Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Christmas Post Scripts


I hope that everyone had the most joyful Christmas! I have to say that sharing this 
Christmas with our sweet son and daughter made it one of our most memorable ever. 

Here are a few snapshots from our holiday week. We moved our couch to the south side of the room (facing the tree) because we wanted to open up as much floor space for playing as possible. 


We usually have a very large play yard set up in the living room, so large that it takes up half the room. It's been the best purchase we've made as it provides for wonderful safe play time (no base board heaters, cupboards or other hazards to get into), especially when Mike's at work and I'm alone with the babies. With both of us home to watch over the babies, we were able to fold it up for the holidays. 


We set up our traditional cardinal Christmas tree in the dining room. This tree is especially 
meaningful to us as Mike's Mom (who passed away shortly after we were married) loved cardinals.  

I can tell you that this is the cleaned up version of this room. Usually, the high chairs are there, as well as lots and lots of books (for story time after meals and snacks), and other various and sundry items distributed about the floor - toys, sippy cups, finger snacks...


Next to the tree, we placed my Grandmother's old settee under the mirror at the east end of the room. I just love putting it in this room at Christmas time as its warm tones are so suggestive of the season. 


The settee had originally belonged to her grandparents. She upholstered it with this toile pattern 
years ago, before I was born. It is a piece I grew up with as it was in her entry way - I'd toss my 
coat on it each time I ran through her front door. 

Best wishes to you and your families for a joyous New Year! 

69 comments:

  1. It's all so stunning! Sounds like you had a very memorable Christmas filled with old and new traditions. I wish you all the best in the new year!

    Amy

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  2. Oh,what a wonderful Christmas. Love the sleigh!

    - The Tablescaper

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  3. Your babies are absolutely adorable. Love the photo of the two of them in the sled. So cute!

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  4. Just stopping by to tell you how much I enjoy your blog! I have been a fan for a long time and I wanted to thank you for all the inspiration. I wish you and your family a blessed New Year.

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  5. That first Christmas when they can tear into things is the best! I love the sled, and I hope you get some snow so that you can take the babies out to play. And your grandmother's settee is not only beautiful but so special too!

    Happy New Year!

    Kat :)

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  6. They look like pros on this sled, I know there will be many happy times with it! Have loved seeing your home at Christmas!

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  7. Your family (and home) are beautiful. So much thoughtfulness and love.

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  8. Such a lovely home! I'm amazed you're able to keep it so immaculate looking with two little ones! And they're so sweet!! I'm a twin myself and I know how special that bond is. They're very lucky! :)

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  9. Looks like a wonderful time! I can't believe how much the twins have grown! You should show a post of what your room looks like with all the "baby stuff" I'm sure people wouldn't believe it!

    Happy New Year!

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  10. Your Christmas looks joyous indeed...thank you for sharing. I have only just found you via Ticking and Toile, love your blog. Until next time, Tammy

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  11. What a wonderful Christmas. Your home looks so beautiful and the babies are even more beautiful. Happy New Year!

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  12. *** My first visit, and it's been SO DELIGHTFUL!!! Your children are SOOOO PRECIOUS!!! What blessings He has given you... Annnnd, your home is stunning!!! Lostsa love, BESIDES lotsa work, I'm sure, but WOW! What an outcome!!! It's simply UBER-FAB!!! (I LOVE it when someone knows how to edit well, & you two certainly can and do!)...

    I think you have it "made in the shade", as I would LOVE to live in the country!!!

    Merriest of holidays to you, and THANK YOU!!!

    Linda in AZ *
    bellesmom1234@comcast.net

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  13. Lovely, and it is so true that children make Christmas so delightful! Your rooms are lovely, especially with kid paraphernalia tossed here and there. I love it!
    xoxo
    Joni

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  14. What perfectly beautiful seasonal rooms and your little ones are adorable.

    Anna

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  15. what darling babies you have! i love that you told us that the photos were the "cleaned" up version...i can definitely relate! ;)
    too funny about your tree and decorating all sides...it still looks lovely as all of your home does. best wishes to you for 2012!

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  16. your kids are so sweet! And your home is fantastic- I love to look at it in your blog!!
    Wish you all e Happy new year. good health and luck!
    Elma from germany

    I enjoy my "babies" too- 3 grandsons-6 years and 10 month and granddaugther 11 weeks!

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  17. I'm sitting here with a rapturous smile on my face sharing in your happy-happy Christmas!! Seeing Graham & Margaret enjoying all the holiday wonders for the first time is so special...they are the true gift, and seeing Margaret standing, well that was just extra special! Your cheeks must hurt from smiling so much with those two little balls of joy!
    Your Grandmother settee looks lovely in the dining room, it was wonderful seeing all the detailing up close, it's beautiful, as is the cardinal tree...both sweet reminders of very special loved ones.
    Many more blessings for the New Year Trina...Big Hugs!!
    xoxo J~

    (Love the 'Horses' in the living room!...and btw, it's very balmy here (50's)...and very-very windy!)

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  18. Your babies are adorable! The sled is a very cool idea. And I love your tree, (I always have to remind myself to do the back of the tree too!)

