MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS...

My cousin just sent me this picture of me and my precious parents...(just taken recently...(C:)

If only time stood still. Here is another picture of my Dad several decades later.

It is almost two years since Dad passed away and I miss him immensely especially at this time of year, however Mom made this tribute to him with this wreath when she was decorating her home in November. Dad would have celebrated his 95th birthday December 3rd. I took the photo of him holding our puppy Marlee, and the bible verse on the frame reads:

"He shall be with you wherever you shall go."

Dad memorized this verse and I feel Dad is now in heaven with God whom he loves.

WE MISS YOU DAD AND LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!!

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas for those of you who can share the magical wonders of the season and to those who are alone. If you are alone, I wish you comfort in your knowing that you are never alone (if you believe). My friend, Tatting Chic expresses her Christmas message very beautifully. I hope you will also visit her blog to view her beautiful tatted ornaments. Did I tell you I am registered for five tatting classes in January 2010, so hopefully I will be able to share some of my future tatting projects as cherish those lovely tatted items my blogger friends make?

My Christmas tree is too small to share with you, but I want to share these pictures of Christmas tree displayed at our conservatory had last year. Please notice the hand crocheted snowflakes on the tree below; this tree was my favorite of course!

AND FOR OTHERS WHO LIKE ME DO NOT HAVE CHILDREN TO CELEBRATE THIS SEASON WITH, BUT I LOVE TO SEW AND QUILT, WE KNOW WE NEVER WILL BE ALONE IF WE QUILT. Here is a poem you may enjoy.

The Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,
The only one sleeping was a Quilter's dear spouse.
The Log Cabin stockings were almost completed,
"Just a few stitches left," our sweet quilter repeated.

"Then I can hang them and head off to
finish the pillows I'm making, fulfilling Mom's wish
For something quilted to put on her couch",
as she pricked her poor finger,our quilter said,"Ouch!"

When from out in the kitchen there arose such a crashing,
she sprang from her work, and she dropped all her sashing.
Away to the doorway she flew like a plane,
wondering just what was happening and who she would blame.

When what to her wondering eyes should appear,
but Old Mrs. Claus and her bag of quilt-gear...
With her elves bearing gifts, through the kitchen she came,
she directed and pointed and called them by name.

"Now Elna, now Pfaff, now Bernina and Viking,
the Hoffman and Mumm should be just to her liking.
To the sewing room - there, it's just back of the hall, now dash
away, dash away, dash away all!"

"My Dear," said The Claus (as she liked to be called),
"There really is no need to worry at all.
Your projects will all be completed this night,
I'm terribly sorry we gave you a fright."

"Sit down. Have some tea. It's relaxing, you'll see.
My friends and I've come a long way to help Thee."
She thought she was dreaming, our dear Quilter did,
In fact she quite feared that she near flipped her lid!

But the flash of the needles and twist of the thread soon gave her to know
she had nothing to dread.
They spoke no more words, but went straight to their sewing.
How the work went so quickly she had no way way of knowing.

The stitches, how fine! The corners, how straight!
This Claus-woman's talent was awfully great.
They finished the pillows, then started to quilt.
Before they all knew it, the whole thing was built!

Now old Mrs. Claus, she knew quilters real well,
and she knew they'd need help on this night most of all
So she said to our quilter, "Just move over dear,
I've brought my own needle. We'll get done, never fear.

I told dear old Santa about what quilters do.
How they plan all these projects but have other work too.
So he taught me his magic for doing things fast.
There, that pillows done. Now this is the last.

They tidied their thread snips, and picked up the scraps
and chased our dear quilter's six cats from their laps.
As they scurried away with their thimbles still gleaming
dear Mrs. Claus paused, her cap ribbons streaming.

"Merry Christmas, my dear, now just have a ball!"

Author Unknown - if YOU know, please tell us so we can properly attribute this poem