Friday, December 16, 2011

December Grace


The door is dressed in garland and holly. 


The amaryllis are growing like graceful winter swans... 


that flourish into bright trumpet blossoms. 


The hint of sweet citrus from the paper whites...


melds perfectly with the fragrance of the evergreen garland. 


Holly wreaths adorn the doors and mirrors.


The holly is prickly to the touch, but so beautiful once it's in place. 

But by far, the most exciting and gracious part of our December 
has been celebrating the babies' birthdays. 

Our beautiful son and daughter turned one this past weekend. I took in an emotional breath as we celebrated our first year with the loveliest gifts we've ever known. They are perfect little miracles, and I still revel in being so blessed to be their mother.

To celebrate, we made them a birthday pie from their 
pumpkin (pumpkin birthday cake will have to wait until next year). 

Although hesitant at first, they liked their birthday pie very much! 

May the spirit of the holiday season fill your homes with love, laughter 
and the blessings of your wonderful families. 

xo
at

80 comments:

  1. KatherineDecember 16, 2011 at 1:53 AM

    Precious little babies. A blessing and a legacy that will continue on long after you are gone. The most very wonderfulest (yes so a made up word) gift you could ever be given!

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  2. RubyDecember 16, 2011 at 2:09 AM

    Oh, your blog is very elegant and lovely!! Birthday wishes to your twins! :)) cheers.

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  3. VU Design StudioDecember 16, 2011 at 2:26 AM

    What beautiful little angels!!!

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  4. ani's houseDecember 16, 2011 at 2:33 AM

    As a great women once said, "Let them eat cake!"

    Looks like they enjoyed the pie though!

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  5. AnonymousDecember 16, 2011 at 2:34 AM

    Hello, I found your blog by accident a few weeks ago and spent almost a whole day looking at every post - sounds a bit stalkerish I know but I just enjoyed it all so much. Especially the post about the elk trail. You have a beautiful home and by the looks of it your hands full with two bundles of joy. I hope you and your family have a wonderful christmas and I look forward to your 2012 posts. Regards Adriana

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  6. DawnDecember 16, 2011 at 2:39 AM

    Oh, bless you, Trina!
    This was such a heart-warming post. I just know how dearly you longed for exactly what you have now. It's so wonderful, and a miracle indeed!!
    Happy Birthday, Graham and Margaret! You make your Mommy and Daddy so happy and proud!

    Lots of love,
    Dawn

    P.S. The house looks so lovely in it's holiday dress!

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  7. Linda @ DesignInMyViewDecember 16, 2011 at 2:48 AM

    Trina and Family,
    Our "Christmas Baby" turned 20 on Dec 13th! I teased him that he's halfway to 40. :-)
    Enjoy each minute - even when it seems like a terrible moment - they all blend into a wonderful life.
    Cheers!

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  8. SusanDecember 16, 2011 at 3:17 AM

    Lovely images, a beautiful Christmas. But what is most pleasing is those sweet faces of your children. Also, love the plate that holds the yummy pumpkin pie! Is there a name for that pattern?

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  9. pve designDecember 16, 2011 at 3:35 AM

    What one, already! My twins will turn 19 in February and I am already thinking of the special cakes I will bake for them. They are home from college and the holidays are all the more special with children.
    Enjoy those beautiful babies. What a Christmas you will have!
    pve

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  10. PASSIONEDECO FRANCESCADecember 16, 2011 at 4:06 AM

    HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
    I've loved this post!
    Everything: the children, the decorations...just beautiful!

    Fra

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  11. Linda@ Lime in the CoconutDecember 16, 2011 at 4:14 AM

    Happiest of Birthdays little pumpkin faces! You ARE so blessed!

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  12. Karen @ Pieces of ContentmentDecember 16, 2011 at 4:45 AM

    Gorgeous photos, lovely post and happy birthdays!! Green and white is such a fresh combination. The added bonus of flowers and scent is wonderful.

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  13. AnonymousDecember 16, 2011 at 5:20 AM

    Very pretty....your photography is nice...what kind of camera do you use or software? Your farm house is nice too...children are precious, enjoy them every minute....Christmas is for sharing.....thank you...Mel's Designs

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  14. My Little BungalowDecember 16, 2011 at 6:10 AM

    So happy to see your new post (I've been checking daily!). Beautiful Christmas decorations, as always. The holly wreaths are especially pretty. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Graham and Margaret. Their first birthday, how exciting! They are adorable.
    Claudia

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  15. andyDecember 16, 2011 at 6:28 AM

    Trina
    those babies are growing! !! I hope you and your family have a great holiday. Merry Christmas! !!