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  19. Looks like you all had fun. And shall I tell you something? It gets better! xx

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  20. Your children are precious! You have such a beautiful home too! Thanks for sharing.

    I will be back for sure...

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  21. heavens I am in love with the babes in the sled - how fab is that - best le xox

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  22. Thank you for sharing photos of Graham and Margaret. They are so sweet and it's a joy seeing them grow. I love the photo of them taken from behind as they're playing with the wrapped presents. I'll bet they are quite the pair!!

    I also love your choice of gifts for the twins. The sled and the sheep rocker are wonderful -- so old-fashioned and sweet. They are keepers that can be passed down to your grandchildren some day.

    A happy and healthy New Year to you and Mike!
    Claudia

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  23. What a perfect gift! I hope you get some snow to try it out. What fun you'll all have have! Enjoy!

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  24. I am totally in love with seeing a bit of your corner of the world . . .
    Graham and Margaret are adorable. (I thought maybe they had reached the stage of removing ornaments from the tree . . .) I love the photo with them sitting on their legs, together, . . . with bare little feet, Margaret with her favorite red "rudolph piece" in her fingers. The tandem sled will be perfect for snowy winter days . . . IF the snow arrives . . .
    Thank you for sharing the children's first Christmas with us . . .
    Happy, Happy, Happy New Year . . .
    Love, Lynnej

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  25. These are beautiful images, especially the one with the kiddies playing with the boxes :) Sounds like your Christmas was wonderful. You and your family have a Happy New Year!

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  26. Wonderful Happiness Love

    Your Christmas looks magical. Hope you have a New Year filled with more love and blessings.

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  27. Your babies are so adorable! Children just make Christmas so magical! I love your home. I really like your cardinal tree and may adapt that idea for my sunroom. I might put a tree in there next year, and one decorated with just birds would be fitting! Enjoy your babies, as you won't believe how quickly they grow up!

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  28. What a treat! Your home is lovely Trina and I imagine this is the case even when covered in finger snacks and sippy cups. Your babies are adorable. Enjoy.

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  29. the sled kills me! they look so adorable in it. i can't wait for live action shots in the snow. happy new year! xoxo

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  30. Merry Christmas! I was thinking you all were having the very best Christmas ever, and I was right!!! May the New Year be filled with many fun adventures as Margaret and Graham grow! Donna :)

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  31. wow, amazing...
    the kids are really sweet.
    have an adorable year, with best wishes.

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  32. I was hoping you would share these pictures! Oh how precious!!! Looks like they are already walking and pulling up and into all sorts of self inflicted adventures. Pure bliss!
    Happy New Year dear Trina and Mike.
    xoxo Dianne

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  33. This is the play yard - we got two to make it really large.
    http://www.diapers.com/p/north-states-industries-superyard-xt-gate-25830
    It is wonderful with twins!
    Trina

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  34. Cn you share your husband's construction skills? I so need my kitchen renovated, but am married to a wonderful "city" man!

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  35. What a beautiful Christmas you made!
    The play yard is a brilliant idea - and can be transferred outside in the good weather.

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  36. I just love your home, your photos and your babies, especially little bare feet!
    Happy New Year.

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  37. Thank you for sharing your holidays - and your precious children - with us. I love that sleigh. Hope they get a chance to use it this winter!
    ~Adrienne~

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  38. Always love your posts. My favorite image this time...the look on the babies beautiful little faces, while sitting in the sled. It is precious. A rather "ok, now what is going to happen" look. I just love it. They are so adorable.

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  39. Again, you touched my heartstrings with this post as I have 35 year old identical twin girls and it brings back all the memories of when they were young. We purchased a red Flyer sled years ago too, although not quite as fancy as yours and we never got to use it the year we purchased either due to lack of snow. And I can relate to the play yard (in my day we call them play pens) in the house, making sure the babies were safe when my husband was not there to help me. Having twins meant that they occupied each other more than a single child would have though, and we lived far from civilization so it was a blessing to have had twins I guess. And my mother-in-law passed away 4 days after we got married. We married on Dec. 17 and we had intended on telling her as a Christmas present but she unexpectedly passed away on the 21. It was not an easy season that year. And each year since we seem to remember all who have gone before us since, especially in December. It is always a bit of melancholia for me especially. Having the twins around always occupied that feeling much more than if left alone to "think". Again, the blessings that twins bring with them...what a gift!

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  40. It all looks so beautiful! Happy New Year!

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  41. Can you tell me where you got the wonderful sheep rocker? We've searched the internet and can't find one quite like it!

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  42. Gorgeous Trina - your home could not be more beautiful as it is now complete with that darling little pair of explorers! I love your "how it really looks" posts - I wondered how you were coping with the chaos. I would not be doing well I suspect with stuff everywhere as I am a bit of a control freak, but I guess it all falls into perspective when the bundles of love are the ones making the mess. Love that sled!

