Bridal Preview


















Sweet picture taken by my cousin in the bride's dressing room. If any of my readers have Facebook accounts, you might be able to view some wedding candids by searching *Giles Jago Simmer*

It will be over a week before the professional photos are available for online viewing. You will need to leave me a comment or contact me via e-mail, so that I can tell you the password.

Wedding Ditty

Something old = Belle of the Ball Hoop

Something new = ivory satin shoes

Something borrowed = heirloom gown and veil

Something blue = Garter with 4 inches of lace

Sixpence in her shoe = Yup!


Read about these wedding customs here and tell me if you were able to incorporate them on your big day.

Christmas Eve

This year the 24th falls on Sunday, so we will be at church that morning. Our girls will the singing the anthem, a soprano/alto mix of Mary's Magnificat. I anticipate a sermon from Luke 24. For years our pastor has been teaching verse by verse through this synoptic gospel. JCM is masterful at expository preaching. Search for him at Sermonaudio.com

Afterwards we will have a fine feast at my parent's home. Traditionally we have beef tenderloin, asparagus, red peppers. This year Asiago potatoes will be on the plate instead of wild rice. For dessert....chocolate mousse cake. Yum.

We will exchange presents and then the girls head out to sing for two Christmas Eve services. DH and I will attend the 11 o'clock service and accompany the girls home.

Blessings on your celebration!

Christmas Tour Cont'd













At the risk of being trite, this manger scene is the *reason for the season* Around here, we believe in celebrating the birthday of our King and try to downplay the commercialism inherent in the American way. Santa does visit our home, in case you were wondering, but there has never been confusion in our minds about who he is versus who Jesus Christ is.

Best Ornament 2006



















And the award goes to this charming lady who announces

*She is too fond of books and it has addled her brain*
Louisa May Alcott

For this year, which is your favorite ornament?

Christmas Tour of Homes




Our nine foot, live tree graces the foyer and it is the first thing you would see after walking in the front door. We used to put it in the living room which has a bay window, but now with 7-8 adults opening presents on Christmas morning, there was not enough room both.




Turn around and you will see our stockings. During this past year's home remodeling, we had the chimney torn down :( We intend the replace it in Phase II of the remodeling.








Next I would invite you into the living room and offer you a seat beside this large poinsettia. Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?
















In which case, I would invite you into the kitchen and we'd visit around this centerpiece.















May your Christmas be merry and your New Year be bright.


Edit: Lest you think, my decorating is so perfect, consider checking out the picture of my front door/yard posted on my xanga site.