Monday, November 28, 2022

Magical Season Is Here

It has been pretty cold here, in the 20's and 30's, and the main heater in the house doesn't get the back rooms, so my brother installed two small heaters in the bedrooms.  The workers were here last week, and it's a process, but they're almost finished.  So, one day I wanted to get out of their way, as they were working in the house, and I went outside with my coffee.  Yes, in the cold, but my neighbor was out there sitting on her bench, and it gave me a chance to talk with her.  I told her they were putting heating units in the bedrooms.  She said she has never seen the inside of this house before, and I said to her, "it's small, but charming."  She said she will have to have me over for coffee sometime.  My house isn't elaborate or from a magazine.....nor do I want it to be.  It's comfortable and cozy, and I am grateful.  Here are some pictures of Christmas around the house.  It's really the same as last year, but I tend to move things around until it looks right to me.





































I hold my heritage deep inside my heart.



I recently sent my cousin, Sheila, a picture of the kids, and she wrote back and said, "the dark-haired one looks just like you!"  When Nel sent me this picture of Mia looking so grown up in her boots, I smiled and thought, this little face looks just like me when I was a child.

And this one's smile warms my heart.  There is a place in northern Cal called Apple Hill, and Jess visited there recently.  It's always a fun time going through the craft fair, visiting the duck pond, bringing home an apple pie, and just spending time in nature.  They have everything apples - apple pie, hot apple cider, caramel apples, apple donuts.





Here is one of my favorite poems about home that I wanted to share with you.

Home is the one place in all this world where hearts are sure of each other.  It is the place of confidence.  It is the place where we tear off that mask of guarded and suspicious coldness which the world forces us to wear in self-defense, and where we pour out the unreserved communications of full and confiding hearts.  It is the spot where expressions of tenderness gush out without any sensation of awkwardness and without any dread of ridicule.

~Federick W. Robertson

 You know, there is another reason why I love home so much, my friends.

It keeps the wolves out.  ; )

~Sheri

26 comments:

R's Rue said...

So cozy and delicious.

Anne Hagman-Niilola said...

Lovely post;-)

Ginny Hartzler said...

Oh my, what a marvelous post today!! You are a girl after my own heart. Our home is a small ranch, not big or fancy. And at my age, I could not keep up with the housework of a big house. But I love decorating. And your Christmas things are so much like I do! Really sweet things sitting all around, mostly from last year but moved around a bit each year. I love your idea of the sparkly red berry candle surrounded by small red ornaments! I have a green candle that is similar, and may copy you! And the Santa cap on the gifts is such a cool idea, it turns them into decorations!! Mia is so gorgeous and joyful! The food looks yummy

Ginny Hartzler said...

P.S. forgot to say how I love the poem, it really is so true! And no wolves here!

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Sheri,
Glad your brother installed two small—but much needed heaters in your bedrooms.
With your climate it is no luxury!
WHY would we aim to imitate our home from any magazine?
It is all about US—a reflection of your life, our heritage and a place where we feel sheltered and safe.
Much like going to Church to the home of our heavenly Father—a place where we feel united with others as one family!
For the time being, when not yet reaching our final destination—we try hard to make our earthly home comfortable.
Big hugs and wishing you a meaningful Advent!
Hugs,
Mariette

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Lovely decorations. The poem describes Home really well.

Pilar said...

What a wonderful post Sheri! I was hoping you were going to share your holiday decor etc. I have that same sign! It's a hot chocolate kinda day! I think I got it in 2020. Stay warm and cozy my dear friend! Have an amazing week!

Chatty Crone said...

You have such a gentleness about you and how you write your stories. I love it and feel as if I am there.
A bit cold - thank goodness for your BIL and the 2 heaters.
I see you make white chocolate cocoa?
Love your elf shelf - angel - Oh Holy Night - candles -and all your decorations.
Mia does look like you!
We have apple orchards here like Apple Hill - we go every year. Love it.
Looks like your presents are all wrapped and ready to go.
In spite of all this business you made a gorgeous (the turkey looked perfect) Thanksgiving dinner. Including pumpkin pie - my favorite. Looks yummy.
Glad you had such a nice week and Thanksgiving.

Louca por porcelana said...

Adorable post as ever dear friend. So cozy and charming. Your Grands are adorable. Greetings.

Debbie Nolan said...

Sweet Sheri - love the poem you shared as well as all those warm cozy pics. I just wish I could sit at your table and share a cup of hot tea. Bet we would have so much to talk about that it would take us days to get quiet. In the meantime though I so love to visit your cozy corner of the world. Mia is sure cuter than cute. I think I need a pair of those boots :)! Hugs

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Stuck in my mind is the chocolate dessert in the square pan. Please, what is it?

