Family Chaos and a Jingly Bed Plus MORE Christmas In September

My SIL, Sandy, is visiting from Tennessee and the whole family came by tonight to see her.

We hadn't made any plans and next thing I know I am trying to figure out how 4 salmon fillets will feed 11 people, while trying to convince Sugarwings not to wrestle on the stairs with Twinkle or put spoons in the potty.  

We played with babies and laughed a lot, and found a turkey tenderloin to go on the grill with the salmon and everyone pitched in chopping up potatoes and making salads and brownies.

What do I love about my home today? Not a color choice or an item, it is the fact that everyone feels at home and comfortable at my cottage and can show up at any time knowing that they will be fed and we'll have a good time. 

Before the dinner rush, Sister Sandy and I went out shopping this afternoon. Tuesday Morning has 50% all clearance items and I found this throw for the day bed in the baby's room.

Its pink on one side and pink and ivory flowered on the other and seems to look right at home with the other floral quilts and pillows.

I bought these silver metal letters on clearance at Restoration Hardware last year at the after Christmas sale, and have added glitter to them (of course) and hung them from sheer pink ribbons to the day bed to spell Leandra's nickname, Lee Lee. 

She is too little to sleep in this bed yet, but I know she will love it when she is older. The letters clink a little against the metal frame and it sounds like wind chimes when the bed moves. When she comes to stay all night with me and have tea parties, I will ask her if she wants to sleep in her jingley bed, and give it a little shake when I tuck her in, to make the letters tinkle against the bars.

Sugarwings will be able to lay in her jingly bed and look up at the sky her grandmama painted just for  her.  I will make up fairy stories to tell her at bedtime and have her be the heroine of all tales about the sparkling fairies playing in the forest together.

Yes, I love my home, quite a bit and love the things in it, I have gathered them or made them with a lot of thought and care.  But the family that is in the home gets a big chunk of love from me too.

I am looking forward to seeing photos of what other bloggers love about their homes during our Romantic Country Party on the 25th.  The magazine was supposed to be out today, but I couldn't find it yet.  If anyone sees it, will you let me know?

And now, some Christmas in September - how wrong is that????

I have plans to make some hand painted ornaments to hang up for the pictures on Monday, but haven't seemed to have time to get it done yet.....

These are some that I collaged with vintage papers. I also glittered up vintage birdies and added them to mini wreaths with old millinery flowers.

Vitnage doll parts are on display on white iron with some charm jewelry I make from old pieces.

I'd like to have time to make more paper doll dresses to hang on the trees too.

I've been hanging tags onto the trees and made a garland of them to hang over the window. Karen. I added a vintage butterfly spray that I glittered up.

And of course, there are tussie mussies all over the place!  The tree topper is a bouquet of flowers from my first ever swap and were given to me by

Speaking of glitter, I should be making something sparkle. the house is quiet the guests are settled, the babies have gone home.  Late at night might be the only time this old granny has time to get any glittering done, so I am off to work!

  Let's see, what do I love about my home today?  Well,today it isn't a thing or a decor choice, it is the fact that everyone feels at home here, and likes to gather here.

Comments

[Becca]

Love it all!!
I didn't get a chance to look for the magazine today, but I'll be out and about tomorrow and will look for it for sure!
:)

[Joy Bayer]

Karla,
Your cottage is wonderful. Your life and family reminds me of mine. What's not normal about a last minute dinner for a dozen or two?? My friend at A thing for roses.blogspot Lisa told me about your blog. Crazy enough my house is also going to be in Romantic Country on the 25th.. These are the pictures that were from 2 Christmases ago. Too bad since last Chrismas was much better.. I was in Country Almanac Summer 2006. I can't believe what a dork I sound like in the articles. (Maybe I am?) Hope you have a minute to read my blog I'm new at the blog world, so beware. antiejoy.blogspot.com I have seen many of your articles before and I am looking forward to the new one..
Great job!
JOY

[phyllis]

Oh how I love LeeLee's bed and ceiling!!! I love the way the bed is at an angle and the light is coming from the other room. She will love that jingly bed I know.

[Bethany]

I totally agree... a house isn't a home unless there are loved ones in it!!! The daybead looks so beautiful. Those letters are great. I remember seeing them now in the catalog last year. You were smart to wait for the sale! I also love turkey roasts on the grill. I got a good marinade recipe from our central market-- email me if you want it and I'll copy it for you!

[Heather ~ Pretty Petals]

Love your home pics!!

p.s.- I got my wallpaper pack! Thank you so much Karla...that was so sweet of you to do. I am trying to get yours in the mail by the end of the weekend..running so behind!I added a little surprise in there for you too! xo

[Kelley ~ JunqueyGal]

Swoon - the baby's room is unbelievable... can't wait to chk out the rest of your site - gorgeous!!!

[Carolr]

Your house is so fun, and it's easy to see the love that drifts over everything. Will have to look for the mag.Looking forward to chatting with you at Silver Bella. Carol R.

[Bejeweled]

It is always such a pleasure looking at the photos of your beautiful home and art!! Love that artful jingly bed! What a special cherished treasure it will be for her!

Finally got my banner button up for your fabulous Romantic Country party. Now .. off to take some photos :)

[Natalea]

Karla, I'm looking forward to getting myself a copy of Romantic Country! I just hope I find it! Do you know it's release date? Congrats on having your pretty home featured! xo natalea

[Inger]

Aw the kids are so cute! Love the first picture. Your dogs are so cute too. I love yorkshire terriers. Our neighbours used to own one and we babysat it so much we half owned it too. Hehe.

Cool decorations as always. Love your glittered birdies. Birds are a common part of Norwegian christmas decoration. I never knew quiet why.

I believe people always will be happy where love is and where they are welcommend:) I love when people can just come for unespected visits and then stay. Its so wonderful. Hope you have a great weekend!

[María Elena]

I love my home too, and I choose each thing that I incorporate. I don't know if my home is romantic or rustic, but for my husband it is useful for to live.

[beachy]

Talk about some serious eye candy! And I'm afraid if I show my little girl your blog pictures of Sugarwings room at her gramma's, she'll want me to replicate the entire room for her! heehee

[Karen Young]

I love what you have done to Sugarwings room. Lovely...

Karen
Bluemuf

[michelle]

Oh, what a terrific grandma you are, lucky sugarwings! Christmas is just getting so pretty at your house! I just might have to have a ballerina ornament for my daughter when she does the nutcracket this year for the first time!

[Stephanie]

Precious profile of Sugarwings & Twinkle!!

Love all those pretty decorations & Sugarwing's room is just a little bit of fairy-heaven right here on Earth! Love those metal letters on the daybed, too.

Can't wait for the party!

Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

[Shanna]

Your collage ornaments are just wonderful!