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  16. FlowerLady LorraineDecember 16, 2011 at 6:33 AM

    Happy birthday to your dear little ones and may your Christmas be beautiful and your new year filled with peace, strength, health and many memories.

    FlowerLady

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  17. NakaDecember 16, 2011 at 6:37 AM

    Happy Birthday Graham & Margaret! May you enjoy this and many many more!
    ~N~

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  18. Blondie's JournalDecember 16, 2011 at 6:44 AM

    Beautiful photos! The holly is so pretty!

    Happy Birthday to your precious little ones! They totally look like they are loving that pumpkin pie!

    Happy Holidays!

    XO,
    Jane

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  19. heather @ new house, new home, new lifeDecember 16, 2011 at 6:54 AM

    Your babies are so precious - I've loved watching them grow over the last few months. Happy Birthday

    Also I love your tree with the cardinals on it - such a simple pop of colour. We always have a tree with feather birds on it too - this years it's on the sideboard in the kitchen.

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  20. LynneDecember 16, 2011 at 7:15 AM

    Perfect name, 'December Grace' to the month and first year with your 'Blessings.'
    Love the adorned door . . . the hint of paper white fragrance . . . the Itsy Bitsy Spider eyes . . .
    Such Joy it is to open the door to a visit with you . . .
    Merry Christmas . . .

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  21. An Urban CottageDecember 16, 2011 at 7:18 AM

    Hey, Graham eats pie just like I do!

    Beautiful photos as always, Trina! It seems that many people are turning to fresh greens and plants as their holiday decor and I LOVE it! What can be more beautiful?

    I hope you and your family have a wonderful, magical Christmas!

    xo Steve

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  22. Susan @ Real Girl DesignsDecember 16, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    Happy (belated) birthday to your beautiful babies!

    Yiur home looks lovely, dressed for the holidays.

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  23. KellieDecember 16, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    They are so adorable! What type of chair are they using?

    I enjoyed the picture of your home in Country Living.

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  24. elizabethDecember 16, 2011 at 7:49 AM

    I love all your natural Christmas touches. I also love the name Margaret. So pretty!

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  25. the gardener's cottageDecember 16, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    oh trina! they are absolutely gorgeous perfection wrapped in sweetness. does it get any better? nope. enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

    xo
    janet

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  26. Vickie @ Ranger 911December 16, 2011 at 8:32 AM

    Your sweet children are by far your finest gift. Happy Birthday little ones!

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  27. helen tilstonDecember 16, 2011 at 8:36 AM

    Beautiful images of innocent, happy children. It does not matter that they do not smile, their eyes say it all.

    Happy Christmas to you ad your family.

    Helenxx

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  28. Low Tide High StyleDecember 16, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    Happy 1st Birthday to those cuties! Our son has apple pie every year for his birthday.

    I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

    Kat :)

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  29. KitDecember 16, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    Happy Birthday! And Merry Christmas! The best presents ever, for sure and for always. :) Kit

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  30. AnonymousDecember 16, 2011 at 8:57 AM

    Hi Trina,

    I recently discovered your blog through another blog I read. You have incredible taste which is what initially captured my interest...but then I discovered you have a set of boy and girl twins (me too)! Mine will be six months this month on the 25th.

    They are a true blessing, especially since we both seem to have struggled to get them here.

    Anyway, I hope you and your family have a lovely holiday and Happy Birthday to Graham and Margaret!

    Fondly,

    Vicki

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  31. IDLE AWHILEDecember 16, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    Thank you, thank you for letting us share your journey! And Happy Birthday to Graham and Margaret...they are adorable!

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  32. NancyDecember 16, 2011 at 9:09 AM

    Without question, you'll never get a better gift. Savor every moment as they'll be gone before you know it.

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  33. JenDecember 16, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    Happy One Year of Motherhood! Such sweet babies - and I love the idea of making their birthday treat from their pumpkins. (I also adore those birch pots your flowers are growing in - fabulous!) Blessed Christmas to you.

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  34. JenDecember 16, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    Simple beauty--just perfect. I feel the warmth and love in your family.

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  35. RAENOVATEDecember 16, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    i cannot believe that they're already one! enjoy their second christmas! your home looks beautiful as always. xoxo

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  36. My Shabby Streamside StudioDecember 16, 2011 at 9:44 AM

    Very pretty, loved the CL feature!
    xo
    Sandy

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  37. BarbDecember 16, 2011 at 9:50 AM

    Those babies are truly a gift from God!! How blessed you both are!!

    Have the happiest of holidays with your family.

    Love your postings.

    B.

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  38. AndreaDecember 16, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    children are a great and wonderful gift!!! We have a adult son and after many years of trying for another bio child we were given throught the miracle of adoption 2 daughters now 9 and 6. I love the holidays with children in the house. There is something truly magical about seeing Christmas through their eyes. Enjoy.

