidered table scarf is lovely~

Barb said...

Hi Di,
I put my decorations away in Denver this afternoon and thoroughly cleaned the house. I actually thought of you as I cleaned and had to smile! I knew you'd be proud of me...

You got through a difficult time with the love of your Family, Di - I'm glad your girls were home and your Family could all be together.

That red fabric you're working on looks very much like the fabric on my big red reading chair in Breck!

Take Care!

Eileen said...

I love the new look here! Beautiful pictures (especially your sweet grandson! I really love that Father and Son picture!). And I love the Nativity set your Mom gave to you and I also love the doily (I think I remember that you made that yourself, right?)!

I've been thinking about you a lot, I know this was a hard Christmas to get through.

I'm the same with you as far as the decorations go, some years they stay up until 'Little Christmas' (and some years even longer!), and some years they come down before the New Year!

Teresa said...

Hi Di,
I am kind of glad Christmas is over, and if I had put up any decorations, I would probably be taking them down right away too...although this was a pretty good Christmas for me, I always have a hard time during the season. It takes a long time to get back to normal after such a loss, and I you need to give yourself all the time you need...you have been on my mind a lot this year! Baby Jack is precious...I bet he can make you smile : ) ((((HUGS and BLESSINGS))) T

jules said...

That IS the important thing.

That nativity is totally gorgeous. They are my favorite decorations for Christmas.

Rebecca said...

Being together IS the most important thing and I'm glad it happened for you.

I changed my blog background yesterday not realizing that it was not the same one you have. (I think I even had commented on your beautiful new look.) As soon as I can get a few minutes, I'll change mine to something else. I didn't mean to copy. I just think this is a beautiful pattern.

Happy New Year, Diane.

Garnetrose said...

I love the nativety set. Very nice, indeed. I know it does not seem like it, but things will get better each year. God bless you and your family.

Blessings each day said...

You did so great for such a tough Christmas, Di and that proves that Christmas really is all about giving and even giving up our sorrows even for a little while to give joy to others!

Loved that Santa suit on your little grandson! Wish I could sew!

May the Good Lord bless you abundantly with good things, good health and comfort and joy in this New Year, my dear friend! You have been such a source of joy to me, Di!

blessings and loving hugs,

marcy

Jenny said...

Hi Di, just wanted to stop by and wish you and your family a Happy New Year! I've enjoyed following your blog this year and getting to know you and I appreciate you following mine! Thanks and hugs to you!

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Yes, Di, you are so right!!! That IS the important thing...You are much in my prayers!!!! Love you, and was so glad to see this post!!! Your nativity is beautiful!!! And I like that your sewing machine belongs on your dining room table! Dearest Di, I pray that your new year is filled with all the peace, comfort and happiness that this world can offer!!! You are in my heart and thoughts!! Love, Janine XO

Unknown said...

OK my friend....New beginnings, New chapter in your life, beautiful new look on your blog, life is good isn't it! You bring smiles and laughter to so many people and we are looking forward to your sweet fun post in the New Year. Have a SAFE and Happy one tonight! love and hugs...