Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Glorious Times

There's been rain and blustery weather here, but I have to admit that I actually love the times when we experience something resembling winter. We all stay sequestered inside, not feeling the constant rush to be somewhere or do something.

We had actually picked up our tree almost 2 weeks ago, but got around to making ornaments for it last weekend. With Luca Bean who still likes to explore the world through his taste buds, we've put aside some of the older, more fragile ornaments for now and have been making new ornaments to become a part of our family history

As a child, Ivan remembered making salt and flour ornaments and helped the boys make their own

I dried some orange slices for garlands for our tree and around the house
By some miracle, I'm finally getting holiday cards out before New Years Day!
With the sweet light of the Advent candles, we celebrate the animal kingdom

...But we are far from immune from going stir crazy from being homebound. The breaks in the rain make for some excellent puddle hopping opportunities!

So please excuse me for my infrequent presence online, I've been huddling in the warmth that is our family and hope that all of you are able to feel the joy in these glorious times


19 comments:

Tan Family said...

The pictures are absolutely amazing. Your cards are beautiful! I especially love the wood basket full of persimmons. They are a favorite around here, too. Happy, cozy Winter!

Carin said...

Aww, sounds lovely. I love the cozy, pottering times of this season.

Nicola said...

beautiful and festive family creations and time together! ours has been very much the same. i love it. soak it in!
nicola
http://whichname.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

oooooh I love your buntspechte nativity! we're collecting ours piece by piece and it feels like we'll never have the complete set, so beautiful!

Joy said...

Your nativity is amazing! So beautiful! I love your ornaments and advent candle display as well. So much magic! :)

Unknown said...

oh i hope your family has an amazing holiday!! email me your address, there might be a little something coming your way and hopefully it will make it before xmas! hahah

Lisa said...

What beautiful photos! It has been nice to experience winter! We've been indoors for days doing the same things. Salt dough ornaments are some of my fondest memories of the holidays. Binky has those same rainboots and lived in them even during the summer! I love seeing your warm holiday home!!
Peace and love
Lisa

Anonymous said...

lots of bits of lovely going on over there!

FrontierDreams said...

Beautiful as always!! I especially love your advent candle holder. You guys are so creative!! <3 I miss you!! <3 <3 <3

less than three times 1,000... yeah figure that one out!

Traumkraut said...

Marina!
How beautiful your Buntspechte nativity set looks! If they weren't that expensive.....*sigh*

Love,
Maike

Jessica said...

Everything looks lovely. Enjoy your family...make no apologies for your infrequency online! :)

renee ~ heirloom seasons said...

Lovely winter thoughts and images! It's a good time to slow down, cuddle up... Enjoy your family time!

Anonymous said...

love the puddle shot...those are some seriously amazing boots!
the nativity is oh so beautiful.
loving the orange slices and such.

peace friend,
hillary

Mamabear said...

I love the ornaments, homemade are the best and make your tree special. I love the tradition! Love your photographs as always, so inspiring.

Mama Rose said...

Wow Marina, it all looks sooo beautiful!!! I especially am in love with your nativity set...absolutely gorgeous!!!

Anonymous said...

I love your dried orange slices!

Lisa said...

Happy holidays to you and your family Marina!
lisa

Heather said...

Wow, such beautiful images. It looks like a very magical time was had by all in your house.

The Awakened Heart said...

Beautiful photography. You must put up a tutorial on those wonderful orange garland thingy's. I went all aflutter looking at those. And such gorgeous boys.