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  39. RLGDecember 16, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    Happy Birthday, babies! It's such a sweet pleasure watching you grow. xoxo

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  40. Rebecca December 16, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    perfect! love the 'real' holly!

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  41. GinaDecember 16, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    Your fresh greenery is lovely. But even lovelier are those precious babies!! How blessed you are indeed. Merry Christmas and may God continue to bless your family. :)

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  42. AnonymousDecember 16, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    Happy Birthday to Graham and Margaret! An entire year has passed, my goodness. They are just adorable. Your photo's are beautiful. I especially love the first one of your front door. Merry Christmas!

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  43. Kelly@Bungalow BlueDecember 16, 2011 at 10:39 AM

    What a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays with your babies' birthday! Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

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  44. AdrienneDecember 16, 2011 at 10:48 AM

    Happy birthday to your precious little ones! It hardly seems it's been a year - they are growing so fast. Merry Christmas to you and your dear ones.
    ~Adrienne~

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  45. TriciaDecember 16, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    Awe~ happy bday to your little angels and happy holidays to you. Your home looks warm and cozy and ready for the festivities.
    xo~
    T

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  46. SunnyDecember 16, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    How precious and beautiful! I've been waiting for your latest post and have not, of course, been disappointed. Your home is lovely, and especially so with your two Best Presents!

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  47. seashoreknitsDecember 16, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    Happy Birthday precious angels!!

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  48. LeeDecember 16, 2011 at 12:05 PM

    How quickly time passes. I feel like I know your family from reading your blog. Beautiful post. Love the one with the kids eating the pie.
    God bless,
    Lisa

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  49. LeeDecember 16, 2011 at 12:06 PM

    How quickly time passes. I feel like I know your family from reading your blog. Beautiful post. Love the one with the kids eating the pie.
    God bless,
    Lisa

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  50. JenniferDecember 16, 2011 at 12:57 PM

    Happy Birthday to your two little sweeties!

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  51. CindyDecember 16, 2011 at 1:09 PM

    Once again, your post is beautiful on many levels. It is hard to believe that the children have already celebrated their first birthdays! I wish you and your families a blessed Christmas and a new year filled with peace, health and happiness. I look forward to your posts in the new year. Cindy

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  52. BlairDecember 16, 2011 at 1:55 PM

    Oh, happy birthday, little ones:). They're getting to be so big and they are just adorable:). I am sure they're enjoying all of the beautiful Christmas-y colors and twinkle lights; probably much more aware of these things than they were last year:). Happy holidays to you and your beautiful family!

    xox, Blair

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  53. The House That A-M BuiltDecember 16, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    Precious little angels. A-M xx

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  54. Cricket Acres StudioDecember 16, 2011 at 3:09 PM

    Best Birthday wishes to your twins! Love your simple holiday decorating style. Makes me want to throw out all my 'stuff'! Seriously!
    Enjoy! Kris

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  55. Becky from TennesseeDecember 16, 2011 at 4:17 PM

    Oh my goodness, what precious children!
    Happy, happy birthday, Graham and Margaret!

    I have just found your blog (thank you
    Country Living!) and am going through
    your archives just to catch up. What a
    beautiful blog, Trina!

    Hope your holidays are merry ones!
    Becky

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  56. Between You and MeDecember 16, 2011 at 4:43 PM

    Happiest Birthday to your little miracles!
    Your home looks beautiful all decorated for Christmas...

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  57. CatherineDecember 16, 2011 at 5:41 PM

    Hi Kellie,
    I chose high chairs by Anka. They're made with all wood and a non-toxic finish. Plus chair cushions are removable to wash. They're great!

    Susan,
    The transfer ware are called Mason's Vista England.

    Trina

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  58. Dear LillieDecember 16, 2011 at 10:14 PM

    Absolutely stunning! The first photo of your front door with the boots and the last one with your beautiful babies are my favorites! I can't believe they are already one!

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  59. MicheleDecember 16, 2011 at 10:19 PM

    Goodness, I remember following your posts when you were still pregnant. Where has this year gone?!? Margaret and Graham are just way too precious for words. [big hugs!]

    As I renovate my 140+ year old farmhouse, my thoughts keep coming back to your beautiful scenes. Your attention to detail, eye for simplicity, and consideration for our environment truly inspires. Thank you!

    Wishing you all a magical holiday. Love.

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  60. Ocean Breezes and Country SneezesDecember 16, 2011 at 10:48 PM

    Aww, Happy 1st Birthday babies!

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  61. JenDecember 16, 2011 at 11:09 PM

    Your blog is absolutely divine and Your babies a true gift! Thank you for sharing and I hope your Holidays are amazing!