    How are you managing with the linen sofa and chairs - do you keep them covered?! I am considering the same linen for furniture but have little people over at our house and worry about sippy cups, etc.
    xo Terri

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  43. Yay! Been waiting for Christmas cheer pictures. The picture of the twins playing under the tree kills me. Even though you can't see their faces, their body language speaks volumes...curiosity, closeness, contentment. Lovely. And Margaret is so your mini-me. Thanks for sharing a glimpse of your holidays.

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  44. Hi, Trina!

    Can you explain to me how I didn't know this WONDERFUL blog????? o.O

    What a perfect house! \o/

    Regards from Brazil. ^^
    Simone

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  45. Your babies are so adorable, and they seemed to have had loads of fun, what a fun stage they are at!

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  46. I LOVE the sleigh picture, it is a wonderful view of two adorable little ones, perhaps that could be a 'new years card'?

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  47. Those babies are growing so fast.....you can tell from the one picture that Graham is fast.....he was about to take off toward the camera! And little Margaret was just as content as she could be over by the window. :))

    I have two boys, and they both ran fast and hard at those ages.

    It looks like your home is being taken over by the children, as it should be.

    Happy New Year to you guys!

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  48. LOL!! Your two loved doing just what my little ones did on Christmas, play with the packages. My husband kept thinking I was peeking at my gifts, and I kept saying, "No, it's the babies!"....LOL Kit

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  49. Hi Terri,
    When we purchased our furniture, we actually kept babies in mind. It's part of the reason why we didn't want to spend too much money on them as we didn't want to fret too much about wear and tear. That said, we are in the practice of eating all meals and snacks in the dining room (in their high chairs) so that helps.

    Katie,
    The sheep came from Pottery Barn kids!

    Trina

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  50. This is so wonderful! Your home is gorgeous and Graham and Margaret are adorable. I LOVE that last photo.

    xo

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  51. Looks like so much fun! The babies are getting so big! I love the pictures with the little toes peeking out, I have a thing for little toes. Happy New Year!

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  52. I bet you had fun watching your twin on Christmas Day. I have twin girls. They are turning 20 new years eve. But I still remember those Christmas when they were younger. Some of my best Christmas were when they were young. My husband video taped them for me. I watch the tapes every year.

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  53. I stumbled onto your blog via another, and I'm so happy I found it. LOVE your style. I went all the way back to the beginning of your blog to see how your restoration and decorating, made your home what it is today.

    They story of your children was especially touching and I'm so happy you were blessed with two beautiful children.

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  54. Hello

    Have a wonderful 2012! Love reading your posts. Its a beautiful home!
    Claudia

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  55. So cute!
    I love baby sleds..your sweeties look adorable in it!
    What a beautiful Christmas!!

    Deborah xo

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  56. Your twins are precious! Enjoy those baby moments of boxes being better than the gift, LOL.

    Mine are adults now...and both are here to visit at the same time this year. i'm loving it. So is our dog!

    Love you blog-and your esthetic. I am a bit more modern, but still appreciate a beautifully appointed non-cluttered enviornment.

    Happy New Year to you and you family-sjs

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  57. How precious and adorable your babies are! What a lovely Christmas it is when it's their first. The house looks so wonderful in its Christmas finery. Happy New Year to you and yours!

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  58. Beautiful home. Adorable babies. My little granddaughter is nine months old and she loved the paper and gift bags the best. And climbing around on the gifts and patting the boxes. That sled is something!
    love the babies outfits!
    xo, Cheryl

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  59. MOTH & I have been oohing & aahing big time at these beautiful images Trina & Mike. Good things come to those who wait, & your wait has given you 2 little rewards beyond compare. Happy New Year to you all.
    Love Millie & MOTH xx

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  60. Every photo is a special Christmas card!

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  61. As always, lovely. The children love boxes and wrapping paper! I wonder if every child finds joy in the simplicity? Mine sure did.

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  62. Don't know how I almost missed this post :O... I LOVE seeing the sweetpeas in "action"!! They are precious and adorable and I love that photo of them in the sled! What a wonderful gift!

    xoxoj.

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  63. Dear Trina and Mike, the picture of the babies playing side-by-side at the tree is one the sweetest things I've seen in a long time. They are lucky little people to have such wonderful parents. Happy New Year to your lovely family.

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  64. I don't see a halfway decorated tree. The only thing I see in the picture of the tree and your little beautiful babies are 20 delicious little baby toes!! So darn cute. :)

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  65. omg omg omg the babies are sooo darn cute.. their cheeks look heavy like water balloons...
    it must be so nice for them to have each other to play

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  66. wait until one learns to prop "the cage" (that's what my husband called it) up with a long toy and holds it up for the other to get out. and in the vein of cooperative learning, once escaped - the other does the same for their sibling. while i was proud of their accomplishments and cunning and teamwork - my heart dropped a bit that day and "the cage" just became a memory. sigh. i used it for everything - mowing the lawn, weeding the beds, cleaning without kids underfoot. double sigh.

    ps: love the sled. what a great gift.

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  67. I love your blog! I keep going back to your article in Country living! What did you use for a wall color? I have been trying to match with no success! Also I am expecting number seven. How do you think white will hold up? Beautiful home and Family! Blessings to you! Marla

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Thank you for leaving your thoughts. Kind regards, Catherine