Christmas Decorations in a Small House

I have a small house.  So decorating in a small space requires small things.  I also kept it more simple this year and I'm liking it.  I usually have more garlands and lights.  

This little funky space reminds me of Dr Seuss.  The little guy with the pointy hat is one of my early painting projects, many years ago.  I still like him, so he is still around.  I think I might need another shinny tree..

 I got my tree from Farmer Gene!  He is a story in himself.  The tree is a great shape for all my German ornaments and it makes me happy. 

 My Santa's love to hang around.

 Almost forgot to add a picture of my mantle.  It is where I usually have lights and garlands, but this year it has been taken over by critters from Denmark and Germany.  I love these little people!  I think they take over the house when I'm not looking; especially the grumpy looking ones.  A couple of them look like they are sleeping but I know better!


























My Christmas dishes ready to be used.

 Yes, I put lights on the lamp in the sun room.  I like it.  Don't judge!  There are more German decorations on the chest.  Some that my grand children got me years ago. 

 I call the corner my wood land area; it seems to fit well in the sun room with all the birds outside doing fly by's.  I love this spot.

 This little family are gourds that I painted a few years ago.  They came out of hibernation this year and joined the wood land critters in the sun room.

 This little chest in my kitchen will be holding more candy over the next few days.  

 And what is better than something to remember a loved one and to bring up wonderful memories?  Nothing.  This was my mom's table cloth she used for many years.  She had a large dinning table and would set it up with this cloth, dishes and flowers.  It is too big for my table, but as you can see, I use it anyway.  This is a happy memory; no sad going on here.

I hope you enjoyed my tour; now if we could just sit down and have a cup of tea or coffee together and enjoy the lights.  Happy holidays to all.

Crafts and Surprise Visit

My sister and I surprised our brother with a visit on his birthday.  And we did a good job of surprising him.  Woke him up from his afternoon nap and we didn't get shot for breaking and entering!  We were in Texas after all.    It took him a bit to realize the two strange women standing in his living room were his sisters.   He said it was the best Birthday ever!  I'm glad we were able to spent time with him and the coolest SIL ever.  They live beside a lake.  It is peaceful and beautiful.   Until, the most wicked lightening/thundering/wind storm hit.  We were there for the 'unusual'  weather.  Of course we were!   Anyway, I took some pictures of the lake and storm.  Where are the pictures of the people?  Good question, I was too focused on eating Texas food and not on my camera.

This picture is from the deck looking down to the lake.  I sat out here and had coffee a couple of times.  Even when it was cold.  There are all kinds of birds to watch and it is very quiet.

 This is a close up of a house being built by a man from Germany and a reality show he is doing of the progress.  All you can see is the tower and the dock.  We did drive(read sneak) down his drive to see the house and it is going to be beautiful when done.   This is actually on the other side of the lake from my bother but we would pass right by it on our way to town.

This is another shot of the lake at a friends place .  We just kinda barged in on their dock and they invited us over for an 'amazing' dinner.  They are both excellent cooks and their son is a chef.  They were very nice people.

 The next picture is of a storm we went through on our way to a 'real' German dinner.  Oh my goodness!!!!!  It was in a little German town with an interesting history.  This was our last night in Texas and I was wanting one  more day for more of the wonderful food we had in this short week.  And of course to visit with my brother and SIL!

 This little dog was my  mother's and this was what I did a lot of.  She is the sweetest little girl and was the best companion to my mom.  Notice I got a picture of her.....

 The travel mug is what I painted for my brother.  He likes to fish.

 While in Texas we went to Hobby Lobby!!!!!   Love that place.  I got the drawer pulls and thought they would be cool to use on my Family picture wall.  I think a small picture hung with black ribbon would look good on one of them.  I love the way it looks.  May have to get some to spell Ball to put on the other end of the hallway.  Maybe not, it might be too much??

 This is my first glass fusing piece I did at the new craft center.  I will be doing more work in glass, something about it makes me happy.

Thats all folks!