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  62. PatDecember 17, 2011 at 12:59 AM

    Stunning front door and charming babies. Our boy twins will be 10 the 26th, no cake orders yet. Time flies.

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  63. AnonymousDecember 17, 2011 at 2:22 AM

    wonderful decoration- wish all teh best for teh babies
    Elma from germany

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  64. leahDecember 17, 2011 at 6:13 AM

    Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year! Thank you so much for your beautiful blog!

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  65. The Corson CottageDecember 17, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    I just discovered your blog ~ I am so thrilled to have found you. Stunning! I'm following along now. Your door is just elegant simple and lovely. I can't wait to look around more. Your children are so precious too. ~ Carrie

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  66. BailiwickStudioDecember 17, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    Happy Birthday to the twins! Indeed, you are very, very blessed! ::Jill

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  67. Mary LouDecember 17, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    Only you can make some boots and pieces of wood look beautiful!
    Then, those children! Oh my! I want one for Christmas,even though I do have 5 grands already! I can hardly believe a year has passed but you've captured it beautifully. Thanks for sharing their progress with us.
    Merry Christmas!

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  68. for the love of a houseDecember 17, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    love, love, love this post! It is absolute perfection... each and every photograph, but especially the one of Graham and Margaret eating their birthday pie!!
    Wishing you and Mike, the sweetpeas and Lucy the happiest of Holidays!

    xojoan

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  69. 24 CornersDecember 17, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    Happy~Happy Birthday dear, sweet Margaret & Graham!!! You both are the two most special gifts that Mommy and Daddy could have ever hoped for, so dearly loved, and such blessings... it's been such a joy watching you grow and experience everything new this year, in this way we have been blessed as well!! ♥ ♥

    Trina & Mike, Happy Birhtday x two, to you as well...your little angels are adorable, so very happy for you!! This will be such a special Christmas...they'll be lighting up with the discovery of it all this year!!
    Much love,
    Jessica

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  70. ♥ HelenDecember 17, 2011 at 5:09 PM

    I love how you decorated the front door to your home.

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  71. Sherry @ Living in the Rain GardenDecember 17, 2011 at 9:57 PM

    Your home is beautifu. It's looks so effortless and calm.

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  72. My Beautiful WorldDecember 18, 2011 at 6:05 AM

    Too sweet my friend another wonderful post.Sending you special wishes for a very Merry Christmas and look forward to keeping in touch in 2012.

    Always Wendy

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  73. kayce hughesDecember 18, 2011 at 12:08 PM

    They are so beautiful!

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  74. SusanDecember 18, 2011 at 5:59 PM

    Gorgeous! My twins will be 26 on December 26th :))
    Mike and Ashley still bring me unbelievable joy...enjoy your little miracles. Happy Christmas!

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  75. RoryDecember 18, 2011 at 10:01 PM

    My birthday is in March and my Grandma ALWAYS made pumpkin pie for me. I think it is a perfectly wonderful thing to have pumpkin pie on your birthday! Happy Birthday to the babies. (PS I have a Margaret too! )

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  76. MillieDecember 18, 2011 at 10:22 PM

    Oh I so remember waiting for the 2 cherubs to arrive this time last year. And the excitement when Mike posted that the babies had been born & all was well. What a year it's been for you all & gee you have done so well! Congrats to Graham & Margaret for managing their parents so beautifully & first birthday kisses all round.
    Love from Blogmother Millie xx

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  77. AnonymousDecember 21, 2011 at 11:20 PM

    Finally purchased my Country Living today; so happy to find one with your lovely living room on the cover! It was like reading about a friend . . . seeing your beautiful, serene rooms decorated for the holidays was such fun. And reading about the joy of your twins always does my heart good! I've commented before that as someone with infertility, I understand the heartache and longing, and I appreciate that it was included in the article - it gave it depth and meaning.

    Congratulations on such special, national recognition - - you both are SO deserving!!

    Warmly,
    Jennifer

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  78. AnonymousDecember 22, 2011 at 12:47 AM

    I've been following your blog for over a year. I remember reading about how you were wishing for them and finally having them. They are very cute. Cherish your motherhood every second. Merry xmas and happy new year!

    Silla, Malaysia

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  79. Virginia Country HouseDecember 22, 2011 at 7:38 PM

    Perfect. The decorations and the babies. I laughed when I saw their picture, thinking, anything that you can eat with your hands somehow is just that much better. Think I'll try that with pie too... :)

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  80. Le December 25, 2011 at 4:30 AM

    I am bias but December babies are a special treat! it is already an exciting time in the lead up to xmas but add a birthday into the mix and wow its more special than ever ... my good wishes le xox

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Thank you for leaving your thoughts. Kind regards, Catherine