Billie Jo said...

Thank you for sharing your cozy, lovely Christmas home with us! It is so perfect! I loved seeing your special touches everywhere. Have a cozy evening, my friend.

CiNdEe's GaRdEn said...

Hi Sheri,
Happy Belated Thanksgiving! I am so glad you are getting heat in your rooms. It has been cold there. Brrrr. I am getting some Christmas decorations up too. Yours look very festive. I have never been to Apple Hill,but have heard about it. Sounds like fun and your daughter and family look like they are enjoying their time there. Mia looks so grown up and adorable.

ashok said...

Lovely post

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Sheri, your home always looks so lovely and welcoming. I always enjoy seeing your pretty Christmas decorations. So much heart in everything you say, my friend. I'm so glad you will now have more warmth by way of heaters in your home. Your Thanksgiving meal sure does look delicious! That turkey is beautiful! It's so fun to see ourselves in our children and grandchildren. Have a great week, dear one. PS that prose and your thoughts are perfect!!!

Carla from The River said...

Hello Sheri,
WOW, what a powerful poem. I am going to write it out and mail to Sam.
Your home is lovely.

We are up to 5 inches of snow and it is still snowing. Our first big snow of the season.
xx oo
Carla

Marilyn Miller said...

What a lovely post.
And I love the tour in your home. All the food looks delicious.
Your family pictures always make me smile.
Love the little birdy with the red hat.

It's me said...

Beautiful….home is the most important thing in life….and I am so worried if I can find a new home on time where I can life with Leaf….🙏🍀🙏….love from me my friend…..enjoy December 🍀❤️🍀🐾

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Good morning Sheri! Yes, home is a sanctuary where we can establish the best version of a magical world to not only protect our children but to prepare them when they do go out into that world where the wolves lie in wait. Home is that place where we are given the chance to make the choices that will influence all that we do and say in the world. Stay cozy my friend; we are all packed up and ready to start moving into our new home with a duck pond and next to a lake. It's a magical place!

Dewena said...

Sheri, I loved getting to see your pretty Christmas touches around your home! I can see that you have lovingly collected pieces that speak to you over the years like your Christmas elves and the Christmas snow globes on that gorgeous round table. And just the right pieces on your newly refinished white chest. I have some rooms with old pine paneling too, Sheri, and love them. They especially come into their own with Christmas decor, I think, with their automatic cozyness. Your Thanksgiving dinner looks delicious!

Sheri, you must have been a beautiful child because Mia certainly is! What a pretty smile she has too, and so chic with her boots with that lovely dress! The poem you shared is definitely a keeper! Those are good thoughts to remember all the time but especially now.
Love to you,
Dewena

Estelle's said...

I so enjoyed your post today Sheri...I so agree with you...our homes should be a safe haven and offer comfort. I do not aspire for a magazine worthy home....so many younger women seem to....hmmm...I love your little vintage ornaments and holiday décor..just precious!

DeniseinVA said...

A lovely post Sheri, you have decorated beautifully. The photos of your family are precious. Mia has such a pretty smile and how lovely your cousin noticed the resemblance. I often seem to see mannerisms in our son that remind me of my Dad. I wonder if you see the same with Mia? Love the poem too! Happy December!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love seeing all of your pretty decorations in your home. You always make everything look so nice and inviting. I love walking into a room with a few pretty decorations. Thanks so much for writing such sweet words of comfort on my post. You've always been such a good friend and say just the right thing to make me feel better. Sweet hugs, Diane

Jeanie said...

It all looks just right, Sheri! I love your knotty pine (I'm a sucker for that) and your vignettes. And all that food looks just fabulous! Those heaters will be nice. I always enjoy your family photos. The girls are so darling. I'm so glad you have made your new home into your spot and are loving it. Makes me smile!

roughterrain crane said...

Home is a power plant to generate strength and kindness for our lives. Are these words a hard-boiled style?
It is getting colder. Wearing several thin layers can be warmer than fewer thicker ones. Enjoy this great season in good health.

NanaDiana said...

Wonderful pictures, Sheri. That Mia sure is cute so you must have been a darling little girl, too! I am glad you got some a heat source in the bedrooms now. I turn the heat off in my room at night. I am becoming my father---lol---he slept with his window cracked open all winter long in PA. lol. I love the bits and pieces of your home you are showing here. It is looking like Christmas at your house! xo Diana